E50 Rachel Zhang and David Bradford - To Trust is to Thrive: Leading Teams with Authenticity

The Company Road Podcast

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“If you're going to take a role, there are three things that are important: a good problem to work on, good people to work on it with, and good leadership that you have faith in or you believe in." - David Bradford

This month’s theme

This month we discuss the significance of identifying crossroads within our careers or organisations. In each episode, we explore the pivotal moments where decisions shape our professional trajectories, and strategies for navigating challenges and change as an employee or a leader.

From career transitions and industry shifts to leadership changes and organisational restructuring, we unpack practical strategies, share success stories, and empower listeners to embrace challenges and change as a catalyst for growth and innovation.

Rachel Zhang and David Bradford share their experiences building a high-performing team at Telstra. They discuss the importance of authentic leadership, fostering trust, and creating a space where everyone feels valued. You'll hear how they approach interviews differently, focusing on finding the right fit rather than just skills.

Learn how to create a thriving team environment that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters innovation.

In this episode you’ll hear about

• How to maintain an open and authentic interview style, ensuring the right fit for both the role and the team
• How to create a space where introverts and other personalities can thrive in the workplace
• How to address the challenges of maintaining team connection and communication in a remote work environment
• How does bias in recruiting impact the hiring process, and what can be done to mitigate it
• How does squad engagement and chapter engagement contribute to team morale and productivity
• How to identify signs that an organisation may not be a good fit and how to navigate unexpected changes within an organisation.
• How to navigate unexpected challenges like market changes or innovation, manage conflicts effectively through communication and empathy, and promote authenticity as a superpower to build confidence and reduce stress in both personal and professional contexts

Key links

• Telstra
• Design Outlook
• RMIT University
• AKQA
• