Though unplanned, this project served as the foundational research for the philosophy found in The Unremarkable Entrepreneur and concluded in 2025.

For current updates and to recieve The Unremarkable Entrepreneur book as each chapter is released, please visit unremarkable.co.

For this FINAL episode (more on that below) of Culture Crush, I sat down with returning guest, Ashley Faus, the newly-minted author of “Human-Centered Marketing”. I was surprised to get any time with Ashley, who found some somewhere for me and the Culture Crush community whilst gearing up for the book launch!!

At heart, this is a conversation about resisting broadcast-style marketing and embracing vulnerability and real human connection (crucial in a post-Zoom-fatigue era).

And yes, this is tip-of-the-iceberg stuff.

We do manage to break down some of the things that make communities tick in today’s rapidly evolving digi-landscape, but if you want to go really deep, you’ll have to grab a copy of Ashley’s book!

Questions to Reflect On While Listening:

• Think of a brand you love - what helps you feel a sense of deeper connection?

• When have you felt truly seen by a group? What made the difference?

• Are connections being damaged by tech and efficiency?

So why is this the final edition of Culture Crush?

When Ashley and I sat down to record I had no idea that this would be the final episode, a very busy few weeks made that decision for me.

If you haven’t heard, my wife and I are expecting our first baby, so time has certainly been a factor. I also don’t want to sit at my desk up until the moment things change forever!

But it’s more than that.

Culture Crush has been a wonderful community to lead. Over 2,000 people have joined in the last year, and some of you have become great friends. I’m deeply and profoundly grateful.

Through that network of very real relationships I’ve slowly realised that Culture Crush isn’t aligned deeply enough with how I now feel called to serve others. So despite the numbers, it’s time for something new.

Of course, I have some ideas about what comes next, and I can’t wait to invite you to join me, but I’ll resist any details for now - it just simply isn’t ready to be shared.

Be well, I’ll be in touch,

Ashley, fresh off her book launch and gearing up to teach at Stanford, shares candid lessons from her own experiences, from resisting broadcast-style marketing to embracing vulnerability and real human connection (even in a post-Zoom-fatigue era).

Grab your copy of Ashley's book here.

Questions to reflect on while listening:

1️⃣ Think of a brand you love - what helps you feel a sense of deeper connection?

2️⃣ When have you felt truly seen by a group? What made the difference?

3️⃣ Are connections being damaged by tech and efficiency? 

Episode Highlights:

Community isn’t about YOU! Move from broadcast to real conversation.

Ashley shared the “social spectrum” of community, showing how the most impactful brands go beyond ‘amplify our message’ and start creating spaces where others talk to each other, and not just about the brand.

Small, deep connections matter more than big numbers.

Forget the pressure to “go big or go home.” Meaningful progress often starts with 10 purposeful relationships, not 10,000 faceless likes. Focus on value exchanges and helping each other out, even if it’s behind the scenes.

Be honest about your intention: don’t fake community for sales.

People can spot a pitch from a mile away. Ashley’s advice: if you’re here to sell, be transparent. If you want to build trust, think about what you can genuinely offer, (connections, knowledge, referrals, etc) not just a sales transaction.

Wondering whether to build your own group or join existing ones? We unpacked that too, plus why investing in self-sustaining communities (where members talk more than you do!) is the new competitive advantage.

Join the Crush?

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Sadly, the Crush is coming to an end, but there are exciting evolutions to come. See you soon.

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by ⁠Anthem⁠. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Failed Book Attempt Shared

05:30 Embracing Connection on Stage

09:19 Connecting Meaningfully Amidst Zoom Fatigue

12:49 Balancing AI, Video, and Human Connection

13:57 "Trust Famine and Authentic Community"

18:35 "Brands Stuck in Conversation Phase"

22:49 "Joining Conversations: Brands & Creators"

26:35 Mutually Beneficial Networking Connections

30:11 Value Deep, Not Wide, Connections

31:31 Build or Join a Community?

