The Human Loop Podcast

Recent episodes

1. Why Motivation Isn't Your Job as a Leader: Gary Goldsmith

   Jul 29, 2026

   What happens when a 40 year recruitment veteran with a reputation for building legendary teams takes on a live Decision Sprint? Gary Goldsmith, founder of multiple training vehicles including RDLC, Proud to be a Pirate, and Pi Cubed, draws the Reversal Card and immediately says it's too easy. He passes. Then gets dealt a scenario about defending a strategic bet that's produced mixed results at best. His response? "I've got such a big ego and confidence in my own ability, that's never going to fail." Gary breaks down why he doesn't believe in motivating staff, why he thinks that's their job not his, how he built a business where people queued around the block to take a pay cut to join, and why he kept rookies in interviews all day so they couldn't make other meetings. Plus, the episode unpacks his approach to leadership under pressure, why he sent flowers to employees' mums after asking them not to cook dinner, the red phone in the office that triggered a sprint across the floor, and why he fired someone who tried to negotiate by handing in their notice. Gary scores 36% overall but hits 72% on conviction, the highest conviction score on the leaderboard. His archetype? Catalyst. High speed, high conviction, zero hedging. If you're leading a team, building a business, or trying to understand what it looks like to lead with absolute clarity and zero apology, this one's for you. More from Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygoldsmith/ Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

2. Leadership Under Pressure: Saeed Bor Decision Sprint Breakdown

   Jul 22, 2026

   What happens when a leader who topped the leaderboard breaks down their decision in real time? Saeed Bor, founder of Embedded Ops and 15 year recruitment veteran, scored 56% on his Decision Sprint, the highest score on the leaderboard at the time. This episode breaks down exactly why. Ben unpacks Saeed's approach to the Trust Card scenario, where someone respected and visible is crossing a line and about to be publicly recognized in five days. The breakdown reveals why his pause before answering mattered, how his values led conviction drove an 85% conviction score, and where he dropped points on operator density. Plus, the episode gets into what separates a strong decision from a complete one, why clarity of values translates to decision speed, and what it means to lead with authenticity even when it damages your standing. If you're working on your own decision making, leading through tough calls, or trying to understand what high performing leadership actually looks like under pressure, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

3. Emotional Regulation in Leadership: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Scarlett Chorley

   Jul 15, 2026

   What happens when a high-performing sales leader who thrives on clarity gets put under pressure with zero direction? Scarlett, an AI-powered influence marketing leader with over a decade of experience across estate agency, recruitment, and tech sales, takes on a live Decision Sprint and draws the Strategy Card. She gets into why psychological safety isn't about freedom, it's about clarity. Why emotional regulation matters more than experience when competitors make noise. And what she learned about leadership from going from hitting numbers to building partnerships with no playbook. Plus, the conversation unpacks why ambiguity creates distrust, how to lead when your board is forwarding you articles and your team is asking questions, and what it means to stay grounded when everyone around you is reacting. If you're leading through change, managing a team in a noisy market, or trying to stay calm when competitors are making moves, this one's packed with honest reflections you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real-time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

4. Making Tough Decisions Fast: Decision Sprint Breaking Down

   Jul 8, 2026

   What happens when a leader who topped the leaderboard unpacks their decision-making process in real time? Ollie Whiting, Group CEO of La Fosse, a £200 million staffing and consulting business, scored 57% on his Decision Sprint, the highest score on the leaderboard at the time. This episode breaks down exactly why. More from Oli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverwhiting/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

5. Uncovering Leadership in the Manosphere: John Reynolds

   Jul 1, 2026

   John Reynolds, founder of Titan Property Developments and host of Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, sits down for a conversation that goes deep on what it actually means to lead yourself before you lead anyone else. He gets into why leadership is less about experience and more about relationships, what he learned from scaling a £250 million property business before walking away, and how conducting an orchestra is a better metaphor for leadership than leading from the front. Plus, the conversation unpacks cold showers as resilience training, the cost of being present across business and family, why vulnerability is now a competitive advantage, and the non-negotiable everyone breaks: sleep. If you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to stay human in a world moving faster than ever, this one's for you. More from John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnreynolds1/ Check out Extraordinary Life Stories: https://www.youtube.com/@johnreynoldsofficial/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

