The Change Show with Simon Phillips

Hosted by Simon Phillips

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Jul 2026

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Expert guests, career tips and strategies, leadership insights and more. Got a question for Simon about a Change you're struggling with? Get in touch via any social media channel. Remember to Subscribe and Follow to keep the Show in your list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 2, 202633 min

The Change Man Interviews - with James Kellock

in this episode of The Change Show, Simon Phillips is joined by James Kellogg, founder of Ripple Core. James shares insights on measuring kindness in organizations, the science behind positive habits, and how neuroscience can transform workplace culture. Discover practical ways to embed kindness into your leadership and community building efforts. Key Topics Measuring kindness in organizations The difference between being nice and being kind Using technology to track acts of kindness The role of neuroscience in understanding behaviour Building habits of kindness through daily practice The impact of kindness on mental health and community The concept of 'bloom scrolling' to promote positivity The integration of social impact and business profit The importance of psychological safety in workplaces Leadership strategies for fostering kindness and compassion Takeaways Kindness can be measured and visualized in organizations. Acts of kindness trigger positive neuro-chemical responses like serotonin and oxytocin. Habitual practice of kindness is essential for embedding it into culture. Neuroscience shows that psychological safety encourages creativity and openness. Filling our brains with positivity through 'bloom scrolling' can reduce negativity. Trust and psychological safety are key to organizational resilience. Supporting kindness initiatives can align with business and social goals. Witnessing kindness can boost well-being and reinforce positive behaviour. The 'bully brain' concept highlights the importance of compassion in reducing toxicity. Leadership that models kindness fosters loyalty and high performance. Sound Bites "Being kind can mean saying what they probably don't want to hear." "Fill your brain with positive things, and kindness will come out." "The kindest person is often the most intelligent." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Ripple Core and the Power of Kindness 02:08 - James Kellogg's Journey from Corporate to Kindness Measurement 04:03 - The Next Step: Building a Culture of Kindness 05:53 - Measuring Kindness: Differentiating Nice and Kind 08:11 - Using Technology to Track Acts of Kindness 10:10 - The Science of Habit Formation and Kindness 12:08 - The Impact of Positivity on Mental Health and Society 14:05 - Witnessing Kindness and Its Psychological Benefits 16:00 - Ripple Core's Business Model and Social Impact 17:57 - Building Community and Supporting Values through Sponsorships 19:54 - Neuroscience Insights: The Bully Brain and Psychological Safety 22:12 - Trust, Loyalty, and Kindness in Leadership 23:07 - The Biggest Ripple: Trust and Compassion in Organizations 25:03 - Future Collaborations and Expanding the Kindness Movement 26:01 - Passing the Baton: Next Change Makers to Watch 26:56 - Recommended Resources and How to Connect # kindness #workplaceculture #neuroscience #RippleCore #mentalhealth #organizationalchange #habits #socialimpact #leadership #community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 2, 202629 min

The Change Man Interviews - with Jean Bernier

In this episode, Simon Phillips interviews Jean Bernier, Co-Founder of anniQ, about how AI can be a powerful tool for better decision-making, saving time, and enhancing human capabilities. They explore practical applications, overcoming skepticism, and the future of AI in business and life. Key Topics AI as a tool for better decisions and more time Overcoming skepticism about AI in teams Practical AI applications in hospitality and startups Frameworks for automating routine tasks The importance of purpose-driven AI adoption Takeaways AI can give back valuable time for humans to focus on creative and empathetic activities. Start small with automation and focus on high-value tasks. Understanding the right AI tools for specific tasks is crucial. AI won't replace human skills but will augment them. Consistency in content creation with AI can build brand presence. Sound Bites "Time is the most valuable thing we have as humans." "AI is a mathematical pattern, not a human replacement." "Advance one step every day, and enjoy the process." Chapters 00:00 The Value of Time and Technology 03:08 Navigating AI Skepticism 05:57 Transformative AI Success Stories 09:11 Practical AI Applications for Leaders 11:59 The Role of Automation in Business 14:49 Introducing Annie Q: A New Solution 18:11 The Human Element in AI 20:58 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Jean's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Stay A Little Bit Longer" by BB King & Buddy Guy and "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" by Big Daddy Wilson. 🔗 Connect with us: Jean: Linkedin: Jean Bernier Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #BusinessTransformation, #TimeManagement, #DataDrivenDecisions, #AITools, #Leadership, #Innovation, #DigitalTransformation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 202639 min

