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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

Can AI make us emotionally intelligent?

In this episode of The Chord, John explores the evolving role of AI in emotional intelligence with Marie Toft, CEO and Co-founder of Emotionise.

Marie shares insights from her diverse career, including her background as a senior TV producer with RTE, BBC, and SBS Australia, to her venture into AI-driven emotional engagement. Now, with over two decades of storytelling experience and psychotherapy training, she has developed the Emotionise Process, using AI to transform content creation and communication in areas such as Employee Engagement and Customer Support.

We delve into Marie’s passion for emotional storytelling and her journey from television to launching a tech startup. She discusses how Emotionise leverages AI to help businesses craft emotionally engaging content and improve communication outcomes, and shares her vision for the future of AI in this niche space.

From her perspective as a leader in AI and communication, Marie highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in business today. She explains how Emotionise helps organizations build stronger employee and customer relationships through emotionally intelligent content, and offers advice on how leaders can embrace AI as a tool for better communication and engagement.

Through her compelling story and cutting-edge work with Emotionise, Marie offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the role of AI in shaping the future of work. Learn more about Marie Toft and her work with Emotionise here.

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

Growing Resilience through Adversity

In this week’s episode of The Chord, we delve into the theme of resilience and overcoming adversity with Sacha Dekker, an award-winning learning and development leader and motivational speaker.

Sacha shares insights from her personal journey, spanning from her formative years in the Netherlands to her career transitions across diverse industries and her move to Ireland in 2012.

We explore Sacha’s special interest in raising disability awareness, reflecting on her own experiences and the lessons learned in recovery. Sacha also discusses the importance of building resilience and offers practical advice for individuals and organisations.

From her perspective as a resilience and mindset expert, Sacha highlights the significance of inclusive workplaces and shares strategies for creating environments that foster productivity, inclusion, and talent retention.

Through her inspiring story of defying expectations and achieving remarkable milestones despite paralysis, Sacha offers valuable lessons on resilience, determination, and the power of mindset. Learn more about Sacha Dekker and her work as a resilience and mindset expert here.

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

The Squeezed Middle Leadership Challenge

This week John is joined by Harmonics partner and organisation change consultant Neville Bourke – to explore the challenges facing middle managers in today’s rapidly evolving organisational landscape.

Neville discusses the impact of remote and hybrid work models, technological advancements, and socio-economic shifts on the “squeezed middle” layer of management.

He addresses pace of change in the workplace and offers strategies to mitigate burnout among middle managers, emphasising the need for adaptive skills development.

Neville also shares practical steps for middle managers to regain control, and highlights the transformative impact of OD tools like polarities management and the importance of self-care and time management.

Learn more about organisation change and leadership-development services offered by Harmonics by clicking here.

About Neville:

Neville Bourke is an organizational behavior expert with a deep understanding of the psychology of people and organisational change. With a background in business studies and a graduate diploma in safety, health, and welfare at work, Neville holds an M.Sc. in Organisational Behavior from Trinity College Dublin.

He has dedicated his career to addressing complex people issues associated with change and guiding organisations towards achievable solutions.

Neville’s extensive experience spans various sectors including Financial Services, Medical Devices, Electronics, and Social Care. Currently pursuing the Ashridge Masters in Executive Coaching at the Hult International Business School, Neville is also a registered member of the British Psychological Society.

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

Onboarding a New Generation for the Now of Work

This week we explore early career talent development with Sinéad D’Arcy, leader of the Jameson International Graduate Programme. Established over 30 years ago, the program has become a benchmark in nurturing marketing talent globally.

Drawing from her diverse background and career journey to date, Sinead has a profound commitment to shaping the future of work and offers a unique perspective on talent attraction and retention.

Discussing the strategic approach behind the Jameson International Graduate Programme, Sinéad highlights the program’s focus on sourcing top talent and creating a distinct recruitment experience. She underscores the program’s emphasis on long-term investment in graduates’ careers and delves into the evolving skill sets required for graduates in today’s digital age.

This episode provides valuable insights into onboarding and developing early career talent in today’s dynamic business landscape and offers actionable advice for managers navigating the challenges and opportunities of talent management, remote workforces, ESG in recruitment.

Learn more about the Jameson International Graduate Programme here.