36:42 Event Planning Challenges at Atlassian

40:16 Creating Authentic Group Experiences

44:08 "The Art of Genuine Curiosity"

46:44 "Networking: It Depends on Goals"

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life but you’re not actually getting anywhere meaningful?

You’re not alone.

On the latest episode of Culture Crush, I sat down with leadership strategist and ‘high-performance whisperer’ Justin Hills from Courageous&Co to unpack why traditional goal setting might be quietly killing your confidence, and what you can do about it.

We explored Justin’s MAPS goal-setting system and why action often doesn’t mean progress. Spoiler: It’s not about crossing off more tasks, but about finding the right actions at the right time for the right reasons.

Questions to Reflect On While Listening:

•  Does the to-do list fill you with dread? Is it a vortex of unfulfilled aspirations?

• Do you have a clear vision of what you want your life to look like in six months? Where will you be? What will you look back on? What will you celebrate?

• Do you find yourself reacting and regretting or reflecting and responding?

Before I dash, it would be awesome to see you at the next Culture Crush LIVE, where you actually help co-curate these episodes.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Empathy as a Collaboration Superpower (to actually get things done) with Richard Watkins

• The 5 Biggest Mistakes First-time Founders Make with Peter Sorgenfrei

You can register for both of those below.

Be well,

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life but you're not actually getting anywhere meaningful? You're not alone. In this week's episode of Culture Crush, we sat down with leadership strategist and 'high-performance whisperer' Justin Hills to crack open a big question:

Is traditional goal setting slowly killing your confidence? And how can we finally break the cycle?

Questions to reflect on while listening:

1️⃣ Does the to-do list fill you with dread?

2️⃣ Do you have a clear 6-month vision?

3️⃣ Do you react & regret or reflect & respond?

Episode Highlights:

Why “Action = Progress” Is a Trap Are you stuck in motion, mistaking busyness for real progress? Justin reveals why we’re conditioned to jump to action (often busywork) instead of pausing to make the right moves, for the right reasons, at the right time. (Spoiler: Tackling just one high-impact action beats a dozen distractions every time.)

Introducing: The MAPS System Justin’s signature MAPS framework flips goal setting on its head:

➡️ Measure: Look back before you move forward. What are you proud of from the last 6 months?

➡️ Aspire: Define what success looks—and feels—like 6 months from now.

➡️ Prioritise: Get ruthless. What are the 1–3 focus areas that move the needle most?

➡️ Stack: Reverse engineer milestones all the way from your big vision down to today’s next step.

Fav Takeaways:

⭐️ “Right action, right time, right reason” over mindless task-ticking.

⭐️ We often procrastinate by “learning” instead of doing—sound familiar?

⭐️ Only 10% of people achieve their ambitious goals. Most simply shrink goals over time to avoid disappointment. Ouch.

⭐️ Reflecting on past wins radically boosts your self-confidence and motivation (try it!).

⭐️ Busy ≠ meaningful. Are your daily tasks actually tied to your dreams?

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Join the next event: ⁠https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush⁠

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by ⁠Anthem⁠. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 "Reflective Mindset and Life Goals"

04:36 "Nonlinear Marketing Journey"

07:07 "Diverse Goals, Common Struggles"

13:12 Procrastination Through Endless Learning

14:23 "Risk Avoidance vs. Taking Action"

19:26 Burnout vs. Inspiration

21:20 MAPS Goal Setting Essentials

26:54 "Transformation Through Celebration"

28:15 "MAPS Goal Setting Insights"

34:22 Reflecting on Last Year's Vacation

35:57 Six-Month Reflection and Goal Assessment

41:27 "Embrace the Present Moment"

45:02 Defining Personal Satisfaction

48:28 Reverse Goal Stacking Strategy

49:34 "Steps to Long-Term Success"

55:19 "Simple Planning for Enjoyment"

57:54 Reflecting on Our Collaborative Journey

Are you feeling stuck in a rut?

This week on Culture Crush, we’re going from beige to brilliant with three mindset shifting questions to unlock your awesome!

