Human Wise

Hosted by Helen Wada

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Host and expert coach Helen Wada is a strong believer in the commercial advantage of being human at work. With over 25 years commercial experience, Helen has seen an opportunity for businesses to do things differently – a sweet spot where a coaching approach and commercial focus can co-exist to build a more human working world. This podcast is for anyone in business who believes that a better way of working is out there: better for teams, for organisations and, ultimately, for society as a whole. We'll hear from senior leaders, founders, people on the ground and professionals from a variety of different disciplines, learning from their unique wisdom and experience. So, if you're ready to make the human advantage your commercial advantage, join Helen and guests every other week on all major podcast directories.

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60 recent

September 15, 2026Episode 6936 min

Ep69: Why Human-Centred Leadership Drives Business Growth with Finesse Blumenthal

Recommended Episodes Ep47: Cultivating Human-Centred Leadership – Why Listening Is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage with Jane Adshead Ep57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage - How Leaders Stay Relevant in the Age of AI with David Feavearyear Ep62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma Waddington Can you really put people first and still deliver ambitious commercial growth, or is that the wrong question entirely? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada is joined by transformational Chief People Officer, entrepreneur and human capital growth strategist Finesse Blumenthal to explore why human-centred leadership and business performance belong together. Drawing on her experience working with high-growth organisations, executive teams and boards, Finesse challenges the idea that leaders must choose between caring about people and delivering results. Together, Helen and Finesse explore how listening, trust, accountability and meaningful development translate into commercial value. They discuss the role of human skills in an AI-enabled workplace, how people leaders can build stronger business cases for investment, and why leaders need to create a safety net that gives people the confidence to stretch themselves. Finesse also shares her unconventional journey into executive leadership and why she believes relationships, reinvention and the courage to step into the unknown can transform both careers and organisations. Topics Discussed Why people should never be treated simply as resources What should remain distinctly human as AI reshapes work Why human-centred leadership and commercial performance belong together Turning listening into action and measurable business value Making the business case for investing in people and human skills Why HR and people leaders need to speak the language of the business Finesse's unconventional journey into executive leadership Creating trust by giving people a safety net to experiment and grow Why stretching people requires both ambitious targets and strong coaching Preparing the next generation with relationship, communication and commercial skills 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/

September 1, 2026Episode 6837 min

Ep68: Why Knowing Yourself Is the Secret to Success with Helen Pamely

Recommended Episodes Ep47: Cultivating Human-Centred Leadership – Why Listening Is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage with Jane Adshead Ep62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma Waddington Ep63: Leading Through Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself with Sally Henderson Success often looks impressive from the outside, but what happens when it no longer feels fulfilling on the inside? In this episode of Human Wise , Helen Wada is joined by executive coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Lawyer Unleashed , Helen Pamely, to explore why the greatest leadership transformation begins with knowing yourself. Drawing on her journey from City law firm partner to executive coach, Helen shares how stepping away from a successful legal career allowed her to reconnect with her values, rediscover her voice, and build a business centred on authenticity, purpose, and human connection. Together, Helen and Helen discuss why self-awareness, coaching, and meaningful conversations are becoming essential leadership skills in an increasingly complex and AI-driven world. This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, professionals, and anyone who wants to achieve success without losing sight of who they are. Topics Discussed Why self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership Reconnecting with your own humanity before leading others The journey from external success to internal fulfilment How coaching transforms leadership and commercial conversations Why creating space leads to better thinking and decision-making Personal responsibility versus a victim mindset The neuroscience behind changing habits and mindset Building human-centred cultures in the age of AI Why listening is one of the most valuable commercial skills Gratitude, reflection, and creating sustainable success 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/

August 4, 2026Episode 6739 min

Ep67: Why Great Leaders Learn Through Failure with Melisa Buie

Recommended Episodes Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage – How Leaders Stay Relevant in the Age of AI with David Feavearyear Ep64: Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Your Humanity with Kate Adams Failure is something most of us try to avoid, yet it is often where our greatest learning begins. In this episode of Human Wise , Helen Wada is joined by engineer, researcher, leadership expert, and author Melisa Buie to explore why curiosity, experimentation, and reflection are becoming essential skills for modern leaders. Drawing on a career spanning engineering, operational excellence, leadership, and problem solving, Melisa shares why technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Together, Helen and Melisa discuss how leaders can build confidence by embracing uncertainty, learning from setbacks, and creating cultures where experimentation leads to innovation rather than fear. This is a thought-provoking conversation for leaders, technical professionals, and organisations looking to develop more curious, resilient, and human-centred teams. Topics Discussed Why failure is one of our greatest teachers The role of curiosity in leadership and innovation How technical experts become stronger leaders Creating psychologically safe environments for experimentation Reflection as a tool for continuous improvement Building confidence through action instead of perfection The relationship between operational excellence and human leadership Helping teams solve problems more effectively Why AI makes human judgement even more valuable Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth 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/