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

Lessons from the Heart – Living a Happy Healthy Life

If your New Year’s resolution is hanging by a thread, you’re not alone. But fear not! Dr. Robert Kelly, a renowned Consultant Cardiologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician at the UCD Beacon Hospital joins John on the podcast today to help us understand why it’s never too late to pick up where we left off. Robert also lectures at the Royal College of Surgeons Centre for Positive Psychology and Health.

With his extensive experience and expertise in cardiology, as well as a deep commitment to lifestyle medicine, Dr. Kelly shares tips on leading a healthier and happier life. He emphasises the significant role of lifestyle (physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, stress management, substance avoidance and social connection) in preventing and reversing chronic diseases.

We also explore Dr. Kelly’s transition from traditional cardiology to lifestyle coaching and the issue of burnout and workplace health. Dr. Kelly provides insights into how leaders can better support their employees’ well-being, particularly in today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environments.

Dr. Kelly also shares number of key takeaways from his upcoming book, “Lessons from the Heart- How to Live a Long, Happy, and Healthy Life.”

You can learn more about Dr. Robert Kelly and join his community at drrobertkelly.ie

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

What drives Engagement and Happiness at Work?

In this episode of The Chord, we converse with Matt Phelan, Co-Founder of The Happiness Index, delving into the profound topic of ‘What Drives Engagement and Happiness at Work?’

As an entrepreneur, author, and happiness expert, Matt Phelan shares his journey, starting from his early years to becoming a pivotal figure in understanding workplace happiness. His book, ‘The Happiness Index: Why Today’s Emotions Equal Tomorrow’s Business Success,’ provides a data-driven exploration of engagement and happiness across global workplaces.

Central to our discussion are the concepts of employee engagement and happiness. We explore the stagnation in global engagement scores and how The Happiness Index provides a unique approach to understanding and enhancing workplace happiness.

We also delve into the critical role of data in shaping our understanding of workplace dynamics. Matt discusses the four types of data – instinctive, emotional, rational, and reflective – and their significance in the context of employee well-being.

As our conversation with Matt concludes, he imparts key insights and takeaways, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between happiness, engagement, and success in the workplace.

Learn more about The Happiness Index

Order Matt’s Book on Amazon

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

Exploring the Future of Human Potential

In this episode, we engage in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sean Gallagher, Director of The Swinburne Centre for the New Workforce (CNeW).

Drawing from his pivotal role at CNeW, Dr. Gallagher’s unique insights are rooted in a formative journey shaped by key influences and values. The backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in transformative shifts across both workforce and workplace dynamics.

Central to our discussion is burnout and employee well-being and Strategies to prioritize employee welfare amidst rapid technological change take precedence.

We also delve into AI’s pervasive impact. Automation, and ethical considerations are addressed, along with the critical role academia plays in aligning individuals with the future of work.

As our conversation concludes, Dr. Gallagher imparts key takeaways, leaving listeners with invaluable insights to ponder.

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

The CEO Perspective on Leading Change

In this enlightening episode, we chat with Ollie Loomes, CEO of Eir, Ireland’s premier telecommunications company. With a rich background in Sales and Marketing and over two decades at Diageo, Ollie offers invaluable insights into effective leadership and managing change.

Ollie shares his experiences from his formative years, leading to his rise through the ranks at Diageo and finally assuming the CEO role at Eir in 2023. He opens up about his early influences, key learnings, and his acclimatisation to new cultures during challenging times like the Covid pandemic.

We dive into the CEO perspective on leadership, focusing on the dos and don’ts when transitioning to a new business, especially in a new sector. Ollie outlines his plans for Eir over the next 12 months and his aspirations for the company’s future.

Further, he shares his take on the current global economy, the macro factors affecting the Irish economy, and the transformation post the global pandemic. He discusses the trending topic of hybrid work and the need for better, high-speed connections.

Addressing the critical issue of the Human Energy Crisis, Ollie gives his insights on where leaders should focus their energies for effective change management. He also delves into the intergenerational gap in the workplace and how to foster a culture of diversity.

Finally, Ollie leaves us with some parting advice for aspiring leaders and outlines the skills, personal qualities, and support needed for success. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion with one of the industry’s leading voices.