6. How to Lead When You Don't Have All the Answers: Natalie Arendale

   Jun 24, 2026

   Natalie Arendale, MBA, Enterprise Payments & Commercial Leader with 10+ years scaling fintech businesses across APAC and London, takes on a live Decision Sprint and draws the Strategy Card. She gets into what leading a team she'd never met through a global pandemic taught her about intentional leadership, why silence is the worst move when a competitor makes a move in market, and how to keep high-performance sales teams steady when they've already read the threat before you have. Plus, we break down her Decision Sprint score, strengths, watch outs, and leadership archetype in real time — and she tops the leaderboard at 68%. More from Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliearendale/ Powered by Atherio, real-time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

7. Unmanaged Complexity Kills Businesses Faster Than Lack of Ambition: Ollie Whiting

   Jun 17, 2026

   Ollie Whiting, Group CEO of La Fosse , a £200 million staffing and consulting business, takes on a live Decision Sprint and draws the People Card. He also gets into what he's learned about leadership over the last five years, why employee ownership changes everything, the role of a meeting chair in surfacing real opinions, and why indecision is more dangerous than a wrong call. Plus, we break down his Decision Sprint score, strengths, watch outs, and leadership archetype in real time. More from Oli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverwhiting/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

8. Why Great Culture Always Starts at the Top: Phil Hobden

   Jun 10, 2026

   What Would You Do If You Knew Someone Was Crossing a Line? Phil Hobden, Head of Advocacy at Sage, takes on a live AI-powered leadership challenge — and draws the Trust Card. The scenario: a respected, visible colleague is crossing a line. A public recognition event is five days away. Do you say something? When? How? His answer unpacks difficult conversations, when to escalate, and why staying silent is always a choice. Phil also gets into what he looks for before joining any business, why culture beats product every time, and why a room full of yes-people is one of the biggest red flags in any organisation. More from Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhobden/?originalSubdomain=uk Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

9. Indecision Is Worse Than Being Wrong: Saeed Bor

   Jun 3, 2026

   What happens when a leader discovers someone is crossing a line and has five days before they're publicly recognized for their work? In this episode of The Human Loop Podcast, Saeed Bor, founder of Embedded Ops and 15-year recruitment veteran, takes on a live Decision Sprint that tests his values, speed, and leadership instincts under pressure. Plus, Saeed shares a real-world example of a leader handling a line-crossing moment with speed and conviction, and we unpack what it means to lead as a Catalyst. If you're building teams, managing change, or navigating tough calls as a founder or operator, this episode is packed with honest insights you can apply today. Chapters 00:00 Meet Saeed — Embedded Ops & 15 Years in Recruitment 03:37 The Lonely Founder Myth 05:00 Building Your Network as a Business Strategy 06:27 Why Human Connection Still Wins in an AI World 09:12 Getting Buy-In: Understanding What People Actually Want 11:30 Everyone's Selfish — And That's Okay 14:10 The Decision Sprint Begins 18:23 The Trust Card: Someone's Crossing a Line 19:16 Saeed's Answer — Values, Speed & Accountability 23:00 Can a Line Ever Be Un-Crossed? 25:27 A Real-World Example of Leaders Acting Fast 27:44 What If You're the Outside Consultant? 29:59 Indecision Is Worse Than a Wrong Decision 31:33 The Score Reveal & Leaderboard 32:00 Breaking Down the Scorecard 34:37 The Catalyst Archetype — What It Means to Lead This Way Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