And honestly, the questions in today’s episode are pure power if you want to ignite personal growth, dial up your self-awareness, and hit new levels of confidence. It’s not that they are groundbreaking, it’s that they are so practical and brutally simple: prompts that you can introduce to your daily routine to get some much needed perspective.

So, who’s responsible for this genius? Michelle Hartley. Michelle is a hilarious LinkedIn rabble-rouser, HR disruptor, and founder of People Sorted. If you’re not following her already, you really should.

Questions to Reflect On While Listening:

• Are you giving yourself enough credit? Who sets the crazy high standards you’re trying to reach?

• Are you getting in your own way and making things too complicated? How do you keep things simple?

• Do you find your goals liberating or are they a constant guilt trip?

If you’re joining us on Friday for Culture Crush LIVE with Brittni Bowering I can’t wait to see you. Yes, this event is fully SOLD OUT, but you’d be most welcome to join the wait list just in case or hold out for our podcast episode coming soon. Click here to subscribe in advance.

Here’s what’s up next on Culture Crush LIVE:

• Meet the Author: 3 Community Building Lessons from ‘Human-Centered Marketing’ with Ashley Faus

• Why and How to Unlearn Multitasking with Kate Sotsenko

You can register for both of those below and that’ll do for now!

Be well,

This week on Culture Crush, we're going from beige to brilliant with three mindset shifting questions to unlock your awesome! These question are power: they can ignite personal and professional growth, dial up your self-awareness and help you hit new levels of confidence... so lean in as we welcome LinkedIn rabble-rouser and HR disruptor, Michelle Hartley, to the show!

Check out Michelle’s work

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

These questions are designed to help you step into a reflective mindset as you listen. Consider them as you follow along.

• Are you giving yourself enough credit? Who sets the crazy high standards you’re trying to reach? Who told you that you needed to hit certain goals and milestones or post consistently? And where does that pressure come from?

• Are you getting in your own way and making things too complicated? How do you keep things simple?

• Do you find your goals liberating or are they a constant guilt trip?

Episode Highlights

• The Power of “How Do We Get to Yes?”: This question helps shift perspectives from resistance to solutions. It encourages creative problem-solving and a more positive approach to challenges, especially within teams and organisations. [14:30] Michelle shares how this question transformed her previous corporate role, breaking down resistance and fostering a more collaborative environment.

• Simplicity and Experimentation: Overcomplicating things is a common hurdle. The episode emphasises the importance of simplifying processes and embracing experimentation, encouraging listeners to ask “What does easy look like?” and to adopt an experimental mindset to overcome obstacles. Michelle shares how this simple question helped her overcome self-doubt and perfectionism. [21:24]

• The 1% Better Mindset: Instead of aiming for dramatic overnight changes, focus on small, incremental improvements. Ask, “What does 1% better feel like?” and identify those tiny actions that can create a ripple effect. The episode emphasises the power of small daily actions and celebrates the benefits of micro-goals and micro-praise in team settings. [31:29] Michelle shares how this approach helped her manage depression and fatigue, advocating for gentle, achievable steps toward well-being.

• LinkedIn Controversy and Authentic Self-Expression: Michelle shares a humorous anecdote about getting a video banned from LinkedIn. This sparked a conversation about the importance of authenticity and the potential risks of expressing unconventional opinions, reminding listeners that sometimes, expressing one’s true voice can lead to opportunities and stronger connections. [09:44]

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.

Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

00:16 Introducing Michelle Hartley

03:14 Reflective Questions: Giving Yourself Credit, Over complication, Liberating Goals

08:06 Michelle’s Work: Transforming HR Teams

09:44 LinkedIn Ban and Authentic Self-Expression

13:36 Three Big Questions: How to Get to Yes, What Does Easy Look Like, What Does 1% Better Feel Like?

14:30 How Do We Get to Yes?

21:24 What Does Easy Look Like?

31:29 What Does 1% Better Feel Like?

42:58 Where to Start Your Experimentation Journey

45:19 Episode Wrap-Up

Are you living with intention or letting life happen to you?

