Humanising Work Events Page
In the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in today, it’s far too easy to lose sight of what truly matters – the human connection. Here at Bailey & French, we’re dedicated to bringing humanity back into the workplace, which is something we know all about and thread into everything we do.
Due to the incredible success of our Human Series, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be continuing throughout 2025. We invite you to join us on this ongoing journey in a learning community focused on “What it means to be HUMAN.”
In this unsolvable and unstoppable world, we have the opportunity to keep our human switched on, bring our core human differentiators to the forefront, and be human on purpose. We have a choice where to work, where to spend our money, where to focus our attention and align with a growing global force for the good of our human species and our human planet.
Each month, we’ll be hosting free global live events with special guests on our regular platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Check out our calendar of events below and register through the links provided:
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Catch up on 2024
The Human-Technical Balance in Skills-Based Organisations
- 30 January
- 3pm GMT / 9am CST / 10am EST
We talk a lot about skills these days – building them, measuring them, mapping them. But when did human skills become an afterthought?
In our rush to adopt skills-based strategies, are we sidelining the very qualities that make us human? Authenticity, collaboration, adaptability – the glue that holds high-performing teams together. So how do we keep them central when technical know-how takes the spotlight?
Join Alex and special guest Sukhvinder Pabial, L&D Delivery and Ops Lead at Marks and Spencer, as they settle into our iconic orange sofas to tackle these questions head-on.
Leaders face a challenge – balancing the push for technical expertise with the need to nurture human connection and resilience. This isn’t just about trends; it’s about future-proofing our workplaces.
- Can human skills really be measured in the same way as technical ones?
- What’s working right now to embed these skills at every level of the organisation?
British American Business Council (BABC) Event:
The Human Touch: Redefining Leadership for the Modern World
Unlock the potential of authentic, people-first leadership in today’s workplace at the BABC Leadership Forum on January 21. Presented by Bailey & French, this exclusive event invites business leaders to an immersive workshop exploring the essence of what it means to be human and the pivotal role it plays in effective leadership.
During the workshop, we’ll discuss:
- What does it mean to be human? – Explore the core attributes that define humanity and understand how these impact leadership.
- What do we need from human leaders? – Discover the qualities that set human-centric leaders apart from the rest
- Putting to practice: How do we create human-centred organisations? – Learn actionable insights and practical strategies on how to cultivate and sustain an environment where people thrive, collaboration flourishes, and innovation is unleashed
Experience a Taster of Our Strengths Programme
Creating a human experience in the workplace starts with fostering a culture that celebrates and utilises the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual. Our strengths programme offers a powerful way to achieve this by helping organisations tap into what makes each person truly unique.
When we leverage our strengths, it’s like flipping on a personal power switch – we feel more alive, engaged, and enthusiastic. Unlike knowledge or skills, strengths are found in the things we love doing because they come naturally to us. These human strengths are what define our individuality, and when embraced, they enable people and teams to thrive.
These taster sessions offers a glimpse into how our workshops can help your organisation build a strengths-based culture, unlocking potential and fostering growth.
Leadership Mindsets Unleashed: The Hidden Power of Workplace Influencers
How to Spot and Develop Your Workplace Influencers
- 25 February
- 3pm GMT / 9am CST / 10am EST
Not all leaders have titles. Some of the most impactful people in your organisation shape culture and drive behaviours through trust, connection, and influence – not authority. But how do you spot these influencers, and more importantly, how do you nurture their mindset to help them thrive?
Join Alex and special guest Jean Gomes as they settle into our iconic orange sofas for a thought-provoking discussion on how workplace influencers contribute to transformation.
Influence isn’t just about hierarchy; it’s about impact. In a world where informal networks often rival formal structures, recognising these influencers and empowering them with the right mindset could be the key to driving sustainable cultural change.
Key topics we’ll explore:
• What are the tell-tale signs of a workplace influencer with the right mindset?
• How can you develop their mindset to amplify their impact and sustain momentum?
Roundtable virtual event
- Wednesday 12 February 2025
- 7pm GMT / 1pm CST / 2pm EST
How to Spot and Develop Your Workplace Influencers (not champions or sponsors!)
