Let's Talk About EX

Hosted by Ryan McGrory

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Nov 2025

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EN-AU

About the show

Let’s Talk About EX is brought to you by exsona, and discusses the exciting ideas and big challenges facing workplace culture and employee experience (EX). Your host Ryan McGrory interviews a series of interesting people who have interesting views, opinions, experiences or ‘stuff’ to say on the topic, or topics related to the leadership, recruitment, learning, wellbeing, company culture, values, purpose, design and more! The purpose of the podcast is to explore specific topics, pose interesting questions, tackle difficult problems and share helpful strategies.

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32 recent

November 9, 2025Episode 1331 min

Rebuilding Culture, Reducing Turnover: Lessons from Country Chef Bakery

In this episode of Let's Talk About EX, Melitta MacDonald, Chief People Officer at Country Chef Bakery Co, shares her journey of transforming the company's culture and drastically reducing employee turnover from 56% to single digits. She discusses the challenges faced during a major merger, the importance of leadership buy-in, and the strategies implemented to create a strong employer brand and engage employees effectively. Melitta emphasises the significance of listening to employees, fostering a positive work environment, and the financial impact of employee retention on the business.TakeawaysCulture change is possible even in high turnover industries.A strong employer brand attracts the right talent.Engagement and retention strategies must be data-driven.Leadership buy-in is crucial for cultural transformation.Listening to employees provides valuable insights for improvement.Investing in employee development enhances retention.Creating a positive work environment boosts morale.Effective communication fosters a sense of belonging.Building relationships within teams enhances collaboration.Sustaining engagement requires ongoing effort and strategy.

June 25, 2025Episode 1229 min

The Pay Transparency Shift: Why Startups Can’t Afford to Wing It

In this episode of Let’s Talk About EX, we sit down with Matt McFarlane—founder of Comp Strategy and brains behind the Startup People Summit—to talk all things compensation.We unpack:Why startups get compensation wrong (and what it costs them)The rise of pay transparency—and how to prepare for itWhat ‘getting it right’ really means (hint: it’s not just about numbers)Why early-stage people leaders need better support (and how Matt’s fixing that)Matt also shares the backstory behind launching the Startup People Summit—a new event tackling real-world people challenges in fast-growth environments.Whether you’re a Head of People, a founder, or just compensation-curious, this one’s for you.If you want to go deeper, check out:Matt’s newsletter: The FNDN SeriesHis upcoming event: Startup People SummitOr follow him on LinkedIn: Matt McFarlane

June 18, 2025Episode 1129 min

Dr Nora Koslowski on Fostering Women in Leadership

About the episode:Nora Koslowski is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of EVEN, a digital career development platform designed to shift the stats and support more women into leadership. In this episode, she shares the founder story behind EVEN (which started over a cocktail), her firsthand experience of workplace discrimination, and the structural challenges that still hold women back at work.We also dive into:Why the “hourglass” issue is stalling gender equityWhat great inclusive cultures actually look likeWhy digital transformation depends on culture, not techHow organisations can take real action to support women’s career progressionNora’s message is clear: inclusion isn’t a policy — it’s a practice. And it’s time to treat it like one.About Nora:Dr Nora Koslowski is a learning innovation expert and the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of EVEN. She's worked across four countries, held senior roles in academia and business, and now helps employers close the leadership gender gap through bold, evidence-based career development programs.📧 nora@even-careers.com🌐 even-careers.com🔗 Follow Nora on LinkedIn

