The Sticky From The Inside Podcast

Why A.I. Won't Fix Broken Hiring

AI is everywhere in hiring, promising faster, smarter recruitment—but can technology alone fix your hiring headaches? Andy Goram chats with Joel Quintela, an HR tech innovator with a psychology background, who argues AI alone won't cure broken hiring practices. They discuss why great recruitment still hinges on leadership, culture, and human decision-making, and how companies can intelligently integrate AI without losing their human touch.

Have We Hijacked Emotional Intelligence?

Can emotional intelligence (EI) at work become more performance than authentic practice? Dr. Robin Hills, expert psychologist and director of EI4Change, believes it can—and it's harming workplace culture. In this episode, we unpack the common myths surrounding emotional intelligence, exploring how EI, when genuinely understood and ethically applied, can transform workplace relationships, foster resilience, and build lasting trust.
Robin reveals how emotional intelligence has been misunderstood and even misused, discussing how true EI isn't simply about being "nice" but involves navigating discomfort, challenging conversations, and courageous accountability. We dive deep into how leaders can distinguish genuine EI from manipulation and provide practical ways to ensure emotional intelligence is applied authentically to drive positive organizational outcomes.
This episode is filled with actionable insights, and the conversation equips leaders with the knowledge to harness and use emotional intelligence authentically. Don’t miss it!

Hospitality's Leadership Crisis: Building From Within

The hospitality industry is facing a leadership crisis. With middle managers leaving, generational shifts, and skill gaps widening, how do we develop future leaders? In this episode, hospitality expert Michelle Pascoe joins Andy to discuss how businesses can turn "just a job" into a fulfilling career path. They explore the impact of generational differences, leadership development, and the power of storytelling in engaging and retaining top talent.
Whether you’re in hospitality or any other industry, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, career growth, and the importance of human connection. Don’t miss this conversation that challenges outdated mindsets and offers practical solutions for building a thriving workforce.

The Cultural Balance Sheet: Measuring And Managing Workplace Culture

Can workplace culture be measured as rigorously as financial performance? Christy Pretzinger, founder of WG Content and author of The Cultural Balance Sheet, says yes! In this episode, we explore how her framework applies financial principles—assets, liabilities, and equity—to workplace culture.
Christy shares how leaders can assess, manage, and optimize their culture with the same intent and precision as a balance sheet. We also dive into why kindness is not weakness, how values should guide decisions, and why measuring culture is critical to business success.
We explore:How liabilities in workplace culture can be transformed into assetsThe role of leadership in shaping cultural equityWhy engagement isn’t just agreement—it’s about people who careThe hidden costs of employee turnover (and how to reduce them)
This conversation is packed with insights to help leaders create thriving, high-performing workplaces. Don't miss it!

The Power of "Ta-Da!": Taking Control Of Happiness At Work

Happiness at work isn’t just about perks and lucky circumstances—it’s about mindset, choice, and taking control. In this lively and insightful episode, Joel Zeff, a high-energy speaker, improv expert, and author of Make The Right Choice, shares how we can actively create more joy in the workplace.
We explore:How improv teaches us to embrace change and seize opportunities.The power of “Ta-Da!” moments—small celebrations that fuel happiness and success.Why fun at work is a performance booster, not a distraction.The crucial role of positive support in building confidence and resilience.
Joel’s contagious energy and practical insights will leave you rethinking how you approach happiness at work. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a workplace rut, this episode is for you!

Escape The Busyness Trap: Achieve More By Doing Less

Are you addicted to busyness? Do you wear your packed schedule like a badge of honor, yet feel like you’re running on empty? In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, we tackle the cultural addiction to busyness and the heavy price it carries—with expert insight from Peggy Sullivan, author of Beyond Busyness.
Peggy shares her three-step "Busy Busting Process" to help you eliminate low-value activities, create daily moments of joy, and align your life with what truly matters. She reveals how busyness is actually time poverty, stopping us from doing the things that bring joy, connection, and meaning.
If you feel like you're on a hamster wheel, constantly chasing but never catching up, this episode is your wake-up call. Learn how to shift from busyness to balance, from exhaustion to energy, and from overwhelm to ownership of your time.

Trust In HR: Balancing Humanity & A.I.

In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, Andy Goram welcomes Sarah Katherine Schmidt, HR strategist and author of "Getting HR Unstuck", to explore the pivotal role of HR in modern workplaces. They discuss three core themes: rebuilding trust in HR, reimagining performance management, and leveraging AI for strategic HR transformations. Sarah shares actionable insights, from embracing agile performance management to conducting friction audits, helping HR professionals and leaders navigate the crossroads of human connection and technological advancement. Whether you’re in HR or simply passionate about creating thriving workplaces, this episode delivers thought-provoking takeaways and practical advice.

Cultural Transformation: From Friction To Flow

In this inspiring episode of Sticky From The Inside, host Andy Goram is joined by Wall Street bestselling author Magi Graziano to explore how leaders can shift their organizational culture from friction to flow. With decades of experience in conscious leadership, Magi dives into the science and strategies behind unlocking joy, engagement, and peak performance at work. From diagnosing cultural dysfunction to creating a compelling vision, Magi shares actionable insights for leaders and teams looking to align their purpose and unleash their full potential. Don’t miss this transformative conversation packed with wisdom and practical takeaways.

Power: Harnessing Influence And Busting Biases

Power. It’s a word that divides opinion. Is it something to aspire to, or does it make you feel uncomfortable?
In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of power. My guest, Jennifer Gardner, a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer, persuasive communications expert, and educator, unpacks the dynamics of influence, emotional intelligence, and the cultural biases that shape our perception of power.
We explore questions like:
What does it take to harness your authentic power?
How can leaders balance influence with empathy?
And why do societal biases make power feel like a double-edged sword—especially for women?
Jennifer brings her wealth of courtroom experience to show how empathy and emotional intelligence can redefine how we lead, inspire, and connect. Whether you’re a leader trying to navigate through complex challenges or someone looking to amplify your presence, this episode is packed with insights to help you embrace your power and use it for good.
So, if you’re ready to rethink what power means, join us for a conversation that might change how you you use yours.

7 Organisational Culture Trends For 2025

As we approach 2025, the workplace continues to evolve in response to global challenges, rising costs, and shifting workforce expectations. In this solo episode of Sticky From The Inside, Andy Goram reflects on the big lessons from 2024 and explores the seven trends that will define organizational culture, leadership, and engagement in the year ahead.
From continuous learning to meaningful work, from hybrid working to mental health, Andy unpacks why these trends matter, what organizations are getting right, and where there’s room for growth. With thought-provoking questions, best practice examples, and actionable insights, this episode is a rallying call to rethink and recommit to people-first leadership in the face of unprecedented change.
Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or just curious about what the future of work looks like, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead of the curve.
If you’re ready to embrace the opportunities that 2025 brings, this episode is a must-listen.