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We take culture theory and turn it into everyday insights. We're powered by Human Synergistics - a leading consulting, research, and diagnostics firm. We're known for growing individual's effectiveness and satisfaction by coaching based on the Lifestyles Inventory (LSI), improving leadership effec…

Human Synergistics


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 239 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Culture Bites

    232 - It's Lonely at the Top with Justine Farrington

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 33:24


    We unpack the hidden pressures CEOs and Executives face - and why strong leadership doesn't have to mean going it alone. We share the small rituals and mindset shifts that can help leaders reconnect with purpose, support, and each other. From ego and armour to shared goals and enterprise thinking - this is a must-listen for anyone working with or within Executive teams.

    231 - CEO's 5 Principles of Successful Culture Change with Richard Harding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 64:41


    In this episode of Culture Bites, host Dominic Gourley from Human Synergistics Australia is joined by Richard Harding, a seasoned executive and non-executive director with extensive leadership experience in both public and private insurance organisations across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation centres on Richard's unique track record of turning around organisational culture and performance in three challenging leadership roles: TIO (Territory Insurance Office), Tower Insurance in New Zealand, and icare (Insurance and Care NSW). Richard shares practical insights into how he successfully shifted each organisation from low engagement, high turnover, and toxic cultures—marked by avoidance and opposition—towards constructive, high-performing workplaces. He emphasises the critical role of purposeful leadership, connecting culture with strategy, and aligning executive and middle management behaviour to achieve sustainable change. Key themes include the importance of creating meaning and ownership through purpose, overcoming cultural inertia, and making tough leadership calls, such as addressing toxic team members. Listeners will gain valuable, real-world advice on managing cultural transformation, fostering accountability, and the leadership mindsets necessary to embed a high-performing, values-driven culture. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to take control of their organisational culture rather than letting it evolve by chance. Learn more about what we do: www.human-synergistics.com.au

    230 - Giving Kids Back Their Independence with Lenore Skenazy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 24:45


    How do we raise confident, resilient kids in a culture that's become obsessed with supervision? In this episode, Dominic Gourley is joined by Lenore Skenazy – author of Free-Range Kids and President of Let Grow – to explore why independence is crucial for childhood development. They discuss why overprotection can backfire, how free play fosters leadership and creativity, and how building trust (not constant monitoring) strengthens both kids and parents. Drawing parallels between parenting and leadership in the workplace, Lenore and Dominic show why stepping back is the key to helping the next generation step up. If you want to raise or mentor more capable, resilient, and independent young people, this conversation is a must-listen. Learn more about Let Grow: https://letgrow.org/ Learn more about Human Synergistics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/

    229 - The sun comes up in the morning, live until you die, and the favourite doesn't always win - with Fiona Hogarth

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 19:46


    How to put perspective on challenging situations which may seem overwhelming in the moment. Fiona Hogarth shares her tips.

    228 - Sarah Derry, Homeward Bound CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 30:53


    Sarah is the CEO of Homeward Bound - and fresh back from Antarctica. Homeward Bound believe that supporting women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine), using the Life Styles Inventory, to significantly improve their clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability, will enhance their opportunity to take up leadership roles globally, and to proactively contribute to a sustainable world, both individually and collectively. “The LSI process involves reflection, self-awareness, and growth because leading isn't just about directing others; it's about understanding who you are and how you can transform your environment from the inside out,” says Paola Jaén, #HB9 scholarship recipient.⁣ ⁣⁣ You can apply for the #TeamHB10 Online Leadership Program here: https://homewardbound.submittable.com/submit/312333/hb10-leadership-program/eligibility Learn more about the Life Styles Inventory: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-diagnostics/leaders-managers/life-styles-inventory/

    227 - The Way We Work (New Report)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 32:25


    Workplace Trends: Key Insights from the Nation's Wellbeing Report 2025. Join us as we explore the trends impacting employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and organisational support. From CEO challenges to frontline leader stress, we break down the essential takeaways from the 2025 report. Download the report here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/the-way-we-work-report-2025/

    226 - Adaptive Leadership with Max Martina

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 45:12


    Discover how Adaptive Leadership transforms organizations with Max Martina, focusing on key practices to empower teams, navigate complexity, and build a strong leadership culture. See full show notes with key topics and insights: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-bites-podcast/adaptive-leadership-with-max-martina-culture-bites-ep-226/ Learn more about Max Martina and Cambridge Leadership Associates: https://cambridge-leadership.com/ Culture Bites is powered by Human Synergistics. Learn more about how we get leaders and organisations to achieve outstanding results: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/

