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TIE Unearthed

TIE Unearthed

By Philippa White

Welcome to the TIE Unearthed podcast.

This is the show where we unearth new ways of looking at ever evolving life around the world. Seen from a number of different industries, cultures, and backgrounds. And there’s one thing that unites everyone I speak to.

They all want to do their part to make the world better in their own unique ways. It’s a uniting passion.

Whether they’re from the commercial world, third sector, or public sector. From the Global North or the Global South.

If you’re looking for inspiration that will get you thinking in new ways, then come on this journey with me.
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Ep:#6 A voice from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

TIE UnearthedSep 11, 2020

00:00
30:17
Ep:#85 Ruth Shaber on the key to delivering predictable financial returns

Ep:#85 Ruth Shaber on the key to delivering predictable financial returns

Did you know that 90% of the world’s money is controlled and invested by white men?


Did you also know that when women are at the table, investment returns are proven to be higher?


This is a conversation that will bring to life how portfolios can predictably outperform the market.


It also shines a spotlight on a truly broken system.


Recognising the stark disconnect between philanthropic grant dollars and how the rest of foundation assets are invested, Ruth Shaber wanted to do things differently with the Tara Health Foundation.


Their bold intention was to utilise all capital, not just grant money, towards driving their social purpose of improving the lives of women and girls.


This was about being 100% mission aligned.


BUT, this was just the beginning of this journey. What they discovered next was not only fascinating, but game changing.


It was also the catalyst to Ruth co-writing The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk.


Ruth Shaber is the founder and president of Tara Health Foundation, a philanthropic investment group that uses evidence-informed programs to promote women's well-being and opportunities.


She is also on a mission to increase the assets managed by gender-diverse and racially-diverse teams to 33 percent by 2033.


Today we hear about all of this.


It's a conversation packed full of proof points, stats and solid arguments that gender-diverse teams significantly outperform the market – predictably.


If you invest money – then you need to listen to this episode.


What was once considered radical is now a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.


So throw on those running shoes, or grab your favourite beverage, and here is Ruth.


Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.


If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠here


If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠.


If you would like to buy Ruth’s book The XX Edge, you can do that ⁠here⁠.


For more insights into Ruth Shaber’s work and the Tara Health Foundation, you can visit their website here.


Mar 22, 202439:01
Ep:#84 Christian Hunt on putting ourselves in the shoes of those people we are trying to influence

Ep:#84 Christian Hunt on putting ourselves in the shoes of those people we are trying to influence

This is a story that starts with a rogue trader.


And then moves to what happens when you truly empathise with the other side of an equation.


Today I speak with Christian Hunt, the founder of Human Risk, a Behavioural Science led Consulting and Training Firm, specialising in the fields of Ethics and Compliance. And Author of Humanizing Rules.


After Christian started to “eat his regulatory cooking” after implementing it at the financial services firm UBS, his life took an interesting turn.


He started to focus entirely on people’s behaviour, on what makes them tick, and what gets them doing the things they shouldn’t, and neglect to do the things they should.


In this episode we talk about Danny Boyle and the Olympics, and how his opening show was a powerful example of how to get people to do things you want them to do.


Christian talks about how to get the best out of people.


We hear how the airline industry can teach us a lot about compliance.


And then Christian brings to life how the move from authoritarian leadership to a more empowering style of leadership, although the way forward, poses more organisational risk.


There is talk of the importance of experimenting, we hear where AI fits into all of this and the importance of thinking about the overall employee experience.


He then leaves us with not only his most important philosophy, but also two great songs that bring to life his thinking.


I promise you – this podcast about compliance is anything but boring. Even though it is rooted in one of the most boring subjects of all time! 😊


So throw on those running shoes, or grab your favourite beverage, and here is the very entertaining Christian.


Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.


If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.


If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.


If you would like to buy Christian’s book Human Rules, you can do that here.


Here are the songs he references on the show:

Higher by The Saturdays

Spotify Link:

"I'm doing nothing 'Cause then at least I'm doing nothing wrong"


Elegantly Wasted by INXS

Spotify Link:



Mar 08, 202449:37
Ep:#83 the power of human assets to prevent child trafficking

Ep:#83 the power of human assets to prevent child trafficking

When someone has lived around the world as a young person, what sort of job do they go into as an adult?


And what happens when someone sees something that then impacts them on a visceral level?


Today I speak with Lucy McCray, CEO at the Freedom Story. The Freedom Story is an organization that works to prevent child trafficking in Northern Thailand.


As a child growing up, Lucy became very aware of inequality, the raw reality for people experiencing poverty, and how where someone is born can dictate one’s life path.


These realisations started to shape her life’s purpose.


She talks about her move to Thailand, where she started to understand what statelessness means, and the implications of someone not having citizenship in any country in the world.


We hear about the real reason for people being trafficked, what prevents trafficking from happening and how to prevent abuse and exploitation from taking place.


Lucy talks about pity-based marketing versus stories that are more dignified for everyone.


And then we move to the shocking truth of well-known brands who have been caught having child trafficking in their supply chains.


Lucy tells us about a brand-new form of trafficking, which when you hear it, will realise you are exposed to it almost daily.


And then how creating unlikely partnerships is providing a powerful anti-trafficking solution. It’s fascinating.


This conversation proves that together we are stronger. And by thinking out of the box and giving people agency, you can scale impact.


This is a podcast rooted in hope. Showing the power of purpose. And that when you tap into human assets, anything is possible.


So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Lucy.


Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.


If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.


If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.


Feb 23, 202430:25
Ep:#82 The most effective way to solve complex problems with Barbara Soalheiro

Ep:#82 The most effective way to solve complex problems with Barbara Soalheiro

Where should we first look to find solutions to a problem?

What is one of the most effective ways to unleash a person’s potential?

What happens when benchmarks disappear and new normals are created?

Today’s episode is going to show you just what is possible when the right conditions are created for people to thrive.

Barbara Soalheiro is the founder of Mesa Company and the creator of Mesa Method. Mesa is a team based work system designed to solve complex challenges by unleashing human potential to process more and execute faster.

We talk about the power of building a team based on having every bit of knowledge and skill needed to solve a specific problem. And then how time constraints being at the core of the team design make it possible for people to come up with extraordinary, paradigm changing, tangible solutions.

Barbara’s company, Mesa, is all about creating a new timespace where solutions to big problems are built. She tell us how it works, what's they've done, and why it's so powerful.

We talk about the importance of working towards an objective that people connect to.


Why people need to work at a place where they feel they are always learning, as well as truly accomplishing something, for them to blossom.

And Barbara explains her vendetta against collaboration. As she says, “the more you focus on it, the less you get of it”.

This is all about real solutions. Changing paradigms. And not following any predesigned formulas.

The energy is electric on this episode, and I certainly left the conversation feeling ever more inspired to just get things done. I hope you feel that too.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Barbara.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

To learn more about Mesa Company click here.


If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

If you would like to learn more about TIE Leadership, check out our site here.

Feb 08, 202449:47
Ep:#81 Senta Slingerland on what happens when you see yourself differently

Ep:#81 Senta Slingerland on what happens when you see yourself differently

What is the power of giving someone a taste of possibility? 

How has the advertising industry been incentivised to make ads that shatter gender stereotypes?

And why is it so important to see your life and the world from a different perspective?

