Can storytelling really transform the way we lead, connect, and communicate at work?

In this episode, I’m joined by TEDx speaker, trauma-informed coach, and author of Meerbott’s Fables, Kelly Meerbott. Inspired by none other than Dr. Seuss, Kelly’s tales aren’t just for bedtime—they’re changing how leaders talk about tough topics like psychological safety, DEI, burnout, and inclusion.

We unpack why storytelling hits so differently today, how it can cut through corporate noise, and why the ability to connect emotionally might just be the most underrated leadership skill of all.

Whether you’re a CEO or a storyteller-in-waiting remember, if they're not moved, they won't move.

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• If they're not moved, they won’t move – Leadership communication needs emotion, not just information.
• Stories break down resistance – Fables connect with people across neurotypes, roles, and belief systems.
• Say less, mean more – Jargon kills clarity. Simplicity and humanity create impact.
• Use story to spark discussion, not silence it – Good stories open space for reflection, disagreement, and growth.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – The problems with communication today 0:04:00 – Who is Kelly Meerbott? The Coach, the Catalyst & the Fables 0:05:30 – Animal Wisdom, Pablo Escobar the Cat & Storytelling with Heart 0:10:30 – From Seuss to Boardrooms: Why Simplicity & Rhythm Work 0:14:00 – The Power of Emotional Access & Unexpected Praise 0:17:30 – Humour, Humanity & Making Generational Gaps Melt 0:21:00 – Neurodiversity, Sales, and the Once Upon A Time Effect 0:23:30 – Meet the Unicorn: Fables as Real-Life Composite Stories 0:26:00 – Why Storytelling Beats Slide Decks for Lasting Learning 0:30:00 – Fear, Algorithms & Why Polarisation Silences Discourse 0:34:00 – Volume Two Sneak Peek: Meerkats, Mockingbirds & Zebras 0:42:00 – Sticky Notes: Kelly’s 3-Point Advice for Better Storytelling 0:45:00 – Final Thoughts, Contact Details & Goodbye

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

What if your team’s biggest performance blocker wasn’t capability—but silence?

In this episode, I’m joined by psychological safety expert Gary Keogh to unpack why so many people still don’t feel safe to speak up at work—and how most leaders are blind to it. We explore what psychological safety really is (and isn’t), why two in five people still hold back, and why 70% of leaders think their teams feel safer than they actually do.

Gary shares practical insights into the four domains of psychological safety, the impact of accurately measuring it, and the powerful shifts he sees during the breakthrough sessions he runs with teams. We also flip the usual doom-and-gloom narrative, highlighting positive examples like Netflix’s “farming for dissent” approach.

If you want to build a high-trust, high-performance culture—this is where it starts.

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• Silence is the hidden killer of performance: Two in five employees hold back ideas or concerns due to fear, costing organisations innovation, speed, and trust.
• Psychological safety isn’t about comfort, it’s about candour: It’s not about being “nice.” It’s about creating space for honest, respectful challenge without fear of reprisal.
• There are 4 domains of Psychological Safety: Willingness to help, inclusion & belonging, attitude to risk & failure, and open conversations.
• Stop guessing. Start measuring: A 3-minute survey can uncover the truth, spark the right conversations, and drive lasting behaviour change.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Why silence still rules too many workplaces 0:04:00 – Gary’s purpose: Unlocking and igniting potential 0:06:40 – What makes people hold back and what leaders miss 0:09:10 – What psychological safety is (and isn’t) 0:13:55 – The four domains of psychological safety 0:17:45 – Real breakthroughs from team sessions 0:22:40 – Why safety must be a group phenomenon 0:26:20 – Netflix's “informed captain” & farming for dissent 0:30:10 – How to handle challenge and feedback the right way 0:34:30 – Data sparks conversation and change 0:40:20 – What sustained impact really looks like 0:42:55 – Gary’s 3 Sticky Notes for building psychological safety

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

Ever wondered why workplace conflict often persists despite numerous policies and rules? Maria Arpa, an expert in compassionate communication, shares how embracing heart-centred, human-focused dialogue can transform workplace relationships, enhance trust, and boost productivity. Discover how intentional use of compassion can revolutionise your leadership impact and help you curate a better, more effective workplace culture. This stuff ain't fluffy! It's the real deal.

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• Conflict Starts With "I Matter": Conflict arises when people feel undervalued. Compassionate communication focuses on recognising individual worth.
• Dialogue Beats Debate: Dialogue isn't about winning arguments but about understanding. Replacing debates with dialogues fosters genuine understanding.
• Hierarchies Can Be Harmful: Rigid power structures often exacerbate conflict. Compassionate leadership offers a more effective and humane alternative.
• Compassion Is Practical, Not Fluffy: Effective, compassionate communication involves robust boundaries and practical techniques that positively affect organisational performance.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Introduction: Tackling Workplace Conflict with Compassion 0:05:16 – From London's Streets to Corporate Suites: Maria’s Journey 0:09:29 – Why Do People Really Argue? Three Core Conflict Messages 0:14:05 – Is Compassionate Communication Too Soft for Business? 0:17:36 – Relationships and Trust: The Foundation of Productive Workplaces 0:27:40 – Dialogue vs Debate: Unpacking Maria’s Dialogue Road Map 0:34:07 – Why Companies Struggle with Compassionate Leadership 0:40:02 – The Holistic Approach: Blending Energy and Practical Communication 0:42:24 – Sticky Notes: Advice for Compassionate Communication 0:44:11 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Maria

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Get the full transcript of the episode here