The Chief Psychology Officer

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to creating a truly inclusive workplace with insights from Laura McLean, an HR and Talent leader at Santander. Tune in to discover how you can foster an environment where trust and innovation flourish, and employees feel empowered to bring their full selves to work. Laura, alongside Dr Amanda Potter, Chartered Psychologist and CEO of Zircon BeTalent, dissects the core elements of psychological safety, demonstrating their pivotal role in leadership development and the evolving landscape of today's workforce. You'll learn about the transformative power of small, intentional changes that can yield significant improvements in organizational culture. Just like compound interest, these adjustments magnify over time, leading to better customer experiences and fostering innovation. We'll explore the internal climates that shape customer service and discuss strategies for embedding psychological safety at both micro and macro levels. A key focus is on recognising and addressing unconscious biases, promoting true cognitive and neurodiversity within the workplace.Even well-intentioned leaders can inadvertently create toxic environments. Our conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, candid communication, and the balancing act between professional focus and personal connection. We'll share personal anecdotes to illustrate how perceptions can be influenced by external appearances and how a supportive environment encourages productivity under pressure. Whether you're an HR leader, psychologist, or simply someone looking to enhance workplace culture, this episode provides practical advice on raising awareness and integrating small practices that build psychological safety across all levels of an organisation.Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/ To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/ To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: [email protected]

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to optimal sleep with Dr. Amanda Potter, a distinguished Psychologist and CEO of Zircon BeTalent, as she guides us through the intricate dance of our nightly rest. Discover how seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep can revolutionize your emotional well-being and sharpen your cognitive edge, enhancing creativity, problem-solving, and memory retention. Dr. Potter also sheds light on the substantial economic toll of sleep-related fatigue, underscoring the importance of regular sleep patterns and the power daylight holds over our natural rhythms.Journey through the enigmatic stages of REM and non-REM sleep, where dreams intertwine with memory consolidation and learning is fortified. You'll find out how neurotransmitters like GABA, alongside melatonin and adenosine, orchestrate this nightly symphony. Dr. Potter emphasizes how morning light resets our biological clocks, and why feelings of contentment can be a catalyst for better sleep. Our conversation also covers the profound effects of outdoor activities and exercise on reducing cortisol levels and naturally boosting melatonin.Arm yourself with practical strategies to master sleep hygiene and establish empowering routines. Learn how caffeine affects your alertness and sleep patterns, and grasp the importance of consistent sleep and wake times. We explore the benefits of using dim, yellow lights in the evening while embracing natural sunlight in the morning. Discover tips for maintaining an ideal bedroom environment, timing meals and naps wisely, and using breathing techniques to ease into relaxation, equipping you to reclaim your nights and boost your overall well-being.Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/ To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/ To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: [email protected]

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of psychological assessments with our esteemed guest, Ben Williams from Sten10, as he joins Dr Amanda Potter, CEO of Zircon, for an in-depth discussion on the tools that shape development and recruitment. Discover why validity and reliability are not just buzzwords but essential elements that ensure these assessments accurately measure what they're supposed to. Together, we unravel the intricacies of state versus trait-based assessments, such as resilience and emotional intelligence, and debate the delicate balancing act between inclusivity and fairness in assessment design.Journey with us as we dissect the methodologies behind personality assessments, from the often-debated graphology to the impact of gamified assessments on candidate experience. Learn how to navigate the tension between questionnaire length and psychometric robustness without compromising the candidate's perception of fairness. We also explore the challenges neurodiverse candidates face with situational judgment tests and the importance of utilizing normative approaches to make assessments more inclusive.Finally, brace yourself for a deep dive into the intersection of innovation, ethics, and technology in psychological assessments. Witness the ongoing debate over the use of AI in personality assessments and the ethical considerations surrounding social media data in recruitment. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of psychological assessments, underpinned by scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity, as they continue to evolve in our rapidly changing world.Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/ To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/ To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: [email protected]

Send us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Amanda Potter, Chartered Psychologist and CEO of Zircon, as we navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial mindset. Ever wondered what differentiates a freelancer from a true entrepreneur? Discover how visionaries like Simon Rogerson from Octopus Energy harness their relentless energy and forward-thinking approach to fill market gaps with scalable business ideas. We'll also confront the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, examining why only a third of global businesses are women-owned and exploring solutions to bridge this leadership gap.What drives an entrepreneur to move toward opportunities rather than flee from less favourable situations? The answer lies in a proactive mindset. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, we shed light on how upbringing can shape entrepreneurial tendencies. We distinguish freelancers from entrepreneurs in terms of opportunity identification and venture creation and delve into intrapreneurship—where innovation thrives within established companies. The conversation does not shy away from the real-world hurdles faced by psychologists entering the consulting field, emphasizing the need for psychological safety to foster innovation.Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit by exploring the intersection of personality traits and successful business practices. Inspired by an interview with Simon Rogerson, we discuss how traits like curiosity, learning agility, and the ability to embrace failure are vital for success. Whether the entrepreneurial mindset is a state or a trait is a question worth pondering, as we explore how passion and risk-taking, are crucial elements of entrepreneurship. The thrill of bringing ideas to life, making a global impact, and stepping into discomfort to foster growth is at the heart of our discussion, offering insights into how you can transform your business and life.Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/ To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/ To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: [email protected]