    225 - Why should anyone be led by you

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 27:00


    We explore the question, "Why should anyone be led by you?", discussing authenticity, adaptability, and community-building from the book by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones. Gain insights to reflect on your leadership style and inspire high-performing teams. Learn more about what we do: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/ See Show Notes for this episode: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-bites-podcast/why-should-anyone-be-led-by-you-culture-bites-225/

    gareth jones rob goffee
    224 - Mandated Back to Office

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 22:56


    A lot of organisations are mandating a return to the office. What are the pros and cons and what does it mean for culture? Ash Smith shares his views

    032 - Blue Year's Resolutions [Re-release]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 23:08


    We'll be back in the new year. For now, enjoy this re-release of Blue Tear's Resolutions from our first year of Culture Bites. We wish everyone a happy new year! Thanks for supporting us! Visit us at: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/ Follow us here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-synergistics-australia/

    031 - Staying Constructive This Christmas [Re-release]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 33:26


    Merry Christmas! We'll be back in the new year with new episodes. We'd love to have more guests sharing their stories in the new year - so if you know someone with a great story to share, let us know. Enjoy this re-release of our Christmas special from the very first year of Culture Bites! Subscribe and review if you enjoy the podcast. Visit us at: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/26592/admin/dashboard/

    223 - Inheriting an underperforming team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 22:24


    Fiona Hogarth shares her tips on what to do when inheriting a new team: Observe, understand the context, bring some enthusiasm, create clarity about what we're doing and why, keep in mind your peers and colleagues... If you want to unlock performance, visit us at: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/ If you're a leader and what to share your own story of development, email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au

    222 - A Tool For Team decision Making

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 32:59


    How many of the biggest decisions are made in teams? Almost all of them... but do we have an approach and practice effective decision making? Corrine Canter shares her tips

    221 - Cam Aitken - DOING Constructive, But I Didn't See It

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 23:02


    "Others saw me as a Constructive leader, but when I looked in the mirror, I saw a completely different Person." - Cam Aitken shares his LSI story

    220 - Gamification (And How To Use It)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 28:29


    Neil McGregor shares how he uses Gamification as an effective way of teaching - and how you can too

    gamification neil mcgregor
    219 - CLEAR Leadership - Practical Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 23:54


    Corinne shares 5 practical tips for leaders to be more effective: Clarity. Listen. Engage & Empathize. Address issues early. Recognise effort as well as results.

    218 - Hyper Personalisation Of The Workplace

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 24:18


    How do we design the workplace of the future? What will AI mean for workplaces? How will we use data to make smarter decisions. Darren Levi shares his thoughts

    217 - Leader Bite: Darren Sutton - Associate Director, HealthShare NSW

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 60:29


    Darren shares his LSI story across 8 measures, 21 years, and multiple organisations. Darren is the Associate Director, Customer Services, Partnerships & Projects, at HealthShare NSW

    216 - Using the New LSI+ In A Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 32:38


    Corinne Canter shares how she has been using the new LSI+ narratives as part of her debriefing and coaching practice.

    215 - Leader Bite: David Walker - Former Naval Aviator, Consultant

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 48:11


    Leadership lessons learnt from the cockpit: Perfecting but not perfect, empowering people, having honest assessments, listening. David is a former Naval Aviator and now Consultant at purplecomms.com.au

    214 - How To Be Your Best Self

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 17:07


    Setting yourself up for success (and recognising when you're not) Join us at this year's Culture and Leadership conference in Sydney and Melbourne: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference-2024/

    213 - How Job Seekers Can Get An Insight To Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 18:54


    People say how important culture is in the company they work for. But how do you know when you're a job seeker? We share some tips! Join us at our Annual Culture and Leadership Conference: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference-2024/

    212 - Common Pitfalls Of Teams (and How To Overcome)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 23:03


    DB shares the traps he sees teams get themselves into - and how to get out. Join us at our Annual Culture and Leadership Conference:https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference-2024/

    211 - Rob Murray - Boards Need To Measure Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 29:04


    Rob Murray - former CEO of Lion Nathan, Chairman of the Board at Metcash and ARN. Speaking at our 2017 Culture and Leadership Conference. Register for this year's conference at: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference-2024/

    210 - Bring Back Team Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 20:53


    We make the case for why every organistion should be developing their teams to be more effective at making decisions and solving problems

    209 - Tips To Shift Dependent, Oppositional, Self-Actualising

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 29:44


    Sometimes small tweaks can make a big different. Ash shares some practical tips to shift Dependent, Oppositional and Self-Actualising

    208 - Having The 'You're Not Performing' Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 35:32


    Corinne shares her 5 stages of the 'You're Not Performing Conversation'.

