Engage for Success

Guest: Chris Hood, NeuroBridge As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow, so too does the responsibility for organisations to create truly inclusive environments—ones where neurodivergent individuals are not just accommodated, but empowered to thrive. In this episode of Engage for Success Radio, we’re joined by Chris Hood, Partner at NeuroBridge. Chris is passionate about helping businesses build neuroinclusive cultures that unlock potential, drive innovation, and create a deeper sense of belonging. His work is fuelled by his own personal journey, including a late ADHD diagnosis that has given him firsthand insight into both the challenges and opportunities of being neurodivergent in today’s workplaces. Together, we’ll explore what neurodiversity really means, why it’s becoming an increasingly important conversation for employers, and the practical steps organisations and line managers can take to foster greater neuroinclusivity. We’ll also unpack the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face—and crucially, the powerful benefits that come when companies get this right. Join us as we dive into how embracing neurodiversity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic advantage for organisations willing to lead the way. Host: Andy Goram

Guest: Ed Fidoe: Founder of LIS Ed Fidoe is the visionary founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), pioneering a revolution in education. LIS is the first institution in decades to be granted degree-awarding powers from inception in the UK. It offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to address complex global challenges such as inequality, sustainability, ethics, and artificial intelligence. Ed will explore the concept of “networked expertise” versus “narrow expertise” and its application to individuals beyond their defined roles. He’ll discuss how understanding a person’s broader interests and skills can uncover valuable knowledge and foster greater engagement in the workplace. Additionally, Ed will delve into the idea of organizing learning and work environments around complex problems—such as addressing climate change—instead of traditional departments or disciplines. He argues that framing tasks and discussions in this way can enhance motivation, drive innovation, and improve problem-solving capabilities. Join us as we discuss fostering greater engagement in the workspace. Host: Jo Dodds

Guest: Matt Burney Matt, a globally recognised thought leader with over 20 years of experience in talent strategy and recruitment technology, brings simple clarity to some complex issues, addressing such things as whether AI is truly revolutionising hiring or simply complicating the process. They discuss the realities behind the so-called “skills gap,” explore how economic literacy (or the lack of it) can influence good and bad talent management, and examine the balance between automation fears and optimistic visions like Society 5.0. If you’re wondering how your organisation can practically navigate future hiring challenges without becoming overwhelmed by all the tech and change, this episode will offer actionable steps and strategic insights to prepare you effectively. Matt Burney is a Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed and a recognised thought leader in the recruitment industry, with over 20 years of experience. He has worked both in-house, leading major global and APAC talent projects, and on the vendor side, giving him a unique, well-rounded perspective. Today, Matt’s work sits at the intersection of talent strategy, AI, and economics — helping organisations understand how technology, workforce trends, and economic forces shape talent pipelines and business performance. He is a regular keynote speaker, known for making complex ideas accessible and actionable for business leaders across the globe. Join us as we unravel the dynamic intersection of AI, economic trends, and workforce planning. Host: Andy Goram

Guest: Aang Lakey: Speaker, coach and advocate Aang Lakey (they/them) is an internationally recognized speaker, coach, and advocate specializing in the integration of leadership, equity, and consciousness to advance social change. With a background in social work, violence prevention, and organizational development, Aang equips leaders with tools to navigate challenges and foster equitable, collaborative environments. Aang brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to their work and advocates for integrating consciousness practices—such as reflexivity, intentionality, and congruence—into leadership to create equitable, human-centered workplaces. Many organizations talk about diversity and inclusion, but when engagement strategies aren’t built on equity, employees from marginalized groups often face invisible barriers to participation, contribution, and leadership. Leaders must go beyond policy-based DEI efforts and focus on everyday practices that foster a culture of inclusion. This includes recognizing the intersectionality of employee experiences and how factors like race, gender, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic background shape engagement. When leaders become conscious of these dynamics, they can create more adaptive and supportive environments where employees feel seen and valued. Join us as we discuss how factors like race, gender, neurodiversity and socioeconomic background shape engagement. Host: Jo Moffatt

Guest: Kelly Meerbott: TEDx Speaker and Author of From Burnout to Bliss Kelly Meerbott is an acclaimed TEDx and keynote speaker, author, podcast host, and award-winning certified leadership expert. With a unique trauma-informed approach and PTSD training, Kelly has transformed the leadership landscape for hundreds of C-suite and senior executives, and more than 400 high-ranking military officers. Her proven strategies help 90% of her clients overcome burnout, become more resilient, and achieve their goals. She holds multiple coaching certifications in Human & Organizational Transformation, Unconscious Bias, Leadership, cognitive therapy, and communications. Kelly’s insights on burnout are featured in her bestselling book From Burnout to Bliss and her latest release Meerbott’s Fables. In this episode, we will be exploring the importance of employee psychological safety in an organization and its impact on the bottom line – employee attrition is a key area of impact. High attrition levels can be costly for organizations, and psychological safety is pivotal in reducing turnover rates. We will explore why psychological safety is crucial for the success of any organization, how it affects attrition, and how fostering it can lead to tangible, positive business results. Join us as we discuss why psychological safety is crucial for the success of any organization. Host: Andy Goram