• Episode 75: People Don’t Scale, Systems Do: Why HR is Your Jet Fuel for Growth with Nahed Khairallah
    Jul 3 2025

    Can your people scale as fast as your product? Spoiler: they can’t - and they’re not meant to. In this powerful episode, Josephine Palermo speaks with Nahed Khairallah, a global HR strategist who has helped rocket startups from 7-figure beginnings to 9-figure enterprises across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    Nahed unpacks the uncomfortable truth: people don’t scale -systems do. And if you want to grow fast without breaking your culture, you need a jet-fueled HR strategy.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    04:12 The Journey into HR and Scaling

    08:43 Understanding Business and People Dynamics

    13:20 Defining ROI in HR Strategies

    18:02 Identifying the Right People for Success

    22:30 Balancing People and Technology in Business

    23:19 Balancing Human Skills and AI

    24:52 AI in Recruitment: Enhancing Efficiency

    26:46 Navigating the Risks of Automation

    29:40 Key Recommendations for Founders

    38:44 The Importance of Culture in Scaling


    Connect with Nahed

    • Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khairallahnahed
      • Organized Chaos Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organizedchaos-podcast

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/khairallahnahed

      https://organizedchaos.fyi


      Connect with Josephine

      www.josephinepalermo.com.au


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    43 mins
  • Episode 74: The Lean – Agile Dilemma for Chunky Corporates with Katie Tamblin
    Jun 11 2025

    Katie Tamblin, author of The Lean-Agile Dilemma, began her career as an entry-level analyst and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Product Officer. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for data and tech businesses and advises private equity firms. With over 20 years of experience, Katie helps readers recognise the unique challenges of working within "chubby corporates" and provides strategies to navigate and succeed in these environments.

    In this conversation, Katie Tamblin shares her journey from an analyst to a Chief Product Officer, discussing the complexities of product management within large organisations. She emphasises the importance of project management, the challenges of re-platforming, and the need for alignment between vision and execution. Katie also explores the differences between lean startups and chunky corporates, advocating for a tailored approach to agile methodologies in larger organisations. The discussion highlights the significance of data, cross-team collaboration, and the role of curiosity in driving successful change management.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Katie Tamblin

    02:24 Transition from Analyst to Chief Product Officer

    05:16 Challenges in Agile Transformation

    08:05 The Concept of Replatforming in Corporates

    10:42 The Lean Agile Dilemma: Writing the Book

    13:34 Differences Between Startups and Chunky Corporates

    16:19 Understanding Innovation vs. Execution in Corporates 23:13 The Agile Dilemma: Scaling Challenges

    25:02 Knitting Teams Together: Collaboration Strategies

    25:27 Replatforming: Aligning Goals and Methodologies

    27:59 Data First: The Key to Successful Replatforming

    30:57 The Role of Boundary Spanners in Corporates

    35:05 Vision and Alignment: Keys to Successful Projects

    40:48 Avoiding Performance Plateaus: The Importance of Alignment


    Contact Katie Tamblin: https://www.katietamblin.com/

    Buy the book:https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/979-8-8688-0321-5

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    43 mins
  • Episode 73: The Animals in Projectland with Dawn Mahan
    May 18 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Josephine Palermo speaks with Dawn Mahan, PMP, about her journey into project management, the challenges faced in the field, and the importance of leadership and team dynamics. Dawn shares insights from her book, 'Projectland,' where she introduces the concept of using animal avatars to represent different roles in project management. The discussion emphasises the need for emotional management, the significance of setting projects up for success, and the evolving nature of project management in today's fast-paced environment.


    Dawn Mahan, PMP, has trained thousands of professionals around the world. As the founder of PMOtraining.com, she’s a go-to advisor for C-level leaders and project managers across industries.

    Read her book

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D4J4KHYC


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

    01:56 Dawn's Career Journey and Project Management Discovery

    09:21 Defining Project Management and Its Challenges

    11:09 The Importance of People in Project Success

    14:48 Exploring Project Land: A New Paradigm

    18:36 The Dream Team: Animal Avatars in Project Management

    22:01 The Gazelle Metaphor in Project Management

    23:32 Dolphins: The Social Creatures of Project Teams

    26:02 The Lion Avatar: Leadership and Authority

    27:48 The Partnership Between Leaders and Project Managers

    29:48 Team Dynamics: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing

    31:12 The Importance of Kickoff Meetings

    33:18 Managing Project Endings and Emotions

    33:57 Navigating Challenges in Project Leadership

    36:51 The Role of Project Managers as Team Leaders

    40:12 Setting Projects Up for Success


    #projectmanagement #projectland #dawnmahan #gearedforgrowth.biz #teamscultureyou #businessgrowth #businessgrowthstrategy #smallbusinesstips #startuplife #workwell #wellbeingatwork #6teamconditions #teams #areyouaneffectiveteam #workingwell #feelsatwork #workliveplaywell #feelsatwork #postivemindset #positivepsychology #mindsetshift #mindset



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    41 mins
  • Episode 72 : Breaking Barriers and Building Braid: Quinn Li O’Shea in Silicon Valley
    Apr 27 2025

    Quinn Li O'Shea shares her journey from being a product manager in a male-dominated tech industry to becoming a founder of her own software company, Braid.

    She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and how she navigated her career path. Quinn emphasizes the significance of networking and collaboration, the ideation process behind Braid, and her leadership style that focuses on people-first management.

