Inspiring Thoughts Podcast

Performance Without Fear — with Aaron Hearne MBE

What does it take to build a culture where people feel safe, valued and able to perform at their best? In this uplifting episode of the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast, Stephen Adams speaks with Aaron Hearne MBE, leader, fundraiser, volunteer and Founder of The Liam Charity, for a conversation full of heart, honesty and practical wisdom.

Together they explore:

• Why leading with...

Inspiring Thoughts Podcast – Episode 45

Culture as Kindness with Sasi Venables

What does great culture look like? In this energising conversation, Stephen Adams sits down with Sasi Venables Chartered FCIPD, Transformational Coach, speaker, facilitator, and founder of The HR Confidence Club to explore why the best cultures aren’t built on slogans… but on everyday acts of kindness.

Together they unpack:

• Why cu...

🎙️ Inspiring Thoughts Podcast — Before It Boils Episode 44

In this special episode, Louisa sits down with Jenni Miller and Stephen Adams — co‑authors of Before It Boils — to explore the quiet, everyday tensions that shape workplace culture long before they erupt. Together, they unpack why conflict so often goes unaddressed, what true prevention looks like in practice, and how leaders can create environments where...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 43 of The Inspiring Thoughts Podcast.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most fast‑moving areas of modern business: the world of HR. And with 2026 bringing some of the most significant employment changes we’ve seen in years, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Stephen Adams, CEO of Inspiring Cultures Ltd, is joined by respected HR Consultant Amanda Nichols to unpack what’s comi...

🎙️ Inspiring Thoughts Podcast – Working Hard at Being Lucky 🚀

Luck isn’t just chance—it’s crafted through preparation, mindset, and meaningful connections! This month, host Stephen Adams explores the science of luck with Jane Hodgson—Trainer, Rock Star Enabler, and expert in turning opportunity into success.

✨ What you’ll discover:

🔍 The secret to spotting luck vs. seizing the moment

💭 Why ...

🎙️ Inspiring Thoughts Podcast – Cultural Transition! 🚀 Cultural transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to unlocking careers, empowering teams, and enriching lives. This month on the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast, host Stephen Adams dives into the art and science of cultural transition with Wendy Copper, Leadership & Culture Specialist for Imagine Change Consulting🌟

💡 In this episode, we disc...

🎙️ Inspiring Thoughts Podcast - Mastering the Art of Coaching! 🚀

Coaching is a skill that can truly transform careers, teams, and lives. This month on the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast, Stephen Adams is joined by the brilliant Kathleen Cushnie to explore Mastering the Art of Coaching.

💡 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ How to build trust and confidence in coaching relationships

✅ The power of listening and asking the right questions

...

💫 Inspiring Thoughts Podcast - Taking Ownership in Your Development💫

In this episode of our Inspiring Thoughts podcast we are joined by Gemma Krasucka to talk about the importance of taking ownership of your personal development.

As head of Learning and Development at Leicester City Football Club, Gemma knows how accountability and mindset can play pivotal roles in your self-development journey.

Gemma shares with us some excel...

🎙️ Introducing the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast! 🎙️

We are thrilled to share the latest episode of the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast, where we explore ideas that ignite growth, spark creativity, and empower change. In this episode, Stephen Adams talks with Marisa Thomas, Executive Coach and Author, to discuss a critical cornerstone of effective leadership: Trust. 🤝

Marisa dives deep into:

✨ Why trust is the foundation of strong teams...

🌟 Introducing the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast! 🌟

We’re thrilled to kick off our latest episode with none other than Rugby World Champion, Kat Merchant! 🏆🎙️

In this empowering conversation, Kat dives deep into what truly makes a positive leadership culture. Drawing from her experience on and off the field, she shares:

💡 How leaders can inspire and uplift their teams 💡 The role of trust and mutual respect in achieving grea...

In this month's episode of the Inspiring Thoughts Podcast, Stephen Adams is joined by Alex Thomas for an insightful conversation about Authentic Leadership and the challenges of managing Leadership roles. Alex begins by reminiscing about the early stages of his career, sharing valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

Throughout his remarkable journey, Alex emphasises that hard work and drive are the cornerstones of truly inspir...

In this week's Inspiring Thoughts Podcast Stephen Adams is joined by Jess Pressland to talk about attracting talent into organisations.   Jess shares with us her invaluable insights gained from her experience working in this field. Jess explains the pathway which you should be taking to ensure you are recruiting the best people for your roles. From attraction and onboarding to performance management and continuous learning, th...

Dean Giles recently joined Stephen Adams on the "Inspiring Thoughts Podcast" to share his remarkable journey in the field of Learning and Development (L&D). During the episode, Dean delved into the pivotal moments that shaped his career, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way.

Dean's story is one of passion and resilience. He recounted how his early experiences ignit...

In this month's Inspiring Podcast Stephen Adams has a great chat with Emma Djemil discussing her passion of helping women in the HR profession 'Be Unstoppable'. Emma's coaching is helping women break down barriers to their own success and overcoming many misconceptions of the profession.   Emma is also the founder of The Big HR Meet, which if you aren't already a member of, we would highly recommend. It is more than just a net...

In this Months Inspiring Thoughts Podcast Stephen Adams has a great conversation with Claire Thorpe about all things Authentic Leadership.

Claire is passionate about helping companies develop a coaching approach to leadership as she knows first hand the benefits this can have for any organisation, regardless of industry type.

They discuss the importance of several key leadership traits including listening, self-awareness, vulnerabi...

In this month's Inspiring Thoughts Podcast we talked to Claire Johnston, People Director at Crerar Hotels.  We had a great discussion about the people function and attracting talent and although Claires vast experience is within the hospitality industry, the same principles can be applied to any organisation.    Claire's view on how the changing face of the modern workforce has made recruitment much more of a two-way...

We have been lucky enough to work with Jo Lakin on several occasions, one of which was when she attended our Accreditation in Mediation course and became a certified mediator. So, it was a delight to have Jo on our Inspiring Thoughts podcast this week discussing the 'Power of Early Dialogue'.    Jo tells Stephen Adams how the skills she learnt help both in her Employee Relations role, as well as outside of the workplace. ...

In this week's Inspiring Thoughts Podcast Stephen Adams talks to Vic Haynes, Head of People & Culture Saint Gobain Pam UK to talk about how they took the brave step to introduce a Modern HR framework into their business.

They are a great example of how it is possible to rip-up the traditional HR rulebook and instead have a culture which better fits their shared values. They have found a positive way of moving from a blame cultu...

As you may know, here at ICL we are passionate about helping people resolve conflict so who better for us to talk to in this weeks Inspiring Thoughts podcast than former police hostage negotiator, Dominic Human.   Dominic and Stephen Adams discuss the art having conflict conversations and how important it can be to 'lean into' difficult situations in order to avoid them from escalating further. Dominic shares some of his exper...