Today I talk with my friend Senta Slingerland, who used to be the Director of Brand Strategy at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, is the creator of See It Be It, a programme for the advancement of female creative leaders, and initiator of Cannes Chimera, a collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help NGOs receive creative mentorship.

We hear about her time with the Brazilian innovation company Mesa that solves big problems for companies such as Google, Coca-Cola and Samsung in only 5 days by putting big thinkers around a table who have the relevant skills and knowledge to find powerful solutions to things. 

She tells us of the time she worked with a cyborg – and how it got her seeing the world differently. 

And she talks of the work she’s doing as co-founder of FALA, a company that trades in purposeful inspiration and counts Coca-Cola, Yara International, Bloomberg, Accenture Song and Twitch as its clients.

Senta’s career has been focused on pushing people to see themselves and their jobs differently, and today’s conversation gets us seeing the power of changing perspectives.

We talk about ambition and what it means to different generations. 

She tells us what 83% of millennial and Gen Z’s admire in their bosses. 

And we hear about what happens when we give something language.

After listening to today’s episode you will feel as though you have taken your mind for a walk. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Senta. 

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.  

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Dec 15, 202335:03
Ep:#80 Sarah Gillard and the role of business to shape our future

Ep:#80 Sarah Gillard and the role of business to shape our future

What is the role of business in society?

How can people’s perception with that then impact their experience at work? 

How does it then impact how a business shows up when it relates to all of its stakeholders and its long-term success?

Today we do a deep dive into all of this with Sarah Gillard, using examples from her 27-year career in fast-paced commercial environments at some of the UK’s largest retail companies. 

In this milestone episode, Sarah Gillard talks about her time as Director of Purpose and Special Projects at the John Lewis Partnership where she was responsible for re-articulating and embedding the purpose of John Lewis so that it continues to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and strategic differentiation.

Sarah compares her time working with the Arcadia group, a UK retail network with a very intense focus on short-term shareholder profit, against her time with the John Lewis Partnership, which is the UK’s largest co-owned business. John Lewis has 70,000 people working for the company, and everyone are co-owners. 

We talk about how these different approaches to doing business then impact the experience inside an organisation and what that does to people, strategy and relationships with supplies and customers. 

We hear how John Lewis was a massive social experiment to see what happens when a business sees its role in society differently.

And we hear about the partnership’s journey over the past 100 years.

We then talk about Sarah’s current role as CEO of Blueprint for Better Business, a charity that helps businesses to be inspired and guided by a purpose that benefits society and respects people and planet. 

How does an organisation move from thinking of itself as a profit maximising machine to thinking of itself as a human system in service of society? 

And how does that transition happen?

Knowing that this is such a decisive decade, and that the role that business needs to play now is more important than ever to shape our future, we hear about how she is working with businesses to be a part of the solution. 

Sarah leaves us with two beautiful quotes which sum up this episode:

Antoine de Saint-Exupery:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea”.

Arthur Ashe:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

 

If you want to better understand the return on being more human, this episode is a must listen. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and enjoy this conversation with Sarah.


And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.


If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.  


If you would like to pre-order my book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Dec 01, 202343:12
Ep:#79 Dr Amanda Potter on setting people and companies up for success

Ep:#79 Dr Amanda Potter on setting people and companies up for success

What does it mean to create an environment for success at a company?  

How do companies often get it wrong?

What happens and what does that look like? 

Psychological safety is a key ingredient for businesses and teams to be able to improve, innovate and progress.

People need to feel free to speak honestly and feel supported enough to come up with new ideas; without that freedom, new innovative solutions and problem solving is less likely to happen. 

And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about today.

Dr Amanda Potter is an award-winning Chartered Psychologist, Leadership/ Executive Coach and a Certified Principal Business Psychologist with over 25 years' experience.

She has been working with C-suite and senior executives to enable them to drive strategic success – and today she shares her stories and knowledge of working in the area of talent strategy. We hear about her experience which is rooted in leadership in crisis, resilience, Psychological Safety and belonging.

Amanda will tell us about the neuroscience of resilience and positivity and how that impacts cultures at organisations.  

She'll let us in on some tips on how we can all just simply feel better.

And she tells us about the contributors to low psych safety, the watch outs, and what different types of organisations need to look out for.

I ask her for insights on the difference in the various cultures that her company works with, but also the difference between sectors. Amanda’s reflection on psych safety in a culture like the police force is really interesting. 

She then leaves us with some top tips on what to do to create more connection between team members - and you'll even get a great exercise that you can use for future team events.

Many of us know the importance of creating connection, trust and safe spaces to work - but knowing this is one thing. Being able to do it is another.

If you’re keen to dig deeper on all of this, please join me for this fascinating conversation with Amanda. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Dr Amanda Potter. 

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.  

If you would like to pre-order my book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

If you would like to listen to the Chief Psychology Officer Podcast by Dr Amanda Potter, you can listen here.

Nov 17, 202338:57
Ep:#78 Nazia Du Bois on holding onto the senior talent from marginalised backgrounds

Ep:#78 Nazia Du Bois on holding onto the senior talent from marginalised backgrounds

There is a problem in the communications and creative industries that few people are doing anything about. 

It has to do with a senior ceiling that marginalised communities face when it comes to senior roles. There is a drain of really talented people that are leaving because they just don’t see a path for their progression in these companies.

It not only doesn’t have to be that way, but business is worse off if this is allowed to happen.

Today, Nazia Du Bois, former Global Head of Rare with Google, is going to bring all of this to life for us.

Nazia is a multiple award-winning agency founder, creative strategy leader, and industry DEI champion. She most recently led Google's global DEI program, Rare with Google, aimed at raising diversity in the creative industries. Before that, she was Global Brand Strategy Director at Netflix, working on representation and global brand equity. 

Prior to going in-house, Nazia founded Ricebowl Strategy, which developed award-winning global brand positioning platforms for Spotify, Harry's and Popeyes amongst others. She was the founding global CSO of DAVID in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Miami, as well as founding Ogilvy's Islamic Branding practice.

Nazia has been named one of the top 5 most awarded planning directors in the world.

She is from Bangladesh and holds two degrees from Oxford.

Today you’ll hear stories from her time at Netflix and how being in LA when the social justice movement kicked off in the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd then paved the way to the next stage of her career. 

We hear about the strategies that Google used to create more creative diversity at senior leavels of the company, with a view to change the culture of the organisation.

Nazia shares some profound thinking from top thought leaders driving the inclusion revolution and what needs to happen to hold onto the senior talent from marginalised cultures.

And then tells us what she learned about diversity and inclusion from being part of the mass layoffs at Google in 2023. 

Nazia then leaves us with an important piece of advice that all of us can take to heart.

This episode will leave you with lots to ponder on, so throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Nazia. 

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Nov 03, 202342:35
Ep:#77 Chris Norman from GOOD on making a difference by changing the system

Ep:#77 Chris Norman from GOOD on making a difference by changing the system

Can you do good and still be successful? 

What is the true value of purpose?

How are huge UK companies in the financial services sector currently struggling from a talent retention and recruitment perspective and what is the answer?

 After a bit of a break, TIE Unearthed is back, and today I’m speaking with the first person that hired me when I moved to London in 2001, Chris Norman.