    207 - LSI Group Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 23:53


    Facilitating a Group Debrief of the LSI - the how to watch outs

    206 - 'Managing Up' Dirty Word Or Necessary Skill

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 26:09


    The term 'Managing Up' can have negative connotations for some... but how would you do it from a Constructive lens? We answer a listener's question

    205 - Creating And Sustaining Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 28:03


    Often Culture programs start with a ton of energy... but how do you sustain it over time? 1 - Know where you are and where you're going 2 - Know what your key priorities/actions are (Focus) 3 - Check in on whether you're still on the path 4 - Have a coalition 5 - Build excitement and energy 6 - Communicate, Communicate, Communicate 7 - Leaders (and clear expectations of them) 8 - Celebrate along the way

    204 - Put Culture On Your Radar

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 21:03


    If you haven't yet... then this year (and here's why)

    203 - Introducing: LSI +

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 15:31


    LSI + adds a personalised narrative of your LSI results. Paired with a debrief from an Accredited Practitioner, the LSI + enriches the developmental journey. Learn more and join our Professional Development Events here: https://bit.ly/LSI-plus

    paired lsi accredited practitioner
    202 - Handing Over Coaching To Their Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 29:36


    Don't let the LSI development walk out the door with the coach. How to hand over ongoing development discussions with the manager

    201 - D&I From A Culture Lens

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 19:18


    Can 'D' overshadow the 'I' in D&I? What does it mean to be truly inclusive? What does it mean for culture? Question from a listener: I find it's easy to let ‘D' be the focus so people are all about the structures and reinforcers and less about the “what would it look like if we were truly inclusive” - I'm a big believer that exclusion feels like exclusion to everyone rather than “let's include that group this week”.

    200 - Ash Smith's Journey And Leadership Lessons Learnt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 60:40


    Ash shares how he grew up, different jobs he had, and the lessons he learnt along the way

    199 - Time To Re-Test Your LSI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 23:13


    The LSI is that it isn't set in stone. We want to get insights and take action. Has your LSI shifted? It might be time to find out.

    032 - Blue Year's Resolutions [Rebroadcast]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 23:08


    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This is a rebroadcast of an old episode on setting goals for the new year. We'll be back with more great episodes in 2024! Thanks for all your support!

    198 - Ash's Book Recommendations

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 41:11


    Ash Smith shares two of his most recommended books to clients and how they relate to the Circumplex and what we do. The Multipliers by Liz Wiseman, and Time to Think by Nancy Kline

    197 - Culture Actions: Communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 32:09


    Communication up, down, and for learning. We discuss what you can do to send a constructive message. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    196 - Culture Actions: Job Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 46:51


    What is the motivational potential of jobs in your team? If they lack autonomy, feedback, variety... they'll be detracting from Achievement Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    193 - Culture Actions: Reinforcement Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 36:00


    How to shape culture using rewards, punishment, and appraisal systems Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    195 - Culture Actions: Goal Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 31:15


    Done right, goals can reinforce Achievement and Self Actualising expectations. Done poorly - they drive Passive and Aggressive styles. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    194 - Culture Actions: HR Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 44:11


    Shaping culture with Selection and placement, training and development, respect for members Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    192 - Culture Actions: Structures

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 35:20


    We talk about how Structures affect Culture and what actions you could take. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    191 - Culture Actions: Mission

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 39:16


    Tips of what to think about and things you can do to improve the Articulation of Mission Causal Factor Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email: podcast@human-synergistics.com.au The “How Culture Works” model and other materials presented in this podcast are from the Organizational Culture Inventory®/Organizational Effectiveness Inventory™ Feedback Report by Robert A. Cooke, Janet L. Szumal, and Jessica D. Cooke, Copyright © 2003 and 2016 by Human Synergistics International. All Rights Reserved.

    190 - 7 Tips To Navigate The 'Groan Zone' In Team Discussions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 36:47


    All teams inevitably hit an impasse during decision making discussions. These are 7 awesome tips to break the impasse and move forwards. Join us at this year's Culture and Leadership Conference: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference2023

    189 - 5 Mistakes New Managers Make

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 29:46


    We review this article from Harvard Business Review on 5 Mistakes New Managers Make: https://hbr.org/2023/05/5-mistakes-new-managers-make?tpcc=orgsocial_edit&utm_campaign=hbr&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin

    Come To The 2023 Culture And Leadership Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2023 7:10


    Sanitarium, Rabobank, Macquarie University, REA Group, Hanes Brands. This September in Sydney and Melbourne. It's a free event. Register here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference2023/

    188 - Giving (and Receiving) Challenging Feedback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 28:37


    Everyone says they want honest and direct feedback until they get it. Here are some tips on how to give (and receive) it successfully

    187 - The difference between Achievement, Perfectionistic, Competitive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 24:43


    These styles have lots of similarities but they are different in crucial ways. We explore those differences. Culture and Leadership Conference this September in Sydney/Melbourne: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference2023/

    186 - Never Underestimate The Frontline Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 21:18


    People's direct leaders have a huge impact on their experience of the Culture. We share tips on how to set your team up for success. Join us at the Culture and Leadership Conference this September: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference2023/

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