Culture Bites

“Everyone agreed... but nothing happened” - Dominic breaks down the signs, impacts, and causes of an Approval Culture, plus practical leadership shifts to invite dissent, clarify standards, and improve execution.

Culture often feels noisy and complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Dominic Gourley and Ash Smith unpack a simple way to think about culture using four clear buckets - ideal culture, actual culture, what sits between them, and the outcomes - and explain how one or two well-chosen actions in how you already work can drive meaningful cultural change. See full show notes: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/culture-doesnt-have-to-be-complex/ Learn more about our Culture Consulting Solutions: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-services/consulting/strategy-and-culture-consulting-solutions/

Why we seek approval and follow rules - even when they don’t serve us. Dominic and Ash explore Approval, Conventional, Dependent and Avoidance styles, their payoffs and costs, and the Constructive alternatives that work better.

AI is here — but how ready is your culture? Dominic Gourley special guest 'Charlie Turing' explore how AI will reshape culture, why constructive organisations thrive with it, and how leaders can keep humans at the heart of the AI revolution. Show notes: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/ai-and-culture-is-yours-ready-culture-bites-241/ Join the Conversation for this episode: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dominicgourley_culturebitespodcast-ai-culture-activity-7388691762396995584-5ELd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABcnDLIBoEbpoUTgYLejZShtNQLgp6gGeE4

Dominic shares his tips no how to go about explaining the Circumplex to an individual or a group. He shares the pattern he uses and the key points he is trying to land. Learn more about the Human Synergistics Circumplex here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/about-us/the-circumplex/ Did you know we've just released a new LSI Digital Platform? Check it out: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/lsi-digital/

LSI Digital is coming soon: An interactive online platform that makes the power of the LSI more engaging, accessible, and actionable than ever before. Learn more about what to expect in this episode. Learn more here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/lsi-digital/

We break down the core Circumplex orientation - Satisfaction (growth) vs Security (protection). Learn how state of mind drives behavior, why confidence is quiet, and practical ways to shift from defensiveness to growth. View the full show notes here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/satisfaction-vs-security-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters-culture-bites-248/ Consulting Solutions: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-services/consulting/ Diagnostics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-diagnostics/ Accreditation: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/become-accredited/

Why do we think and behave the way we do? We speak with Dr Jen Martin - scientist, author, and communicator - about the fascinating science behind our habits of thought and behaviour. Drawing on her new book Why Am I Like This?, Jen explains the psychology behind impostor experiences, procrastination, multitasking, flow states, and more. Together, they connect these scientific insights to leadership, personal development, and the Human Synergistics Circumplex framework. Read the full show notes here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/why-am-i-like-this-with-dr-jen-martin-culture-bites-247/ Connect with Dr Jen Martin: Get the Book "Why Am I Like This?" https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/why-am-i-like-this-by-jen-martin/9781761450426 Visit Jen's website: https://scidocmartin.com/ Connect with Jen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-martin-scicomm/ Connect with Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scidocmartin/ Visit Human Synergistics: www.huma

Culture doesn’t shift unless leaders do. In this episode, Dominic and Corinne dive into why leaders must go first in culture change - what that looks like in practice, why behaviour beats systems, and how leaders can make the implicit explicit. A must-listen for executives and team leaders navigating change. See our Consulting Solutions: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-services/consulting/ Use our Diagnosotics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-diagnostics/leaders-managers/ Become Accredited: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/become-accredited/

Join us for a sneak peek into the 2025 Culture & Leadership Conferences in Sydney and Melbourne! In this episode, we preview the inspiring client stories and leadership insights you’ll hear - from transformation at David Jones, global perspectives from Marriott, leadership development at Lindt, to CEO strategy with Richard Harding. Plus, interactive sessions, big culture shifts, and plenty of community connection. Sydney: 27 August Melbourne: 4 September Free to attend – reserve your spot: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference/

What does it really mean to be neurodiverse - and how should leaders and coaches respond? In this episode, Dominic is joined by clinical and organisational psychologist Dr Amanda Mullin to explore the realities (and myths) around ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more. They unpack: What the term "neurodiversity" actually includes The difference between labels and lived experience Common challenges around communication, sensory sensitivity, and emotional regulation Why anxiety is more common - and more treatable - than most people realise How leaders can balance inclusion and accountability What coaches need to consider when working with neurodivergent clients If you're leading teams, coaching individuals, or simply trying to build a more inclusive workplace, this conversation is packed with insights and practical strategies. Learn more about Mindworx Psychology Online: https://online.mindworxpsychology.com.au/ Learn more about Human Synergistics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/ Join us at our Annua

We all say we want feedback – but how good are we at receiving it? In this episode, Dominic is joined by fellow consultant Ash Smith to unpack why receiving feedback can be so difficult, even for experienced leaders. They explore what triggers defensiveness, how to stay open (even when feedback is unexpected or poorly delivered), and why a true feedback culture depends just as much on how we receive as how we give. You’ll learn practical techniques for staying curious, assuming positive intent, and making feedback work for you – plus why positive feedback is too often overlooked. A must-listen for leaders, teams, and anyone serious about growth. See show notes: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/how-to-receive-feedback-even-when-its-clunky-culture-bites-ep-244/

Changing culture sounds great - until it asks you to change. In this powerful conversation, Dominic Gourley and Ash Smith explore what it really takes for leaders to step up, lean into discomfort, and lead culture transformation from the front. They unpack why it’s so hard to change the behaviours that once made us successful, why vulnerability doesn’t mean weakness, and how leaders can avoid becoming the exception to the culture they want to build. Whether you're a CEO, team leader, or culture champion, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with courage.

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.

Richard shares the 5 principles he has used to achieve culture change across three different organisations.

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/

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

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/

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/

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/