Authentic Ewe

About Authentic Ewe

The Authentic Ewe® Podcast explores what it really takes to feel safe to be your authentic self — at work, in relationships and in life. Hosted by Penelope Aiken, each episode features honest conversations with psychologists, authors, coaches, leaders, researchers and changemakers exploring the things that shape how we think, feel, connect and show up as ourselves. Through conversations about psychological safety, connection, wellbeing, leadership, strengths, self-awareness and human behaviour, the podcast brings together ideas that also inform HUMAN LENS® — Authentic Ewe’s framework for creating psychologically safe workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves. Expect thoughtful conversations, practical insights, plenty of curiosity and the occasional laugh. HUMAN is what people need. LENS is how we create it. Subscribe for new episodes of the Authentic Ewe® Podcast. Hosted by Penelope Aiken | Authentic Ewe® Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Penelope Aiken

Category

business · science · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Aug 2025

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Psychological Safety Is Personal with Tom Geraghty

   What does psychological safety actually feel like to a human being? In this episode, I’m joined by psychological safety expert Tom Geraghty for a fascinating conversation about what sits underneath one of the most widely used terms in today’s workplace. Tom challenges the idea that psychological safety can simply be measured as an organisation-wide score. We explore why two people in the same team, with the same leader, can experience work completely differently — and how power, past experiences, neurodiversity, socioeconomic background and context can all influence whether we feel safe to take interpersonal risks. We also explore the relationship between the individual and the system: how do we give people agency without accidentally making them responsible for an unsafe environment? Tom introduces ideas from Human and Organisational Performance, including local rationality, the sharp end and blunt end, and the gap between work-as-imagined and work-as-done. We discuss why people are often the solution rather than the problem, and why understanding the reality of work matters more than simply asking people to follow the process. And, importantly for HUMAN LENS®, we explore the relationship between psychological safety and authenticity. Tom shares why there may be more than one authentic version of ourselves, what it means when a workplace forces us to mask or adapt in ways that don’t feel comfortable, and the surprisingly simple thing leaders can do to help: Slow down. A thoughtful conversation about voice, needs, power, systems, human behaviour and creating workplaces where people can feel safe to be themselves. Tom Geraghty / Psych Safety: psychsafety.com (https://psychsafety.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Tom Geraghty’s own site: tomgeraghty.co.uk (https://tomgeraghty.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Authentic Ewe®: authenticewe.com (https://www.authenticewe.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) HUMAN LENS®: HUMAN LENS® (https://www.authenticewe.com/human-lens?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Can You Create Your Own Psychological Safety? with Dr Adam Dorsay

   What if psychological safety isn’t only something an organisation or leader gives you? In this episode of the Authentic Ewe® Podcast, Penelope Aiken is joined by psychologist, executive coach and bestselling author Dr Adam Dorsay to explore connection, meaning, strengths and a different way of thinking about psychological safety. Adam is the author of Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, which explores four areas of human connection: ourselves, other people, the world around us and something greater. Their conversation raises a question at the heart of the developing HUMAN LENS® methodology: Have we focused so heavily on what organisations and leaders should do to create psychological safety that we’ve overlooked the importance of helping individuals understand what they need, meet some of those needs for themselves, and communicate those needs to others? Penelope and Adam explore: why psychological safety is both environmental and internal the importance of locus of control when circumstances around us feel unsafe why people need different things in order to feel psychologically safe the relationship between safety, challenge and growth why psychological safety needs to be demonstrated and practised, not simply talked about how job crafting can create greater meaning and connection to work intrinsic motivation versus external rewards how VIA Character Strengths can help people understand what matters to them why organisations may need to give people a “menu” of possibilities when asking what they need to feel safe, rather than expecting them to know immediately It’s a conversation about giving people greater agency without removing the responsibility organisations and leaders have to create healthy, psychologically safe environments. And it provides an important piece of the research informing HUMAN LENS® — Authentic Ewe’s developing methodology for creating workplaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. Learn more about Dr Adam Dorsay: https://dradamdorsay.com (https://dradamdorsay.com) Explore Super Psyched: https://dradamdorsay.com/super-psyched-book-page/ (https://dradamdorsay.com/super-psyched-book-page/) Listen to Adam’s SuperPsyched podcast and learn more about his work: https://dradamdorsay.com (https://dradamdorsay.com) Explore Authentic Ewe®: https://www.authenticewe.com (https://www.authenticewe.com) Listen to the Authentic Ewe® Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/authentic-ewe-podcast (https://shows.acast.com/authentic-ewe-podcast) Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentic-ewe-podcast/id1835334323 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentic-ewe-podcast/id1835334323) Hosted by Penelope Aiken | Authentic Ewe® HUMAN is what people need. LENS is how we create it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   15 Aug 2026

