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Humanising Work Events Page

In the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in today, it’s far too easy to lose sight of what truly matters – the human connection. Here at Bailey & French, we’re dedicated to bringing humanity back into the workplace, which is something we know all about and thread into everything we do.

Due to the incredible success of our Human Series, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be continuing throughout 2025. We invite you to join us on this ongoing journey in a learning community focused on “What it means to be HUMAN.”

In this unsolvable and unstoppable world, we have the opportunity to keep our human switched on, bring our core human differentiators to the forefront, and be human on purpose.  We have a choice where to work, where to spend our money, where to focus our attention and align with a growing global force for the good of our human species and our human planet.

Each month, we’ll be hosting free global live events with special guests on our regular platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Check out our calendar of events below and register through the links provided:

What keeps us going when everything around us is shifting?

In today’s world of constant change, staying motivated isn’t just about setting goals or ticking boxes: it’s about understanding what drives us from within. Whether it’s organisational change, market uncertainty, or evolving team dynamics, knowing how to tap into true, sustainable motivation is critical for leaders and teams alike.

Join us for this live masterclass where we’ll explore:

  • The psychological foundations of motivation – and why the old rulebook no longer fits
  • How change affects motivation – and what we can actually do about it
  • Practical tools and techniques to re-ignite purpose, energy, and commitment
  • Insights from real-world leadership conversations and our work with organisations navigating transformation

This masterclass is ideal for strategic people leaders, HR professionals and anyone passionate about leadership. Expect a human, honest, and hopeful conversation, with practical ideas you can use straight away.

Don’t miss this opportunity to refocus, reframe and rediscover what really motivates us – even (and especially) in times of uncertainty.

What does it really take to help people flourish at work, not just perform?

Join Anthony and Claudia for a live, honest and inspiring masterclass where we’ll explore the real story of human flourishing in the workplace. From what’s worked well, to what’s been unexpectedly challenging, we’ll share practical insights and lessons we’ve learned through our work with organisations across sectors.

This isn’t about theory. It’s about what actually helps people grow, feel valued and stay connected, especially in a world of constant change.

Expect useful ideas, honest reflections, and a space to reconnect with what it means to lead as a human, for humans.

Whether you’re just starting to shape a more human workplace or have been doing this work for years, you’ll leave feeling re-energised and better equipped to help your people truly flourish.

Roundtable virtual event

Humanising change? Haven’t we done it all?

  • Wednesday 10 September 2025
  • 7pm BST / 1pm CDT / 2pm EDT

Change fatigue is real, and so is the frustration of hearing the same slogans with little substance. But what does it actually mean to humanise change today?

In this roundtable, we’ll go deeper than surface-level talk and explore what’s really needed to lead change in a way that respects people’s lived experience. Join fellow leaders to reflect, reimagine, and reconnect with how we can support our people through uncertainty – without losing sight of the human heart of it all.

We’ll explore:

  • What does “humanising change” look like in practice, beyond the buzzwords?
  • How do we create the conditions for people to feel safe, seen and supported through disruption?

Masterclass: Moving organisations from change to innovation

Let’s be honest, most of us don’t love change. It’s disruptive, uncomfortable, and often loaded with uncertainty. But what if we stopped seeing change as something to survive… and started seeing it as a launchpad for innovation?

In this energising and practical masterclass, Anthony and Claudia will explore how organisations can shift their mindset, and their culture, to embrace change as an opportunity to do things better, braver and more human.

Join us as we explore:

  • Why our brains resist change, and how we can reframe it
  • How innovative thinking thrives in uncertainty
  • The difference between reactive change and intentional innovation
  • Practical ways to lead teams through change with curiosity and creativity
  • Real-world stories of organisations turning challenge into progress

Whether you’re a strategic people leader, HR professional or transformation lead, this session will help you refocus your approach and walk away with fresh thinking (and tools) to spark innovation across your teams.

It’s time to stop firefighting change, and start using it to fuel something better.

Masterclass: Building trust in a communication crisis

In times of crisis, communication isn’t just important – it’s everything.