Chris is the Founder and CEO of GOOD Agency, a pioneer of brand Purpose and has worked for the last 28 years across the commercial, government and charity sectors helping them create value from the positive impact they have on the world. Chris was included in the 2019 Progress 1000 as one of the 25 most influential people in London in media and is a regular judge and panellist.

Chris’s breadth of experience is with the largest commercial and charity brands, and today we talk about how behaviours are the essence of any company, what it means to be human, and what happens when a company isn’t authentic.

We talk about GOOD being a B-corp, but why they haven’t been champions of the initiative until recently.

Chris tells us why they have become employee owned.

What a better world looks like and how we get there.

And we end with valuable learnings from Chris’ challenging journey.

I have found Chris’ story and that of GOOD fascinating, so much so I have captured it in my book, Return on Humanity, coming out in April of 2024. Here you get a sneak peek!

So throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Chris.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Sep 29, 202339:18
Ep:#76 Octopus Group’s Simon Rogerson on “outbehaving” the competition

Ep:#76 Octopus Group’s Simon Rogerson on “outbehaving” the competition

What does it look like to build a company that not only outlives you, but also makes you feel good in the process?

Can you make money and create a significantly positive impact on the planet at the same time?

What is the return on being more human?

Today I got to speak with Simon Rogerson, co-Founder and CEO of Octopus Group, a company that has invested $20 billion into many different companies in the last 23 years. He’s not only one of the sharpest and quickest minds I’ve had the pleasure to meet, but he’s also a really good guy. 

His mission is simple: to invest in the people, the ideas and the industries that will change the world.

Today he brings how he does this to life.

Simon explains why Octopus Group will never be publicly owned. 

He tells us the biggest lesson that he’s learned in 23 years of running Octopus.

Let’s us in on the key interview question he asks to reveal who people really are. 

And we get to hear two stories that bring to life the main two aspects of Octopus’ culture that make it possible for them to be an industry disruptor. 

I have always believed that business can be a force for good, although many companies aren’t built to make it that right now. Simon brings to life how this is possible through his approach to business, and the inspiring work they are doing. 

I adored this conversation – I think you’ll catch that from the energy. There is so much here. 

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Simon.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. ⁠http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter⁠


Jun 22, 202348:48
Ep:#75 The secret ingredient to law firm Mishcon de Reya's success
Jun 09, 202343:12
Ep:#74 Jon Duschinsky on making more money by doing more good

Ep:#74 Jon Duschinsky on making more money by doing more good

Can you have purpose driven organizations without purpose driven leaders? 

What does it feel like to be in service of something bigger than us? 

And should it really come down to tax status to decide if people, or companies, are going to make a difference in the world?

These are just some of the questions that get answered in today’s episode with Jon Duschinsky. 

Jon is a global thought leader, social innovator and champion of Business for Good.  

He inspires future-thinking leaders to Make More Money by Doing More Good, accelerating their innovation, social and environmental impact and talent retention. He has advised clients in over 60 countries, including companies like Airbus, NASCAR, and Prudential as well as the Governments of Germany, the US, France and the UAE. And he's coached hundreds of leaders and future leaders, written two books and lectures regularly at universities around the world.

We talk about why unlocking your personal purpose and your corporate purpose is so important.

Jon talks about our conditioned behavior patterns, and how they don’t serve us. 

And the return on leaning into purpose - both as a company and as an individual. 

There is so much here. 

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Jon.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

And you can also reach Jon on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonduschinsky/

May 26, 202343:35
Ep:#73 Sam Theobald on putting people first before profit

Ep:#73 Sam Theobald on putting people first before profit

Is it possible to be a profitable and rapidly growing business and still put people first?

What makes a company an incredible place to work?

And what is the return on being a human centric company and a human centric leader?

As many of you know, I’m in the final stages of writing my book Return on Humanity: The unexpected benefits of being more human in life and business.

I’ve been speaking with people from various sectors and businesses around the world to confirm my hypothesis. And I’m happy to say, until now, it hasn’t been challenged.

But this conversation with Sam Theobald doesn’t just confirm the hypothesis. Her entire career has been focused on it. And this podcast brings the real quantifiable benefits and examples to life. It is such an incredible conversation.

Sam is an HR professional with over 20 years’ experience working with entrepreneurial leaders, bringing a strong commercial edge to the HR function, and championing a “people first” approach to business.

Sam’s current role at Next 15 spans multi-markets and provides strategic guidance to HR teams within subsidiaries across the group, as well as working closely to counsel businesses so they understand the value of great people practices and human centric leadership in high growth organisations.

She explains how it’s possible to have a commercial focus and still put people first. 

She talks about the power of self-awareness. And what it means in the context of her work.

And the details of what it actually means to have a human centric approach to business. 

Essentially, if you want to be able to attract great people and get the best out of them, you can’t miss this podcast. 

This conversation was electric. I promise you’ll enjoy the energy! We were both buzzing afterwards. 

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Sam.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter


May 12, 202341:34
Ep:#72 Erik Fernholm on how fulfilment can build a more sustainable future

Ep:#72 Erik Fernholm on how fulfilment can build a more sustainable future

What is success?

 

Really, if you stop to think about it. What does it mean in the whole scheme of things?

 

We all know how easy it is to get sidetracked in life to what we think a successful life is. 

 

But what happens if you reflect on when you feel fulfilled? What does that look like? Is it the same as what you imagined the definition of success to be?

 

Today I am speaking with Erik Fernholm, co founder of The Inner Development Goals, a global framework defining the skills needed for us to reach the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. And 29k.org, the world's first free platform for practicing self-leadership, mental health, and inner development through evidence-based programs which has measurably transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people.

 

Today we ask some big questions.

 

What is the root of unsustainability?

 

When do we feel happiness and connection?

 

And what needs to happen to build a more sustainable society?

 

We talk about the power of shared experience and common humanity. 

 

Corporate metrics. 

 

And we end on the Nordic Secret. If you haven’t heard about it already, you need to. It’s the future, and how I end my up-and-coming book. 

 

I could have talked to Erik for hours. And when you listen in, you’ll understand why. There is so much overlap with what we are both doing. 

 

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Erik.

 

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

 

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Apr 28, 202348:43
Ep:#71 John Sills on the Human Experience

Ep:#71 John Sills on the Human Experience

Progress. Surely a sign of progress is that you make things cheaper, faster, and more efficient, while keeping the level of quality at least the same. If not better. But I think we can all agree things don’t seem to be heading in that direction when it comes to life as a customer.


Would you say that the customer experience over the last 20 years has gotten better? I think we all agree the answer is no.

But is that acceptable? If things aren’t working for customers, and not working for colleagues, perhaps it’s important to find another way? And that’s exactly what John Sills, Managing Partner at the customer-led growth company, The Foundation, talks to us about today.

25 years ago, he started his career on a market stall in Essex, and since then has worked in and with companies around the world to make things better for customers.

He’s been in front-line teams delivering the experience, innovation teams designing the propositions, and global HQ teams creating the strategy. He's been a bank manager during the financial crisis (not fun), launched a mobile app to millions of people (very fun), and regularly visits strangers’ houses to ask very personal questions (incredible fun).

He now works with companies across industries and around the world, and before joining The Foundation spent twelve years at HSBC, latterly as Head of Customer Innovation.