We can feel like we’re walking our own path, but often what we’ve been taught, the context we grew up in, and our career paths dictate our steps.

It’s why I asked Wilson Obeneme to Culture Crush, because he’s helping people grapple with the ideas of fulfilment and legacy. In today’s episode we’re discussing three practical ways to take control of your life, find a deeper sense of intention, and create a future focused on purpose and meaning-making.

Question to reflect on while listening:

• Do you keep doubting yourself? And why do you think that is?

• Do you find yourself chasing other people’s expectations of you?

• Are you looking to other people for a sense of validation?

If you joined How to Decolonize Your Mind and Stop Oppressing Yourself with Dr Virginia Lacayo this week, I’m sure you’ll agree that it was a profoundly moving LIVE and I can’t wait to share the podcast episode with you. Thank you Virginia.

Here’s what’s up next on Culture Crush LIVE:

• 3 Questions To Ask Yourself BEFORE You Present (so you can show up with confidence, not nerves) with Brittni Bowering

• Meet the Author: 3 Community Building Lessons from ‘Human-Centered Marketing’ with Ashley Faus

I’ve already raised the capacity for Brittni’s session, so you gotta be quick if you want to join this one! Check below for more info and to register.

Be well,

This week on Culture Crush, we explore three powerful strategies for designing a life filled with purpose, impact, and genuine fulfilment with Wilson Obeneme. Wilson is a coach who helps leaders unlock their potential and create a legacy that matters, and in this episode we focus on actionable steps you can take towards self-discovery, mindful living, and lasting personal growth.

Check out Wilson’s work

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

↳ Do you keep doubting yourself? And why do you think that might be? This links to Wilson’s discussion on identifying and leveraging your strengths to build confidence and overcome self-doubt (10:01).

↳ Do you find yourself chasing other people’s expectations of you? Reflect on this as Wilson explores the importance of aligning your actions with your core values and personal vision (17:07).

↳ Are you looking to other people for a sense of validation? Or are you able to find that from within? This ties back to the discussion on building a life based on intrinsic motivation and fulfilling your own definition of success (20:27).

Episode Highlights

↳ Living by Design, Not Default: Wilson introduces the concept of consciously designing your life rather than passively accepting societal expectations (06:33). He emphasises understanding your strengths and aligning them with what genuinely brings you fulfilment (9:35).

↳ Uncovering Your True Fulfilment: The episode explores the difference between happiness and fulfilment (8:51). Wilson encourages listeners to identify activities or states that naturally excite them and bring them into a “flow state” (9:56), where they feel truly engaged and fulfilled (10:01).

↳ How You Want to Be Remembered: Wilson emphasises the importance of identifying your core values and attributes (17:29). He suggests reflecting on what characteristics you want people to associate with you, even in your absence (18:58). The discussion includes considering the legacy you want to leave behind and the impact you want to have on others’ lives (22:26).

↳ Impact and Achievement Beyond Material Success: The conversation shifts towards defining achievement and impact not solely through monetary success, but also through the positive influence you have on others (29:31). Wilson underscores the significance of considering the ripple effect of your actions and striving to create positive change in the lives of others, even if on a smaller scale (31:03).

↳ The Importance of Authenticity: Both Dan and Wilson discuss the importance of being authentic in your pursuits. Authenticity helps you connect with the right people and build a business or career that truly aligns with your values and passions (36:49).

Join the CrushEvery episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers. Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

06:33 Living by Design, Not Default

08:51 Uncovering Your True Fulfilment

17:07 How You Want to Be Remembered

29:31 Impact and Achievement Beyond Material Success

36:49 The Importance of Authenticity

Emotional intelligence is key to navigating the complexities of work and personal life, but there’s a secret ingredient often overlooked: resilience.

This week on Culture Crush, we’re diving into the power of resilience with returning guest Justin Bariso, an expert in Emotional Intelligence, Founder of EQ Applied LLC and Inc. Magazine columnist.