Watch Anthony and Claudia for a practical, insight-packed masterclass designed to help you build trust through human-centred communication when it matters most. Whether you’re navigating change, dealing with ambiguity, or facing misalignment across teams, the way you communicate can either deepen trust… or damage it.

Drawing on real examples, global trends, and powerful data, they explore:

  • The real cost of miscommunication (spoiler: it’s more than just morale)
  • What high-performing teams do differently when trust is tested
  • How to shift your communication style from reactive to relational – especially under pressure
  • Practical tools and strategies to improve clarity, build psychological safety, and reduce friction across teams

Expect honest discussion, fresh thinking, and actionable next steps.

If you’re serious about aligning communication with performance, this is your next move.

Psychological Flexibility – Adapting to Change with Confidence

What if the key to long-term success isn’t just strategy or skill – but the ability to adapt?

Watch Alex and special guest Peter Cheese (CEO at CIPD) as they explore the power of psychological flexibility – the mindset that helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and drive innovation.

In today’s fast-moving world, change isn’t something to endure – it’s an opportunity to evolve. But how do we shift from reactive to proactive? How can leaders create cultures where adaptability fuels performance and innovation?

Together, they tackle the big questions:

  • How can we predict and prepare for change before it happens?
  • What can leaders do to ‘own’ change and turn it into a competitive advantage?
  • How do we embed adaptability into workplace culture to align with business goals?

Women Leaders Live Roundtable: Leadership Challenges in 2025

Leadership today is full of complexity – navigating change, making decisions with limited certainty, and balancing growing demands. But beyond the usual challenges, there are deeper questions we don’t always ask.

  • How do we build confidence early in our careers?
  • Is imposter syndrome really self-doubt, or a reaction to the subtle cues we receive from others?
  • Do we need role models, or is a strong support network more valuable?

Join Alex Bailey and a panel of women leaders for an open, thought-provoking conversation on what it really takes to lead with clarity and conviction. We’ll explore the realities of leadership today, challenge common assumptions, and share practical insights to help leaders at every level find their voice, trust their intuition, and make an impact.

Expect honest reflections, fresh perspectives, and ideas you can apply straight away. Let’s rethink what great leadership looks like – together.

World Sustainable Procurement Day 2025

Alex recently spoke at World Sustainable Procurement Day on March 20-21, 2025, a global event dedicated to advancing sustainable sourcing practices. This annual gathering celebrates progress, shares key learnings, and equips procurement professionals worldwide with the insights and tools to embed sustainability into decision-making. Alex brought a unique perspective on human-centred leadership, exploring how procurement can drive both commercial success and long-term positive impact for people and the planet.

Leadership Mindsets Unleashed: The Hidden Power of Workplace Influencers

How to Spot and Develop Your Workplace Influencers

Not all leaders have titles. Some of the most impactful people in your organisation shape culture and drive behaviours through trust, connection, and influence – not authority. But how do you spot these influencers, and more importantly, how do you nurture their mindset to help them thrive?

Watch Alex and special guest Jean Gomes as they settle into our iconic orange sofas for a thought-provoking discussion on how workplace influencers contribute to transformation.

Influence isn’t just about hierarchy; it’s about impact. In a world where informal networks often rival formal structures, recognising these influencers and empowering them with the right mindset could be the key to driving sustainable cultural change.

Key topics explored were:

• What are the tell-tale signs of a workplace influencer with the right mindset?
• How can you develop their mindset to amplify their impact and sustain momentum?

The Human-Technical Balance in Skills-Based Organisations

We talk a lot about skills these days – building them, measuring them, mapping them. But when did human skills become an afterthought?

In our rush to adopt skills-based strategies, are we sidelining the very qualities that make us human? Authenticity, collaboration, adaptability – the glue that holds high-performing teams together. So how do we keep them central when technical know-how takes the spotlight?

Watch Alex and special guest Sukhvinder Pabial, L&D Delivery and Ops Lead at Marks and Spencer, as they tackle these questions head-on.

Leaders face a challenge – balancing the push for technical expertise with the need to nurture human connection and resilience. This isn’t just about trends; it’s about future-proofing our workplaces.