July 21, 2026Episode 6644 min

Ep66: Building Human Wise Organisations in the Age of AI with Perry Timms

Recommended Episodes Ep57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage – How Leaders Stay Relevant in the Age of AI with David Feavearyear Ep59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O'Neill Ep62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma Waddington What does it take to build organisations where people genuinely thrive while delivering sustainable business performance? In this episode of Human Wise , Helen Wada is joined by Perry Timms, internationally recognised HR thinker, organisational development expert, and author, to explore why the future of work depends on putting people, purpose, and humanity at the centre of business. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in business transformation and organisational development, Perry shares why organisations must rethink traditional models of leadership, performance, and work itself. Together, Helen and Perry discuss AI, organisational design, meaningful work, trust, and why the organisations that succeed tomorrow will be those that remain deeply human today. This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, HR professionals, founders, and anyone passionate about creating workplaces where both people and organisations flourish. Topics Discussed: Why human-centred organisations outperform in the long term The future of work in the age of AI Purpose as a driver of sustainable performance Organisational design for modern workplaces Trust, autonomy, and meaningful work Why profit should be an outcome, not the purpose Leadership that enables people to thrive Balancing technology with humanity The changing role of HR in business transformation Building organisations fit for the future 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/

July 7, 2026Episode 6544 min

Ep65: Leading with Relational Intelligence with Kate Heard

Recommended Episodes Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly Yogendra Ep63: Leading Through Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself with Sally Henderson Ep64: Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Your Humanity with Kate Adams Leadership 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 thinking 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/

June 23, 2026Episode 7440 min

Ep64: Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Your Humanity with Kate Adams

Recommended Episodes Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly Yogendra Ep62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma Waddington Ep63: Leading Through Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself with Sally Henderson What 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 pressure Why leadership complexity is increasing The relationship between accountability and scrutiny How curiosity and listening improve decision-making Leading yourself before leading others Understanding stakeholders and systems thinking Balancing commercial performance with societal impact Why awareness creates better leadership The importance of holding different perspectives Creating space between stimulus and response 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/

June 9, 2026Episode 6353 min

Ep63: Leading Through Uncertainty Without Losing Yourself with Sally Henderson

Recommended Episodes Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly Yogendra Ep62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma Waddington What 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 leadership The relationship between personal identity and professional identity Why boundaries are essential for sustainable performance The difference between purpose and action How leaders can reframe high-stakes situations The role of emotional awareness and embodied leadership Using breath, reflection, and recovery to improve performance Why rhythm matters more than time management Balancing commercial success with personal wellbeing How trust, courage, and energy shape high-performance leadership 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/

May 20, 2026Episode 6239 min

Ep62: Sustainable Success at Work Starts with Being Human with Dr. Emma Waddington

Recommended Episodes Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience – How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O’Neill Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly Yogendra What 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 workplaces The connection between high performance and psychological safety How leaders create cultures where people can speak up Balancing commercial success with human-centred leadership The importance of reset, reflection, and deliberate rest How trust shapes customer relationships and team performance Why listening is one of the most underrated business skills AI, relationships, and the future of human connection at work How identity, belonging, and purpose influence wellbeing Why sustainable success requires both performance and humanity 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/

May 12, 2026Episode 6153 min

Ep61: What It Takes to Lead in the Boardroom Today with Shefaly Yogendra

Recommended Episodes Ep43: Finding Your Voice in Leadership – The Human Advantage of Conscious Communication with Alan Robertson Ep57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage – How Leaders Stay Relevant in the Age of AI with David Feavearyear Ep59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O’Neill What 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 boardroom Why curiosity and patience are essential leadership skills The importance of knowing yourself as a leader Governance, stewardship, and long-term value creation How leaders navigate competing priorities and agendas Why conversational skills shape better decision-making The risks of cognitive outsourcing in the age of AI Creating more inclusive and future-focused boardrooms How observation, reflection, and listening improve leadership 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/

April 28, 2026Episode 6046 min

Ep60: Rethinking Sales in Professional Services: Finding Your Way to Grow Your Business with Rachel Harrison

Recommended Episodes Ep56: The Human Side of Sales with Jim Bloomfield Ep57: Curiosity as Competitive Advantage with David Feavearyear Ep59: We Cannot Leave Meaning to Machines with Kate O’Neill What 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 experts The gap in sales and leadership training in professional services Reframing business development as human connection How confidence grows through action and coaching The role of mindset, identity and self-belief in sales Why relationships and referrals drive sustainable growth The impact of AI on technical roles and human differentiation How leaders can retain talent by changing how sales is taught 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/