Justin reveals how crucial this element is for high-achievers seeking to build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and achieve greater success.

Question to reflect on while listening:

• What is the secret that you think makes people successful?

• What are the character traits that you’re really investing in?

• Do you find yourself reacting and regretting or reflecting and responding?

Before I go, I’m super-excited to invite you to the next edition of Culture Crush LIVE: How to Decolonize Your Mind and Stop Oppressing Yourself with Dr Virginia Lacayo.

Yes, we’re revisiting a theme for the first time ever. And if you joined us last time, you’ll know how profoundly moving this session was.

In short, we all do battle with social labels that fail to serve us, or the work we feel called to, labels that shape how we lead and behave. In this session we’ll work to expose and eject some of the labels that are holding us back so we can stride into the best version of ourselves.

Register your free place below, tell your friends, and see you there!

Be well,

Emotional intelligence is key to navigating the complexities of work and personal life, but there’s a secret ingredient often overlooked: resilience. This week on Culture Crush, we delve into the power of resilience with returning guest Justin Bariso, an expert in emotional intelligence. Justin reveals a crucial element for high-achievers seeking to build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and achieve greater success. Discover Justin's work.

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

• What is the secret that you think makes people successful? Connect this to Justin’s discussion of resilience as a key trait amongst successful leaders, such as Barbara Corcoran (15:13).

• What are the character traits that you’re really investing in? Reflect on this as Justin explains the importance of building inner resources and the practice of cognitive reframing (29:28).

• Do you find yourself reacting and regretting or reflecting and responding? This ties back to Justin’s explanation of resilience as not just bouncing back from setbacks, but also making conscious choices about your response (22:14).

Episode Highlights

The Four Core Elements of Emotional Intelligence & The Secret Fifth: Justin outlines the four core components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management (08:53). He introduces resilience as the often-overlooked fifth element, crucial for navigating challenges and bouncing back from adversity (12:11).

Resilience: A Muscle to Be Built, Not Just a Trait: The conversation explores resilience not as an innate trait, but a skill that can be developed through targeted exercises (14:49). Justin shares Barbara Corcoran’s inspiring story of overcoming setbacks to illustrate this point (15:13).

Cultural Influences on Resilience: The discussion highlights the cultural differences in how resilience is perceived and cultivated, comparing the “tough and grit” approach of some Eastern European cultures with the more praise-focused approach prevalent in the United States (18:28).

Building Inner Resources and Cognitive Reframing: Justin introduces two key exercises for building resilience: “replay,” which involves reflecting on positive experiences, and the “milk carton rule,” which emphasises focusing on what you can control (30:40). The importance of journaling is highlighted as a way to reinforce these practices (32:37).

The Power of Cognitive Reframing: The episode explores using the question, “What advice would you give yourself?”, to gain a fresh perspective during difficult times. This exercise aids in detaching from immediate emotions, allowing for more logical decision-making (36:30).

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem: https://www.anthem.ooo. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush08:53 The Four Core Elements of Emotional Intelligence12:11 Introducing Resilience: The Secret Fifth Element14:49 Resilience: A Skill to Be Developed15:13 Barbara Corcoran’s Story: Overcoming Setbacks18:28 Cultural Influences on Resilience22:14 Reacting vs. Responding: Conscious Choices29:28 Building Inner Resources and Cognitive Reframing30:40 Practical Exercises for Building Resilience: Replay and the Milk Carton Rule36:30 Cognitive Reframing: Seeking External Perspective39:37 Neuroplasticity and Building Resilience

This week on Culture Crush, we challenge the status quo with Justin Foster, exploring how to create content that aligns with your values and resonates deeply with your audience, regardless of the algorithm. Learn to ditch the funnel mentality, connect authentically, and build a brand that’s not just profitable but purposeful.

Check out Justin Foster’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fosterjustin/

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

• Do traditional marketing approaches make you feel icky? Justin’s unpacks the inherent ickiness of manipulative marketing techniques rooted in fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) at [27:21].