Every workplace has individuals who shape culture, inspire trust, and influence behaviours – often without a formal title. In this session, we’ll discuss how to identify these hidden influencers and equip them with the tools to amplify positive impact across teams.
Questions we’ll cover include:
- What signals indicate someone is a workplace influencer?
- How can organisations engage influencers without creating informal hierarchies?
Experience a Taster of Our Strengths Programme
Creating a human experience in the workplace starts with fostering a culture that celebrates and utilises the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual. Our strengths programme offers a powerful way to achieve this by helping organisations tap into what makes each person truly unique.
When we leverage our strengths, it’s like flipping on a personal power switch – we feel more alive, engaged, and enthusiastic. Unlike knowledge or skills, strengths are found in the things we love doing because they come naturally to us. These human strengths are what define our individuality, and when embraced, they enable people and teams to thrive.
These taster sessions offers a glimpse into how our workshops can help your organisation build a strengths-based culture, unlocking potential and fostering growth.
Helping Women Step Up – From Middle Management to Leadership
- 27 March
- 3pm GMT / 10am CDT / 11am EDT
Many organisations talk about gender balance in leadership, but the reality is often more complicated. Women in middle management frequently hit invisible walls – systems, biases, and norms that subtly hold them back. The question is, what can we do about it?
Join Alex Bailey and guests as they tackle this important topic and explore; how to address biases embedded in promotion processes, and what steps we can take today to create lasting impact.
Senior leaders have the power to reshape leadership pathways, but meaningful change requires more than good intentions. It means challenging outdated practices, rethinking how we support progression, and building structures that work for everyone – not just those who’ve always had access to leadership opportunities.
Expect honest reflections, practical strategies, and ideas you can take straight back to your teams. This isn’t just about accelerating action – it’s about making change stick.
Roundtable virtual event
- Wednesday 12 March 2025
- 7pm GMT / 1pm CST / 2pm EST
Supporting Women from Middle Management into Senior Leadership Roles
Many talented women face invisible barriers when advancing beyond middle management. This roundtable will delve into actionable strategies to address these challenges, remove systemic hurdles, and create equitable leadership pathways. Tying into International Women’s Day’s theme of Accelerate Action, we’ll discuss how organisations can create meaningful change to achieve gender balance at senior levels.
Questions:
- What organisational practices help women progress beyond middle management?
- How can we challenge biases embedded in promotion processes?
Experience a Taster of Our Strengths Programme
Creating a human experience in the workplace starts with fostering a culture that celebrates and utilises the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual. Our strengths programme offers a powerful way to achieve this by helping organisations tap into what makes each person truly unique.
When we leverage our strengths, it’s like flipping on a personal power switch – we feel more alive, engaged, and enthusiastic. Unlike knowledge or skills, strengths are found in the things we love doing because they come naturally to us. These human strengths are what define our individuality, and when embraced, they enable people and teams to thrive.
These taster sessions offers a glimpse into how our workshops can help your organisation build a strengths-based culture, unlocking potential and fostering growth.
How is Psychological Safety Critical for Human Sustainability?
- 29 April
- 3pm BST / 9am CDT / 10am EDT
What if the key to long-term success isn’t just strategy or skill – but safety?
Join Alex Bailey on our iconic orange sofas as we get to the heart of what makes teams sustainable – psychologically and emotionally. Together with a special guest, Alex will explore the invisible dynamics that shape performance, engagement, and innovation.
We’ll tackle the big questions senior leaders, HR Directors, and people managers are asking right now:
- How do we spot the warning signs when psychological safety is missing?
- What happens to creativity and collaboration when it’s present – or absent?
- And what does it really take to embed safety as part of organisational culture?
This is an invitation to rethink how we create environments where people feel safe enough to challenge, contribute, and grow – because without psychological safety, human sustainability is out of reach.
Roundtable virtual event
- Wednesday 9 April 2025
- 7pm GMT / 1pm CST / 2pm EST
How is Psychological Safety Critical for Human Sustainability
Psychological safety goes beyond teamwork – it’s the foundation of long-term resilience and engagement. This session will explore how creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and take risks underpins sustainable organisational success.