The ChangeMan Interviews - with Alicia Navarro

In this episode, Alicia Navarro, founder and CEO of FLOWN, shares her journey from tech entrepreneur to innovator in focus and productivity. Discover how her insights into culture, deep work, and social mimicry are transforming how we work, especially for neurodiverse individuals. Key Topics Deep work and focus strategies Building a strong team culture Innovations in productivity for neurodiverse individuals Sound Bites "Social mimicry helps us focus and learn" "Majority of users are people with ADHD" "Flown can increase productivity by 123%" Chapters 00:00 Alicia Navarro's Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship 12:37 The Birth of Flown: Fostering Focus and Flow 19:46 Building a Deep Work Culture 22:15 Navigating Uncertainty During COVID-19 26:52 Unexpected Insights and Community Building 32:26 Future Vision for Flown Alicia's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac. 🔗 Connect with us: Alicia: Linkedin: Alicia Navarro Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #neurodiversity #remotework #culture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 23, 202646 min

The ChangeMan Interviews - with Virginia (Gini) Holden

In this insightful interview, Virginia Holden shares her expertise on systems change, neuroscience, and how understanding human behaviour can transform organizations. Discover practical strategies to overcome resistance, foster psychological safety, and leverage AI for democratizing knowledge. Gini is the inventor of Bag For Life and is currently part of the exec team delivering AnniQ and consulting with companies all over the world through her own company the f0undry . Keywords Systems Change, Neuroscience, Human Behavior, Organizational Transformation, Psychological Safety, AI, Decision Making, Change Resistance Key topics Neuroscience and behavior change Resistance to organizational change Systems thinking and cultural shifts Using AI to democratize knowledge and decision-making Sound Bites "Change is a cultural shift, not just tool adoption." "Trust and truth are arbitraged within the system." "Your brain is wired to stay in the same place." Gini's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz & the Plastic Population. 🔗 Connect with us: Gini: Linkedin: Gini Holden Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #organizationalchange #psychologysafety #changeimpact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 18, 202545 min

The ChangeMan Interviews - with Karla Combres

In this engaging conversation, Simon Phillips interviews Karla Combres, a legacy guide and celebrant, who shares her journey from childhood aspirations to her current work in helping individuals navigate life's transitions through meaningful rituals and ceremonies. Karla discusses the importance of normalizing conversations around death, the role of community in ceremonies, and the courage it takes to connect with what truly matters in life. She emphasizes the significance of personal stories and shared humanity in creating impactful experiences, both in personal and professional settings. The conversation culminates in a beautiful musical reflection that encapsulates the essence of love and connection. Takeaways Karla Combres helps individuals explore meaning and creativity. Death Cafes provide a safe space to discuss death. Rituals are essential for navigating life transitions. Community plays a vital role in ceremonies. Courage is needed to meet life's significant moments. Personal stories enrich the experience of ceremonies. Creating rituals can help honour life's milestones. Shared humanity enhances workplace dynamics. Legacy is about living your values every day. Music can provide comfort and connection during transitions. Sound Bites "We are social beings, ritual beings." "The sky is the limit for ceremonies." "Your project is your life." Karla's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "May Only Love Surround You" by the Portland Threshold Voices. 🔗 Connect with us: Karla: Linkedin: Karla Combres Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #LegacyGuide #Celebrant #LifeChanges #LovingLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 12, 202521 min

The ChangeMan Interviews - with Jim Hughes

In this conversation, Jim Hughes, founder of Untamed, shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of reconnecting with one's authentic self. He discusses the concept of 'swimming up someone else's river' as a metaphor for living out of alignment with one's true self. Jim emphasises the need for self-awareness and the courage to embrace change, while also exploring the origins of his coaching philosophy and the impact of family dynamics on personal growth. He offers insights into the first steps towards finding one's untamed path and the significance of playfulness in coaching. The conversation concludes with a discussion on future opportunities and collaborations in the coaching space. Takeaways Jim helps business owners reconnect with their authentic selves. Living out of alignment feels like swimming upstream. Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth. The journey to change often takes years of misalignment. Untamed encourages individuals to embrace their true selves. Playfulness in coaching can lead to deeper connections. Family dynamics can reveal different sides of ourselves. The first step to change is quantifying the cost of the status quo. An untamed person is aware of their various cast members. Optimising one's approach is often easier than fixing problems. Sound Bites "Swimming up someone else's river." "The cost of being unfit is massive." "Care less about what other people think." Jim's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Homecoming" by Josh Ritter. 🔗 Connect with us: Jim: Linkedin: Jim Hughes Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #AuthenticLeadership #SelfAwareness #ChangeLeadership #LACEWay #UntamedSelf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 2, 202535 min