And he’s just published a book on the topic - The Human Experience. We talk about the importance of human-centric behaviours to create more efficient companies. The power of an outside-in perspective. And in short, how to make life better for customers. Which then creates a better business - on all fronts. This is a super fun, funny, human, and incredibly important conversation.

So grab that favourite beverage, or throw on those running shoes, and here is John.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter


Apr 14, 202348:18
Ep:#70 Jan Levy on social insights, the digital void and human connection

Ep:#70 Jan Levy on social insights, the digital void and human connection

What are the logistical financial challenges that a bereaved spouse faces when their loved one passes away?

Is it possible for a bank to help someone who has dementia feel safe?

What are the worries that people who are living with cancer have when it comes to their life-insurance policy?

These are just a handful of the human concerns that people around the UK have voiced when it comes to their finances. And concerns that can be answered when companies are willing to listen.

Jan and his team at Three Hands makes that listening and human interaction possible.

Jan Levy is the MD of Three Hands, a small socially minded business that sets out to create business value and social value, hand in hand.

Sitting in the space between businesses and non-profits, Three Hands develops leaders through projects in communities, helps businesses create and run high impact social impact activities and, increasingly, brings the voice of charities, and the ‘lived experts’ they support, into businesses.

As companies move closer to the digital world and become more disconnected from society, Three Hands is helping to fill the void through social insights.

Working with companies to create more connection with the services they need to offer. And the desire that customers have, to deal with humans.

We talk about the power of opening channels of curiosity and understanding different parts of society.

Jan explains what it means for business to be a part of society.

And what happens when you create empathy between two sets of people or two organisations.

Today Jan will bring all of this to life.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Jan.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter


Apr 01, 202340:19
Ep:#69 Paul Skinner on shifting the stories that we live and work by

Ep:#69 Paul Skinner on shifting the stories that we live and work by

What value do we lose when economics reduces communities to markets?

How can investors not just be seen as check books?

And if suppliers are not just simply seen as delivering to a contract, what else could that relationship look like?

Today Paul answers some big questions. All rooted in shifting the stories that we live and work by.

Paul Skinner is the author of The Purpose Upgrade: Change your Business to Save the World. Change the World to Save your Business. He’s also the author of Collaborative Advantage: How Collaboration Beats Competition as a Strategy for Success. Through his consulting practice The Agency of the Future, Paul helps clients to drive purpose-led change and better mobilise stakeholders for lasting success. And he also founded MarketingKind, a non-profit professional membership community that brings business leaders, marketers and change-makers together to address our most pressing problems.

Today Paul explains how collaborative advantage is a radical alternative to competitive advantage.

We talk about what a purpose upgrade is and why we need to elevate purpose now more than ever.

And Paul gives us a beautifully articulated solution to substantially increasing the ceiling for success for any enterprise. And it’s easier than you think.

We talk about economics.

Why only focusing on profit isn’t good for business.

And how purpose can be our most adaptive capacity as humans.

Paul then finishes by explaining how we can avoid being puppets of our prior intentionality and instead the true authors of our own future change.

You don’t want to miss this conversation.

So, grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Paul.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

You can also grab a copy of his book, The Purpose Upgrade, here.

Mar 17, 202345:36
Ep:#68 Life after spinal cord injury in Africa with Faustina Urassa

Ep:#68 Life after spinal cord injury in Africa with Faustina Urassa

Imagine waking up in hospital discovering you have not only broken your spine and will never walk again.


But then learning that you are also pregnant.


When Faustina was about to start university in Tanzania in the year 2000, this was what she was facing.


And today you will hear her story.


Faustina Urassa is a spinal cord injury thriver, and founder and Executive Director at Songambele Initiative Organisation.


Being a woman in Africa isn’t easy.


And Faustina saw being a disabled woman in Africa as a death sentence.


This is a story of a woman who not only came from a challenging experience, but one who refused to accept the status quo on all fronts and thrived as a result.


Today we hear about the challenges she faced in the early years. No one in her family, including her, knew what a spinal cord injury was, let alone what it meant for her life moving forward.


There wasn’t clear information on how someone with a spinal cord injury could safely deliver a baby. Would her disability compromise the health of her child?


Was it even possible for her to ever be independent again?


Faustina takes us on a journey from a spinal cord injury victim to a spinal cord injury thriver.


We hear about how her life changed when she met others going through similar situations as her.


She tells us about the power of self-awareness and self-acceptance.


And the power and importance of community.


Which all lead to why she founded Songambele.


We hear about what life looks like for people once they have come into contact with Songambele and the power that is Faustina.


This is one inspirational story. So, grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation.


And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.


And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter


And if you want to support Songambele, you can reach them here https://www.songambele.org/) and donation here (https://www.songambele.org/donate-1)

Mar 03, 202338:40
Ep:#67 Finding your laser beam of genius with Sarah Watson

Ep:#67 Finding your laser beam of genius with Sarah Watson

Phenomenal A list talent causing a wave of destruction at a company.

We’ve all seen that person.

We may even be, or have been, that person.

But what is the reason for it?

Sarah tells us it’s when Talent has “misplaced genius”.

And she is essentially the red telephone for capital T talent.

Sarah Watson is an Executive Coach that helps bring leaders to their greatness.

She used to run the Global Strategy department for the global ad agency BBH, and whilst doing that, and being the chairman of the New York agency, she unearthed her calling. Having worked on brands for years and helping them find their soul, she realised that’s what she needs to do – but for people.

Today Sarah is going to talk to us about why monasteries exist.

Her love of language and poetry and how this finds its way into her work.

Sarah tells us how she helps people drop into a different presence and a different part of themselves that is deeper than the one they thought they had constructed.

And what happens when they do that.

She talks about the emergent journey.

And how people are conditioned out of their power.

And she ends on God’s Grandeur by Gerard Manley Hopkins. And her articulation of how this relates to her work is simply gorgeous.

This is such an inspirational episode. So, grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Sarah.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Follow Sarah on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-watson-aa49181/

Feb 17, 202338:57
Ep:#66 How to stop men taking their own lives with Ben Akers

Ep:#66 How to stop men taking their own lives with Ben Akers

How are you out of 10?

These 6 words have saved lives.

And today you’re going to hear how.

Did you know that the biggest killer of boys and men from 9 – 50 is suicide?

That’s one man every 90 minutes in the UK.

Why is that?

In 2014 my friend Ben Aker’s life was turned upside down with the suicide of his childhood best friend Steve Yates.

After years of trying to come to terms with this tragedy, he decided to use his power to stop the next Steve. And today you’re going to hear Ben talk about how to stop men taking their own lives. Ben is the co-CEO and co-Founder of Talk Club, a talking and listening charity for men. 

Ben is also a film maker, problem solver and mental health campaigner. 

He began his career as an advertising copywriter and grew to a multi award winning Creative Director at some of the world’s most creative ad agencies in London and Sydney.

We talk about the creation of his changementary “Steve”.

We talk about how Talk Club was born and the major ingredients to its success.

Ben gives advice to anyone out there that’s listening that may be having a hard time.

And as a special treat, Ben then lets us in on his genius solution when it comes to funding his charity. “Not everyone has to be there with their hands out”.