June 11, 2025Episode 1038 min

Upstream or Underwater: Rethinking Men’s Mental Health at Work

On this episode (in recognition of Men’s Health Week) we’re joined by Rae Bonney OAM — mental health specialist, men’s health advocate, counsellor, and all-round force for good.From workplaces to policy tables, Rae’s work challenges how we think about masculinity, mental health, and the stories we tell ourselves about what men “should” be.In this episode:Why “men don’t talk” is a mythThe heartbreaking (and too-common) story of Hypothetical HarryWhy most wellbeing programs fail to reach the men who need themHow workplaces can step up without stripping away masculinityWhat it really means to create space and psychological safetyWhether you lead a team or love someone who’s struggling, this one will stick with you.🧠 “Don’t assume you know what’s going on. Ask: what does it feel like being you today?”About Rae Bonney OAMRae is a workplace mental health specialist, qualified counsellor, and advocate for men’s and boys’ health. She’s worked across heavy industry, public policy, and crisis response — and brings both lived and professional experience to everything she does. Rae is a Beyond Blue ambassador, Vice President of the Australian Men’s Health Forum, and Vice Chair of Global Action on Men’s Health.🎙 Listen to Let’s Talk About EXWe tackle the tough stuff about workplace culture, wellbeing, burnout, and people strategy — without the fluff.💬 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if it hit home.👉 exsona.com👉 Connect with Rae via LinkedIn 👉 Book a free People Strategy Session: exsona.com/contact#MensHealthWeek #RaeBonney #EmployeeExperience #MentalHealth #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleStrategy #EX #PsychosocialSafety

February 25, 2025Episode 923 min

Alexia Ellmers on Revolutionizing EVP in Tech

Show Notes Host: Ryan McGroryGuest: Alexia Elmers, Talent Acquisition SpecialistEpisode Highlights: EVPs and Employer Branding: Alexia discusses the importance of crafting authentic employer brand narratives that resonate deeply with potential hires. Diversity and Inclusion: Insights on fostering inclusive workplaces that celebrate diversity of thought and contribute to team success. Candidate Experience: Alexia shares her approach to transforming the recruitment experience by being transparent and engaging throughout the process. Strategic Talent Acquisition: Learn about the challenges and strategies for integrating company acquisitions into a cohesive culture. Advice for HR Professionals: Alexia provides practical tips for those looking to enhance their employer branding and attract the right talent.Resources Mentioned: Go1’s Approach to EVP: How Alexia helped reshape the EVP to reflect the current identity of Go1 amidst rapid organizational changes. Action Steps: Alexia emphasizes the importance of acting on employee feedback to improve the recruitment process and overall company culture.Listen and Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

February 11, 2025Episode 832 min

Elevating Human Experiences at Work with Alana Bennett

Episode Title: Elevating Human Experiences at WorkGuest: Alana BennettFounder, Connected ExperienceExpert in Employee Experience Design and Fractional CPO ServicesIn this Episode:About Alana Bennett: Introduction to Alana's journey from leading employee experience before it became a recognised field, to founding Connected Experience.The Birth of Connected Experience: How the pandemic influenced the trajectory of employee experience and led to the creation of Alana's company during a pivotal global shift.Fractional CPO Role: Exploration of the growing trend of fractional CPO roles, their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the strategic value they bring to resource-constrained environments.Integrating Strategy with People Operations: Alana discusses the critical integration of business and people strategies, emphasising the seamless alignment for organisational success.Leadership Development: Insights into Alana’s approach to leadership development, focusing on context-specific strategies and experiential learning.Future of HR and People Ops: Predictions and advice for evolving HR practices to meet modern business challenges and enhance organisational performance.Resources and Links:Visit Connected ExperienceFollow Alana Bennett on LinkedInInspired to transform your employee experience? Book a consultation with Alana to begin your journey toward a more connected and engaged workplace.

January 28, 2025Episode 736 min

Leading with Integrity: Fay Calderone’s Blueprint for a Respectful Workplace

Show Notes: Episode Title: Leading with Integrity: Fay Calderone’s Blueprint for a Respectful Workplace Guest: Fay Calderone, Employment Lawyer and Author Overview: In this episode, Ryan McGrory sits down with Fay Calderone to discuss her impactful work in employment law and her recent book, "Broken to Safe." Fay shares her insights on how leaders can create safer, more inclusive workplaces that not only comply with laws but also foster a culture where employees flourish. Key Points: The Inspiration Behind 'Broken to Safe': Fay discusses what motivated her to write her book and how her experiences as an employment lawyer shaped its content. Creating Safe Workplaces: Fay elaborates on practical strategies for leaders to eliminate toxicity and ensure safety in the workplace. The Role of Leadership in Employee Wellbeing: Insights into how leadership styles impact employee health and organizational culture. Legal Implications: Fay discusses the evolving legal landscape and how organizations can stay compliant while fostering a positive workplace culture. Advice for Leaders: Practical tips from Fay on how leaders can proactively address workplace challenges and support their teams. Resources Mentioned: Fay Calderone’s Book - "Broken to Safe" Diversity Council of Australia’s Research on Workplace Inclusion For more insights on enhancing your workplace culture, visit Exsona’s official website and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and resources.