   Jeffrey Allen: Moving Beyond Judgment to Be Your Authentic Self | Bonus Episode

   In this special bonus episode of the Authentic Ewe® Podcast, Penelope Aiken asks Jeffrey Allen two questions at the heart of authenticity and psychological safety: What do you need to feel safe to be your authentic self? And what can you do to help someone else feel safe to be theirs? Jeffrey shares his perspective on self-judgment, unconditional love, compassion and the importance of creating space for other people to be who they are. His reflections offer a powerful reminder that feeling safe to be ourselves often starts with how we relate to ourselves — and how much judgment we bring into our relationships with others. This conversation also connects closely with the thinking behind HUMAN LENS® and its focus on understanding what people need to feel safe to be their authentic selves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   1 Jun 2026

   YES AND... CEOs are Human too with Minette Norman

   In this episode of Authentic Ewe, Penelope Aiken is joined by Minette Norman, speaker, author and former tech executive, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to create workplaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. Together, they explore Minette’s five plays for inclusive leadership: communicating courageously, mastering the art of listening, managing your reactions, embracing risk and failure, and designing inclusive rituals. Through the lens of psychological safety, authenticity and human-centred leadership, this conversation asks an important question: what changes when we remember that CEOs, leaders and employees are all human too? Penelope also introduces the HUMAN LENS™ as a way of thinking about the conditions people need in order to feel safe, valued and able to contribute fully at work. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, staying open, being brave enough to get it wrong, and creating cultures where people can be honest, human and connected. In this episode, we explore: Why courageous communication matters in leadership How deep listening creates trust and psychological safety Why leaders need to manage their reactions, especially in hard moments The role of humour, humility and humanity at work How risk, failure and inclusion are connected Why rituals matter in shaping culture How leaders can create workplaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves Learn more about Minette Norman: https://www.minettenorman.com (https://www.minettenorman.com) Connect with Minette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minettenorman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/minettenorman?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Explore The Psychological Safety Playbook: https://thepsychologicalsafetyplaybook.com/ (https://thepsychologicalsafetyplaybook.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Explore The Boldly Inclusive Leader: https://www.minettenorman.com/boldlyinclusiveleader (https://www.minettenorman.com/boldlyinclusiveleader?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Learn more about Authentic Ewe: https://www.authenticewe.com (https://www.authenticewe.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   10 May 2026

   Performance Reviews are Trash with Blake Proberts

   n this episode of Authentic Ewe, Penelope speaks with Blake Proberts, founder of Acorn PLMS, about why organisational learning is broken and why performance reviews are often “trash”. Together they explore how capability frameworks, clearer role expectations and everyday coaching can turn learning and performance development into something more meaningful, human and useful. This conversation connects strongly with Authentic Ewe’s HUMAN LENS™ framework — showing how psychological safety is built through clarity, purpose, feedback and the everyday conversations that help people feel safe to be their authentic selves at work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   11 Apr 2026

   Human Wisdom and Better Leadership with Beth Rudden

   In this episode, Penelope speaks with Beth Rudden, CEO and co-founder of Bast AI and author of AI for the Rest of Us. Beth shares why there is an alternative to black-box AI, why wisdom matters when using AI, and how the best systems should augment humans rather than control them. Together, they explore explainable AI, bias, leadership, values, reciprocity, and why human connection still matters most in an increasingly technological world. A thoughtful conversation about clarity, kindness, power, and what responsible AI really looks like in practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   8 Mar 2026