    The conversation also touches on the rising trend of incorporating play into work culture, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.


    Try Braid for your self! Receive a special offer for Culture, Teams & You listeners! Use the code https://trybraid.io/?via=josephine

    Use the code JOSEPHINE for 15% OFF on all payments within the first 12 months


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Career Pathways

    03:47 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

    06:40 Transitioning to Foundership

    09:26 The Ideation Process for Braid

    12:41 Building Connections Through Play

    15:39 Leadership Style and Team Dynamics

    18:44 The Rise of Play in the Workplace

    21:39 Conclusion and Future Directions


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    32 mins
  • Episode 71: DJ & Producer to CEO with Jamie Kritharas
    Apr 14 2025

    Jamie Kritharas shares his unique journey from being a DJ to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the rapid growth of his business, the importance of tracking and monitoring, and the strategies he employs for recruitment and managing a remote team. Jamie emphasizes the significance of building credibility through case studies and testimonials, as well as the dynamics of working with family in a business setting. He also shares personal productivity hacks and his exciting plans for the future.

    Chapters

    00:00 From DJ to Entrepreneur: A Unique Journey

    02:43 Rapid Growth and Revenue Insights

    05:26 The Importance of Tracking and Monitoring

    08:36 Building Credibility Through Testimonials

    11:23 Recruitment Strategies for Success

    14:16 Managing a Remote Team Effectively

    17:06 Creating a Positive Remote Culture

    19:56 Family Dynamics in Business

    22:53 Personal Hacks for Productivity

    25:40 Future Plans and Creative Ventures

    Contact Jamie:

    https://defiantdigital.com.au/
    Linkedin profile
    On Instagram

    Contact Josephine

    https://gearedforgrowth.biz/contact-us/

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    32 mins
  • Episode 70: From CIA to CEO with Rupal Patel
    Mar 30 2025

    In this conversation, Rupal Patel discusses her journey from the CIA to becoming a CEO, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's personal mission, navigating identity, and the challenges of leadership. She shares insights on burnout, the significance of self-awareness, and the process of writing her book. Rupal also explores the essence of good leadership, the concept of power, and practical techniques like after-action reviews to foster growth and learning. The discussion culminates in her three ideals: envisioning an ideal day, legacy, and bridging the gap between the two.

    Check out Rupal's International Best-seller "From CIA to CEO"

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Mission Exploration

    01:37 Early Life and Background Influences

    04:33 Navigating Identity and Hypervigilance

    07:29 Career Path: From CIA to CEO

    10:01 Transitioning and Burnout Awareness

    13:04 Pursuing an MBA and Self-Discovery

    15:51 The Importance of Listening to Your Body

    18:43 Starting a Business and Creative Ventures

    21:39 The Journey of Writing a Book

    24:33 Support Systems in the Writing Process

    27:39 Understanding the Audience for Leadership Lessons

    29:53 The Essence of Effective Leadership

    33:47 The Importance of Autonomy in Leadership

    37:07 Power and Authenticity in Leadership

    45:48 Reflecting on Actions: The After Action Review

    48:43 Defining Your Ideals for a Meaningful Life


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    53 mins
  • Episode 69: Influence Like a Forensic Interviewer Michael Reddington
    Mar 11 2025

    "Time is the enemy of empathy."

    In this conversation, Michael Reddington takes everything he learned about being a Forensic Interviewer and applies it to leadership and negotiation contexts. He emphasizes the need for creating conditions that encourage honesty and vulnerability while also addressing common listening mistakes.

    Michael contrasts active listening with his disciplined listening method, highlighting the significance of situational awareness and the need to give up control in conversations to foster better communication. The discussion also touches on the role of vulnerability in leadership and the importance of emotional regulation to influence better in even difficult situations.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Michael Reddington

    04:59 Common Listening Mistakes

    09:51 Active Listening vs. Disciplined Listening Method

    14:45 Creating Conditions for Honest Communication

    19:48 The Role of Vulnerability in Communication

    24:28 Understanding Situational Awareness in Communication

    27:41 The Impact of Time on Empathy

    29:30 Strategies for Slowing Down Conversations

    32:52 The Illusion of Control in Conversations

    38:05 Looking Ahead: The Companion Book and Future Insights


    Contact Micheal LinkedIn: Michael Reddington, CFI | LinkedInContact Josephine https://gearedforgrowth.biz/contact-us/

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    43 mins
  • Episode 68: Embracing Neurodiversity with Julie Cockerill
    Mar 3 2025

    "I had no idea that I had an ADHD brain."

    In this episode of Culture, Teams & You, I speak to Julie Cockerill, founder of Lemon Co. on the importance of understanding neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, and its implications in the workplace. Julie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how it has shaped her mission to create inclusive, brain-friendly environments where everyone can thrive

    Julie Cockerill is a leadership coach and consultant dedicated to helping leaders and organisations thrive without compromise. With over 30 years of experience across Asia Pacific, the UK, and Europe, working with global brands like Equifax, Booz & Co, and Starwood Group, she has led teams, cultures, and results.

    Her approach is grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, and strengths-based leadership, with a deep commitment to creating neuro-inclusive workplaces. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2020, she is passionate about reshaping leadership to unlock potential, foster resilience, and drive success without burnout.

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    42 mins