Opinion
From fintech to founder: one woman’s mission to rewrite the rules
Danai Antoniou, co-founder and Chief Scientist at Gradient Labs, shares hard-won insights from her journey through systemic bias in tech. From salary transparency to challenging microaggressions, she outlines the practical changes leaders can make now to support the next generation, and ensure equity is built into every level of leadership. I’m a woman in a senior tech leadership role and faced my share of systemic bias. Now, as a founder, I’m making sure the next generation faces less of it.…
Conferences, connection and Copilot: a journey of learning
Valerie Merrill shares her reflections from attending three dynamic conferences, exploring leadership in crisis, the rise of AI in comms and L&D, and the enduring power of real-life connection. Packed with insights and standout moments, it’s a timely reminder of why face-to-face learning still hits differently in a digital world. We spend a lot of our time in front of our screens, working on content, delivering and on Teams or Zoom and in our hybrid world we can sometimes miss…
Why cultural intelligence is reshaping recruitment
As companies become increasingly global, the ability to navigate cultural differences is no longer optional, it’s essential. Mariia Skorokhod explores why recruiters must cultivate cultural intelligence to build trust, communicate effectively, and unlock the full potential of international talent within rapidly evolving recruitment, creating a culture shift along the way. As companies continue to expand globally, increasing numbers of individuals are immigrating in search of better opportunities, and international exchange programs are becoming more common. This growing interconnectedness has given…
Diversity isn’t enough: L&D’s role in helping future leaders be seen and heard
Charlotte Otter explores how L&D can move beyond hiring commitments to support genuine career growth for diverse talent. With visibility, support and structured development, learning professionals can help underrepresented leaders step into their power—and the C-Suite—at a time when some companies are pulling back from their DEI promises. Hiring diverse talent is only the start. It’s much harder to create pathways for promotion so that diverse leaders can grow into increasingly senior roles. Some of this responsibility lies with individuals…
The evolution of workplace wellbeing: It’s more than words, it’s a leadership practice
Back in the 1980s, it was all about toughing it out. Now, workplace wellbeing means so much more. Dr Lesley Aitcheson looks at how mental, emotional and physical health became business priorities. She explains why leaders make the real difference, and why it’s time to stop talking and start doing As a middle manager in the 1980s, I quickly learnt to acclimatise to the prevailing workplace ethos: tough it out, whatever the personal cost. Vulnerability was rarely welcomed. Admitting to…
Making skills shareable: The rise of digital credentials
Digital credentials promise to make skills easier to prove, harder to fake and quicker to share. But old habits die hard. What’s holding things back? And how can open-source platforms help? Sergiy Movchan digs into the perks, pitfalls and practicalities of swapping paper for a smarter way to record achievements In the past, printed certificates were considered the gold standard of credentials, with learners waiting weeks to receive physical proof of education, completed courses or training. Losing one of these documents,…
Psychological safety for neurodiversity: One size does not fit all
Psychological safety is the secret sauce of brilliant teams, but how does it actually play out, especially when neurodivergent minds are in the mix? We explore what it means to feel safe, seen and supported at work, and why listening better might just be the leadership superpower we all need Psychological safety has become a cornerstone for effective, innovative, high-performing teams. But what is it actually like in practice? And how can we recognise its presence, particularly in environments where…
The myth of leadership versus management: Why the best managers do both
Too often, leadership and management are treated as opposing forces. But what if the real value lies in knowing how and when to switch between them? Paul Matthews explores how modern managers can blend both to get results without the drama, and why clinging to old distinctions just doesn’t work We often hear that leadership is somehow superior to management – as if one is purely about vision and inspiration, while the other is only about checklists and control. But…
Clear, kind and real: How to make communication count
Your communication skills can go from clunky to clear with just a few tweaks. From knowing what kind of chat you’re really having to handling tricky moments with empathy, it’s all about keeping it real and human. Jo Henwood explains how to keep your cool and make your message land Recently, I delivered back-to-back sessions on wellbeing, communication, coaching and feedback. While these were separate sessions, there are themes across all the topics that can make our communication more impactful. …
Beyond push-back: 5 modern truths about change resistance
Change at work feels harder than ever. But there’s more going on than people simply digging in their heels. Simon Phillips unpacks what’s really behind the push-back, from stress and burnout to wanting a proper say in decisions, and shares smart ways to help make change feel better for everyone The old wisdom about change resistance needs updating. Our post-pandemic world has transformed how people respond to workplace transformation, particularly with mental health challenges now taking centre stage in every…
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