  • Can human skills really be measured in the same way as technical ones?
  • What’s working right now to embed these skills at every level of the organisation?

Wellbeing and Human Sustainability

For 20 years, kids have learned at school to reuse, recycle, and save the world, only to enter workplaces where ESG/CSR targets are detached from human experience, focusing instead on regulatory demands, missing the importance of human survival on the planet. We’ve taught new generations to care about our world but disempowered them at work, creating feelings of organisational betrayal.

Since 2015, UK organisations have focused on wellbeing due to rising mental health issues, introducing initiatives like physical health benefits and resilience workshops. However, global crises have outpaced these efforts.

We must recognise that our impact on the world is damaging our wellbeing and shift our priorities for the future of work. Join Chris, Kirsten, and Alex for a candid discussion on leading wellbeing culture in organisations, exploring trends, challenges, the 2024 focus decline, and the urgent actions needed to prioritise wellbeing.

What does it mean to be human?
Anticipating and Shaping Tomorrow

In Part Two of our ‘Human Series’, Alex and her guests dissect the profound question of what it means to be human in today’s world. They explore how the four key aspects of human leadership – Authenticity, Inclusivity, Role modelling, and Human connectors can steer us toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

Now, we extend this understanding to our place on the planet amidst a climate emergency. Inspired by Martin Seligman’s work, particularly his book ‘Homo Prospectus,’ we see the importance of humans’ ability to look ahead and imagine future possibilities.

Watch as we delve into how collective imagination and prospection can drive us forward. Discover how we can, together shape the future, protect our planet, and pioneer a new understanding of human potential and resilience.

Propelling Humanity Forward: The Key to Collective Imagination

In Part Three of our ‘Human Series’, Alex and Chris Yates (Senior Vice President, Head of Talent at Equinix, and author) chat about what collective and social imagination is, and the effect it can have on us as humans in a world navigating the dawn of AI. Could this key mode of human prospecting propel us further than AI ever could?

Here are just a few questions they discussed during the event:

  • Has collective imagination and prospecting been what’s driven our evolution all along?
  • How can this understanding improve our individual and social functioning?
  • Is this our step forward and upwards from AI?

Planet at the Core:
Redefining People Strategies for Sustainability

In Part Four of our ‘Human Series’, Alex and Kerri took a deep dive into the concept of a “Human Planet” – a perspective that goes beyond “world” or “globe” to highlight our connection to space, nature, and the urgency of the climate emergency. This thought-provoking session explored why organisations often overlook this vital perspective when redefining people strategies for sustainability.

Key questions were at the heart of the discussion:

  • Are humans uniquely equipped to solve this self-induced problem?
  • Is collective imagination key to addressing our planetary crisis?

The session emphasised the importance of creating a “human planet” mindset that unites us all, equipping people with the tools and confidence to contribute meaningfully while fostering psychological safety to encourage bold, impactful actions.

If you missed it, stay tuned for highlights and insights that will inspire you to rethink your strategies for a sustainable future.

Shiny Happy People Podcast

Alex appeared on the Shiny Happy People podcast for a discussion about Humanising Work with Vinay Kumar.

In this business podcast that is all about people, Vinay Kumar – interviews leaders, thinkers, strategists, and doers to reveal actionable insights, first-hand experiences, smart strategies, brilliant tips and lesser-known best practices on a range of subjects in business leadership and people management, from innovation, DEI, facilitation, technology, future of the workforce and sustainability to evolution of leadership, storytelling, negotiation, digital learning, mental wellbeing, the art of staying positive and even water wars!

2024 Showreel

Here’s a glimpse into the incredible conversations and collaborations we’ve had in 2024. From thought-provoking live events with inspiring guests to impactful partnerships with leading organisations, it highlights the work we’ve been doing to humanise the world of work. Watch now and see how we’re helping people and teams thrive.

Discover the Power of Being Human at Work

Our Human Skills workshops are designed to help people develop the qualities that make work meaningful and impactful – skills like empathy, communication, creativity, and resilience. These are the things that tech can’t replicate and that organisations need to thrive.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen teamwork, spark innovation, or create more genuine connections, our workshops offer practical, down-to-earth learning experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Use the QR code to explore all our Human Skill courses or click below for more details.

