In this conversation, We Are Human Leaders hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the profound changes in work culture brought about by the pandemic, the resurgence of old management practices, and the need for flexibility and trust in the future of work with Atlassian's Work Futurist Dom Price.

We explore the role of AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a weapon, emphasizing the importance of redesigning organizational systems to accommodate new technologies. Dom also highlights the agency of middle managers in driving change and the significance of sustainable, incremental improvements over dramatic transformations.

In this conversation, Dom shares his thoughts around the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the importance of co-designing sustainable partnerships, redefining productivity, and focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. We discuss the need for trust in low-trust environments (and how to build it), the courage to seek feedback, and essential leadership skills for the future. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on business and the necessity for a complete overhaul of education to keep pace with societal changes.

What the episode covers:

• The pandemic acted as a catalyst for change in work practices, and how old management behaviour's are resurfacing post-pandemic.
• Flexibility and trust are essential in the future of work.
• AI is often viewed as a weapon rather than a tool, how organizations need to redesign systems to accommodate AI.
• Sustainable change comes from small, incremental steps, how to focus on continuous improvement rather than dramatic transformations.
• Redefining productivity to focus on outcomes.
• Leaders must balance process with genuine care for people and how storytelling helps them connect to people.
• The future of work will be significantly different due to AI, but rediscovering humanity in the workplace is essential.
• Businesses should focus on solving customer problems, not just profit.

Learn more about Atlassian Work Futurist Dom Price, including where to connect with him right here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/ai-future-of-work-atlassian-dom-price

As Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode!

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith shares with us the seven key types of rest we all need, and how rest is distinctly different from sleep.

For more, check out the full conversation with Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/resttosuccess

For now, enjoy!

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So how do we do it? Enter Ally Leadership. A step away from performative and outdated leadership, and a stem into truly understanding, and getting the most from the brilliant human you lead.

In today’s conversation we speak to Stephanie Chung, a pioneering woman of color in the aviation sector. As an aviation trailblazer, Stephanie has 35 years of aviation experience, from a baggage handler to being the first African-American private aviation company president. And she’s now a #1 International Best Selling author with her new book, and the topic of our conversion today: Ally Leadership, How To Lead People Who Are Not Like You.

This conversation is practical, insightful and jam-packed with Stephanie’s personal career wisdom–from highlights to trials and tribulations.

Now more than ever the world needs leaders who’re ready to listen-up and learn, leaders like you.

Learn more about Stephanie Chung, including where to get her book at our shownotes page: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/allied-lead-people-different-from-you-stephanie-chung

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Heather Younger shares with us her definition of active listening and the 5 aspects of how to be an amazing active listener.

For more, check out the full conversation with Heather right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/activelistening

For now, enjoy!

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In this episode, Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the pressing challenges leaders face in today's volatile environment, focusing on technological disruption, geopolitical tensions and navigating the complexities of modern work environments, and the six critical skills leaders need to adopt to handle these uncertain times. Right now leaders have their work cut out for them, but we're here to help.

In this episode Alexis and Sally emphasize the necessity for leaders to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptability while addressing the evolving expectations of the workforce. They emphasize the importance of transparent communication, strategic visioning, EQ, empathy and purpose-driven leadership, and fostering innovation and collaboration. The conversation highlights how these skills can enhance team outcomes, build trust, and create a psychologically safe workplace. They offer specific and practical advice on how to integrate the skills in a practical everyday way so leaders understand how and where they can make change.

To learn more, or to get support from Human Leaders to upskill your leadership visit us at our show notes: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/leadership-challenges-2025-alexis-zahner-sally-clarke

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Sarah Langslow shares with us how powerful our micro-interactions can be to building positive and connected relationships in the workplace, and beyond.

For more, check out the full conversation with Sarah Langslow right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/do-sweat-small-stuff-sarah-langslow

For now, enjoy!

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In this transformative episode of We Are Human Leaders, we sat down in Sydney with Wendy Smith—renowned expert on paradox and co-author of Both/And Thinking—to explore how shifting from either/or decision-making to both/and thinking can unlock deeper clarity, resilience, and creativity in leadership and life.

Wendy walks us through the concept of paradox: the ongoing, often uncomfortable tensions between seemingly opposing forces (such as stability and change, profit and purpose, or control and flexibility). She shares how these tensions aren't problems to be solved, but dynamics to be navigated, and how ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and business innovation all point to the transformative power of holding space for complexity.

In this conversation, hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke asked Wendy to unpack:

• The difference between tensions, dilemmas, and paradoxes
• Why binary thinking is limiting—and often harmful
• How leaders and teams can cultivate a paradox mindset
• Practical strategies like the ABCD framework for both/and navigation
• Real-world case studies from IBM, Unilever, and Patagonia
• The link between paradox thinking and ancient Eastern and Indigenous philosophies

This is a conversation that challenges your assumptions and offers tools to lead with greater compassion, nuance, and confidence, especially in times of uncertainty.

Ready to reframe your next challenge not as a dilemma—but as an opportunity? Tune in now, and access the show notes at: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/paradox-thinking-wendy-smith

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Morra Aarons Mele shares with us How to Turn Your Anxiety into a Superpower.

For more, check out the full conversation with Morra right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/rethinkinganxiety

For now, enjoy!

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