   Your Leadership is Contagious with Dr David Hamilton

   In this episode of Authentic Ewe, Penelope sits down with Dr David Hamilton to explore the powerful science behind kindness, leadership, and emotional contagion. Many workplaces still operate under the assumption that strong leadership means being tough, decisive, and emotionally distant. But what if the real strength of leadership lies somewhere else entirely? Drawing on his background in pharmaceutical research and neuroscience, David explains how our emotions quite literally spread through teams — and why the mood a leader brings into the room can shape everything from stress levels to performance and even organisational results. In this conversation, we explore: Why kindness is not weakness, but a biologically powerful leadership tool The science of emotional contagion and how leaders set the emotional tone for teams Why kindness is actually the physiological opposite of stress How empathy and connection improve retention, wellbeing and organisational performance The role of vulnerability and psychological safety in building high-performing teams Practical ways leaders can start creating cultures people genuinely want to work in David also shares personal insights from his own journey researching the mind-body connection — including how posture, self-belief, and compassion influence not only our mindset but our biology. At its heart, this episode asks a simple but profound question: If leadership is contagious… what are you spreading? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   11 Jan 2026

   The Story of the Nervous System with Benjamin Fry

   What really drives conflict, silence, burnout, and sudden resignations at work? In this powerful conversation, Benjamin Fry unpacks the story of the nervous system and why so many workplace reactions have nothing to do with performance, capability, or attitude—and everything to do with unfinished threat responses stored in the body. Drawing on ideas from his book The Invisible Lion, Benjamin explains why humans overreact, underreact, freeze, fawn, or suddenly flee workplaces they once loved. Together, we explore: Why workplaces amplify nervous system dysregulation—especially where hierarchy exists The difference between shutdown vs containment, and why “appropriate reactions” build trust How boundaries are not about controlling others—but about caring for your own nervous system Why psychological safety isn’t about being “nice,” but about feeling safe enough to stay regulated How leaders can spot dysregulation in real time—and slow moments down before they escalate Why listening is often more regulating than anything you can say Benjamin also explains the origin of the Invisible Lion metaphor—why behaviour only makes sense when we understand the unseen context behind it—and how workplaces can stop leaving people alone with their lions. This episode is essential listening for leaders, HR, OD practitioners, and anyone who wants to build cultures where people don’t just perform—but feel safe enough to stay, speak, and be themselves. Explore Benjamin Fry’s work 🌐 Website: https://benjaminfry.co.uk/ (https://benjaminfry.co.uk/) 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-fry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminfry/) 📘 The Invisible Lion (book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1910919246 (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=invisiblew+lion) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   9 Dec 2025

   Navigating Complexity with Dave Snowden

   In this episode of the Authentic Ewe Podcast, I sit down with Dave Snowden, founder of The Cynefin Company. Dave challenges the mainstream view of psychological safety, framing it not as comfort but as a signal system that reveals risks, patterns, and trust gaps in complex organisations. We explore how leaders can use Cynefin, SenseMaker®, safe-to-fail experiments, and trios to navigate uncertainty and create authentic workplaces where people can thrive. Links: Cynefin resources | Cynefin framework | SenseMaker® subscription (https://thecynefin.co/get-sensemaker/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Premium Membership (https://thecynefin.co/product/premium-membership/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Dave Snowden on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-snowden-2b3703/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    26 Nov 2025

    You Can’t Just Do Leadership with Debbie Nicol

    In this episode of The Authentic Ewe Podcast, I sit down with Debbie Nicol — one of the world’s most recognised experts in The Leadership Challenge. Deb shares a powerful truth most leaders forget: You can’t just do leadership. You have to be a leader people want to follow. We explore: • What separates “doing leadership” from being a leader • Why credibility and consistency matter more than tactics • How the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership work in real life • The link between DISC behaviour and leadership effectiveness • Why executive presence is misunderstood — and how Deb reframes it through Presence Pro • How disconnection shows up in workplaces, and what real leaders do differently • The behavioural shifts that turn managers into trusted, influential leaders This conversation is grounded, practical and deeply human — a must-listen for leaders who want their influence to actually land. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Presence Pro – Executive Presence Self-Assessment (Free) https://presencepro.ai/ (https://presencepro.ai/) The Leadership Challenge – Kouzes & Posner https://www.leadershipchallenge.com (https://www.leadershipchallenge.com) Debie Nicol on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbienicol/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbienicol/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

11. 

