Heart & Graft

Heart & Graft (episode 13) - Reading the Room When There is No Room: Can Online Working Still Be Human

In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky explores whether virtual and hybrid teams can ever feel as kind, connected and compassionate as working in the same room. Drawing on conversations with digital learning specialist and mindfulness teacher Alison Potter, and coach Sara Knight, the episode unpacks the benefits of online work, the three practical challenges, and the mindset shift that lets humanity “vibrate through” the screen.​

You will hear stories of online sessions that began as a “car crash” and evolved into confident, interactive spaces, research on teaching compassion virtually, and a powerful account of how being at home helped a client open up about burnout in ways they might never have done face to face. Nicky distils their insights into practical tips for anyone leading virtual teams or online sessions.​

Why listen

• To understand the real benefits and pitfalls of virtual working, beyond the usual productivity headlines.​

• To hear evidence and lived experience on whether psychological safety and trust can genuinely flourish online.​

• To learn concrete practices for making your virtual meetings and teams feel more human, compassionate and inclusive. As well as,​ ideas for handling Zoom fatigue, tech wobblies and emotional conversations when you are not in the same room.​

You can connect with Alison on LinkedIn and with Sara on LinkedIn or via her website. 

Heart & Graft (Episode 12) - Fraud Squad: When Good People Doubt Their Great Work

Imposter feelings are not a personal flaw, they are often the price of caring deeply and learning. In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky explores why so many thoughtful, conscientious professionals secretly feel like frauds and what leaders and teams can do to turn down the volume on that inner critic. We explore the origins of Imposter Phenomenon, and how some organisations are helping to combat it. 

 

Why listen:

• To normalize imposter feelings.​

• To collect playful but powerful practices (like “failure cakes”) you can adapt for your own workplace.​

• To learn a simple mindset tool you can use yourself or when coaching others to challenge harsh self-talk.​

Heart & Graft (Episode 11) - Fast Lanes and Friendly Detours - Communication Styles on the Road to Work

Ready to hit the fast lane to better workplace communication? In this solo episode, Nicky takes you on a playful journey across the Social Styles landscape. Through a vivid road-trip story, discover why understanding—and flexing—your style is the key to thriving teams and smoother days at work. Whether you’re a Driver, Amiable, Analytical, or Expressive (or just confused), tune in for insights, and tips on crossing the communication finish line together.

Why Listen?

• Learn a memorable framework for understanding the different preferences we have when we communicate.

• Pick up practical strategies to adapt your style, build rapport, and cut down on workplace friction.

• Relatable analogies make theory stick.

• Be inspired by a fun "flex your style" challenge you can try this week.

Heart & Graft (episode 10) - Kindness Catalysts: Brewing Bonds and Building Bikes.

This special bonus episode for World Kindness Day explores the transformative power of kindness at work with Georgina Klovig Skelton, Director of Kindness at o3e, a Brighton-based team-building company. From creative corporate events centred on charity—the bike builds, care packs, and adapted sports gear—to everyday gestures like making tea and checking in on colleagues, Georgina’s stories illuminate how kindness fosters real connection and positive organisational change. The conversation weaves practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and reflections on culture, recognition, and resilience.

Why Listen?

• Gain ideas for embedding kindness into team culture, from workplace rituals to charity-driven events.​

• Hear real-life examples showing how small acts of care and recognition spark greater trust, cooperation, and resilience at work.​

• Leave inspired by easy, actionable ways to “just do it,” embracing kindness daily for bigger impacts.

Heart & Graft (Episode 9) - No one can be a little bit pregnant

This episode of Heart & Graft delves deep into neurodivergence in the workplace, featuring a candid conversation with autism consultant Laura Crowley, who shares her personal journey and over 25 years of professional experience. Together, we unpack some of the myths around autism, discuss practical low-cost adjustments for neurodivergent colleagues, and highlight the importance of universal design and neuro-affirmative practices in organizational culture.​

Why Listen?

• Discover the lived experience behind late autism identification and “auti birthday” celebrations.​

• Learn how teams and managers can foster acceptance for neurodivergent staff.​

• Get actionable tips on simple accommodations—flexible hours, headphones, and clear communication—that benefit everyone.​

• Explore how perimenopause links with neurodivergent traits and why more women are seeking autism and ADHD assessments later in life.​

Heart & Graft (Episode 8) - Boom Goes the Feedback

alt titles: The good, the awkward and the the specific, Praise Addicts Anonymous, 

 

Ever wondered why workplace praise feels so awkward to receive, even though we crave it? Join Nicky in this candid café-style conversation with Joel Fielder and Mia Shepherd as they unpack the complex psychology of positive feedback at work.​ They discuss why generic "great job" comments disappear into thin air, explore the difference between praise and affirmations, and share their views on giving feedback that actually lands. From emotional bank accounts to creating "praise addicts," discover what makes recognition meaningful and sustainable.​

Why Listen:

• Learn the crucial difference between praise and affirmations – and why one creates dependency while the other builds lasting confidence.​

• Understand the "emotional bank account" concept and how positive recognition helps teams admit mistakes faster and work more collaboratively.​

• Explore workplace feedback systems – from digital platforms to peer recognition tools.

• Hear honest personal stories about the awkwardness of receiving compliments, creating praise notebooks, and transforming from managers who think "you get paid to be here" to leaders who build thriving teams​

Heart & Graft (Episode 7) - Horror Stories and Hunger - Untangling the Roller Coaster of Change

In this episode of Heart and Graft, the very human experience of coping with organizational change takes center stage. Change is inevitable in the workplace, yet it brings a complex roller coaster of emotions—from shock and denial to acceptance and problem-solving. Join your host Nicky McCrudden as she unpacks the emotional journey of her own career change, reveals the psychological hungers that shape our reactions, and explores common thinking traps that keep us stuck. Whether you're navigating change yourself or supporting others through it, this episode offers practical insights, compassionate perspectives, and relatable stories to help you embrace change with resilience.

Why Listen?

• Understand the emotional stages of navigating organizational change through the metaphor of the change curve as a roller coaster.

• Learn why change can feel so difficult and how basic human needs influence our reactions.

• Discover common thinking patterns that keep us stuck in painful cycles and practical ways to break free.

• Gain insights for managers, HR, coaches, and employees on supporting oneself and others during times of transition.

This creative and insightful approach combines psychology, storytelling, and workplace wisdom to help listeners become more human and more resilient through change

Heart & Graft (Episode 6) - From Pulse to Processor, when AI joins the team

In this episode of Heart and Graft, host Nicky McCrudden teams up with AI thought-leader and project management expert Emanuela Giangregorio to examine what being truly human at work means as AI becomes our new team member. From project status reports to mentorship moments, discover how collaboration between people and algorithms can free us to focus on what really matters: being human. With playful anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode will leave listeners inspired—and (hopefully) a little more optimistic about the digital future.

Why Listen

• Insights on how AI can free up valuable time for genuine human connection at work.

• Practical advice for anyone wondering how to keep their career future-proof in the age of automation.

• Actionable strategies for upskilling and adapting, regardless of your role or learning style.

• A soulful reminder of the enduring power of how we make others feel—AI can crunch the numbers, but only humans can craft connection.

Connect with Emanuela on LinkedIn, or view her books on Amazon.