Episode 4 – From Potential to Performance

Podcast 8: Leadership Beyond the Role

What really defines great leadership is it experience, decision-making… or something more personal? In the latest episode of A Better Way: The Workforce Solutions Podcast, host Darren Topping sits down with Patricia Laurde (Clarivate) to explore the mindset, perspective, and personal traits that shape effective leaders today. This conversation goes beyond titles and responsibilities - diving into how leaders think, make decisions under pressure, and stay grounded in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. - Why perspective is critical to better decision-making - The traits that separate good leaders from great ones - How to balance confidence, resilience, and self-awareness - Why leadership is as much personal as it is professional If you’re navigating change, leading teams, or reflecting on your own leadership journey - this episode offers valuable insight

Episode 7: Leading Through Change in a Scaling Tech Business

Change isn’t something organisations prepare for once - it’s something they navigate every day. In the latest episode of A Better Way: The Workforce Solutions Podcast, host Darren Topping is joined by Ali Cowan, Chief People Officer at AutoRec, to explore what it really takes to lead people, build capability, and scale successfully in a fast-growing tech environment. From workforce transformation and evolving skills to the realities of scaling teams without losing culture or innovation - this episode offers practical insight for leaders managing growth and uncertainty.  - Why continuous learning is becoming a business necessity  - The risks of scaling too quickly without clear workforce strategy  - How communication, adaptability and mentorship shape effective leadership  - What organisations must do today to prepare their workforce for tomorrow If you’re leading change, growing a business, or rethinking talent strategy - this conversation is worth your time

Episode 6: AI, Transformation & the Future of Work

In the latest episode of A Better Way: The Workforce Solutions Podcast, host Darren Topping sits down with Ken Brotherson to explore what “transformation as usual” really means for organisations, leaders, and the workforce.   From the rise of AI as a workplace co-pilot to the shift from jobs to work, this conversation challenges how we think about talent, technology, and trust in a rapidly evolving world. * Why continuous transformation is now the norm * How AI is quietly reshaping how work gets done * The move from roles and job titles to skills and outcomes * Why trust, brand, and relationships matter more in a digital-first future If you're leading workforce strategy, navigating digital change, or rethinking how work gets delivered, this episode is packed with insight.   Watch the full episode of A Better Way featuring Ken Brotherson now

Episode 5 Is Live - Beyond the Vacancy: Building Talent in Social Care

The social care sector is experiencing one of the most significant workforce challenges in decades. But the path forward isn’t just about posting more vacancies - it’s about building meaningful connections with the people who want to make a difference. In this episode of A Better Way: The Workforce Solutions Podcast, Darren Topping [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrentopping/] sits down with Adam Barrett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambarratt1/] and Aaron Wawman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wawman-workforce-solutions/] to explore how local authorities can shift from reactive hiring to creating engaged, future-ready talent communities. Here’s what they dive into: - The systemic workforce pressures shaping social care - Why candidate experience has suffered — and how to fix it - The shift from talent pools to talent communities - How technology can enhance real-time communication and trust - Why connection, transparency, and empathy are now competitive advantages This is a must-watch conversation for anyone working in public sector recruitment, workforce planning, or social care transformation. 🎧 Episode 5 - Beyond the Vacancy: Building Talent in Social Care is available now.

Episode 4 – From Potential to Performance

As talent shortages continue to challenge organisations, what if the answer isn’t just finding talent - but building it?   In this episode of A Better Way: The Workforce Solutions Podcast, Darren Topping [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrentopping/] (Director of Solutions, Insights & Partnerships, Guidant Global) is joined by Chris Blackburn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispblackburn/] (Director of Skills Growth, Impellam) to discuss how the Recruit, Train, Deploy model is redefining the way businesses close skills gaps and unlock potential.  - Turning potential into performance  - Investing in people for long-term value  - Creating opportunity and driving social mobility This is a conversation about courage, innovation, and the future of workforce development. Watch the full conversation now! - click here [https://vimeo.com/1128826671]