    21 Nov 2025

    Comfort isn't the Priority with Pettina Stanghon

    When high-performing women lose themselves inside emotionally unsafe environments, the body often speaks long before the mind catches up. In this raw and deeply human conversation, Pettina Shangdon shares the untold truth about nervous system breakdown, identity collapse, and the long road back to coherence, clarity, and self-trust. This episode will resonate with anyone who has ever felt “not themselves” at work or in relationship dynamics that slowly erode safety. Pettina’s story blends lived experience with a grounded, trauma-informed perspective that echoes the teachings of Dr Jill Bolte Taylor and Viktor Frankl — reminding us that healing is not about perfection, but about reconnecting to the self we abandoned along the way. Together, we explore: – What nervous system overwhelm actually feels like – How high achievers ignore early warning signs – The moment Pettina realised she no longer recognised herself – Emotional manipulation, dissociation & “freezing” under pressure – The slow, compassionate process of rebuilding identity – Why coherence and authenticity matter more than resilience – How leaders can create emotionally safe environments for humans to thrive – Choosing truth, connection and meaning — even in complexity This is a powerful story of rupture, repair and returning home to yoursel 🔗 Links & Resources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pettinashangdon/ Feature Articles by Pettina: • The Cost of Losing Yourself https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cost-losing-yourself-pettina-shangdon/ • When Your Nervous System Takes the Wheel https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-your-nervous-system-takes-wheel-pettina-shangdon/ ✨ Referenced in the Episode Dr Jill Bolte Taylor – Whole Brain Living (WBL) Official Website: https://www.drjillboltetaylor.com/ TED Talk – My Stroke of Insight: https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight Whole Brain Living Framework: https://www.drjillboltetaylor.com/whole-brain-living Viktor Frankl Man’s Search for Meaning (Book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning) Logotherapy Overview: https://www.viktorfrankl.org/ (https://www.viktorfrankl.org/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

12. 

    15 Nov 2025

    Unmasking Insecurities with Dr Mark Scullard

    Dr. Mark Scullard joins Penelope to reveal how insecurities and core needs drive all our workplace behaviors—and why true empowerment is personal, not one-size-fits-all. Discover: How misguided “empowerment” can cause real damage (and how to do it right) The secret ways core insecurities shape feedback, leadership, and team culture Why the DISC model isn’t perfect, but is THE practical map for understanding workplace differences Real stories and actionable advice using the leading-edge Catalyst platform and Work Smart modules Whether you’re a leader, HR pro, or just ready to work smarter, this remastered episode delivers the tools and mindset you need for genuine impact—today. Key Takeaways: Empowerment looks different for everyone. Without understanding personal needs, even well-meant leadership can backfire. Our insecurities and core drives are always at play. Leadership is about understanding and channeling them positively. DISC is an actionable model—use it as a map, not a box—to decode what makes each teammate unique. Features Wiley’s Catalyst platform & Work Smart modules—making these insights truly usable in the flow of work. Useful Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-scullard-25314b8/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-scullard-25314b8/ ) https://www.everythingdisc.com/learning-that-lasts/ (https://www.everythingdisc.com/learning-that-lasts/ ) Enjoying the remastered edition? 🎧 Hit subscribe, share this version, and leave a review! Keep listening for more leadership breakthroughs—visit the links above for resources and support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

13. 

    7 Nov 2025

    Building Human Connection in Leadership with Andy Johnson

    What if leadership was less about control and more about connection? In this heartfelt conversation, Andy Johnson joins Penelope to share what decades in the fire brigade, sport, and corporate life have taught him about leading through trust, courage, and genuine human connection. Connect with Andy Johnson on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjohnson29/) Explore Agile EQ®: https://www.authenticewe.com/agile-eq (https://www.authenticewe.com/agile-eq ) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

14. 

    25 Aug 2025

    Creating Places People Love to Work

    Welcome to Authentic Ewe, the podcast for people who believe work can be more human. I’m your host, Penelope Aiken — organisational development leader, ICF accredited coach, high-performance facilitator, and founder of Authentic Ewe. For more than 20 years, I’ve worked with leaders, teams and organisations to create cultures where people feel safe, connected and able to do their best work. Through Authentic Ewe, I’m exploring what it really takes to create places people love to work — where people feel safe to be their authentic selves, have honest conversations, build trust, and truly thrive. I’m also the creator of HUMAN LENS™, a practical framework for helping leaders and teams better understand themselves, understand others, and create the conditions for psychological safety, connection and meaningful culture change. In each episode, I speak with authors, thinkers, leaders and changemakers about the human side of work — from leadership and emotional safety to courage, inclusion, performance, connection and culture. Because when people don’t feel safe to be their authentic selves, we don’t just lose individual potential — we lose human potential. And in a world that needs more courage, compassion and connection, I believe that message matters more than ever. This is Authentic Ewe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

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