10. The 48-hour Leadership Rule for Solving Problems Fast: Zac & Jack

    May 27, 2026

    What happens when a founder is forced to make a high-stakes leadership decision in real time? In this episode of The Human Loop Podcast, Zach and Jack from We Have A Meeting take on a live leadership challenge designed to test strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making under pressure. The conversation dives into: Why motivation goes beyond money Building high-performing teams through ownership The “48-hour rule” for solving problems fast How founders stay calm when competitors make aggressive moves Why asking better questions creates stronger leaders Plus, Jack is put through a live “Decision Sprint” and scored on his leadership response in real time. If you’re a founder, leader, operator, or building a team, this episode is packed with practical leadership insights you can apply immediately. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Meet the Founders 00:00:49 Leadership Lessons Learned in 5 Years 00:02:49 Working Apart as Co-Founders 00:04:38 The Leadership Decision Sprint Begins 00:07:25 The Competitor Crisis Scenario 00:08:57 Jack’s Live Leadership Response 00:13:40 Staying Calm Under Pressure 00:14:17 Real Story: Competitor Bought Their Brand Search Term 00:16:46 The Power of the “Pre-Mortem” 00:18:31 The “One Big Thing” Leadership System 00:19:14 The 48-Hour Rule Explained 00:22:21 The 3 Questions Every Employee Must Answer 00:24:21 Leadership Score Revealed 00:25:41 Where the Leadership Response Fell Short 00:27:24 Communication vs Clarity in Leadership 00:28:30 Final Thoughts & Future Challenge Check out "We Have a Meeting" with Zac & Jack: https://www.wehaveameeting.com Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager -https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

11. AI Adoption Is Actually a Leadership Problem: Weekly Loop

    May 13, 2026

    This week on The Human Loop, I'll be sharing key insights from my day at Aibl Live, a leadership and AI event in London attended by CEOs, founders, and business leaders across the UK. What started as a conversation about AI quickly became a conversation about leadership, culture, trust, and the future of work. I break down the “three cliffs” preventing businesses from seeing real ROI from AI adoption: strategic clarity, divisional alignment, and individual capability. Plus, insights from leaders at WPP, Ipsos, and The Happiness Index on change fatigue, psychological safety, middle management, and why junior talent may be most at risk in the AI decade. Check out Aibl here - https://live.aiblmedia.com/e/london26 Chapters Chapters 00:01:41 Why AI conversations are really about leadership 00:03:25 The “Three Cliffs” of AI adoption 00:03:54 Cliff #1: Strategic clarity & leadership alignment 00:04:47 Cliff #2: Divisional alignment & ROI 00:05:38 Cliff #3: Individual capability vs tool access 00:07:59 The hidden inequality risk in AI adoption 00:08:26 Change fatigue and leadership in modern business 00:09:14 Why morale and disengagement are rising 00:09:41 Young people reporting the lowest workplace happiness 00:10:08 The junior talent crisis AI may create 00:10:31 Ben’s roundtable: Building a culture that can handle the truth 00:13:14 Five key leadership takeaways from the event 00:16:33 What the winning companies of the AI decade will do differently 00:17:31 Final thoughts & outro Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

12. AI, Leadership, and the Missing Leadership Link: Weekly Loop

    May 6, 2026

    This week I answer some quick-fire questions on AI, the knowing–doing gap, and why businesses are investing heavily in leadership development but still struggling to see real results. I cover the $366B spent on people each year, why most learning doesn’t translate into performance, and what really happens when it’s time to apply it in the real world. I also share thoughts on how AI is starting to support leaders with real-time insights and what responsible use of that data actually looks like. If you're thinking about the future of leadership and performance, this is a good one to dive into. Chapters Chapters 00:00:10 The $366B Learning Problem 00:02:09 The Knowing–Doing Gap 00:04:30 Fixing It with Real-Time Coaching 00:06:56 Why Managers Aren’t Measured Properly 00:09:33 What Customers Actually Experience 00:11:50 Real Results & Growth Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

13. My Favourite Ai Insights: The Human Loop Podcast

    Apr 29, 2026

    In this week’s episode, we unpack some of the best moments from recent shows, exploring what it really means to keep the human in the loop in an AI-driven world. From rethinking how businesses measure value (time vs revenue), to the growing gap in leadership support, we highlight the conversations that matter most right now. We also dive into how AI is reshaping roles, not replacing them, and why adaptability is becoming the most important skill in modern work. Chapters Chapters 00:00:30 Time vs revenue thinking 00:02:00 The leadership support gap 00:02:40 Building Atherio 00:04:10 Values and cultural fit 00:05:50 AI in recruitment 00:07:20 The rise of AI 00:08:20 Keeping the human element 00:09:00 Saving time with automation 00:10:20 How jobs are evolving 00:11:00 The power of reflection 00:11:30 Why culture matters 00:13:30 When AI goes wrong Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

