Episodes
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Recommended Episodes
Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly YogendraEp63: Leading Through Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself with Sally HendersonEp64: Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Your Humanity with Kate AdamsLeadership has never been more complex. In a world shaped by uncertainty, rapid change, and increasing pressure, the ability to make sound judgements has become one of the defining capabilities of modern leadership. In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by Dr. Kate Heard, researcher, leadership adviser, and expert in human judgement, to explore why even capable, well-intentioned leaders can make decisions that unintentionally create harm.
Drawing on an extraordinary career spanning broadcast journalism, maternal healthcare, humanitarian work, and leadership research, Kate shares why judgement is not simply about intelligence or experience. Together, Helen and Kate explore curiosity, cognitive bias, uncertainty, psychological safety, and how leaders can create environments where better thinking leads to better decisions.
This is an insightful conversation for leaders, boards, and organisations seeking to strengthen judgement, improve decision-making, and lead with greater humanity in increasingly complex environments.
Topics Discussed
Why good leaders can still make poor decisions Human judgement in complex and uncertain environments The role of curiosity in effective leadership How cognitive bias influences decision-making Psychological safety and constructive challenge Why certainty can become a leadership risk Learning from failure without assigning blame Building cultures that support better judgement Balancing confidence with humility Practical ways to strengthen leadership thinkingView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly YogendraEp62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma WaddingtonEp63: Leading Through Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself with Sally HendersonWhat happens when leaders are expected to deliver commercial results while navigating increasing scrutiny, complexity, and competing expectations? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by leadership advisor, coach, and author Kate Adams to explore how leaders can remain human when the pressure is relentless.
Drawing on two decades of experience across business, technology, innovation, and the social sector, Kate shares insights from her book Accountability Under Fire. Together, Helen and Kate discuss why leadership today is no longer about having all the answers. Instead, it requires curiosity, courage, and the ability to hold space for different perspectives while making difficult decisions.
This is a thoughtful conversation for leaders seeking to balance performance, accountability, and humanity in an increasingly complex world.
Topics Discussed
What it means to be human at work under pressureWhy leadership complexity is increasingThe relationship between accountability and scrutinyHow curiosity and listening improve decision-makingLeading yourself before leading othersUnderstanding stakeholders and systems thinkingBalancing commercial performance with societal impactWhy awareness creates better leadershipThe importance of holding different perspectivesCreating space between stimulus and responseView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Missing episodes?
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Recommended Episodes
Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydEp61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly YogendraEp62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma WaddingtonWhat happens when uncertainty becomes the norm rather than the exception? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by high-stakes leadership mentor, speaker, and author Sally Henderson to explore what it takes to lead, perform, and thrive when pressure never seems to let up.
Drawing on 25 years of experience working with senior leaders and executive teams, Sally shares why many traditional leadership approaches have not kept pace with the realities of today's world. Together, Helen and Sally explore the importance of boundaries, identity, recovery, and self-awareness, and why sustainable performance starts with understanding not just how you lead, but how you live.
This is a thought-provoking conversation for leaders, founders, commercial professionals, and anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to stay true to themselves.
Topics Discussed
Why uncertainty has become a permanent feature of leadershipThe relationship between personal identity and professional identityWhy boundaries are essential for sustainable performanceThe difference between purpose and actionHow leaders can reframe high-stakes situationsThe role of emotional awareness and embodied leadershipUsing breath, reflection, and recovery to improve performanceWhy rhythm matters more than time managementBalancing commercial success with personal wellbeingHow trust, courage, and energy shape high-performance leadershipView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydEp59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O’NeillEp61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly YogendraWhat happens when high performance becomes unsustainable? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by clinical psychologist and founder of Us Therapy, Dr. Emma Waddington, to explore the growing tension between commercial success and human wellbeing in today’s workplace.