This is a tough subject, but one that needs to be talked about, and today you’re going to learn some simple ways to help those people closest to you.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Ben.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Check out: Talk Club:  TalkClub.org “Steve”
Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEp5ck-DYzI
Full film:  stevedocumentary.com TED talk: https://youtu.be/Y9FEQYp1imc
OurKidsOurLives: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ourkidsourlives
Instagram:  @STEVEDOCUMENTARY
@Madewithltd @TalkClubUK @ourkidsourlives
Twitter:   @SteveDoco  + @benakers @Madewith_ @TalkClubUK @ourkidsourlives
Linked in:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-akers-39873729

Feb 03, 202333:27
Ep:#65 Prison Radio and it’s power with Phil Maguire

Ep:#65 Prison Radio and it’s power with Phil Maguire

Prison, by definition, removes someone’s liberty as punishment for the crime committed.

But there are two ways to spend that time inside, and therefore, two ways to see prison.

Prison can be a horrible place to suffer for the crimes that have been committed.

Or it can be a place to reflect, to learn, to gain skills, and to be better.

Today I talk to Phil Maguire who became the founding Chief Executive of the Prison Radio Association (PRA) in 2006, and has been running the award-winning charity that uses radio to support prisoner rehabilitation ever since.

We talk about what prisons looked like in London in the 90s: Riots, racial tension, deaths in custody and lots of incidents of self-harm. A sad and desperate place.

And then how things have evolved from there.

We talk about what happens when you create a conversation between the people living in prison and the people running a prison.

And what happens when you empower people in the most difficult of situations.

Phil talks about how their award-winning model has people who live in prisons at the heart of everything they do – including being the award-winning hosts and producers of their programmes.

You’ll hear about what happens when people leave prison and how they continue to engage people “beyond the gate”.

And how they are building a global movement of people using audio in criminal justice systems for social good.

Talk about the power of humanity!

This is a movement you will love to know more about. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Phil.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

And definitely check out:

The Life After Prison Podcast: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/

More on Prison Radio: https://www.prisonradio.org/

And connect with Phil here: phil@prison.radio

Jan 20, 202340:23
Ep:#64 Human emotion and architecture with Heatherwick’s Eliot Postma

Ep:#64 Human emotion and architecture with Heatherwick’s Eliot Postma

I was researching schools in Brazil for my 12-year-old a few months ago.

The schools on the short-list were the same when it came to teachers, distance from home, and their approach to education.

But the deal breaker for me was one thing: the architectural experience inside the school.

And until I had this conversation with Eliot, I hadn’t truly understood what that experience was and why it was so important to me.

Eliot Postma has been working with Heatherwick Studio since 2010 to deliver innovative designs on numerous high-profile projects that focus on the human experience through form, craft, materiality, and sustainability.

Heatherwick and Eliot are all about reconnecting the built environment with the human emotion – and today he’s going to help us understand why that is so important.

Eliot answers some pretty big questions in this episode.

What does it mean to make places and things more joyful and fundamentally more human?

And how can architecture create the necessary solutions for the climate and biodiversity crises our planet is facing?

He uses examples from his experience working on a large portfolio of projects that span Europe, North America and Asia to bring his thoughts to life.

We hear about what solutions the studio designed for a UK cancer research charity to create a home-like and calming environment for people that have just discovered they have cancer.

And he brings to life the story of how they created the award-winning Mountain View Google campus. Google's first ground-up campus that took 10-years to create, that spans 3-million square feet and had sustainability central to all aspects of the design.

We talk about re-earthing our cities.

The significant impact that construction has on the climate crisis and what the solutions are.

And where one of the world’s most famous design studios is looking for the next 20 years.

This is a super inspiring conversation and one that will get you thinking.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Eliot.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Jan 06, 202346:30
Ep:#63 How to be an activist in your life and work with Tessa Wernink

Ep:#63 How to be an activist in your life and work with Tessa Wernink

We start this conversation reflecting on the question “where are you from”?

If you are a global citizen, you will be able to relate to Tessa’s response.

Tessa Wernink was born in Hong Kong, moved to the Netherlands when she was 10, and has lived in various other Asian countries over the years. She is a social entrepreneur and business activist, facilitator and podcast maker who is addressing social and environmental issues in business.

We then go on to talk about how a phone can be built and made fairly. And what that means.

Tessa talks about Fairphone, the only European phone today, that she co-founded at the start of her activist journey.

After Fairphone Tessa then started to ask how businesses can be more humane and a force for good.

We talk about the Undercover Activist which she then founded.

How people can be more of an activist in the way they work. How they can accelerate projects around social and environmental issues.

And we learn how you can nurture more of an activist culture at a company, turning from theory and great ideas to action.

We reflect on culture, customs, and change.

And then talk about interesting social businesses around the world ranging from environmentally friendly cars, how to approach death undertaking from a more sustainable and ethical point of view, and then an entrepreneur in Hong Kong that is creating fish from a lab.

Tessa finishes on the concept of active hope. Which is such a great way to finish this episode, and this year’s series of the TIE Unearthed Podcast.

Let’s celebrate action. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and get inspired with Tessa.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

If you want to find out more about Fairphone please click here https://www.fairphone.com/en/), about The Undercover Activist https://www.undercoveractivist.com and about Tessa’s What If We Get It Right podcast: https://www.whatifwegetitright.com

See you again in January of 2023 for more inspiring episodes of TIE Unearthed. Happy holidays!! 

Nov 18, 202243:25
Ep:#62 The force of self-awareness in Iraq with Asmaa Ibrahim and Jiyan Foundation

Ep:#62 The force of self-awareness in Iraq with Asmaa Ibrahim and Jiyan Foundation

Why is there so much trauma in Iraq?

How was the war with ISIS so different to the other wars over the years?

What is the reality on the ground for women in Iraq?

Today I speak with Asmaa Ibrahim, co-head of Trauma Care and Health at Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights and assistant lecturer at the Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.

We start this conversation understanding the history and the background to the country.

Asmaa talks about the stories from when the war broke out in 2014. And what she has heard from the people that she helps.

Then she explains what she does to help start the healing process.

Asmaa tells us one of her favourite techniques that she uses to help people heal from trauma.

We hear about how children were militarised and educated under ISIS.

And then what she and the Jiyan Foundation are going to do to reintegrate these now young adults back into society.

During this conversation Asmaa gives us a brief window into the life in Iraq. We talk about the culture. And she finishes explaining her anguish but also her hope.

I was left so reflective after this. Talking to people in other places is so important. Perspective is such an incredible thing, and conversations like this bring us all closer together.

There is a lot here. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Asmaa.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
bit.ly/TIENewsletter
Nov 04, 202242:57
Ep:#61 Rick Wheatley on breaking out of the old ways of thinking to create the future we need

Ep:#61 Rick Wheatley on breaking out of the old ways of thinking to create the future we need

We start this conversation talking about South Korea in 1998.

This was Rick’s first posting when he was in the US army at 22 years of age.

He then found himself skiing and climbing in the alps and sailing in Norway. And afterwards, very quickly got immersed in leadership development.

Rick Wheatley now runs the advisory firm he started in Oslo called Systems7, where he helps leaders break out of the old ways of thinking and helps them see new possibilities that enhance commercial success, while creating the future we need.

We talk about how he got into this space and how he started his leadership development journey.