14. How AI Is Impacting Entrepreneurs Right Now: Dodge Woodall

    Apr 22, 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with Dodge Woodall, a serial entrepreneur and we explore the tension between the rapid rise of AI and the growing loss of human connection. We break down how AI is being used in real life and business, the difference between tools like ChatGPT and Claude, and why understanding this technology is becoming essential to stay relevant. Finally, we unpack the truth about building a business today. Why it’s harder than ever, what’s changing for the next generation, and why entrepreneurship is still one of the most challenging (and rewarding) paths you can take. Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:00 How Dodge Uses AI (ChatGPT vs Real Life) 00:02:00 The Rise of a “Fake” World Online 00:03:00 Why Human Connection Is Disappearing 00:04:30 Trust, Personal Brand & Authenticity 00:07:00 Why Curiosity Builds Real Relationships 00:09:00 Fear of Judgment & Starting a Business 00:11:00 ChatGPT vs Claude 00:15:00 AI Is Accelerating Faster Than We Think 00:16:30 Remote Work vs Real Human Interaction 00:18:30 Will AI Replace Entry-Level Jobs? 00:20:00 Why Business Is So Hard Right Now 00:22:00 The Reality of Hiring & Costs in 2026 00:24:00 Should You Build a Business in the UK? 00:25:00 The Skills That Will Matter in the Future 00:28:30 AI in Events vs Real Human Experience 00:31:00 Social Media, Phones & Lost Moments 00:33:30 The Mental Health Impact of Social Media 00:35:00 Why He Invested in a Mental Health App 00:37:00 Entrepreneurship Is an Extreme Sport 00:40:00 Why People Don’t Trust Anything Anymore 00:41:30 The Lonely Chapter of Building a Business 00:42:30 The Truth About Money in Business 00:44:00 Why Personal Brand Matters More Than Ever 00:45:00 Final Thoughts Connect with Dodge - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dodgewoodall Check out JAAQ - https://jaaq.app Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

15. The £10 Trillion Disengagement Crisis: Weekly Loop

    Apr 15, 2026

    In this episode, we break down the growing disengagement crisis in the global workforce and why it’s costing businesses trillions. We also get into the real root of the problem: leadership. Why leaders aren’t paying attention, how that’s impacting productivity and retention, and what it means when only a fraction of your workforce is truly engaged. Finally, we unpack what “engagement” actually means in practice, why this isn’t a talent problem, and how leaders can start rebuilding connection, focus, and performance inside their teams. Full Research - https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

16. The Knowing vs Doing Gap: Founders 500

    Apr 8, 2026

    In this episode, we break down the gap between knowing what great leadership looks like and actually doing it consistently. We explore why so many founders and managers struggle to apply what they already know, and how a lack of consistency, feedback, and repetition holds teams back. We also get into the role of energy in leadership, building trust through small behaviours, and how to create a culture that actually reflects your values, not just what you say. Chapters Chapters 00:00:10 The “Knowing vs Doing” Gap in Leadership 00:03:10 Does a Leader’s Energy Impact Performance? 00:08:25 Why Leaders Shouldn’t Always “Save the Day” 00:09:30 Coaching vs Being the Expert 00:11:57 Building Better Weekly Leadership Habits 00:20:21 How Culture Breaks as You Scale 00:23:32 The Problem with Leadership Development Today 00:25:10 The Idea Behind Real-Time Leadership Feedback (A Theory) 00:27:03 Measuring Leadership & Team Engagement 00:30:41 Is This Just Surveillance? 00:33:48 Finding a Co-Founder 00:39:41 Final Takeaways on Leadership & Development Check out the Founders 500: https://founders500.com Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

