What really drives bad behaviour inside organisations, and why do so many compliance efforts fail to address it?

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Sarah Cole is joined by Professor Benjamin Van Rooij, a leading global voice on the intersection between law, behaviour, and organisational culture.

Benjamin is co-author of The Behavioral Code: The Hidden Ways the Law Makes Us Better or Worse and co-editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Compliance. He shares deep insights into how laws and compliance programmes often miss the mark, not because they are weak on rules, but because they fail to ask the right behavioural questions.

Together, Sarah and Benjamin explore:

• Why root cause analysis matters more than intervention
• The danger of focusing on why something happened instead of how
• The concept of “toxic organisations” and how structural harm becomes normalised
• What good leadership really looks like: realism, resistance, and room for critique
• How punishment can backfire, and the 13 behavioural effects it may trigger
• What Compliance 3.0 could look like, moving beyond liability management into long-term prevention

Benjamin also reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave, his desire to influence policy at the highest level, and why magical glasses that reveal future consequences might be every leader’s best survival tool.

If you are a CEO, general counsel, or senior leader grappling with culture, conduct, or compliance, this episode will challenge your thinking in the best possible way.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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What really shapes workplace culture - the glossy mission statement, or the quiet everyday decisions leaders make under pressure?

In this episode, Sarah Cole is joined by Emily Miner, Director at Ethisphere and seasoned expert in ethics, compliance, and values-driven leadership. Together, they explore the real work of building trust in organisations, where values aren't just words on a wall but are reflected in how people behave, how leaders respond, and how decisions are made.

Emily shares her personal journey from environmental policy and climate advocacy to corporate ethics - a shift that revealed just how powerful business can be in driving real change. The conversation delves into culture, psychological safety, empathy, and the practical frameworks leaders need to navigate complex societal issues without losing sight of their purpose.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The difference between performative values and lived culture
• How leaders can balance advocacy with accountability
• Why empathy, trust, and transparency are becoming non-negotiables
• And what truly belongs in a leader’s survival kit (hint: not just grit)

This is an episode for anyone who cares about shaping better organisations from the inside out.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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In this powerful episode, Sarah Cole is joined by Keith Read - award-winning expert in ethics, governance, and compliance — for a no-nonsense conversation about the heart of leadership: trust.

Keith has spent decades advising global organisations on how to build ethical cultures that actually work in practice, not just on paper. He’s seen what happens when values are ignored, and he knows what it takes to rebuild trust from the ground up.

Together, Sarah and Keith explore what ethical leadership looks like today, how to challenge toxic behaviours without losing your voice, and why leaders must do the deep inner work if they want to create truly values-driven teams.

You’ll hear:

• Why trust is a business imperative, not just a buzzword
• How to lead through uncertainty without compromising integrity
• The cost of silence in leadership — and how to speak up with courage
• How Keith navigated complex ethical dilemmas inside large corporates
• What “culture” really means in action, and why it starts at the top
• How to ask better questions that surface the truth and build accountability

This episode is essential listening for anyone in a leadership role who wants to build trust, lead with clarity, and do the right thing — even when it’s hard.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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In todays profound episode, Sarah is joined by Richard Barrett, renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Barrett Values Centre and the Barrett Academy. Together, they explore the deep connections between personal transformation, organisational culture, and soul-based leadership.

Richard shares his extraordinary journey from a civil engineering career at the World Bank to becoming a globally recognised pioneer in human values, leadership development, and cultural transformation. With wisdom gathered from decades of work with CEOs and governments worldwide, Richard explains why knowing yourself is the foundation of impactful leadership, how “beliefs divide and values unite,” and why the soul is the true driver of purpose, joy, and contribution.

This conversation covers everything from the seven stages of psychological development and the dangers of ego-led leadership to practical ways leaders can reduce cultural entropy and shift workplace culture, even on a budget.

You’ll hear about:

• Richard’s transformation from transportation engineer to transformation pioneer
• Why self-knowledge is the starting point for leadership
• How culture is a mirror of leadership consciousness
• The importance of soul expression and values-driven purpose
• Cultural entropy, trust matrices, and how to truly transform an organisation
• Why caring for your children might be the most powerful leadership act of all

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Richard’s work: https://www.barrettacademy.com
• Explore the Humanity Awareness Initiative: https://www.humanityawarenessinitiative.org
• Books by Richard Barrett: Amazon Author Page

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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What does it really take to perform at the highest level – and how do you keep pushing forward when no one else is watching?

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Sally Gunnell OBE. The only woman ever to hold the Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles simultaneously, Sally shares her journey from growing up on a farm to standing on the world’s biggest sporting stages – and the lessons that shaped her life beyond athletics.

Together, we explore:

• How resilience is built through adversity, not in spite of it
• Why high performance is 70% mental – and how to train your mind like an Olympian
• The power of visualisation, goal setting and healthy habits in leadership and life
• How to stay motivated, manage burnout and take care of your well-being without guilt
• The small 1% shifts that make the biggest difference over time
• Why building a great support team is essential (and why none of us succeed alone)
• Sally’s inspiring new work with Life’s Hurdles, supporting professional women in building strength, confidence and resilience

Sally’s honesty, warmth and practical wisdom offer a masterclass in leadership, personal growth and living with purpose.

Resources mentioned:

• Find out more about Life’s Hurdle: https://www.lifeshurdle.com/
• Sally’s books: Running Tall, Ten Hurdles of Life, Be Your Best, and more
• Connect with Sally: https://www.sallygunnell.com/

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cole4/

☕Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/sarah.cole

Why do we trust complete strangers? How can leaders build emotionally resilient teams without micromanaging? And what role does oxytocin really play in the workplace?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Zak - a leading behavioural neuroscientist, four-time tech founder, and author of Immersion: The Science of Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness.

Together, we explore the science of trust, emotional fitness, and the simple, powerful behaviours that help leaders create connected, high-performing cultures.

Paul shares eye-opening insights from two decades of research (and some very memorable stories), including:

• Why trust drives business outcomes - and how to measure it without drawing blood
• What high-trust cultures actually look like, and why hierarchy often stands in the way
• The surprising link between oxytocin, empathy, and everyday leadership behaviours
• How emotional fitness fuels performance, and how Paul’s free app SIX can help you track it
• Why being vulnerable at work isn’t just brave — it’s strategic

If you’re a leader navigating complexity, juggling competing demands, or looking for more meaning in your work, this episode offers a fresh, evidence-backed perspective on what really matters.

Resources and links mentioned:

• Download Paul’s free emotional fitness app: SIX
• Explore the science behind Immersion: getimmersion.com
• Visit Paul’s research lab: neuroeconomicstudies.org
• Paul’s upcoming book The Little Book of Happiness — out May 6

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

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What does it really take to build trust in a complex, high-pressure organisation?

In this episode of Insights from the 'Cole' Face, I’m joined by Klaus Moosmayer, Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer at Novartis, to explore how leaders can move beyond compliance checklists and embed integrity, trust, and ethical agility into their organisations.

In March 2025, it was announced that Klaus was proposed for election as new member of Deutsche Bank’s Supervisory Board—a significant move that highlights his growing role in governance at the highest level.

Klaus shares insights into his journey from corporate compliance to broader governance, his thoughts on ethical leadership, and the role of boards in ensuring integrity and accountability at the highest levels of business. With a deep understanding of governance, risk, and integrated assurance, Klaus provides invaluable lessons for leaders navigating complex challenges in today’s corporate landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The evolving role of governance and corporate boards in shaping ethical leadership.

✔️ The importance of integrated assurance in modern business strategy.

✔️ How Klaus’s experience at Novartis and his recent WEF appointment influence his approach to governance.

✔️ Leadership insights from one of the most respected voices in corporate ethics.

✔️ Klaus’s answer to our signature question: What one tool or strategy would you add to the leadership toolkit?

We discuss Klaus’s remarkable journey - from navigating crisis at Siemens to driving innovation and integrated assurance at Novartis - and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way. From AI and ethical risk, to building a speak-up culture and balancing innovation with regulation, this is an unmissable conversation for any leader navigating uncertainty in today’s volatile world.

🔍 Topics we cover include:

• Why most leaders overestimate the trust they inspire—and how to close the gap
• Embedding ethics into organisational culture (and why Klaus avoids the term “ethics in the DNA”)
• Creating a practical framework for AI risk, speed to engagement, and responsible innovation
• The value of humility, psychological safety, and listening in leadership
• Building long-term impact in a world obsessed with short-term gains
• What every leader should include in their personal survival kit

Klaus brings global perspective, deep insight, and a refreshing level of honesty to the challenges facing leaders today. Tune in to discover how to lead ethically, think long-term, and stay grounded - no matter how fast the world changes.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

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How can leaders stay resilient, lead with integrity, and navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape? In this episode of Insights From The Coalface, I’m joined by Professor David Grayson CBE, Chair of the Institute of Business Ethics, co-host of All In: The Sustainable Business Podcast, and author of 10 books on corporate responsibility.

David shares his extraordinary journey—from surviving a life-threatening illness as a child to becoming a global thought leader in sustainable business. His career has spanned academia, business, government advisory roles, and leadership in social enterprises, giving him a unique practical perspective on corporate responsibility and ethical leadership.

We discuss:

✅ Why businesses must prioritise ethics, purpose, and sustainability to stay competitive

✅ The biggest leadership challenges today, including the rise of CEO burnout

✅ How culture eats strategy for breakfast—and why leaders must take ownership of it

✅ The importance of agility, resilience, and systems thinking in a rapidly changing world

✅ Why collaboration is key to driving meaningful, long-term change in business

🔹 Plus, David shares his Leader’s Survival Kit—including his secret to staying grounded, inspired, and effective in high-pressure roles.

🎧 Listen now for a masterclass in leadership, corporate responsibility, and the future of sustainable business.

Want to elevate your leadership beyond the boardroom?

Join the conversation. Connect with me for coaching, peer support, or leadership insights that drive real impact.

📩 Let's talk: https://www.coleforums.com/

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