He talks about the power of taking people to the edge of their mental maps and nudging them off.

We talk about the way our brains are wired. About cognitive bias. And how the challenges we face today impact our ability to lead change.

I ask Rick how we can accelerate the sustainability strategies and performance of companies. And how ESG can be less about a paper drill, and more about action.

His insights in this area are fascinating.

Rick talks about the power of expanding the playing field.

He talks about what a CFO said to him once that was game changing for their teams.

And then we talk about the hot topic of net zero.

There is so much here. He even finishes with some really sound advice for the times we are currently living in.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Rick.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Oct 21, 202242:45
Ep:#60 Ali Alvarez on love, resilience and courage to challenge convention

Ep:#60 Ali Alvarez on love, resilience and courage to challenge convention

Have you seen the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico?

300 million butterflies arriving in Mexico during day of the dead.

And this is where we start our story talking about my friend Ali Alvarez. Mexican-born, LA-raised, and London-molded.

She started as a professional horse jumper and then went on to build a creative career in advertising and filmmaking.

And while she was juggling work in advertising, and working on her butterfly film, something happened to her that changed everything.

A traumatic head injury from a horse-riding accident one Sunday afternoon where she lost her memory and the ability on her right side to move.

Ali tells us about what happened after that fateful day.

When she got her memory back.

And then what she did from there.

She talks about how she went back to finish the film and how it healed her.

We talk about love, her inspiring family, and the power of being able to be herself and create the life she wanted to create.

She tells us the three things that have kept her together in really challenging times.

And then we finish having a conversation about how we can all make a difference in our own unique way – whatever form that may take.

This is an inspiring story of what happens when someone lives their life with conviction, determination, and love.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Ali.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

To find out more about Ali and her work you can click alialvarez.com

And to check out the incredible stop frame animation film Ali, Cali Oliver, Bart Yates and Joseph Mann made for TIE in 2010, click here

Oct 07, 202234:46
Ep:#59 Sarah Cohen on the force of personal connections

Ep:#59 Sarah Cohen on the force of personal connections

We see the world not as it is, but as we are.

We simply don’t all interact in the world the same way with the information around us. And we all process things differently.

What you see is going to be different to what I see. And that impacts everything.

Particularly when it comes to education and people management.

Today I speak with Sarah Cohen, a People & Culture professional and leader whose experiences in education, technology, and economics have shaped her pragmatic and innovative approaches to developing people and growing organizations.

We talk about her learning challenges growing up, and the fascinating insights that came from that time in her life.

We hear about the fundamental lesson her dad taught her in his last weeks of life. And how that then shaped how she chose to live and work.

She tells us about her time in education and helping other children transcend learning challenges.

And then how you set up the brain to be able to learn and thrive.

What is fascinating is she then took these learnings to the corporate world, where she now works in talent, and is focused on creating a culture of growing people where they thrive.

She talks of the challenges she sees in the corporate world from a talent point of view, but also how the creation of strong personal connections is the answer to a more sustainable business.

There is so much here. All rooted in people, math, and economics. Just the way Sarah likes it.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Sarah.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Sep 24, 202239:46
Ep:#58 Laura Nice on the power of feminine energy in business
Sep 10, 202246:15
Ep:#57 From Broadway to brain cancer, to proving the power of purpose with Catherine Wreford
Aug 26, 202233:40
Ep:#56 Immersive TIE’s impact with Niall Quinn

Ep:#56 Immersive TIE’s impact with Niall Quinn

A “Whoa” moment.

A reminder of what the reality of a different culture truly feels like.

And a chance to go off grid.

Yes, we are back with the Immersive TIE programme.

And Niall has returned from his experience in Mozambique to tell his tales.

This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

As most of you know, this was our primary TIE programme for close to 14 years.

It changed people’s lives. It evolved companies. And impacted communities in 24 countries around the world.

But the pandemic had other plans for us, and this had to be put on hold.

Until recently!

Today Niall gives us a window into his experience.

Niall is a Portfolio Manager at Octopus Energy in London, one of the largest investors of renewable energy in Europe. And he holds a Masters in Applied Mathematics and a Doctorate in Quantum Physics.

Let's just say, when he realised there was data to get stuck into - he was SO excited. :-)

This conversation is super revealing.

We hear about how he sees himself differently on return.

And the feelings he knows he must hold onto.

We hear about his reflections on leadership.

Why he applied.

And what came out of the experience – both with regards to the impact on the Marine Megafauna Foundation. But also, on him.

There are incredible learnings here, and it’s fascinating to understand the solutions he came up with.

If you’re thinking of applying for TIE. Thinking of having a TIE programme at your company. Or just keen to better understand how the programme impacts people and companies – don’t miss this one.

And the quote Niall ends on by Anne Frank is a perfect way to sum up this chat - “Whoever is happy will make others happy too’.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Niall.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

If you’re keen to see more of his experience, do check out his TIE Instagram at @Niall_and_the_whales.

Aug 12, 202240:22
Ep:#55 Brazilian politics and being the change with Ivan Moraes

Ep:#55 Brazilian politics and being the change with Ivan Moraes

It’s an election year in Brazil, and as many of you will know, it’s a big one. 


Bolsonaro in power. 


Brazil’s democracy on the rocks. 


And a country extremely impacted by covid, where basic human rights are worse than we’ve ever seen them. 


So I felt it was fitting to speak with my good friend, Ivan Moraes. 


A father, journalist, dreamer, writer, defender of human rights and City councilor in Recife for the socialism and liberty party (PSOL). He’s currently in his second term in the Municipal Chamber of Recife, and will be the candidate for state deputy in the 2022 elections. 


Ivan helps us understand what Brazil is facing right now in this election. 


He explains why he went into politics. 


He talks about the challenges. What his life looks like in the spot light. But also why it’s so important. 


We hear about what gives him hope. 


But also what keeps him up at night. 


And he talks about how everyone can be the change. 


As Siba says, “The world moves, every time you take a step”. 


There are so many learnings and takeaways in this episode. And important insights to what is happening on the ground in Brazil. This is a must listen. 


So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Ivan. 


And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe. 


And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Jul 29, 202242:32
Ep#54: Keeping the world alive with Iracambi’s Binka LeBreton
Jul 15, 202236:04
Ep:#53 Reclaiming infrastructure space for people with Public City
Jul 01, 202240:02
Ep:#52 David Joshua on presenting the best version of yourself to the world

Ep:#52 David Joshua on presenting the best version of yourself to the world

Jun 10, 202236:54
Ep:#51 Going from setback to comeback with Sara Tate

Ep:#51 Going from setback to comeback with Sara Tate

What do some of the world’s most famous artists and creators do to be at their best?

What can we learn from the way trees grow? And what does it have to do with stepping out of your comfort zone?

What does it mean to be led by the questions?

This is such a fantastic conversation – bursting with energy!

Today I chat with my old friend Sara Tate. She and her co-author Anna Vogt are launching their fantastic book The Rebuilders in June. And it’s all about going from setback to come back in business and beyond.

I know Sara from my BBH days (and before that as well I think). She’s an Organisational and Brand Strategist and formerly the CEO of the agency TBWA London. She was voted Best Leader in Marketing by Women in Marketing Awards and won Campaign's Female Frontier Award. She’s an accredited Executive Coach and she co-hosts The Rebuilders podcast.