• Do you find yourself diluting your message in order to appease the algorithm? Reflect on this as Justin explains how focusing on authentic expression and brand poetry can attract the right audience organically, bypassing the need for constant algorithm manipulation at [38:05].

• If there were no rules, if there were no best practice guidelines, if you were to allow your inner activist to roar, what would you create? This ties back to Justin’s core message: creating impact through values alignment, elite skills, and a focus on spiritual ROI at [08:05].

Episode Highlights

• The Funnel Mentality is King? Justin challenges the pervasive funnel mentality in marketing, advocating for authentic conversations and invitations instead of manipulation at [13:54]. He argues that treating humans as mere leads to be funneled leads to poor results.

• Direct-to-Consumer Marketing is Always Effective? Justin explains how the high cost of customer acquisition in direct-to-consumer models often leads to compromises in quality and ultimately hurts the brand at [20:40].

• Fact: Marketing Copy is About Persuasion, Not Truth. Justin reveals the dark origins of marketing copy, tracing its roots back to propaganda techniques used by authoritarian regimes, and advocates for brand poetry as a way to express truth authentically at [38:05].

• Practical Techniques for Authentic Marketing. This episode provides practical advice on using brand poetry and simple language, understanding deeper motivators beyond FUD, and avoiding the automation of intimacy at [32:36] and [52:33]. Discover how to create an experience rather than a transaction.

• The Power of Love in Marketing. Justin emphasizes that love—for yourself, your team, and your customers—is the ultimate algorithm hack. Focusing on creating amazing experiences organically builds word-of-mouth marketing that transcends the need for algorithm game playing at [33:27].

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-curated by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.

Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

08:05 Values Alignment: The Core of Purposeful Business

13:54 Ditching the Funnel Mentality: Marketing as Conversation

20:40 The High Cost of Customer Acquisition: A Critical Look at Direct-to-Consumer

27:21 Understanding Deeper Motivators: Beyond FUD

33:27 The Ultimate Algorithm Hack: Love

38:05 Brand Poetry: Communicating Authentically

52:33 Don’t Automate Intimacy: Building Genuine Connections

Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing your feelings; it’s about mastering them to find your confidence and build resilience.

This week on Culture Crush, we debunk three common myths about emotional intelligence with Tahira Jamani, a Google certified expert in emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Tahira shares practical strategies and real-world examples to help you navigate your emotions with more confidence and resilience.

Check out Tahira’s work: https://www.chainreaction.life/

Questions to Reflect On While Listening

• Think about how emotions show up in your body. How does anger feel? How does fear feel? What’s your body telling you about this conversation? This connects to Tahira’s discussion of body mapping emotions and how physical sensations reflect inner emotional states. [10:35]

• Are there emotions that you fail to express sometimes? Do you think that’s a good or a bad thing? Reflect on this as Tahira discusses the importance of emotional expression and the societal conditioning that often leads to suppression. [03:40]

• Are there emotions that you were told to stop or mask when you were growing up? This ties back to Tahira’s discussion of how childhood experiences can impact adult emotional responses and the importance of re-evaluating those patterns. [02:17]

Episode Highlights

Myth #1: Ignoring your emotions is key to emotional intelligence. [08:08]

Emotional intelligence isn’t about ignoring feelings; it’s about understanding and managing them. Tahira uses the example of a client who suppressed her frustration at work, resulting in a negative outburst at home. This highlights the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Myth #2: Emotional intelligence makes you soft. [17:14]

The opposite is true! Embracing emotions builds courage and confidence. Tahira shares a client story of a first-time manager who initially felt anxious about difficult conversations. By learning to confront discomfort, he improved his leadership skills and relationships.

Myth #3: “I don’t need emotional intelligence; others do.” [39:37]

Emotional intelligence is about personal responsibility and control over your reactions. Tahira describes how a client’s focus on self-improvement, rather than blaming external factors, helped him gain confidence and control during a stressful job interview.

