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Building Better Cultures

Building Better Cultures

Written by: Inspiring Change
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 Hosted by Scott McInnes, founder of Inspiring Change, we talk to guests about how really good internal comms, engagement and leadership all contribute to 'Building Better Cultures'. We tend to shy away from theory and focus more on really practical advice, great stories and best-practice. About Inspiring Change At Inspiring Change we help our clients to connect their people to their strategies, their change programmes, their purposes and to each other. We do that by focusing on strategic internal communications, employee engagement and leadership. For more, see www.inspiringchange.ie ** IF YOU'VE ENJOYED THIS, PLEASE LEAVE A SHORT REVIEW**Copyright Inspiring Change 2021 Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • 143 | The Power of Connection in Modern Workplaces | Kevin Empey & Susie Leacy

    143 | The Power of Connection in Modern Workplaces | Kevin Empey & Susie Leacy
    Nov 13 2025
    Summary In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of disconnection in the workplace with guests Susie Leacy and Kevin Empey. They explore the impact of remote work on employee connection, the role of leadership in fostering a cohesive culture, and the importance of intentional strategies to build relationships among employees. The conversation also touches on the multi-generational workforce and the need for organizations to adapt their communication and engagement strategies to meet diverse needs. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that connection is a shared responsibility between leaders and employees, and that fostering a culture of connection is essential for organizational success. Takeaways Disconnection is a significant challenge in modern workplaces. Connection is essential for productivity and resilience. Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering connection. Organizations must adapt to maintain engagement in remote work settings. Intentional strategies are needed to create opportunities for connection. The multi-generational workforce presents unique challenges and opportunities. Onboarding processes should focus on building community and connection. Employees have a role in co-creating workplace culture. Flexibility in work arrangements comes with shared responsibility. Connection should be prioritized over merely addressing disconnection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Disconnection in the Workplace 04:47 Understanding the Challenge of Disconnection 09:01 The Importance of Connection in Modern Work 12:03 Bridging the Gap: Building Cohesion and Engagement 16:15 Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce 21:55 Intergenerational Connections in Care Settings 24:35 Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace 29:42 Intentional Onboarding and Cultural Integration 33:06 Creating Community in a Hybrid Work Environment 39:13 Co-Creating Culture: The Role of Employees and Leaders
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    44 mins
  • 142 | Navigating Accountability for Values | Karen Jones & Karen Hackett

    142 | Navigating Accountability for Values | Karen Jones & Karen Hackett
    Nov 6 2025
    Summary In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of accountability for values with guests Karen Jones and Karen Hackett. They explore the importance of articulating and embedding organizational values, the role of managers in fostering a culture of accountability, and the potential pitfalls of weaponizing values in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the significance of onboarding processes and the need for open communication and feedback within organizations. Takeaways Accountability for values is a significant challenge for many organizations. Values must be articulated and understood to be effectively lived. Creating a culture of feedback is essential for accountability. Managers play a pivotal role in releasing the energy of their teams. Onboarding processes should embed values from the start. Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations about values. Values can be weaponized, leading to defensiveness in feedback. Organizations need to be bold about their current culture and desired future state. Storytelling can help connect employees to organizational values. Time is a critical factor in enabling managers to engage with their teams. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Accountability for Values 01:24 Understanding Organizational Culture 04:18 Insights from the Mind the Gap Report 06:19 Bringing Values to Life 11:03 Accountability in Practice 17:17 Weaponization of Values in the Workplace 22:16 Building a High-Performance Culture 24:53 The Role of Managers in Organizational Success 30:01 Empowering Middle Managers 37:22 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership 37:49 Effective Onboarding Practices
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    45 mins
  • 141 | Mentoring, Peer Learning, and AI: The Future of Workplace Development | Barbara Carroll & Lisa Melody

    141 | Mentoring, Peer Learning, and AI: The Future of Workplace Development | Barbara Carroll & Lisa Melody
    Oct 30 2025
    Summary In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the third challenge from the Mind the Gap research report, focusing on the importance of learning and development in organizations. Joined by guests Barbara Carroll and Lisa Melody, they explore the significance of multi-generational workforces, the effectiveness of peer learning, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their training methods and embrace diverse learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of their employees. In this conversation, Scott McInnes, Lisa Melody, and Barbara Carroll discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, mentoring, and the integration of AI in shaping future skills. They explore how organizations can foster growth through stretch assignments and collaborative decision-making, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in streamlining learning processes. 📘 Download Mind the Gap Report: https://www.inspiringchange.ie/mindthegap Takeaways Organizations are grappling with similar challenges in learning and development.Learning should be a core value within organizations.Different learning methods can enhance employee development.Peer-based learning fosters collaboration and accountability.Mentoring, including reverse mentoring, is increasingly valuable.Leaders must model a commitment to their own learning.Creating space for learning is essential for employee development.Understanding the 'why' behind training increases motivation.Simple interventions can lead to significant improvements in learning.Embedding learning in organizational culture is crucial for success. Learning is about practical experience, not just courses.The 70-20-10 model emphasizes learning through daily activities.Stretch assignments can significantly enhance learning.Mentoring plays a crucial role in development.Engaging leaders fosters a collaborative culture.AI can help identify skills needed for future roles, streamline learning needs assessments and enable more efficient learning material creation.Reflection on learning is essential for growth.The future of learning will be more personalized through AI. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research03:53 The Importance of Learning in Organizations09:48 Dynamic Training and Peer Learning16:14 Multi-Generational Workforces and Mentoring20:04 Leadership's Role in Cultivating Learning Cultures28:05 Redefining Learning and Development33:10 The Role of AI in Future Skills 43:43 Embracing Change in Learning Environments
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    38 mins
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