Workplace culture and human resources consultant Natalie Lewis explains why an organisation's culture can make or break the long-term business strategy.

"[You] can have the best strategy in the world. You could have a solid five-year plan, and everything looks bulletproof on paper. The numbers all add up, and everything is solid." Lewis said. "But if the culture of your team doesn't support that strategy, then it'll never get delivered."

Lewis explains how to ensure that employees are a good culture fit and offers strategies to better communicate company expectations to employees.

Lewis also sets out some of the expectations that can make middle manager's roles more challenging, what it means to be a self-aware leader, and simple steps for improving feedback processes.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Traits that separate high-performing teams from poor-performing ones.
• A fast-track route for culture-fit hiring.
• Why leaders need to build an intentional culture early.
• Some ways that psychological safety can be destroyed at work.
• Expectations that can make managers' roles more challenging.
• Tips for becoming a better communicator.

Steve Roberts, a psychotherapist, counsellor, and life coach, spoke last year at UK & Ireland ENGAGE. In this podcast conversation, he highlights key techniques for engaging workforces, how to resolve conflicts more effectively, and the impact increased digital communication has had on the way we interpret information.

Roberts also shares one fundamental practice that can help professionals prepare for future challenges without losing their principles.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• Three factors that can influence the way we engage with peers.
• Some pressures that can lead to burnout for workforces.
• Why win-win models are the only sustainable position for leaders.
• The story of the Zen master and how it can inform a better approach to learning.
• An acronym for developing a more understanding approach to conflict resolution.
• How managers can become "practical psychologists".
• One essential habit for creating a value-centred approach to personal development.

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This 2025 compilation episode looks back on key takeaways from CGMA credential holders and other experts featured on the FM podcast in the past year. The discussions focus on AI, skills gaps, leadership, and other topics.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• The potential of AI tools and the value of learning them early.
• Technology's impact on communication skills.
• One solution for creating more cohesive teams.
• Advice for navigating uncertainty and difficult colleagues.
• The link between leadership and imposter syndrome.