Beyond Deming

Leading For and With Compassion – Daniel Stane

Why do so many organisations overlook the human cost of their systems?  In this episode of Beyond Deming, James Lawther speaks with Daniel Stane, founder of Inclusion Partners, about the power of compassionate leadership. They examine how leaders can move beyond transactional management to address the root causes of employee suffering—whether from rigid processes, personal challenges, or cultural norms. Daniel shares actionable insights on building emotional resilience, fostering psychological safety, and designing work environments that prioritise well-being.  From small acts like checking in on team members to systemic changes like rethinking roles and routines, this conversation offers practical tools for leaders ready to create more inclusive, sustainable cultures. Ideal for managers looking to balance performance with humanity.

Deming: The Mind, the Method and the Soul of Leadership – Hazel J. Cannon (Trailer)

Why do so many organisations struggle with misaligned goals and ineffective leadership? In this Beyond Deming trailer, James Lawther speaks with Hazel Cannon, leader of the Deming Forum and Dr. Deming’s final intern, about the enduring relevance of Dr. Deming’s philosophy. Hazel shares how Deming’s post-war work in Japan transformed industries by focusing on customer needs, process improvement, and lifelong learning—principles still overlooked in modern management. They discuss the dangers of “best efforts” without a common aim, using a real-world example from a major bank to illustrate how conflicting departmental goals create tension. The upcoming event promises an interactive day, featuring Deming’s iconic Red Beads Experiment and a deep dive into his 14 Obligations of Management. Listen for actionable insights on leadership, systems thinking, and creating workplaces where people thrive. Essential for managers ready to move beyond outdated practices and build cohesive, customer-driven organisations.

Compassionate Leadership – Daniel Stane (Trailer)

How can leaders balance relentless change with human-centric values? In this Beyond Deming trailer, James Lawther speaks with Daniel Stane, founder of Inclusion Partners, about the upcoming February event on compassionate leadership. Daniel challenges the notion that compassion is a “nice-to-have,” framing it as a critical tool for tough decisions, cultural transformation, and reducing organisational suffering. The event will cover personal leadership qualities—such as presence and awareness—and a practical framework for embedding compassion into roles, networks, routines, and culture. Drawing on research from Awakening Compassion at Work, Daniel highlights how compassionate leadership fosters psychological safety, collaboration, and talent retention. Ideal for leaders facing pressure to deliver results while nurturing their teams, this session promises actionable tools for 2026.

The Productivity Puzzle – John Seddon

In this thought-provoking episode, John Seddon joins James Lawther to unravel the complexities of productivity and growth within modern organisations. Seddon, an occupational psychologist, consultant and author, critiques the prevailing reliance on government regulation, economic theory, and technological quick fixes such as AI. He argues that these approaches often hinder genuine progress, advocating instead for a shift towards effectiveness at the enterprise level.  Through engaging anecdotes and references to Deming’s influential work, Seddon highlights the importance of systems thinking, knowledge, and purpose-driven management.  The discussion explores the pitfalls of target-setting, the unintended consequences of regulation, and the limitations of technology in addressing poor performance in service organisations. Seddon calls for politicians and regulators to step back, empowering managers to innovate and focus on delivering real value.  This episode offers valuable insights for leaders seeking sustainable improvement, challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging a more thoughtful, evidence-based approach to improving organisational performance.

The Cathedral Model – Frank Devine

In this episode of Beyond Deming, host James Lawther sits down with Frank Devine to explore the innovative Cathedral Model for leadership and management development.   Frank shares his journey from traditional HR roles to developing a systematic, evidence-based approach that challenges the status quo of conventional leadership development programmes. Through engaging stories and real-world examples, Frank explains how the Cathedral Model integrates purpose, values, and practical skills to reduce variability in leadership quality and drive sustainable results.    The conversation delves into the pitfalls of conventional HR initiatives and the importance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Listeners will gain actionable insights on fostering genuine employee engagement, building high-performing teams, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or simply interested in organisational excellence, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical tools to elevate your approach.