Explore workshops

Keeping the Human Edge in a Tech-Savvy Workplace

Recently, Alex joined Christopher Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast to explore the importance of human-centric leadership. In this thought-provoking episode, Alex dives into how leaders can balance AI with essential human skills, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces connection.

From keeping the ‘human switch’ turned on to fostering psychological safety, Alex shares practical strategies to unlock innovation and build meaningful workplace cultures. She highlights why purpose and authenticity are essential for driving performance and creating organisations where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Watch the full episode now

Transform Your Workplace with the Humanising the World of Work E-Book

Discover the Humanising the World of Work e-book – your guide to creating workplaces where people truly thrive.

Packed with actionable insights, inspiring stories, and practical tools, this resource empowers leaders to cultivate connection, build resilience, and unlock the potential in their teams.

Whether you’re leading a small team or driving organisational change, this e-book offers fresh perspectives on how to prioritise people and performance in harmony. Download your copy today and take the first step toward transforming your workplace into a more human, impactful space.

Download yours here

Big Ideas 2025

2025 will be the year we consciously choose to Be Human On Purpose.

In her latest predictions, Alex explores how the rapid acceleration of technology and AI is shaping the way we live and work, and why it’s more important than ever to reconnect with what makes us uniquely human.

It’s not just about empathy and compassion. Alex highlights human strengths that technology cannot replicate, such as social imagination and intuitive leaps in group settings. These abilities, rooted in our interconnectedness and interdependence, are critical for navigating an increasingly complex world.

Being Human On Purpose isn’t just a prediction – it’s essential. It’s the mindset we need to thrive as a species on this shared human planet.

Watch Alex’s 2025 Predictions to discover why redefining and embracing our humanity is the key to building a sustainable and successful future.

The Human Book Club

Welcome to the Human Book Club, part of our Human Series, where we review books that explore the profound themes of being human. Each selection takes you on a journey through identity, purpose, and the shared experiences that define us. The below reviews provide a unique lens into these works, offering deeper insights into what it means to be human. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, reflection, or simply a great read, the Human Book Club invites you to engage with literature that sparks meaningful conversations about our shared humanity:

Back to Human

by Dan Schawbel

Reviewed by Alex Bailey:

“Dan is great at tapping into global trends and this book was another hit and still more relevant now than when published.

Often I don’t think titles matter once I’m reading the book, but this one matters. Going back is a very important message in a world that is hurtling forward at such a pace. And it is challenging in that respect too, as it can mean that we aren’t embracing the new shiny innovation in the way we perhaps could or should?

But when I’m reading about going back, I don’t want it to make me feel like the old traditional ways of doing things are best that I’ve heard from past generations, I want to know why the previous methods were important enough to go back to, and that’s what Dan does here.

  1. Tech as a distraction as much as a productivity assistant – Simon Sinek has a great video on even how much the presence of a smartphone changes how we feel in a conversation even if not being used. Indistractable by Nir Eyal is a fabulous in depth journey on this very topic too!
    A distraction from being human is bigger than just distracting us from being productive or successful. It places the importance of human back into the foreground of our attention.
  2. Friends at work – friends have come to be many and flimsy in this world where we can connect with everyone and yet not really attend to or nurture those friendships at all. If friends at work are flimsier due to hybrid and remote working focusing all our teams calls on bullet pointed meeting agendas how do we have the laughs we used to that give us friendship fabric to sew into?
  3. Positive and personal recognition meaning so much more than transactional self serve benefits that strip the meaningful connection, the proud smile, the knowing of what went into that achievement and the being seen and heard that matters.

It pinpoints something that is massively important to me, having developed our Human Leadership programme from years of working with those leaders who have answered the call to work through and with others, it highlights that it is actually the leaders job to connect others.”

The Concise Laws of Human Nature

by Robert Greene

Reviewed by Alex Bailey:

“My latest read is The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene 2018 which intrigued me as it focuses on the key aspects of human nature that go overlooked or are under-discussed. Loved that angle as we all know AI and Chatbots can do empathy and compassion with ease (try the demo of https://demo.hume.ai/ and you will see what I mean.)