Questions we’ll cover include:
- What are the signs that psychological safety is missing in a team?
- How do we align leadership behaviours with the need for safe spaces?
Experience a Taster of Our Strengths Programme
Creating a human experience in the workplace starts with fostering a culture that celebrates and utilises the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual. Our strengths programme offers a powerful way to achieve this by helping organisations tap into what makes each person truly unique.
When we leverage our strengths, it’s like flipping on a personal power switch – we feel more alive, engaged, and enthusiastic. Unlike knowledge or skills, strengths are found in the things we love doing because they come naturally to us. These human strengths are what define our individuality, and when embraced, they enable people and teams to thrive.
These taster sessions offers a glimpse into how our workshops can help your organisation build a strengths-based culture, unlocking potential and fostering growth.
Building Trust and Inspiring Action Through Better Communication
- 22 May
- 3pm BST / 9am CDT / 10am EDT
Authority or approachability – do leaders really have to choose?
Too often, senior leaders feel the pressure to project strength at the expense of connection. But what if the real power lies in being both credible and relatable?
Join Alex Bailey on the orange sofas as we explore how coaching can transform the way leaders communicate – helping them to build trust, inspire action, and connect in ways that truly resonate. Alex and her guests will share insights and experiences that challenge traditional leadership norms.
We’ll be asking the big questions facing leaders today:
- Where do communication blind spots hold leaders back?
- What sets apart leaders who are seen – and felt – as human first?
- How can we move from transactional conversations to meaningful connections?
Join us for a conversation designed to leave you thinking differently about what it means to lead and communicate in today’s world.
Roundtable virtual event
- Wednesday 14 May 2025
- 7pm GMT / 1pm CST / 2pm EST
Coaching the C-suite to be Human Communicators
Senior leaders often struggle to balance authority with approachability. This discussion focuses on helping the C-suite communicate authentically, connect meaningfully, and build trust in ways that resonate across the organisation.
Questions we’ll cover include:
- How can coaching address communication blind spots in senior leaders?
- What are the hallmarks of a leader who connects as a human first?
Experience a Taster of Our Strengths Programme
Creating a human experience in the workplace starts with fostering a culture that celebrates and utilises the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual. Our strengths programme offers a powerful way to achieve this by helping organisations tap into what makes each person truly unique.
When we leverage our strengths, it’s like flipping on a personal power switch – we feel more alive, engaged, and enthusiastic. Unlike knowledge or skills, strengths are found in the things we love doing because they come naturally to us. These human strengths are what define our individuality, and when embraced, they enable people and teams to thrive.
These taster sessions offers a glimpse into how our workshops can help your organisation build a strengths-based culture, unlocking potential and fostering growth.
Social Imagination Powered by AI
- 26 June
- 3pm BST / 9am CDT / 10am EDT
Can AI make us more human? It’s a question we don’t often ask, but perhaps we should.
Join Alex and her guests as they explore how AI can enhance – not replace – our ability to imagine new solutions to the world’s most complex challenges. We’ll discuss how AI and human creativity can work hand-in-hand to shape the future of problem-solving and connection.
This event is for everyone looking to rethink what’s possible. We’ll unpack:
- How AI can expand perspectives and inspire fresh thinking about societal issues
- What’s needed to keep AI grounded in human values and imagination
- How organisations can lead the way in blending technology with humanity
It’s about using AI to think bigger, challenge assumptions, and imagine new ways forward.
Pull up a seat and join the conversation that could change the way you see technology – and yourself.
Roundtable virtual event
- Wednesday 11 June 2025
- 7pm GMT / 1pm CST / 2pm EST
Social Imagination Powered by AI
AI has opened new frontiers for innovation, but its most powerful potential may lie in enhancing our ability to imagine solutions to complex social challenges. This roundtable explores how organisations can combine AI’s capabilities with human creativity to unlock new possibilities.
Questions we’ll cover include:
- How can AI be leveraged to broaden our perspectives on societal issues?
- What safeguards are needed to ensure AI supports rather than limits social imagination?
