How do you effectively transform for tomorrow? ft. Marc Howells | EZRA Asks Ep 8

In a world where AI can generate answers in seconds, the real question is: are we still thinking deeply enough? In this episode of Ezra Ask, Devin Haberkorn sits down with Melanie Steinbach former Chief People Officer at MasterClass and Chief Talent Officer at McDonald’s to explore what truly separates high-performing leaders in an AI-driven world. Your team is using AI. They’re moving faster. Automating more. But are they asking better questions… or just accepting the first answer? We dive into the real competitive edge in the age of AI and why it’s not about speed, but about human skills like curiosity, discernment, humility, and connection. 💡 In this episode, we cover: Why curiosity is becoming a make-or-break leadership skill The danger of relying on AI without critical thinking The 4 human differentiators that AI can’t replace Why leaders need to stop pretending they have all the answers The power of coaching in navigating AI disruption Human vs AI coaching—and why the future is both This conversation challenges how we think about leadership, learning, and performance in a rapidly changing world. Learn more about EZRA at https://www.helloezra.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if organisational culture wasn’t something you inherited — but something you deliberately designed? In this episode of EZRA Asks, host Sinead Keenan, Chief Innovation Officer at EZRA, sits down with Raj Verma, Chief Culture, Inclusion & Experience Officer at Sanofi, to explore how culture can become a strategic advantage rather than an invisible constraint. Raj shares how Sanofi has embedded culture, inclusion, and employee experience directly into its business strategy — shaping how the organisation innovates, moves at speed, and delivers better outcomes for patients worldwide. From designing belonging at global scale to treating culture as a commercial lever, this conversation offers grounded, practical insights for leaders navigating complexity, regulation, and constant change. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why culture needs intentional design, not passive inheritance - How inclusion and employee experience drive performance - What it takes to turn values into measurable business impact - How to build culture that scales across global organisations - Why employee experience is becoming a real competitive advantage This episode is for leaders, HR and people professionals, transformation leads, and anyone responsible for shaping how work really gets done. Learn more about EZRA at https://www.helloezra.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

EZRA Asks… Progress vs. Preservation: The Leader’s Real Job in Reinvention In a world that worships constant change, how do leaders know what actually needs to change — and what must be protected? In this episode of EZRA Asks, host Leslie Caputo, SVP of Global Solutions at EZRA Coaching, sits down with Jay Moore to explore the often-overlooked leadership skill of discernment. Jay draws on 37 years at GE — including his tenure as Chief Learning Officer — to unpack how leaders navigate reinvention without losing their organisation’s core identity. Together, they examine why not every change equals progress, how leaders decide what to preserve versus what to evolve, and what it really takes to lead wisely in times of ongoing transformation. A conversation for leaders who are tired of change for change’s sake — and ready to lead with judgment, clarity, and intent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI is reshaping how we work — but lasting transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s about people. In this live EZRA Asks episode, we sit down with Simon Lambert (Chief Learning Officer) and Tatiana Arventi (AI Workforce Function Lead) from Microsoft UK & Ireland to explore how to build the habits, behaviors, and leadership cultures that turn AI experimentation into sustained impact. Hosted by Emily Eastwood (Global Solutions Strategy Lead at EZRA), this conversation uncovers: • Why AI transformation starts with human transformation • How to move from pilot projects to organization-wide impact • The leadership capabilities needed in an AI-augmented workplace • How to empower teams to build curiosity and confidence to experiment • Real stories from Microsoft’s own journey with AI and coaching on a global scale If you’re a CHRO, CLO, HR leader, or manager navigating the future of work, this episode is for you. Learn how to lead with curiosity, empower your teams, and unlock the full potential of AI — one habit at a time. #aileadership #futureofwork #coachingculture #microsoft #ezraasks #aiatwork #ai #coaching Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to build cultures where people truly belong — and what happens when organisations don't quite get it right? In this episode of EZRA Asks, hosts Oly and Lewis sit down with Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall UK, to explore the realities of driving inclusion in today’s workplace. From hybrid work and pandemic aftershocks to the challenges of a multi-generational workforce, they explore both the opportunities for change, and the resistance leaders often face. Together, they challenge outdated mindsets, spotlight the behaviours that unlock belonging, and connect inclusion directly to performance and culture. If you’ve ever wrestled with the fine line between intention and impact, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to move beyond performative gestures and create lasting change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What’s the real impact of coaching—months after the sessions end? In this special episode of EZRA Asks, host Roper reconnects with EZRA coach Frederique and her coachee Jo, a year after sharing their journey in the Work in Progress documentary. Together, they reflect on the breakthroughs that stuck, the challenges that reshaped their thinking, and how coaching continues to influence both their personal and professional lives. If you’ve ever wondered what lasting change from coaching looks like, this candid conversation is proof that the impact goes far beyond the moment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can your culture keep up with your ambition? In this episode of EZRA Asks, host Sinead Keenan sits down with Eric, Principal of Organisational Effectiveness at Adobe, to unpack what it really takes to build a future-ready culture. From scaling fast to staying grounded in your values, they explore how leaders can align people strategy with business ambition — without losing their teams’ momentum in the process. Expect real talk on mindset shifts, cultural markers, and the leadership principles that actually move the needle. Whether you’re navigating rapid change or planning for what’s next, this episode offers sharp insights on how to lead through uncertainty — and create a culture that’s built to last. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Ezra Asks, host Sinead Keenan is joined by Kim McMurdo, Head of Organisational Development at Standard Chartered Bank, to explore the concept of high performance in the corporate world. They delve into the balance between ambition and sustainability, discussing how organisations can achieve lasting results without compromising employee well-being. With a focus on the pressures of digitisation and simplification, Kim shares insights from her extensive experience in leadership and performance, particularly within the financial services sector. The conversation addresses the evolving definition of leadership and the importance of creating cultures that foster both performance and employee health. Tune in for valuable perspectives on building sustainable high-performance environments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of EZRA Asks we invited in Marc Howells - VP of Global Talent and Organisational Development at AstraZeneca. We delve into the topics such as how do you balance performance for today whilst innovating for the future, how do you build belief in change, and how do you set direction from the top? #podcast #leadership #transformation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this extended episode of EZRA Asks we invited in Vijay Pendakur - a leading thinker on leadership and team dynamics, author of soon-to-be released 'Alchemy of Talent' and a valued member of EZRA's advisory board. In this two part special, we delve into the topic of whether there really is a formula for high performing teams. We'll talk about topics like team cohesion and performance, diversity, friction and the critical role of leadership. #podcast #highperformancecoach #leadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.