In this episode, Alisa Sydow, Associate Professor at ESCP Business School, and Thinkers 50 Radar for 2025. Alisa shares her journey researching entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on empowering female founders and local artisans in Kenya. She discusses the challenges of building authentic, culturally-rooted businesses and the importance of storytelling and branding for “Made in Kenya” products. Alisa also introduces her mentorship initiative, Numpy, supporting women entrepreneurs in the Global South. The conversation highlights the power of cultural pride, community, and authentic leadership in driving social impact through entrepreneurship.

Alisa's tips for a happy workplace:

1. Be authentic; embrace conflict
2. Diversity can bring surprise
3. Be open

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• ESCP Business School
• Happy Workplace

DJ, from Happy, shares his wisdom with us today about the evolving role of AI in work and life in 2025.

Sharing insights on using AI as a “co-thinker” to boost creativity and critical thinking, you'll hear practical examples, from DJ, Maureen, and Henry, of AI effectiveness in the workplace, with examples, as we address data security, ethical use, and the importance of verifying the output of AI.

DJ highlights the balance between human skills and AI, the value of clear workplace AI policies, and how to explore AI with curiosity, creativity, and caution.

DJ's tips for a happy workplace:

• Have good AI policies (people are going to be using it)
• Encourage everyone in the organisation to use AI as a co-thinker (to upskill everyone)
• Have fun with AI

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Happy Workplace

What are you prepared to do, to get the thing you want?

Heather R. Younger, a TEDx speaker, author, and leadership expert, chats with our hosts, Henry and Maureen, discussing self-leadership and its vital role in effective leadership.

Heather shares her personal journey, including a pivotal realisation about prioritising her own well-being, and offers practical self-leadership habits. You'll hear how caring leadership can boost productivity and recounts a story of compassionate leadership during her layoff experience.

Our conversation covers overcoming imposter syndrome, building workplace trust, and fostering team bonds. Heather’s insights reveal that leading oneself with empathy and clarity is foundational to creating resilient, joyful workplaces.

Heather's tips for a happy workplace:

• Make sure that you have leaders taking care of themselves
• Make sure that you're listening in all the right ways
• Make sure that you promote 'team': accomplishments and productivity of teams

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Heather's book The Art of Caring Leadership
• Happy Workplace