Aspects of human nature highlighted by Greene include: deciding using emotions, envy, self-centeredness, gender repression, aggression and group mentality.

I have been proposing that we need to use our human differentiators purposefully and these topics challenged my naive thinking that all of them were entirely positive!

What I loved most about this was it’s futuristic application in the context of the ever growing social media society we live in suggesting the enormity and pace of global trends through our social networks is now becoming real and the human aspects that draws upon within us.”

“The immediacy of all answers at our fingertips may lead us to make decisions quickly based on the strength of the current emotion rather than stepping back and thinking rationally about all options.

Layering in the size of the networks we are connected to, all being highlighted to us at the same time leads us to believe we are right because so many others appear to also be thinking the same too in that moment.

The acceptance of our envious self if being truly authentic is to admit we covet what we don’t have. And how much does this build in our minds when watching reel after reel reinforcing that we are not in the same league as those we tend to follow, watch, emulate…

This book was great at highlighting uncomfortable truths and then flipping them into the narrative that we do need to admit and accept our human nature:

1) We can accept who we are naturally
2) We can base ourselves in the reality of the real world
3) And we can strive to improve ourselves in depth of our character, stepping back from immediacy and opening our minds to new angles and ways of thinking

These points are relevant to everyone at work.”

Nexus

by Yuval Noah Harari

Reviewed by Anthony Fitton:

“Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari is an eye-opening read that dives into how artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and data are not just shaping humanity but also redefining the workplace and the way businesses operate. As I read it, I couldn’t help but think about the critical role these shifts play for leaders and HR professionals today. Harari does a brilliant job of connecting these technological advancements to the human side of work, showing how they can enhance both organisational success and societal wellbeing when used thoughtfully.

One of the standout ideas for me was Harari’s take on workforce reskilling. He makes it clear that automation isn’t just about replacing jobs – it’s about rethinking how we can empower people to grow alongside technology. This resonates deeply with the principles of positive psychology: by focusing on human potential, organisations can create workplaces that are not only efficient but also truly engaging and supportive.”

“Harari also touches on data ethics and decision-making, reminding us that while AI can streamline processes and improve outcomes, it’s still up to us to ensure it’s used responsibly. His insights feel particularly urgent in a world where staying competitive means embracing technology, but not at the expense of our humanity.

Here are three takeaways from the book that I think every leader should consider:

  1. Upskill and Reskill The Workforce: Take a proactive approach to roles impacted by automation. Developing programmes that focus on future-ready skills and AI literacy isn’t just practical—it’s a way to invest in your people and their growth.
  2. Embrace AI-driven Leadership: Harari suggests incorporating AI tools into leadership strategies to make better decisions. But it’s about more than the tech; it’s about equipping leaders to use these tools in ways that stay human-centred.
  3. Build a Culture of Data Ethics: As AI becomes more embedded in business, ethical guidelines for data use are non-negotiable. Harari’s point here struck me as both timely and essential—trust is the foundation of any strong workplace culture.

What makes Nexus so impactful is Harari’s ability to link these cutting-edge ideas to practical, human-centred strategies. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to lead with both innovation and empathy in the digital age. If you’re a leader navigating these challenges, this book will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to build not just a stronger organisation, but a better world.”

Ask Alex

Got questions about making your workplace more human-centred? Ask Alex Bailey!

As an expert in occupational psychology and cultural evolution, Alex is here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of creating a more engaged and thriving work environment. Whether you’re looking for tips on performance motivation, leadership development, or fostering psychologically safe cultures, Alex has the insights and experience to guide you.

Ask Alex here
Alex Bailey

We’d Love to Hear Your ‘Human’ Stories…

Let us know any human-centric moments you’ve experienced at work. It’s always nice to hear stories that can inspire and guide others in similar situations.

Do you have a story about a work problem solved by taking the human approach?
Do you know a human leader who quietly made a big difference during a tough time?
Have you switched roles recently and been pleasantly surprised by your new company?

Share your experiences with us
A female leader high fiving a member of her team