Practical Techniques and Takeaways:

Tahira introduces practical tools for emotional regulation including body mapping emotions [10:35], micro-practices such as grounding exercises [29:33], and the “name it to tame it” approach [30:29]. The episode also explores the power of positive self-affirmations such as “I am not afraid to fail” [37:17].

Downloads

• 3 Myths Presentation and Frameworks PDF

Join the Crush

Every episode is co-created by our community at Culture Crush LIVE, a series of free online gatherings where we connect, reflect, and meet incredible speakers.
Join the next event: https://www.anthem.ooo/culturecrush

Loved the episode?

Please like, subscribe and leave a rating. We want to do good and need your help.

Ps.

Culture Crush is brought to you by Anthem. Visit us if you’re looking to build a thriving business, team, or culture based on connection, not control.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush

01:03 Reflective Questions on Emotional Responses

08:08 Myth #1: Ignoring Your Emotions

17:14 Myth #2: Emotional Intelligence Makes You Soft

39:37 Myth #3: “I Don’t Need It, But Others Do”

25:49 Practical Techniques for Emotional Regulation

53:53 Letting Go vs. Ignoring Emotions

I won’t keep you long, as we all have a billion things to do before the season kicks in!

Before I sign off, I wanted to put the Three Question Rule on your radar, because it might just help you reflect and respond this season instead of reacting and regretting.

Here’s the thing: families often don’t agree, so for many people, heading home can feel full of risk and tension.

For episode 60 of Culture Crush, I had the chance to sit down with Justin Bariso, Founder & Principal at EQ Applied, who introduced me to the Three Question Rule:

Does this need to be said?

Does this need to be said by me?

Does this need to be said by me now?

The answer to all three might be a resounding YES. I’m not suggesting that you don’t speak up for what you believe. But I am suggesting that you take a beat before you speak to really consider your options.

By pausing to ask these questions, you give yourself the chance to assess the situation more thoughtfully, which can lead to more constructive interactions and more peaceful emotional entanglements.

It also gives you a moment to ask yourself: do I need to be right, right now?

Being right is a powerful feeling. But rightness often needs to be filtered through love, patience, understanding, and temperance. When people experience those things from you, you’ll find conversation flows instead of conflict.

It’s not a panacea; it’s a practice.

Another thing to consider is how we use the holiday. For some, it’s the chance to cut and run from the pressures of everyday life. In reality, it’s an opportunity for practice. In our interview, Justin pointed out that “When you practice these things at home, you make yourself better in the workplace. When you practice these things in the workplace, you make yourself better at home for your families.”

You are one person, and your personal and professional lives are interconnected. By being ‘EQ aware’ this Christmas and practising the Three Question Rule, you might just find that you start 2025 better equipped to lead with presence and not pressure. Let’s hope so!

Getting Practical: Embrace the Festive Spirit (But with Balance)

If you’re anything like me, when the flow of the festivities kicks in, my plans to journal, practise patience, and reflect on my year fall straight out of my brain. So here are moments to notice, and perhaps use as opportunities to put the Three Question Rule into practice:

• The mealtime gathering: Use the Three Question Rule to navigate delicate conversations. Is this the right time to be right? How can I use (or not use) my words to contribute rather than create conflict?

• The Christmas drive: With the year ending, reflect on past interactions at work. How could the Three Question Rule have improved those situations? How can I use these insights to set new intentions for 2025?

• The lull in conversation: Make a conscious effort to apply this rule in one conversation every day. How does it change the way you communicate? How does it affect how others respond to you?

You can catch my full interview with Justin below, and I’d love to hear about your experiences with applying the Three Question Rule, so do drop me an email (almost) anytime.

Lastly, the next Culture Crush Meetup UK is on January 10th, where Nikki Hill will lead a reflection on Purposeful Conversation for 2025. You can register for your free place below.

Happy holidays, my friends. It’s been a joy 🎄

Leadership is evolving.

The old ways—based on hierarchy, ego, and control—are giving way to something more human, more connected, and more authentic.