Drawing on years of experience supporting leaders, teams, and high-performing professionals in Singapore, Emma shares why burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm are becoming increasingly common in modern organisations. Together, Helen and Emma unpack why human-centred leadership is no longer optional, how trust and psychological safety shape performance, and why rest, reflection, and connection are essential for sustainable success.
This is a powerful conversation for leaders, commercial teams, and organisations navigating pressure, change, and the growing complexity of modern work.
Topics Discussed
Why burnout and overwhelm are increasing in modern workplacesThe connection between high performance and psychological safetyHow leaders create cultures where people can speak upBalancing commercial success with human-centred leadershipThe importance of reset, reflection, and deliberate restHow trust shapes customer relationships and team performanceWhy listening is one of the most underrated business skillsAI, relationships, and the future of human connection at workHow identity, belonging, and purpose influence wellbeingWhy sustainable success requires both performance and humanityView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep43: Finding Your Voice in Leadership – The Human Advantage of Conscious Communication with Alan RobertsonEp57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage – How Leaders Stay Relevant in the Age of AI with David FeavearyearEp59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O’NeillWhat does it really take to lead in today’s boardroom? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by Shefaly Yogendra, experienced independent board director, governance adviser, and author of Uncharted Spaces: Reset the Agenda. Reimagine the Boardroom. Together they explore the growing complexity leaders face as organisations navigate AI, uncertainty, competing priorities, and long-term stewardship.
This conversation goes beyond governance frameworks and compliance checklists. Shefaly shares why curiosity, patience, courage, and self-awareness are becoming critical leadership capabilities in modern boardrooms. As organisations face increasingly uncharted territory, this episode explores how leaders can strengthen judgement, improve decision-making, and bring more humanity into the conversations shaping the future.
Topics Discussed:
What it means to lead in today’s boardroomWhy curiosity and patience are essential leadership skillsThe importance of knowing yourself as a leaderGovernance, stewardship, and long-term value creationHow leaders navigate competing priorities and agendasWhy conversational skills shape better decision-makingThe risks of cognitive outsourcing in the age of AICreating more inclusive and future-focused boardroomsHow observation, reflection, and listening improve leadershipView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep56: The Human Side of Sales with Jim BloomfieldEp57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage with David FeavearyearEp59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O’NeillWhat if the reason so many professionals struggle with sales is not capability, but how it has been taught? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by Rachel Harrison, IP lawyer and founder of Your IP, to explore why business development feels uncomfortable for so many experts and how that can change.
After more than 20 years in law firms, Rachel stepped away to build her own business and discovered something unexpected. Sales did not have to feel forced or transactional. Instead, it could be human, relationship-led and even enjoyable. Together, they unpack how professionals can shift their mindset, build confidence and develop business in a way that feels authentic and aligned.
This is a powerful conversation for anyone in professional services, leadership or sales who has ever thought, this is not me.
Topics Discussed:
Why sales feels uncomfortable for technical expertsThe gap in sales and leadership training in professional servicesReframing business development as human connectionHow confidence grows through action and coachingThe role of mindset, identity and self-belief in salesWhy relationships and referrals drive sustainable growthThe impact of AI on technical roles and human differentiationHow leaders can retain talent by changing how sales is taughtView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesEp50: What Is Your Shadow at Work and Why Does It Matter?Ep54: Becoming Unapologetically You – Embracing Growth, Discomfort, and Authentic Leadership with Alison Maitland & Liz WalkerIn a world racing toward automation, what does it truly mean to be human at work?
In this powerful and timely episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada sits down with tech humanist, author, and TEDx speaker Kate O’Neill to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human meaning. As organizations invest heavily in AI and automation, Kate challenges us to pause and ask a deeper question: what human outcomes are we protecting as we scale technology?
Drawing on insights from her latest book What Matters Next and her TEDx talk We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines, Kate shares why contextual awareness, emotional intelligence, and good judgment are becoming even more critical in an AI-driven world. Together, Helen and Kate explore the tension leaders feel between speed and reflection, efficiency and ethics, automation and authenticity.
