High Performance with Heart - The Great Leadership Algorithm, with Charlotte Johns of Elida Beauty

In this episode we talk with Nicole Haris, Global HR Director at AstraZeneca, about what it really takes to turn brilliant technical minds into great people leaders. We talk about why IQ often struggles to translate into EQ, how to help reluctant managers step up without losing their spark and why leadership labels might be doing more harm than good. Nicole shares her take on the leadership factory model, how AstraZeneca keeps managers focussed on what really matters, and the two questions every manager should be asking to prepare their team for the future of work. Connect with Nicole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-haris-b474757/Connect with Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperform/

With over 30 years working in learning, Andy Lancaster is a pioneer in people development, known for his innovation in reshaping organisational learning. Former Head of Learning at CIPD and now Chief Learning Officer and Consultant at Reimagine People Development, he designs performance-based people strategies, mentors learning teams, and transforms learning cultures. In today's episode, Andy shares golden nuggets from his career as well as sharing the impact his drive and stress had on his health and the deep reflection that followed on balancing ambition and wellbeing. Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-lancaster/Driving Performance Through Learning Book – https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/driving-performance-through-learning-9780749497439Organisational Learning Communities Book – https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/organizational-learning-communities-9781398615496Connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender/

In this episode, we dig into the human side of leadership, the bit that doesn't show up on a spreadsheet but shapes everything. We're joined by Charlotte Johns, Global Head of Brand Experience and Internal Communications at Elida Beauty, a company born out of transformation and no stranger to change. From leading through chaos with empathy to building a culture where kindness isn't soft, Charlotte brings a refreshingly honest take on what it means to show up as a leader. We talk about the behavioural blindspots that trip teams up during change, why repetition isn't patronising and how to lead with care without dropping the ball on performance. Connect with Charlotte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottejohns2011/Connect with Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperform/

In this episode of Misbehave, we’re exploring what happens when purpose stops being a slogan and starts shaping real decisions.We’re joined by Catherine Douglas, former Chief People and Sustainability Officer at The Co-Operative Bank and founding member of the Nexus Chief People Forum. From choosing suppliers to leading major change, Catherine shares how a clear purpose can cut through conflict, guide strategy, and build trust.We dive into what visible leadership really looks like during transitions, why transparency beats silence every time, and how sustainability isn’t just a cost, it’s a competitive advantage.This one’s for anyone navigating tough calls, culture shifts, or trying to make sustainability stick without losing momentum.Try the Perform behavioural tool for free: www.perform-platform.comConnect with Catherine: linkedin.com/in/catherine-douglas-0b096126/Connect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperform Connect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender

In this episode of Misbehave, we’re tackling a question most people teams wrestle with at some point: why does every team feel like a different company?From polished, high-performing meetings to chaotic, unclear ones, inconsistent culture isn’t just frustrating, it’s a symptom of a deeper problem: misaligned management.We unpack the hidden cost of management inconsistency, how it fractures culture, and what it takes to create real alignment across teams. From missed deadlines to disengaged top performers, we explore why scaling instinct doesn’t work and how building standards for behaviour, expectations, and accountability can turn things around.This one’s for anyone who’s tired of firefighting and ready to build a culture that doesn’t crack under pressure.Try the Perform behavioural tool for free: www.perform-platform.com Connect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperform Connect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender

In this episode of Misbehave, we’re joined by Sam Briggs, Head of HR at Aarsleff Ground Engineering and a doctoral researcher challenging how we think about generational differences at work.With experience spanning finance, retail operations, logistics, manufacturing, and construction, Sam brings a no-nonsense lens to some of HR’s most outdated practices. She unpacks why Gen Z are pushing back on top-down management, how flatter structures and network mapping could replace traditional org charts, and what HR must rethink if it wants to stay relevant.We explore the shift from annual appraisals to flexible, ongoing check-ins and why backing change with data is the key to influence, not just inspiration.Try the Perform behavioural tool for free: www.perform-platform.comExplore Aarsleff: https://aarsleff.co.uk/Connect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperformConnect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender

In this episode of Misbehave, we’re joined by Perry Timms, Founder of People & Transformational HR Ltd and one of the most influential thinkers in HR, to explore what happens when we stop treating HR as an administrative function and start using it as a strategic, evidence-based force for change.Perry unpacks the evolution of HR into a critical driver of organisational performance, sharing how behavioural insights, agile thinking, and self-managed structures can transform how people work and thrive. He makes a compelling case for breaking down rigid hierarchies and reimagining job roles to unlock real impact, purpose, and collaboration.We dive into the power of evidence-based HR, the future of organisational design, and why today’s HR leaders must become meaning-makers who connect people with purpose.Try the Perform behavioural assessment tool for free: www.perform-platform.comConnect with Perry: linkedin.com/in/perrytimmsConnect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperformConnect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender

In this episode of Misbehave, we’re joined by Neil Morrison, Group HR Director at Severn Trent, to explore what happens when we stop designing work around policies and start designing it around people.Neil challenges the traditional HR rulebook and makes a powerful case for stripping back bureaucracy to build workplaces that are productive, human, and joyful. He shares how rethinking management norms can empower both managers and frontline workers, without losing structure or outcomes.We dive into what the future of work really looks like, especially for those on the frontline, and examine how technology can either elevate or erode the employee experience depending on how it’s used. Try the Perform behavioural assessment tool for free: www.perform-platform.comConnect with Neil: linkedin.com/in/neil-morrison-hrConnect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperformConnect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender

In this episode of Misbehave, we're joined by Eugenio Pirri, whose journey from room attendant to senior HR leader in the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands is a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and people-first leadership.We explore the realities of the hospitality industry, where high turnover is the norm, and dive into the strategies that drive genuine loyalty and long-term engagement. Eugenio shares how mentoring, cultural alignment, and purpose-led leadership can create environments where people thrive.We also unpack how HR can evolve from a traditional support function into a strategic, profit-driving force by connecting employee experience with business outcomes. From creating meaningful career paths to embedding continuous learning, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to build a culture that retains talent and fuels growth.Try the Perform behavioural assessment tool for free: www.perform-platform.comConnect with Eugenio: linkedin.com/in/epirri17/Connect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperform/Connect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender/

In this episode of Misbehave, we dive into the role of behaviour in management success and why simply knowing what to do isn’t enough.We break down the pitfalls of traditional training, the importance of continuous learning, and how to embed real behavioural change for maximum ROI. Great managers don’t just gain knowledge; they apply it consistently, shaping habits that drive performance.We discuss everything from the psychology behind habit formation to the impact of consistent versus tiered learning approaches. You'll learn how to create a common management language, cater to different learning styles, and hold managers accountable for applying their learning.This episode is packed with actionable insights for organisations looking to transform management development and drive meaningful business results.Audit Your Learning & Development Initiatives: www.perform-platform.com/insights/l-d-initiative-auditConnect with Laura: linkedin.com/in/lauraweavingperform/Connect with Sarah: linkedin.com/in/sarahcallender/Try the Perform behavioural assessment tool for free: www.perform-platform.com