But this kind of leadership takes courage because there is safety in the status quo (and our unconscious selves love safety). It means letting go of the façade of perfection, inviting and allowing others to step up, and creating cultures where trust, safety, and growth can thrive.

This month in Culture Crush we’re exploring bold, human-centred approaches to leadership with the help of two recent guests, Alice ter Haar (Badass Unicorn) and Danny Wareham (Firgun). Together, we explore how vulnerability, adaptability, and intentional communication can reshape the way we lead.

But before we talk teams and culture, the work starts with ourselves; addressing the assumptions and labels that direct the way we lead and behave. On November 20th, Virginia Lacayo, Ph.D., will be joining me LIVE for Decolonizing Your Mind. It’s free, it’s online, and spaces are limited. I would love to see you there.

Vulnerability is Power

In episode 52, Alice ter Haar challenges the idea that leaders need to be invincible. Instead, she invites us to embrace vulnerability as a strength.

When leaders show their humanity—admitting mistakes, seeking feedback, and sharing their stories—they create an environment of trust. In these spaces, teams feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow together.

In the episode, Alice introduces her FIB (Frame, Inquiry, Bridge) Framework, a super-practical tool to help leaders translate psychological safety from a buzzword into a practice.

And that really matters, because psychological safety isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of high-performing teams.

Do We Even Need a Boss?

Maybe leadership doesn’t need to focus on titles and hierarchy, maybe there’s a better way that’s focused on expertise and context.

That’s the premise Danny Wareham introduces in episode 56. He called it “Constellation Leadership,” a dynamic approach where the right person leads at the right time.

Imagine a team where leadership flows naturally, shifting to whoever has the most relevant knowledge for the challenge at hand. This approach empowers teams to draw on their collective wisdom, building adaptability and resilience.

Rooted in years of research, Danny’s contrarian take on leadership is a true challenge to the status quo!

What’s Next for You?

As we rethink leadership and culture, one thing is certain: creating meaningful change starts when we turn our intentions into actions.

Alice and Danny push us to consider how we’re showing up, not just as leaders, but as collaborators, as culture-shapers. Leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or the right system; it’s about making intentional moves in the day-to-day that shift the dynamic.

So, what’s the small act of defiance you can take today?

Maybe it’s a simple as stepping back and letting someone else take the lead, and if they screw it up, making sure they know that’s OK.

Lasting change doesn’t usually look like a revolution. It starts with the small, deliberate choices we make every day. Let’s get to it.

Be well,

Andy shares his journey from corporate marketing to establishing his own consultancy, emphasising the role of genuine hospitality in fostering meaningful workplace cultures.

They delve into the lessons from the acclaimed restaurant Eleven Madison Park, exploring how empathy and trust can transform not only customer experiences but also employee engagement and satisfaction.

Culture Crush 🧡 Will Guidara ➡️ For your groundbreaking work, Unreasonable Hospitality, and your transformational mindset, prioritising both customer satisfaction and employee well-being.

Key Takeaways ✅ Understanding your own story and purpose is essential for effective leadership. ✅ Creating an environment of unreasonable hospitality benefits both customers and employees. ✅ Trust and empowerment are crucial in building a resilient team culture. ✅ Small acts of kindness can lead to significant transformations in workplace dynamics. ✅ Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for personal and professional growth.

Sound Bites 📢 “When you can connect what people do to a larger purpose, amazing things start to happen.” 📢 “The essence of servant leadership is about setting a clear vision and allowing others to grow.” 📢 “If you’re not energised by what you’re doing, then it feels mundane, and that’s not the path to take.”

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:20 Meet Andy Goram 02:30 The Journey of Bizjuicer 08:15 The Power of Story in Leadership 12:50 Culture Crush: Will Guidara 17:00 Lessons from Eleven Madison Park 22:45 The Importance of Trust and Empowerment 28:00 The Connection Between Purpose and Performance 35:15 Embracing Continuous Learning 40:30 Final Thoughts: Finding Your Own Unreasonable Hospitality

Links

🔗Sparketype Assessment: https://sparketype.com/sparketest/