This conversation is not about resisting technology. It is about leading it wisely. It is about ensuring that meaning, purpose, and human connection remain firmly in the driver’s seat.
Topics Discussed:
What it means to be a “tech humanist” Why AI is forcing us to redefine human value at work The human skills that cannot be automated Why investment in people is lagging behind investment in technology The Now–Next Continuum and disciplined reflection Using AI as a thinking partner rather than a replacement Meaning as the core human skill Purpose, values, and the power of meaningful questions Unhiding at work and bringing your whole self into professional spaces Why AI’s “averaging effect” makes human quirkiness more valuable than everAbout Kate O'Neil
Kate is the founder of KO Insights, helping leaders and organizations make future-ready, meaningful, and ethical decisions about technology and innovation. She’s a former digital strategist for Netflix and early Google, and the author of 6 books, 4 of which are in tech and business including Tech Humanist and What Matters Next.
About page: https://www.koinsights.com/about-kate/*LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/kateoneill*Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_O'Neill_(author)View extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep43: Finding Your Voice in Leadership – The Human Advantage of Conscious Communication with Alan RobertsonEp45: Building Sustainable High Performance – The Power of Human-Centred Leadership and Resilience with Lisa BoydEp57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage – How Leaders Stay Relevant in the Age of AI with David FeavearyearWhat does it really mean to support people in bringing their humanity to work? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, a UK campaign mobilising fathers to advocate for better paternity leave and greater gender equality in the workplace.
Together they explore how fatherhood, leadership and workplace culture intersect. George shares his perspective on why supporting fathers at work is not just a social issue but a leadership and organisational one. From challenging outdated policies to encouraging men to actively participate in equality conversations, this episode highlights how workplaces can evolve to better support families while strengthening performance and trust.
At the heart of the discussion is a powerful idea: when organisations enable people to show up as human beings, not just employees, everyone benefits.
Topics Discussed
The evolving role of fathers in modern workplacesWhy paternity leave policies matter for equality and performanceThe connection between leadership, trust and human-centred workplacesThe impact of parenthood on leadership perspective and decision makingHow workplace culture shapes gender equalityThe barriers organisations face when implementing flexible workingWhy supporting fathers benefits businesses as well as familiesTurning conversations about equality from zero-sum to win-win outcomesView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep43: Finding Your Voice in Leadership: The Human Advantage of Conscious Communication with Alan RobertsonEp44: Blending Commerciality with Humanity: How to Work with Procurement with Steve DayEp56: The Human Side of Sales: Psychometrics, Authenticity and Sustainable Commercial Growth with Jim BloomfieldWhat does it take to stay relevant in a world where technology is accelerating faster than ever? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by David Feavearyear, commercial leader, Chief Procurement Officer at Liberty Global, and MD of Procurement Solutions at Liberty Bloom. Together, they explore the intersection of strategy, AI, leadership and human capability.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience across commercial negotiation, procurement and enterprise technology, David shares why curiosity, long-term thinking and human judgement are becoming the true competitive differentiators. As AI increasingly handles technical and repeatable tasks, leaders must double down on the human layer. This conversation challenges leaders to rethink relevance, resilience and the way they create sustainable commercial value.
Topics Discussed
What it means to stay relevant in the age of AIThe difference between hard skills and human skillsWhy curiosity drives commercial growth and leadership impactBalancing short-term shareholder pressure with long-term strategyHow AI creates efficiency but not connectionBuilding trust in hybrid commercial relationshipsCreating space for thinking in high-pressure environmentsThe link between leadership, sales and sustainable growthView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep43: Finding Your Voice in Leadership: The Human Advantage of Conscious Communication with Alan RobertsonEp44: Blending Commerciality with Humanity: How to Work with Procurement with Steve DayEp45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydWhat if the problem with sales is not the activity itself, but the story we tell ourselves about it? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by Jim Bloomfield, founder of Bloojam and psychometrics specialist with over 20 years’ experience developing top talent across leadership and sales.
