Welcome to Episode 90 of the TIE Unearthed podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to feature Oliver Banks, an expert consultant who works with senior leaders to transform retail and consumer-facing businesses. Ollie's career began with designing intricate systems in engineering, driven by a childhood curiosity for how things work. Seeking a more dynamic and people-focused role, he pivoted to retail with Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket. Now, as a consultant, he advises on navigating transformation and the ever-evolving world of retail. In this episode, we explore what true transformation means and why a human-centric approach is crucial in retail. Ollie shares his thoughts on the industry’s responsibility to cultivate future leaders, hybrid working, and the delicate decisions of company policies when considering variables such collaboration, trust, and mental health. We also discuss leadership, engagement, and the power of courage, with Ollie reading an excerpt from his book. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice for anyone interested in transformation and leadership. Join us as we uncover the mosaic of Oliver Banks' career and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Let's dive in! 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 order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠. If you would like to order Driving Retail Transformation, you can do that here.

Today I welcome Milla Chaplin Rae from Mumbai, who shares her transformative journey and the incredible experiences that have shaped her life and career. Listen as we explore her profound experience with the TIE Leadership program, and how it became the catalyst for her next life chapter and her compelling book. Milla opens up about the emotional depths of her time in Myanmar during the military coup, the whirlwind of life abroad, and how these experiences reignited her passion for writing. We also discuss the realities of reverse culture shock, the journey of writing her book Not Quite to Plan amidst its traumatic content, and the universal lessons learned through immersive experiences. Milla provides practical advice for navigating difficult moments, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the often unspoken aspects of parenting, and reveals the magic formula of grit that played a crucial role in her story. Tune in for insights on finding fulfilment and purpose in corporate roles, the power of adaptability, and a sneak peek into her second book. Then we wrap up with the invaluable wisdom of Jon Steel: "If the role you’re in doesn’t leave you or your company a little nervous, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough." Expect profound reflections, inspiring advice, and a celebration of resilience and creativity. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Milla. 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 order my book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here. And if you would like to order Not Quite to Plan, you can do that here. And you can follow Milla on instagram here: millarae_writes.

Many of us wrestle with self-doubt. Whether it leaves us exhausted by over-preparing for things, or feeling frustrated and unfulfilled because it's holding us back. Join me on this episode of TIE Unearthed as I engage in a conversation with Julie Smith, the bestselling author of 'Coach Yourself Confident.' Julie's journey from corporate life at Mars and PepsiCo to founding Talent Sprout is truly inspiring. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the motivations behind Julie's focus on confidence in her book, exploring its complexities and how it evolves. We also uncover the often-overlooked pitfalls of over-preparation and overwork driven by self-doubt. Julie generously shares invaluable tips for mastering presentations, navigating the "self-doubt tax”, as she calls it, and then vividly depicts her own journey of writing the book. As we wrap up, Julie leaves us with a poignant quote on confidence saboteurs, emphasising the importance of embracing authenticity and staying true to ourselves. Expect insightful reflections, practical advice and some stories to bring all of this to life. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Julie. 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 order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠. And if you would like to order Coach Yourself Confident, you can do that here.

Welcome to today's episode where we embark on a journey with Pietra Mello-Pittman MBE, tracing her extraordinary path from the hallowed halls of the Royal Ballet School in London to the global stage of the Royal Ballet. But that's just the beginning. Get ready for a backstage pass into the mesmerising world of "Inala" – the Zulu Ballet, a Grammy Nominated sensation co-created by Pietra and her visionary partner, Ella Spira. From the glittering lights of the West End to standing ovations around the globe, their work not only captivates audiences but earns them the prestigious MBE honours. We get to hear about the grand renaissance as "Inala" returns as a permanent fixture in London's iconic West End, adorned with revolutionary designs and sets made of biodegradable materials, a testament to Pietra and Ella's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. Join us as we unravel the tapestry of Sisters Grimm, the creative powerhouse behind it all, dedicated to weaving tales that transcend borders and celebrate diversity. Throughout our conversation, Pietra imparts invaluable lessons on purpose, collaboration, and resilience, igniting sparks of hope and possibility. This episode is not just a conversation—it's a beacon of light, illuminating the endless possibilities when passion meets purpose. So, join us on this unforgettable journey filled with opportunity and an insight to the transformative power of art with Pietra. 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 order Philippa's book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠. If you’d like to know more about the Inala relaunch, click here: https://sisters-grimm.co.uk/inala-2024-west-end-relaunch/ Click here for more about Sister’s Grimm productions: https://sisters-grimm.co.uk/productions/ To learn more about UK Art in Nature click here: http://www.ukartinnature.com

In an industry often dominated by relentless pursuit of profit and growth, Coffee and TV charts a different course, prioritising a deep-seated belief in the power of nurturing a supportive, family-like environment. Since its inception, this unique company has steadfastly refused to follow the conventional path laid out by corporations driven by financial metrics, choosing instead to grow at a pace dictated by artists and creative minds. And the result? Not only being a highly sought after creative studio to work at, but also being a profitable multi-million pound b-corp business. What is their secret sauce? Today Derek Moore, CEO of Coffee and TV, tells us. We learn about their commitment to being a force for good and how they have created an electrifying atmosphere that transcends the traditional employer-employee dynamic, leading to ground-breaking creativity and innovation. So throw on those running shoes, or find that favourite beverage, and here is Derek. 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. Here are the ads he refers to on the podcast: https://coffeeand.tv/work/no-room-for-racism/ https://coffeeand.tv/work/spring-2024/ https://coffeeand.tv/work/meta-for-work/

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.