January 15, 2025Episode 131 min

Designing Engagement: From Pastries to Playbooks with Luke Jamieson

Introduction to Luke Jamieson: Meet Luke, a self-proclaimed ‘well-behaved larrikin’ and a visionary in employee and customer engagement. The Story Behind the Bio: Luke discusses his humorous yet insightful take on professional bios and how it reflects his approach to work. Unconventional Career Paths: From his beginnings as a pastry chef to becoming a CX and EX leader, Luke shares how diverse experiences contribute to his expertise. Gamification and Engagement: Insights into how gamification can transform workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Candid Thoughts: A frank discussion about the intersection of employee experience and organisational success, and how personal authenticity plays a role in professional settings. Resources and Further Reading: Links to Luke’s content, his co-hosted series #Twenty20ish, and how to connect with him for more insights. Episode Availability: Listen to the full conversation on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

November 18, 2024Episode 130 min

Allan Sparkes on Transforming Adversity into Advocacy

Allan Sparkes on Transforming Adversity into Advocacy Join us in this powerful episode of "Let's Talk About EX," where we sit down with Allan Sparkes, CV, OAM, a name synonymous with bravery and resilience. Allan is not only a celebrated hero but also a staunch advocate for mental health. His life's work, transitioning from a decorated police veteran to a mental health advocate, offers invaluable insights into the role of mental wellness in high-stakes professions. In our conversation, Allan shares his personal journey through critical mental health battles and how these experiences shaped his mission to foster mental resilience among first responders and beyond. Key Topics Discussed: Allan's transformation from receiving Australia’s highest bravery decorations to becoming a mental health advocate. The critical importance of addressing mental health proactively, particularly in high-pressure environments. Allan’s initiatives and programs designed to enhance mental health among first responders and corporate settings. Resources Mentioned: Allan Sparkes' Website Allan's LinkedIn Profile "The Cost of Bravery" by Allan Sparkes available on Amazon Interested in learning more about how to support culture in your organisation? Contact Exsona for consultations and workshops on creating inclusive environments that harness the full potential of all employees. Visit our website to get started. Subscribe & Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk About EX" on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on LinkedIn for more insights into enhancing workplace culture and employee experience.

October 15, 2024Episode 435 min

Harnessing Neurodiversity: Insights from Mariane Power on Workplace Inclusion

Episode Overview: Join host Ryan McGrory as he explores the fascinating world of neurodiversity in leadership with Mariane Power, a clinical psychologist and executive coach who specializes in neuro-affirming solutions for neurodivergent leaders. Discover the unique challenges and strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to leadership roles and how inclusive practices can benefit everyone in the workplace. What You’ll Learn: The importance of neurodiversity in fostering innovation and creativity in the workplace. Practical strategies for creating neuro-affirming environments that promote psychological safety. Insights from leading research on neurodiversity, including studies from Deloitte and academics like Bruyère and Colella. Featured Guest: Mariane Power Mariane Power is a future-focused clinical psychologist and the co-founder of The Posify Group. She integrates positive psychology, neuroscience, and performance principles into career and leadership development, focusing on neurodivergent professionals. Resources Mentioned: Deloitte Paper on Neurodiversity McDowall, Doyle, & Kiseleva (2023) - Neurodiversity at Work Bruyère & Colella (2022) - Neurodiversity in the Workplace Connect with Mariane: Website LinkedIn Interested in learning more about how to support culture in your organisation? Contact Exsona for consultations and workshops on creating inclusive environments that harness the full potential of all employees. Visit our website to get started. Subscribe & Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk About EX" on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on LinkedIn for more insights into enhancing workplace culture and employee experience.