Together, they unpack why so many professionals feel uncomfortable with selling, and how reframing sales as value creation, not self-promotion, transforms both confidence and results. Drawing on behavioural science, psychometrics, and real-world commercial experience, Jim explains why high-performing salespeople are not the most money-driven, but the most client-focused. This conversation challenges the myths around sales and shows how leadership and sales share the same human DNA.
If you work in professional services, lead a commercial team, or are building your own business, this episode will help you sell in a way that feels authentic and aligned to who you are.
Topics Discussed
Why sales feels “icky” and where that mindset comes fromThe psychology behind high-performing salespeopleAuthenticity and trust in commercial conversationsHow psychometrics reveal sales strengths and blind spotsWhy leadership and sales skills are more aligned than we thinkBuilding intentional, consistent business development habitsHow AI changes sales, but does not remove the human interfaceTurning technical experts into confident business developersView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep38: The Human Side of High Performance with Steve McCreadyEp41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesEp45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydWhat does it truly mean to lead with purpose in a fast-paced, commercial world? In this compelling conversation, Helen Wada is joined by Dr. Corrie Block, award-winning business strategist, executive coach, and best-selling author of Love at Work and Spartan CEO. Together, they explore how leaders can balance profitability with humanity, and why authentic connection—not authority—is the true currency of leadership.
Dr. Block shares a fascinating perspective on what it means to be human at work, describing every employee as “the product of 10,000 successful iterations of survival and adaptation.” From redefining trust and vulnerability at the executive level to understanding the measurable ROI of coaching, this episode challenges leaders to think differently about performance, purpose, and the culture they create.
This is an inspiring conversation for anyone ready to lead with heart, build meaningful teams, and embrace the full human experience of work.
Topics Discussed
What it means to lead with purpose in a commercial worldRedefining human value and authenticity at workThe science and psychology behind trust and credibilityCoaching for performance and the ROI of executive growthWhy vulnerability changes as leadership responsibility growsBuilding human-centred cultures through alignment and meaningView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep48: The Human Side of Risk and Relationships with Alisa VozyanaEp51: The Courage to Create – Finding Your Voice and Sharing Your Wisdom with Alison JonesEp42: From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief – Building Confidence and Authentic Leadership with Dr. Mary CollinsWhat does it really mean to become unapologetically you — and how can embracing discomfort lead to deeper growth and authenticity?
In this inspiring episode of Human Wise, host Helen Wada sits down with Alison Maitland and Liz Walker, co-founders of Becoming International, to explore what it means to lead and live with authenticity. Together, they unpack how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help leaders break free from old narratives, reconnect with their values, and build the confidence to show up as their full selves — at work and in life.
Helen, Alison, and Liz dive into the uncomfortable, yet transformative, process of growth: learning to notice emotions rather than suppress them, opening the “doors of the castle” to rediscover forgotten parts of ourselves, and recognising that the most human leaders are those willing to be vulnerable.
Whether you’re navigating leadership, change, or self-doubt, this episode offers a powerful reminder that authenticity isn’t something we perform — it’s something we practise.
Topics Discussed
What it means to be unapologetically human at workHow Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support leadership growthThe difference between horizontal and vertical developmentEmbracing discomfort as a pathway to self-awarenessReconnecting with your body and emotions as sources of intelligenceHow authenticity transforms confidence and leadership impactView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes:
Ep. 18: Harnessing Change Through Storytelling with Dr. Susanne EvansEp. 33: Navigating Leadership in Turbulent Times with Sophie TurnerEp. 41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesWhat if the fastest route to a happier life is to stop chasing happiness altogether? In this episode of Human Wise, host Helen Wada is joined by Frank Martela, Finnish philosopher, psychology researcher, and author, to explore why “maximising happiness” can backfire and what to do instead. Together they unpack how meaning is built through small daily choices, why knowing your values protects you from external noise, and how high-trust leadership can create more engaged, human workplaces. It is a grounded, thought-provoking conversation about building a good life and a healthier way of working, especially as we head into a new year.