We talk about the definition of failure. The beginners mind. And the power of space.

Sara talks through the tools and life skills that she and Anna have developed over the years. We talk about setbacks. And what Sara has learned from the process of writing the book and where she is now.

There are some incredible learning here.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Sara.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.
http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

To check out The Rebuilders and ideally get yourself a copy check click here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9desyj

To check out The Rebuilders podcast click here: https://tinyurl.com/54bthj95

And you can find Sara Tate here on Twitter https://twitter.com/saraktate and here on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraktate/

May 27, 202237:39
Ep:#50 Future First on how to get more Kenyan children educated

Ep:#50 Future First on how to get more Kenyan children educated

May 13, 202223:07
Ep:#49 The future direction of Patagonia with Whitney Clapper

Ep:#49 The future direction of Patagonia with Whitney Clapper

Apr 29, 202240:57
Ep:#48 Jim Carroll on discovering the amplified self

Ep:#48 Jim Carroll on discovering the amplified self

How can a scene from the ballet Swan Lake explain the importance of purpose?

How did Muhammad Ali manage to answer two of life’s biggest questions in his poem, known for being the shortest poem ever written?

And what really is wisdom?

Today I’m speaking with the legend that is Jim Carroll, and we will be talking about discovering the amplified self.

And why that is so important.

Jim is a long serving brand and communication strategist and we met when we both worked at the London-based communications agency BBH, where he worked as a planner for 24 years, for a long time ran the strategy function, and was UK Chairman from 2004 to 2015.

We talk about his time at BBH and the many incredible learnings he picked up.

We get an insight to his performance appraisal – and key learnings for all of us.

Then he tells us a story about a man he knew once, that didn’t blink.

There are loads of stories here. And Jim leaves us with some big questions that we should ask ourselves.

This is a must listen. And I promise you, you’ll leave this wanting more.

And I’m thrilled to say that is possible. You can get your weekly dose of Jim through his blog, Jim Carroll’s blog, which I highly recommend.
https://www.jimcarrollsblog.com.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Jim.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Apr 13, 202236:09
Ep:#47 Sascha Mayer on how disruptive design can impact lives
Apr 01, 202232:47
Ep:#46 Em Cena and providing a future for the children of Brazil through art

Ep:#46 Em Cena and providing a future for the children of Brazil through art

I’m sure you are aware of the power of art and dance.

But have you stopped to think of that power and how it can impact children that come from incredibly difficult backgrounds?

Today I’m speaking with Betania Gonçalves da Silva, the co-founder and Executive Coordinator of Em Cena Arte e Cidadania, (On Stage: Art and Citizenship) an NGO based in Recife Brazil.

Em Cena was founded in 1998 by a group of friends who were tired of complaining about the social problems in Brazil - so decided to make a difference. They work with children and teens from one of the poorest areas of the city – houses without running water, and a community that faces the challenges of drugs, violence and more. And their mission is to impact the lives of these young people through the arts.

But they were severely impacted by the pandemic. Unable to run in-person activities for the children meant that the relationship with the community and local partners weakened significantly. And the future of these children’s lives, in many cases, depends on Em Cena.

Today we talk about the reality on the ground in one of the poorest areas of Brazil.

What do these children face every day?

What are the gender issues in the favela?

And what happens when the children step out of the favela, for even just an afternoon or two a week?

We cover off a lot here. So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Betania.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

Mar 18, 202234:35
Ep:#45 David Webster on the power of human centric organisational culture design

Ep:#45 David Webster on the power of human centric organisational culture design

Where are you from? Where are you based? Where is your company based? 


And then the million dollar question - Does any of this this actually matter? 


Today I'm speaking with David Webster, and this is exactly what we'll be talking about. What are people wanting? Where do people want to be? And does that have any impact on how we run a business or how people can do their job? 


The power of human centric organisational culture design. 


David was born in Milan, Italy, started his career in advertising in London in 2001, and he’s been living in Singapore since 2008 where he eventually led BBH as APAC MD, and worked with brands such as Nike, Netflix and Uber. 


With a desire to change outdated working practices in the advertising industry and pioneer new, more sustainable ways of working, he co-founded The Carrot Collective in 2020, a global decentralised creative company that has been leading the development of new remote working practices focused on organisational culture and life-work balance. 


We’ll be talking about reinventing a 40-year-old industry, across very different parameters. 


How they built an organisational culture that is based around people and not places. We talk about the disciplines necessary to build a company that is human centric. 


And then David get's us to reflect on something. As a business owner, who is your customer? 


There is a lot here. 


So throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is David. 


And if you want to check out David’s TED talk you can find it here


Please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

Mar 04, 202237:43
Ep:#44 Victoria Brooks on the power of truth as a force for change

Ep:#44 Victoria Brooks on the power of truth as a force for change

How can we move the gender divide conversation on without anger and defensiveness?

What truths need to be unearthed for that to be possible?

And then, once the lid has been lifted on these issues, what solutions can truly make a difference?

Today my long time super close friend Victoria Brooks is with us. And she has a love for things that matter.

Victoria is a strategist specialising in the development of stories that inspire environmental and social impact.

She has been featured in the Guardian for their famous piece on sexual harassment in the advertising industry in 2019, was named a Pitch 100 Superwoman in 2019 and was honoured as one of 30 industry inclusivity champions in the IPA’s inaugural list in 2020.

Today we will be talking about the power of truth as a force for change.

We’ll talk about her move from working with strategy and the environment to equality and inclusion.

And we hear about her work focused on closing the gender divide, and the ground-breaking solutions that she’s not only designed, but also implemented with tremendous success.

There is a lot here. But you will be smiling and inspired throughout.

So, throw on those running shoes or grab that cup of tea or coffee, and here is the incredible Victoria.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

Feb 18, 202244:53
Ep:#43 Jon Alexander on why the private sector should treat people as citizens and not consumers
Feb 04, 202242:34
Ep:#42 Meet the brain behind TIE’s strategy - Ines Vogeler

Ep:#42 Meet the brain behind TIE’s strategy - Ines Vogeler

There is a lot going on at the moment isn’t there?

As we settle into 2022, there is a lot of talk about purpose.

The great resignation is also still hitting headlines, and many companies are feeling it.

At TIE, due to the application process, and the type of experience we offer people, we really do have some interesting reflections on the current state of the workforce and what is happening out there.

Due to the very personal nature of our work, we gain a pretty good understanding of how people are feeling, what people are looking for, what’s missing, and how things in general are evolving.

In today’s podcast I chat with Ines Vogeler,  the brain behind TIE’s strategy. And we reflect on all of this.

For over 30 years, Ines worked at Leo Burnett as a global Strategic Planner. She interviewed people in their natural habitats all over the world to uncover the provocative nuggets that allowed others to understand people from the inside-out.

A few years ago I was so lucky to have captured the attention of Ines, and since then, she has been helping us hone our messaging.

Where TIE was strategically, even a few years ago, is very different to where we are now.

And we cover a lot in this conversation.

We talk about the power of community. What that means. And what happens when you manage to create that.

Ines talks to us about the power of following your instinct and what happens when you push yourself to do something before you’re ready.

We hear about the power of thinking differently and human brands.

