Generation Exceptional

S4B Series EP015 = How Do You Successfully Onboard New and Returning Employees

No guest today, but the S4B team are discussing the important of making sure that new employees and those returning to the workplace after a period of extended leave are welcomed back into the organisation successfully and productively.

This is especially relevant as many employees are returning after furlough, more than likely to an environment that looks and feels different, and maybe even to a business that has changed dramatically.

Whether you're a small business bringing onboard your first employee or a major player with thousands of staff the onboarding process is your first chance to make a good impression and ensure that you get the very best out of your people.

Find out more about Stronger4Business on our LinkedIn Page or drop us a comment below and let us know what you'd like to know more of from the Learning and Development/HR/Business world!

S4B Series EP014 - From Cancer to Coma to Keynote Speaker

Matt Ode is a Stage 3C Testicular Cancer Survivor who has faced multiple near death experiences. Matt is now a Keynote Inspirational Speaker and Mentor sharing his message and story to help individuals transform their setbacks into their superpowers, while guiding them to use their story to impact those in need.

Matt credits his faith, positive mindset, health background and support team with his fortitude to survive. It is his hope to share his story with others so they may draw value from his challenges.

Matt's experiences, while tragic, empowered him to find purpose in this life; and that purpose is to help individuals overcome trauma, regain their mental and physical strength and channel that energy to give back.

Matt joins S4B today in an honest and sometimes frank conversation, we talk about some of Matt's experiences and how they relate to individuals, leaders and business. We are sure you'll find it beneficial and even inspire you to make some positive choices afterwards.

Matt's website is https://mustachesformatt.com and you can find him on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ode-64376715b/

S4B Series EP013 - Imposter Syndrome

No guest today, just the S4B team discussing Imposter Syndrome, what it is, who it affects and a few personal stories of our own experiences of imposter syndrome. It's estimated that approximately 80% of adults will experience this phenomenon at some point in the career and yet it can really hold many people back. Talking about it and realising we're not along can make a big different in helping us to move forward. Share your own experiences of imposter syndrome with us in the comments.

S4B Series EP011- Redundancy, Uncertainty and Treating Job Hunting as a Job

In today's episode the S4B team are talking with former Chief People Officer for Virgin Media, Catherine Lynch.

Having found herself without a job following a company restructure just before lockdown and in the midst of a general election and Brexit, Catherine shares with us her thoughts on being made redundant, on the current jobs climate and how she has maintained a resilient mindset by making finding a job her full time job. Catherine has some great advice for anyone who also finds themselves jobless as a result of Covid-19.

A purposeful, delivery focused Chief People Officer with a background in customer centric organisations in telecommunications/technology, Financial Services and retail sectors, Catherine believes in creating an inclusive environment and celebrating success to inspire and enable people to do their best work and be the best they can be.

Catherine graduated with an MSc in Human Resources Management and Services, from Buckingham University and is a Fellow of the CIPD.

Catherine is actively looking for new CPO opportunities and you can find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinelynchhrd/

S4B Series EP011 - Developing Trust in Remote Teams

Today the S4B team are discussing the difficulties in developing and maintaining trust in remote teams, especially relevant right now as more people are expected to remain working from home as we come out of lockdown.

Many businesses are recognising the many benefits to flexible, agile working arrangements, however there are two sides to every situation and alongside the benefits come a few challenges as managers have to adjust to new ways of working.

S4B Series EP010 - Diversity and Inclusion with Woosh Raza

Our guest today is Woosh Raza.

Woosh is currently the Head of HR and L&D for a charity organisation, Phoenix Futures. which specialises in drug and alcohol treatment services on a national level.

Prior to this role Woosh has held various senior level HR and OD roles in the healthcare sector, heading up large scale HR and L&D teams, supporting with the changing landscape of health and social care and has led on people strategies that have focused on integrating social care, healthcare, housing and communities.

Woosh has a broad range of experience in sectors having worked for public, private and 3rd sector organisations. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is a cause Woosh cares deeply for and he currently volunteers his time in specialist networks from Stonewall, the Princes Trust and the CIPD to host events and provide thought leadership on this issue.

A key driver for Woosh is his own identity as he identifies proudly as being a member of the LGBT+ community and being a person of colour

Woosh is passionate about Equality and Diversity and is an expert in developing strategic people plans that align with organisational goals and leading high performing HR Teams.

Woosh has first hand, lived experience of the impact of discrimination across many diverse communities and is committed to tackling inequality in all its forms by encouraging uncomfortable conversations that increase understanding and tolerance.

You can find out more about the amazing work Phoenix Futures carry out by visiting their Facebook Page Twitter YouTube and LinkedIn pages

S4B Series EP09 - The Benefits and Pitfalls of Giving Feedback

Have you ever received feedback that has left you totally demotivated, deflated and confused?

Maybe you've been given feedback that has completely motivated you and propelled you towards bigger and better things.

Feedback is a powerful, and essential, development tool when used well, but in the wrong hands it can have exactly the opposite effect than the one intended.

In today's episode, after a rocky (giggly) start, the S4B team share their thoughts and experiences of receiving both poor and excellent feedback.

We discuss the how, the why and the when and some dos and don't when giving feedback.

Share with us your experiences, good or bad, in the comments and if you fancy telling us how much you loved the show, then that would be amazing feedback for us!!

S4B Series EP08 - The Future of Face to Face Training

With so many businesses and training providers having to focus on virtual learning during lockdown, the S4B team discuss whether this could mean the end of Face to Face training in the future.

Is e-learning a viable alternative to the experience you get from being part of a Face to Face cohort learning together, with all the additional learning that we know happens outside of the classroom?

Does it have to be an either/or or should we be truly embracing the blended learning options.

Should we be charging the same for virtual training as we do for Face to Face and can we create the same level of transformation online as we can in person?

Pete, Dyfrig and Bev share their own thoughts and opinions about these very topical topics!