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Blog

The 5 Top Fears when Executives lose their job

If you are over 50 at Executive level, research shows you have a 50/50 chance that the decision to leave will not be within your control. So, we decided to interview Senior Executives we have coached through Executive Transitions over the past 5 years to find out their fears and what supports they needed and valued most.

The Top 5 Fears were:

1. Financial Insecurity – The loss of a high paying package with all the trimmings was the immediate fear. This led to significant stress and anxiety and often a sense they could not share the burden of worry with their spouse or partner at the time.

2. Reputation Damage – The shame of word around town they were being ‘moved on’ was a constant fear. This fostered a sense of panic and trying to keep stum amongst friends and hope that a new job would quickly appear so they could have more control of the messaging.

3. Identity Crisis – The sudden realisation “who am I without this job title?”. The full-on nature of work at Senior Executive Level is all consuming and often leaves little room for a life beyond work.

4. Future Uncertainty – The worry they would ever find a job like this again and the concern their age profile would come against them. This led to panic to find a new job ASAP. In hindsight they could see how this uncertainty fuelled confusion in their messaging to head-hunters at the time.

5. Directionless urgency -The need to be doing something to get a new job every day without clarifying what they really wanted was very common. The lack of structure also proved disorientating and led to restlessness and mood swings which impacted those close to them.

In response to working people at highly sensitive time in their lives, we would like to share how Executives experienced the time spent with us as we coached them through Executive Outplacement Support

The Top 5 Most Valued Supports from Executive Outplacement:

1. Financial Clarity – The support of an Executive Financial Advisor who has been through this with people before. “Liam spoke with both my spouse and I on our financial situation. This gave us a joint understanding, worked on a financial transition plan and greatly reduced our anxiety”.

2. Redirection time – The time to step back and assess what they really wanted. The understanding that this is a reality of corporate life today. “It turned rejection into redirection for me. My coach helped me make good choices to reject roles, I was going to accept out of pure panic. I knew what I didn’t want as a result!”

3. Sceptical to Transformational – There were many we interviewed who saw Outplacement as a glorified CV and Interview prep service. “I must admit I was reluctant to participate, sceptical and very negative towards the support offered. I didn’t want to leave and was adamant I wanted to stay. I realised after 2-3 sessions this was valuable and beneficial work. In the end I found it transformational. I was provided with tools, skills, and techniques I still use in my role today.”

4. Global to Local Network – The experience of some Executives in global roles is they become very well known in their multinational business but lack a local country network. Then when the exit happens, they are left outside the corporate nest with little local knowledge or personal brand identity. “My coach helped me to get my presenting story right. In my case build a local network. While I had spoken at many global conferences, I had never spoken locally, and we created opportunities to make this happen which instantly raised my profile. My new role came from a network contact in one of these local forums”.

5. Vulnerability to Reassurance -The extended 1-1 coaching and advisory work is individually driven to each person’s specific needs. “It is definitely not a cookie cutter approach. My coach helped me to be vulnerable while also offering the balanced reassurance to access practical market intelligence. This diligence to keep going was very important and kept my spirits up at the time.”

If you are an Executive looking for bespoke Outplacement Support – contact us here for an initial confidential discussion.

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The Chord Future of Work Podcast

Scaling Empathy in a Global Fast Paced Organisation

In this episode, we engage with Emer McGinley, Worldwide Customer Service Director of Global Programs and Global Outsourcing at Amazon. Emer, with her 20 years of experience in leading award-winning customer service operations, shares her thoughts on leadership, the Amazon work culture, and the importance of empathy.

We start our conversation by delving into Emer’s formative years in Donegal and her early career journey at Telefonica O2. We then transition into her insights on Amazon, discussing the impact of Alexa and Echo, and her perspective on Jeff Bezos’ leadership style. Emer speaks passionately about our main topic – ‘scaling with empathy’.

She emphasizes the role of empathy in leadership, especially in the current global context, and how it helps when leading smart people and managing conflict.

Finally, we touch upon the often-overlooked topic of work pace and burnout, with Emer sharing her self-care strategies and insights on life in a high-pressure global role. Join us for this insightful conversation that explores the essence of empathetic leadership in the ever-evolving business landscape.