And then we dive into us working together and how Ines helped us evolve our strategy. We talk about what was originally blinding us and what is happening now.

She also tells you why she thought I would never talk to her again - which I’m still, to this day, mortified by.

Ines is an absolute force. You’ll enjoy this one. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Ines.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

Jan 21, 202241:33
Ep:#41 Ben Ashton on the secret to realising your purpose
Jan 07, 202235:43
Ep:#40 How capital markets can decarbonise the planet with iClima Earth

Ep:#40 How capital markets can decarbonise the planet with iClima Earth

We have to cut emissions by half by 2030.

That’s what came out of the Cop26.

So, HOW are we going to do that? Where is that going to come from?

And more specifically, where is the tool to say we’re on track?

Who is monitoring this? And then the million dollar question – are the box ticking ESG strategies going to be enough?

In this podcast I talk with Gabriela Herculano and Shaila Leekha, co-founders of iClima Earth, an impact green FinTech with one sole focus – to use capital markets to decarbonise the planet.

Gabi and Shaila are both Wharton MBA graduates, with over 45 years of professional experience between them in the finance and energy sectors. After meeting at GE Capital in London, they decided to join forces, and use their power to decarbonise the planet.

Today they talk to us about the journey of getting to where they are now and what they are doing to make real impact.

Gabi tells us of her time in Glasgow when she presented at the Cop26. …and they talk of their hope.

Keen to hear how capital markets can decarbonise the planet? How you can also be a part of this movement? And what is in store for the next 10 years? Have a listen.

If you’d like to check out
iClima.Earth click on the link. If you would like to reach out to Gabi and Shaila they would also love to hear from you. Please reach them on linkedIn on the links above.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off January 31st. This project will fill up fast. If you're keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more. Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at apply.tieaccelerator.com. We'd love to work with you.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

Dec 17, 202140:37
Ep:#39 Protecting the biggest Coral Reef system in the Atlantic

Ep:#39 Protecting the biggest Coral Reef system in the Atlantic

When there is a hurricane, the first line of defence are the reefs.

But after a hurricane, then what? The reefs will of course be damaged, but who repairs them to ensure they recover as fast as possible, so they can continue to be that line of defence?

This is something I never thought about before this conversation.

Reef systems around the world are under threat.

Hurricanes are one major one. But there are many others.

And the MAR system, the biggest Coral Reef system in the Atlantic, faces some very real challenges.

On today’s episode I talk to Maria Gonzalez, the executive Director of the Mar Fund, a regional environmental fund established to support conservation efforts specifically in the MAR Ecoregion. Its mission is to drive regional funding and partnerships for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of resources in the region.

Maria has been with the MAR Fund since it’s inception.

And Maria has lived through a lot.

We hear about the challenges that reefs around the world are facing.

And what the Mar Fund is doing to respond to them.

We then talk about the exciting project that TIE will be working on with the MAR Fund in early 2022.

This conversation will get you thinking.

We’ll talk about the power of sustainable business to save the region.

And how you can be a part of this movement.

Maria brings all of this to life for us on this chat. So sit back relax, and here is Maria.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off January 31st. This project will fill up fast. If you're keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more. Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at
apply.tieaccelerator.com. We'd love to work with you. 

Dec 03, 202133:38
Ep:#38 The power of the reusable glass bottle with Caren McNamara

Ep:#38 The power of the reusable glass bottle with Caren McNamara

Did you know that 75% of glass bottles in the US end up in landfills?

Did you know we are facing a serious glass shortage?

Have you ever stopped to think about the carbon footprint of a glass bottle? And how easy it is to decrease it?

Today I’m chatting with Caren McNamara, Founder and CEO of Conscious Container, a benefit corporation bringing the refillable glass bottle marketplace back into the US economy.

Something that is desperately needed – from a supply chain, environmental and financial point of view.

We talk about how and why Caren went from working at IBM, to creating a start-up, and living out her life’s mission.

We hear about the surprising challenges she’s faced along the way.

And the next phase of this exciting adventure.

Caren has seen and experienced a lot on this journey, and she shares some beautiful insights on this episode. And leaves us with so many nuggets of incredible inspiration.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this chat with Caren.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off mid-January. This project will fill up fast. If you're keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more. Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at apply.tieaccelerator.com. We've love to work with you!


Nov 19, 202137:36
Ep:#37 Jo and Monique on finding their way of responding to this era of disruption

Ep:#37 Jo and Monique on finding their way of responding to this era of disruption

With the COP26 upon us, it’s making us all more acutely aware that we are living in a moment of profound disruption.

And I think it’s fair to say, we are all looking for our way to respond.

In today’s episode, Jo Higgins and Monique Barns talk about just this.

Monique is Brand Manager at Australia’s largest not-for-profit health insurer. And Jo is responsible for designing and building IAG’s future consent experience and bringing to life their purpose through her role as Customer Consent Strategy Lead.

They met through being on UN Women Australia's Sydney International Women's Day Committee, and since then have been on a mission to realise their purpose in a number different ways. These two have been busy!

We talk about how they are contributing to the global conversation around female empowerment.

We talk about how they helped the President of Malawi position the messaging for a high-profile UN meeting and the COP26 with TIE Accelerator.

And we hear about the types of growth experiences they are after and why they engaged with TIE.

There are some pretty great stories here.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and enjoy this wonderful chat with Jo and Monique.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off mid-January 2022. This project will fill up fast.

This one is all about how the future of climate change is in the hands of 12-year old girls. You'll be helping to ensure girl's education is a strategic development priority. When this happens it's proven to be one of the strongest solutions to tackling the climate crisis. Fascinating and SO important.
Keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more?

Reach out to learn more
philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at
apply.tieaccelerator.com. We'd love to work with you!

Nov 05, 202143:51
Ep:#36 Andrea Marshall, the Queen of Mantas

Ep:#36 Andrea Marshall, the Queen of Mantas

You can’t breed a whale shark. Or a humpback whale.

When they are gone, they are gone.

And, what about borders when it comes to the ocean? Who is responsible for caring for these charismatic creatures when they go into other territories?

I had never thought of ocean conservation in those terms before.

Today I speak with Andrea Marshall, known as the Queen of Mantas, as coined by the BBC for their documentary on her in 2009.

She’s a pioneer for Manta Ray research.

Before she started researching Mantas, there was simply no data on them.

“How can we have people going to space, yet we don’t know anything about the biggest animals in our ocean. That’s crazy!”

She and her friend Simon Pierce decided they needed to study threatened charismatic marine megafauna. And to protect the marine habitats in Africa at the same time.

And so they did.  

She moved to Mozambique. And they created the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

Today she tells us her story.

How she went from living in Australia, to selling everything, and building a hut in Mozambique, to start her life’s work.

We hear about the (many) challenges they face in Mozambique.

The impact of COVID on her personally, but also on the organisation. The challenges, but also the incredible silver linings.

Andrea talks us through what keeps her up at night (as an ocean conservationist, it’s not easy), but what also gives her hope.

Andrea is a true inspiration, her passion and dedication to marine conservation is thoroughly contagious, and this chat will inspire you.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Andrea.

We will shortly be kicking off our next TIE Accelerator programme. It will take place in January. If you are keen to know more, do get in touch at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out apply.tieaccelerator.com.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.


Oct 22, 202142:46