Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

In this episode of the Human Wise podcast, Helen engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Orton, a dynamic leader from South Africa renowned for her strategic insights and passion for human-centric design. This episode invites listeners into a world where curiosity and creativity lead the way, encouraging organizations to rethink business strategies for long-term value and sustainability.

Heather, currently steering the strategy and innovation for Parthen across Africa, unpacks her career journey which spans top global companies like KPMG and Accenture, as well as unique experiences with the royal household. Her diverse experiences have shaped her philosophy on the importance of being human at work, championing an environment that celebrates individuality and authenticity in the workplace. Heather shares her approach to leadership, emphasizing the power of empowering teams and fostering an inclusive work culture that embraces neurodiversity and personal challenges.

In a decidedly interconnected world, this episode explores the delicate balance between human-centric leadership and commercial adeptness. Helen and Heather discuss the necessity of commercial skills in today’s business landscape, highlighting how relationship-building and effective communication are integral to professional success. Heather reveals her insights into developing commercial acumen, drawing from her extensive experience in various commercial sectors and not-for-profit initiatives.

Perfect for professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills or those curious about the intersection of empathy and business success, this episode provides practical advice and thoughtful reflections on being more human at work

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centered workplace strategies
• Consultant skills for business development
• Impact of curiosity in leadership
• Navigating commercial skills in careers
• Relationship-building in business settings

View Extended Shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/