Topics Discussed:
Why “stop chasing happiness” is a more effective philosophy than trying to optimise itHow to build a meaningful life through small choices, connection, and reflectionA practical exercise to identify what you truly enjoy and where your energy goesThe hidden cost of living to meet other people’s expectationsStable self-esteem, feedback, and how leaders can create safer environmentsWhy human connection matters even more in the age of AIView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesEp45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience: How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydEp49: Leading with Humanity: Exploring Shadows at Work with Steven D’SouzaWhat if the real secret to high performance is not working harder, but treating yourself and others with more kindness at work?
In this episode of the Human Wise podcast, host Helen Wada sits down with Graham Allcott, author of Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work and How to Be a Productivity Ninja, to explore how kindness, psychological safety and truly human leadership can transform the way we work. Graham shares why he believes “humans are weird,” why productivity is really about doing less, not more, and how an abundance mindset changes everything from our self-talk to the way we show up for others.
Together, Helen and Graham unpack the powerful links between kindness, productivity and commercial outcomes, from reducing stress and avoiding toxic productivity to creating teams that feel safe enough to speak up, challenge decisions and share bold ideas. They also explore the difference between being “nice” and being truly kind, why leaders need to slow down to notice the small moments that matter, and how we can all start by being kinder to ourselves first.
Topics Discussed
Human at work: why “humans are weird” and why that is our greatest strengthKindness and productivity: how empathy, rest and psychological safety drive performanceScarcity versus abundance: reframing “I am not enough” and the pressure to do moreThe ROI of kindness: stories, science and why kindness is a strategic advantageNice versus kind: truth, grace and having the courageous conversations that matterView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesEp45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience: How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydEp32: Navigating Executive Coaching and Business with Bill BermanWhat does it take to have the courage to create — to find your voice, share your ideas, and turn them into something that changes lives?
In this inspiring milestone episode, Helen Wada sits down with Alison Jones, publisher, coach, and founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing, for a conversation about courage, creativity and connection. Together, they explore what happens when you stop waiting for permission to create and start turning ideas into impact — one conversation, one page, and one person at a time.
Alison shares her journey from corporate publishing to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing how her coaching-led approach empowers leaders to transform expertise into influence. Helen reflects on the story behind her forthcoming book and the origins of the Human Framework — a model that brings coaching skills into commercial success by focusing on how we show up, connect, and collaborate.
It’s a powerful exchange about confidence, curiosity, and community — and a reminder that our greatest ideas don’t just build businesses, they build belonging.
Topics Discussed
From idea to impact: how books scale wisdom and credibilityThe Human Framework: showing up, understanding others, mindset, action, next stepsWriting as discovery: turning reflection into clear, communicable valueCoaching skills in commercial contexts and why confidence mattersBuilding communities around ideas and starting small to build momentumView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep44: Beyond the Numbers: Balancing Humanity and Commercial Clarity with Steve Day Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience — How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep24: The Art of Making Human Connections in Business with Phil SmithIn a world where convenience rules and everything can be ordered at the tap of a screen, what keeps people coming back to human connection?
In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada speaks with Aiga Sutka, luxury retail coach and trainer, about how emotional intelligence transforms not just the client experience but the entire culture of retail. With over a decade in the luxury sector — from Louis Vuitton to Gucci — Aiga reveals that true luxury isn’t found in products or price tags, but in presence, empathy, and human touch.
Together, Helen and Aiga unpack what it means to lead and sell through emotional intelligence. They explore how self-awareness helps teams manage pressure, how coaching can shift limiting beliefs, and why resilience is the ultimate measure of success in high-performing environments.
Aiga’s insights from the shop floor bring this philosophy to life — from helping team members overcome fear and self-doubt to showing how storytelling, care, and curiosity build trust that lasts far beyond a single sale.