17. The Decision That Changed My Life: Founders 500

    Apr 1, 2026

    In this episode, I break down what it really takes to transition from being an operator to becoming an effective leader. I share the biggest mistakes I see founders and first-time leaders make, from holding onto the “do everything” mindset to skipping the foundations that actually make teams perform. We also get into how to build strong team cultures, hire for the right reasons, and give feedback in a way that develops people rather than demotivates them. Chapters Chapters 00:00:23 Who Is Ben? 00:01:07 Sahara Marathon Challenge 00:02:26 Rugby to Career Pivot 00:05:42 Lockdown Decision Moment 00:07:04 Building a 7-Figure Business 00:08:13 Where Leadership Started 00:12:32 Biggest Leadership Mistakes 00:15:18 The Delegation Problem 00:18:15 Leadership at Every Level 00:20:08 How to Onboard Properly 00:21:11 Culture Explained Simply 00:26:57 Why Feedback Is Hard 00:27:16 The Worst Feedback Ever 00:30:06 How to Give Better Feedback 00:33:14 Difficult Conversations Check out the Founders 500: https://founders500.com Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

18. AI in Recruitment & What Top Firms Are Doing Differently: Simon Curtis

    Mar 25, 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with Simon Curtis to explore what it really takes to make AI work inside modern businesses. We unpack why messy data, fragmented systems, and inconsistent processes are holding companies back and why the real challenge isn’t the tech, but people and behaviour. If you’re trying to figure out how AI fits into your business and how to balance automation with human input, this one’s right up your street. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Intro: AI, Recruitment & The Human Loop 00:01:53 The AI Wake-Up Call for Businesses 00:05:12 The Hidden Behaviour Problem in Teams 00:06:21 Why Process Matters More Than AI Tools 00:12:22 The Biggest AI Mistake: Volume Over Quality 00:13:50 Why People Reject AI Outreach Instantly 00:15:09 Measuring AI ROI: Time vs Revenue 00:17:29 How AI Should Reshape Roles 00:23:34 Selection vs Attraction: What AI Can’t Replace 00:27:20 When AI Projects Actually Succeed 00:29:02 Why Most Tech Rollouts Fail 00:30:16 The $100K Mistake: Tools No One Uses 00:33:24 Why Humans Still Matter in AI 00:38:11 Final Thoughts: The Future of Work Connect with Simon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncurtisrec Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

19. How AI Is Transforming Service-Based Businesses: Paul Clarke

    Mar 18, 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with Paul, founder of Ookkee, to talk about how modern service businesses are evolving, the role of AI in day-to-day operations, and what it really means to build an efficient, future-proof company. We dive into how Ookkee operates as a bookkeeping business, how AI is being integrated into their workflow, and why the real opportunity isn’t replacing people, but enabling better decisions, faster delivery, and more value for clients. We also explore how the industry is changing and what founders need to understand to stay competitive. If you’re building a business or trying to figure out how AI actually fits into your operations, this one’s right up your street. Connect with Paul - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarke-ookkee Check out ookkee - https://www.ookkee.co.uk Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

20. Weekly Loop: The Leadership Crisis Behind the AI Boom

    Mar 11, 2026

    In this weeks round up I discuss the critical issues facing leadership today, including high stress levels among managers, the importance of talent density, and the challenges of AI integration in organisations. He emphasizes the need for real-time engagement, effective change management, and empathetic leadership to navigate these complexities. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to The Weekly Loop 00:00:28 The Leadership Stress Crisis 00:01:07 Why Middle Management Matters More Than Ever 00:02:17 Talent Density and Protecting Business Margins 00:03:12 Real-Time Employee Engagement 00:03:39 The Long-Term Stress Leaders Have Faced Since 2020 00:04:11 How Leaders Should Handle Constant Change 00:05:04 Why CEOs Believe Their Jobs Depend on AI 00:05:41 Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail 00:06:29 The Change Management Mistake Companies Make 00:07:26 The Change Equation: Why People Resist Change 00:08:18 Closing the Knowing–Doing Gap 00:09:04 The Risk of Losing Your Best Leaders 00:10:02 Why Talent Density Will Define Winning Companies Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken