In Part 2 of our conversation with Dawn George, we explore the powerful link between employee wellbeing, engagement, and productivity — and what leaders can do to truly nurture thriving, open cultures.

Dawn shares practical, experience-backed tips for creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

She also reveals her number one leadership tip and the life lesson that continues to guide her — both simple, yet extremely powerful!

🎧 A thoughtful and uplifting conversation every leader should hear.

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Dawn George has worked in the HR/People profession for 35 years, most recently spending 14 years at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

As Chief People and Culture Officer with Eden, Dawn was part of the senior leadership team with the remit for all things People related. She is passionate about culture, values and employee engagement. Going deeper to ensure this genuinely weaves through the fabric of all the organisation does, not just what's written down.

Dawn has a passion for inclusion, particularly invisible disability, having managed a disability of her own for over 25 years and understanding what's needed to take the blinkers off in an organisation.

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In this powerful episode, Dawn George — a highly accomplished HR executive known for supporting others — opens up about the burnout that forced her to walk away from a role she loved. We discuss:

• The hidden mental health struggle behind high-performance leadership
• The question — who supports the ones supporting everyone else?
• Practical strategies for achieving work-life balance — including her brilliant “walking meetings”

🎧 This is an essential listen for every leader and HR professional navigating pressure, purpose and well-being.

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Dawn George has worked in the HR/People profession for 35 years, most recently spending 14 years at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

As Chief People and Culture Officer with Eden, Dawn was part of the senior leadership team with the remit for all things People related. She is passionate about culture, values and employee engagement. Going deeper to ensure this genuinely weaves through the fabric of all the organisation does, not just what's written down.

Dawn has a passion for inclusion, particularly invisible disability, having managed a disability of her own for over 25 years and understanding what's needed to take the blinkers off in an organisation.

Connect with Dawn

Support the show

LET'S STAY CONNECTED:

Follow me on Linkedin

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE before you leave

Can Do Academy is committed to making ordinary people extraordinary leaders. Find out more about our work here

Have a question about this episode or know a leader that should be on it? Reach out to us here

In Part 2 of our very insightful conversation with Stephanie Ezechukwu, Head of Prosecutions and Quality at the DVSA, we explore how vulnerability can be one of a leader’s greatest strengths.

Stephanie shares how her authenticity and willingness to lead with vulnerability not only made her the obvious choice for the extremely difficult task, of breaking the news of the sad passing of a colleague to the rest of the team, but how it helped her navigate the extremely difficult moment with empathy and grace.

We also dive into the role of mentorship, the importance of self-awareness, and how boldness is often built through meaningful support and self-reflection.

🎧 Tune in for this masterclass in authentic leadership. You'll find it as moving as it is insightful.

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Stephanie Ezechukwu is the Head of Prosecutions and Quality at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), part of the UK’s Department for Transport. Starting her career as a court clerk at the age of 23, Stephanie’s remarkable rise through the ranks is a testament to her work ethic, humility, and passion for justice. Today, she leads the agency’s litigation and prosecution work, overseeing teams responsible for criminal and regulatory cases across multiple courts, including the Magistrates, Crown Court, and Court of Appeal. A champion of servant leadership, Stephanie brings authenticity, compassion, and conviction to every role she steps into.

Connect with Stephanie

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LET'S STAY CONNECTED:

Follow me on Linkedin

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE before you leave

Can Do Academy is committed to making ordinary people extraordinary leaders. Find out more about our work here

Have a question about this episode or know a leader that should be on it? Reach out to us here

Support the show

LET'S STAY CONNECTED:

Follow me on Linkedin

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE before you leave

Can Do Academy is committed to making ordinary people extraordinary leaders. Find out more about our work here

Have a question about this episode or know a leader that should be on it? Reach out to us here