The Change Man Interviews - with Matt Hocking

In this conversation, Matt Hocking, Founder of Leap, discusses the unique intersection of corporate design and environmental consciousness, reflecting on his childhood passions for space and nature. He shares a pivotal moment that led him to embrace a career that combines these elements, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creativity in design. Takeaways The blend of corporate and environmental design can lead to innovative solutions. Childhood passions can significantly influence career choices. Embracing opportunities can prevent future regrets. Collaboration between different fields can spark creativity. Designers can play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Personal experiences shape professional paths. The importance of research in understanding new environments. Aesthetic appreciation for nature can drive design decisions. Space exploration themes can inspire design thinking. The emotional connection to nature can enhance design outcomes. Sound Bites "Imagine my corporate world meeting your environmental world." "I saw my childhood love of space and nature." "If I turn this down, I am gonna forever regret it." Matt's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Offshore" by Chicane. 🔗 Connect with us: Matt: LinkedIn: Matt Hocking Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #SustainableDesign, #EnvironmentalLeadership, #CareerTransformation, #GreenBusiness, #PurposeDrivenDesign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 12, 202527 min

The Change Man Interviews - with Toby Mildon

In this conversation, Simon Phillips hears from Toby Mildon and his personal experiences with workplace discrimination related to his disability. Toby recounts a specific incident where a health and safety manager deemed him a fire hazard due to his wheelchair, leading to his isolation from his team. The emotional impact of this experience is profound, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in professional environments. Takeaways The health and safety assessment led to unexpected discrimination. Isolation from the team can have severe emotional effects. Returning to the old office was a brave but difficult decision. Health and safety regulations can sometimes overlook individual needs. Emotional responses to discrimination are valid and important. Communication with clients can be affected by emotional distress. Workplace policies need to be more inclusive of disabilities. Support from colleagues is crucial for individuals facing discrimination. Understanding and empathy are essential in workplace dynamics. Personal experiences can drive advocacy for better workplace policies. Sound Bites "I was a fire hazard in my wheelchair." "I ended up going into the disabled toilet and crying." Toby's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "It's a Sin" by Olly Alexander and Elton John. 🔗 Connect with us: Toby: LinkedIn: Toby Mildon Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #WorkplaceDiscrimination #EmotionalHealth #TeamDynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 3, 202527 min

The ChangeMan Interviews - with Toby Lewis

In this insightful discussion, Toby Lewis, CEO of Live Group and Envoku, shares his extensive experience in event management and his innovative approach to transforming how organisations engage with their audiences. He discusses the evolution of his understanding of audience engagement, shaped by his own learning experiences and observations from managing thousands of conferences. Toby reveals how his new venture, Envoku, uses sophisticated profiling tools to help organisations create more personalised and effective events, addressing the growing need for tailored experiences in an increasingly diverse workplace. Key insights include the importance of understanding different learning styles, the generational shift in workplace expectations, and the need to give voice to the 'silent majority' in organisations. Toby also shares a fascinating case study of how webcasting transformed a tax conference, leading to tenfold audience growth and renewed engagement. His advice for change makers? "Keep an open mind. Look at different ways, even if they feel really radical at first. Embrace that palpitation that you get when you find yourself in an uncomfortable position." Toby's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Mr. Blue Sky" by The Electric Light Orchestra - the song he plays at the end of every conference worldwide. 🔗 Connect with us: Toby: LinkedIn: Toby Lewis Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #EventManagement #OrganisationalChange #PersonalisedLearning #TheChangeShow #TobyLewis #Envoku #LiveGroup #Innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 2, 202428 min

The ChangeMan Interviews - with Guirlaine Ritha Belizaire

In this enlightening conversation, Guirlaine R. Belizaire shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a prominent figure in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of following one's heart and the challenges faced in the world of philanthropy. She discusses the prevalent scarcity mentality in nonprofits, the evolution of her career through various organizations, and the critical role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in creating sustainable change. Guirlaine highlights the necessity of soul work in DEI efforts and the importance of embracing ambiguity in the process of transformation. She also shares her future aspirations, including a new podcast focused on collective trauma and healing. Guirlaine's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Imagine" by John Lennon. 🔗 Connect with us: Guirlaine: LinkedIn: Guirlaine Ritha Belizaire Simon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips #healing #collectivetrauma #DEI #TheChangeShow #GuirlaineBelizaire #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.