Experience a Taster of Our Strengths Programme
Creating a human experience in the workplace starts with fostering a culture that celebrates and utilises the unique strengths and capabilities of each individual. Our strengths programme offers a powerful way to achieve this by helping organisations tap into what makes each person truly unique.
When we leverage our strengths, it’s like flipping on a personal power switch – we feel more alive, engaged, and enthusiastic. Unlike knowledge or skills, strengths are found in the things we love doing because they come naturally to us. These human strengths are what define our individuality, and when embraced, they enable people and teams to thrive.
These taster sessions offers a glimpse into how our workshops can help your organisation build a strengths-based culture, unlocking potential and fostering growth.
Wellbeing and Human Sustainability
For 20 years, kids have learned at school to reuse, recycle, and save the world, only to enter workplaces where ESG/CSR targets are detached from human experience, focusing instead on regulatory demands, missing the importance of human survival on the planet. We’ve taught new generations to care about our world but disempowered them at work, creating feelings of organisational betrayal.
Since 2015, UK organisations have focused on wellbeing due to rising mental health issues, introducing initiatives like physical health benefits and resilience workshops. However, global crises have outpaced these efforts.
We must recognise that our impact on the world is damaging our wellbeing and shift our priorities for the future of work. Join Chris, Kirsten, and Alex for a candid discussion on leading wellbeing culture in organisations, exploring trends, challenges, the 2024 focus decline, and the urgent actions needed to prioritise wellbeing.
What does it mean to be human?
Anticipating and Shaping Tomorrow
In Part Two of our ‘Human Series’, Alex and her guests dissect the profound question of what it means to be human in today’s world. They explore how the four key aspects of human leadership – Authenticity, Inclusivity, Role modelling, and Human connectors can steer us toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Now, we extend this understanding to our place on the planet amidst a climate emergency. Inspired by Martin Seligman’s work, particularly his book ‘Homo Prospectus,’ we see the importance of humans’ ability to look ahead and imagine future possibilities.
Watch as we delve into how collective imagination and prospection can drive us forward. Discover how we can, together shape the future, protect our planet, and pioneer a new understanding of human potential and resilience.
Propelling Humanity Forward: The Key to Collective Imagination
In Part Three of our ‘Human Series’, Alex and Chris Yates (Senior Vice President, Head of Talent at Equinix, and author) chat about what collective and social imagination is, and the effect it can have on us as humans in a world navigating the dawn of AI. Could this key mode of human prospecting propel us further than AI ever could?
Here are just a few questions they discussed during the event:
- Has collective imagination and prospecting been what’s driven our evolution all along?
- How can this understanding improve our individual and social functioning?
- Is this our step forward and upwards from AI?
Planet at the Core:
Redefining People Strategies for Sustainability
In Part Four of our ‘Human Series’, Alex and Kerri took a deep dive into the concept of a “Human Planet” – a perspective that goes beyond “world” or “globe” to highlight our connection to space, nature, and the urgency of the climate emergency. This thought-provoking session explored why organisations often overlook this vital perspective when redefining people strategies for sustainability.
Key questions were at the heart of the discussion:
- Are humans uniquely equipped to solve this self-induced problem?
- Is collective imagination key to addressing our planetary crisis?
The session emphasised the importance of creating a “human planet” mindset that unites us all, equipping people with the tools and confidence to contribute meaningfully while fostering psychological safety to encourage bold, impactful actions.
If you missed it, stay tuned for highlights and insights that will inspire you to rethink your strategies for a sustainable future.
Shiny Happy People Podcast
Alex appeared on the Shiny Happy People podcast for a discussion about Humanising Work with Vinay Kumar.
In this business podcast that is all about people, Vinay Kumar – interviews leaders, thinkers, strategists, and doers to reveal actionable insights, first-hand experiences, smart strategies, brilliant tips and lesser-known best practices on a range of subjects in business leadership and people management, from innovation, DEI, facilitation, technology, future of the workforce and sustainability to evolution of leadership, storytelling, negotiation, digital learning, mental wellbeing, the art of staying positive and even water wars!
2024 Showreel
Here’s a glimpse into the incredible conversations and collaborations we’ve had in 2024. From thought-provoking live events with inspiring guests to impactful partnerships with leading organisations, it highlights the work we’ve been doing to humanise the world of work. Watch now and see how we’re helping people and teams thrive.
Keeping the Human Edge in a Tech-Savvy Workplace
Recently, Alex joined Christopher Rainey on the HR Leaders Podcast to explore the importance of human-centric leadership. In this thought-provoking episode, Alex dives into how leaders can balance AI with essential human skills, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces connection.
From keeping the ‘human switch’ turned on to fostering psychological safety, Alex shares practical strategies to unlock innovation and build meaningful workplace cultures. She highlights why purpose and authenticity are essential for driving performance and creating organisations where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Transform Your Workplace with the Humanising the World of Work E-Book
Discover the Humanising the World of Work e-book – your guide to creating workplaces where people truly thrive.
Packed with actionable insights, inspiring stories, and practical tools, this resource empowers leaders to cultivate connection, build resilience, and unlock the potential in their teams.
Whether you’re leading a small team or driving organisational change, this e-book offers fresh perspectives on how to prioritise people and performance in harmony. Download your copy today and take the first step toward transforming your workplace into a more human, impactful space.
Big Ideas 2025
2025 will be the year we consciously choose to Be Human On Purpose.
In her latest predictions, Alex explores how the rapid acceleration of technology and AI is shaping the way we live and work, and why it’s more important than ever to reconnect with what makes us uniquely human.
It’s not just about empathy and compassion. Alex highlights human strengths that technology cannot replicate, such as social imagination and intuitive leaps in group settings. These abilities, rooted in our interconnectedness and interdependence, are critical for navigating an increasingly complex world.
Being Human On Purpose isn’t just a prediction – it’s essential. It’s the mindset we need to thrive as a species on this shared human planet.
Watch Alex’s 2025 Predictions to discover why redefining and embracing our humanity is the key to building a sustainable and successful future.
The Human Book Club
Welcome to the Human Book Club, part of our Human Series, where we review books that explore the profound themes of being human. Each selection takes you on a journey through identity, purpose, and the shared experiences that define us. The below reviews provide a unique lens into these works, offering deeper insights into what it means to be human. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, reflection, or simply a great read, the Human Book Club invites you to engage with literature that sparks meaningful conversations about our shared humanity:
Back to Human
by Dan Schawbel
Reviewed by Alex Bailey:
“Dan is great at tapping into global trends and this book was another hit and still more relevant now than when published.
Often I don’t think titles matter once I’m reading the book, but this one matters. Going back is a very important message in a world that is hurtling forward at such a pace. And it is challenging in that respect too, as it can mean that we aren’t embracing the new shiny innovation in the way we perhaps could or should?
But when I’m reading about going back, I don’t want it to make me feel like the old traditional ways of doing things are best that I’ve heard from past generations, I want to know why the previous methods were important enough to go back to, and that’s what Dan does here.
Click to read on here
- Tech as a distraction as much as a productivity assistant – Simon Sinek has a great video on even how much the presence of a smartphone changes how we feel in a conversation even if not being used. Indistractable by Nir Eyal is a fabulous in depth journey on this very topic too!
A distraction from being human is bigger than just distracting us from being productive or successful. It places the importance of human back into the foreground of our attention.- Friends at work – friends have come to be many and flimsy in this world where we can connect with everyone and yet not really attend to or nurture those friendships at all. If friends at work are flimsier due to hybrid and remote working focusing all our teams calls on bullet pointed meeting agendas how do we have the laughs we used to that give us friendship fabric to sew into?
- Positive and personal recognition meaning so much more than transactional self serve benefits that strip the meaningful connection, the proud smile, the knowing of what went into that achievement and the being seen and heard that matters.
It pinpoints something that is massively important to me, having developed our Human Leadership programme from years of working with those leaders who have answered the call to work through and with others, it highlights that it is actually the leaders job to connect others.”