This episode is a celebration of human-centred service, reminding us that in every interaction — whether in luxury retail or leadership — it’s our empathy and emotional awareness that define excellence.
Topics Discussed
Emotional intelligence as the foundation of meaningful serviceThe power of empathy and connection in client relationshipsCoaching as a tool for confidence and performanceResilience and self-awareness in high-pressure environmentsHow storytelling and authenticity elevate the luxury experienceView extended Shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Recommended Episodes
Ep40: The Power of Vulnerability and Values in Leadership with Jason Cotta Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience — How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesIn this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada sits down with author, educator, and leadership expert Steven D’Souza to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity. Drawing on decades of work in leadership development and reflective practice, Steven shares how acknowledging the light and shadow within ourselves can transform how we lead, connect, and grow.
Together, Helen and Steven discuss how vulnerability strengthens leadership, why embracing uncertainty is vital for human-centred growth, and how leaders can cultivate cultures that value self-awareness over perfection. It’s a rich, reflective conversation that reminds us, leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to look inward and lead with compassion and courage.
Topics Discussed in This Episode
The light and shadow sides of leadershipHuman-centred growth through reflection and awarenessLeading with authenticity and vulnerabilityHow embracing humanity builds trust in teamsReframing success through self-awareness and connectionView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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What does it truly mean to be human at work—and how can embracing vulnerability, empathy, and authentic connection actually drive business success? In this inspiring episode of the Human Wise Podcast, we unpack the power of human-centered leadership and relationship-building with Alisa Voznaya, risk consulting partner at BDO.
Discover how Alisa transitioned from a career in academia and forensic intelligence to leading risk strategy and building a successful consulting practice. She shares candid lessons on conquering imposter syndrome, cultivating trust, and why the “human advantage” is essential in today’s business world. Together, Alisa and Helen discuss coaching, active listening, reframing sales as genuine connection, and the long-term impact of nurturing relationships—not just chasing short-term wins.
If you’re looking to foster more meaningful professional relationships, build trust with clients, and lead with authenticity in a results-driven world, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and personal stories you won’t want to miss. Tune in to start building your own human advantage at work!
Topics discussed in this episode:
Building trust in client relationshipsHuman-centered approach to salesNavigating professional vulnerability at workLong-term business relationship strategiesIntegrating coaching skills in consultingView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Unlock the secrets to building trusted business relationships that drive sustainable growth in today’s AI-driven world. In this Human Wise episode, I’m joined by Ryan O’Sullivan, senior executive, business advisor, university lecturer and author of Building B2B Relationships. Together, we explore why trust, empathy and curiosity remain the most powerful differentiators for leaders and organisations navigating change.
Topics discussed in this interview:
Rethinking the outdated sales stereotypeEmotional investment in business partnershipsInternal collaboration for revenue growthHuman connection as AI advantageRelationship capital as strategic assetView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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Unlock the power of human-centered leadership and discover why slowing down could be your organization’s greatest competitive advantage. In this thought-provoking episode, executive coach and “Time to Think” expert Jane Adshead-Grant joins host Helen Wada to explore how deep listening, psychological safety, and compassionate leadership can bridge the gap between human value and business growth in today’s hyper-pressured workplaces.
Hear candid stories from Jane's decades-long journey in financial services and coaching, including practical frameworks leaders are using to boost trust, fuel innovation, and tackle burnout. Learn why “soft skills” are actually the hardest—and most critical—tools for modern teams to thrive, and how simple practices like intentional pauses and thinking environments can transform not just meetings but whole cultures.
Whether you’re an aspiring leader, team builder, or simply passionate about creating better work environments, this episode arms you with actionable insights and reflection questions to become more present, build stronger connections, and drive real results in the age of AI and constant change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—your people (and your performance) will thank you.
Topics Discussed:
Human centered leadership strategiesCrisis of connection and trustCompassionate leadership development skillsGenerative listening in organizationsView extended shownotes here
Further links to follow:
Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence
Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada
The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/
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