The Concise Laws of Human Nature
by Robert Greene
Reviewed by Alex Bailey:
“My latest read is The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene 2018 which intrigued me as it focuses on the key aspects of human nature that go overlooked or are under-discussed. Loved that angle as we all know AI and Chatbots can do empathy and compassion with ease (try the demo of https://demo.hume.ai/ and you will see what I mean.)
Aspects of human nature highlighted by Greene include: deciding using emotions, envy, self-centeredness, gender repression, aggression and group mentality.
I have been proposing that we need to use our human differentiators purposefully and these topics challenged my naive thinking that all of them were entirely positive!
What I loved most about this was it’s futuristic application in the context of the ever growing social media society we live in suggesting the enormity and pace of global trends through our social networks is now becoming real and the human aspects that draws upon within us.”
Click to read on here
“The immediacy of all answers at our fingertips may lead us to make decisions quickly based on the strength of the current emotion rather than stepping back and thinking rationally about all options.
Layering in the size of the networks we are connected to, all being highlighted to us at the same time leads us to believe we are right because so many others appear to also be thinking the same too in that moment.
The acceptance of our envious self if being truly authentic is to admit we covet what we don’t have. And how much does this build in our minds when watching reel after reel reinforcing that we are not in the same league as those we tend to follow, watch, emulate…
This book was great at highlighting uncomfortable truths and then flipping them into the narrative that we do need to admit and accept our human nature:
1) We can accept who we are naturally
2) We can base ourselves in the reality of the real world
3) And we can strive to improve ourselves in depth of our character, stepping back from immediacy and opening our minds to new angles and ways of thinkingThese points are relevant to everyone at work.”
Nexus
by Yuval Noah Harari
Reviewed by Anthony Fitton:
“Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari is an eye-opening read that dives into how artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and data are not just shaping humanity but also redefining the workplace and the way businesses operate. As I read it, I couldn’t help but think about the critical role these shifts play for leaders and HR professionals today. Harari does a brilliant job of connecting these technological advancements to the human side of work, showing how they can enhance both organisational success and societal wellbeing when used thoughtfully.
One of the standout ideas for me was Harari’s take on workforce reskilling. He makes it clear that automation isn’t just about replacing jobs – it’s about rethinking how we can empower people to grow alongside technology. This resonates deeply with the principles of positive psychology: by focusing on human potential, organisations can create workplaces that are not only efficient but also truly engaging and supportive.”
Click to read on here
“Harari also touches on data ethics and decision-making, reminding us that while AI can streamline processes and improve outcomes, it’s still up to us to ensure it’s used responsibly. His insights feel particularly urgent in a world where staying competitive means embracing technology, but not at the expense of our humanity.
Here are three takeaways from the book that I think every leader should consider:
- Upskill and Reskill The Workforce: Take a proactive approach to roles impacted by automation. Developing programmes that focus on future-ready skills and AI literacy isn’t just practical—it’s a way to invest in your people and their growth.
- Embrace AI-driven Leadership: Harari suggests incorporating AI tools into leadership strategies to make better decisions. But it’s about more than the tech; it’s about equipping leaders to use these tools in ways that stay human-centred.
- Build a Culture of Data Ethics: As AI becomes more embedded in business, ethical guidelines for data use are non-negotiable. Harari’s point here struck me as both timely and essential—trust is the foundation of any strong workplace culture.
What makes Nexus so impactful is Harari’s ability to link these cutting-edge ideas to practical, human-centred strategies. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to lead with both innovation and empathy in the digital age. If you’re a leader navigating these challenges, this book will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to build not just a stronger organisation, but a better world.”
Ask Alex
Got questions about making your workplace more human-centred? Ask Alex Bailey!
As an expert in occupational psychology and cultural evolution, Alex is here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of creating a more engaged and thriving work environment. Whether you’re looking for tips on performance motivation, leadership development, or fostering psychologically safe cultures, Alex has the insights and experience to guide you.
We’d Love to Hear Your ‘Human’ Stories…
Let us know any human-centric moments you’ve experienced at work. It’s always nice to hear stories that can inspire and guide others in similar situations.
Do you have a story about a work problem solved by taking the human approach?
Do you know a human leader who quietly made a big difference during a tough time?
Have you switched roles recently and been pleasantly surprised by your new company?
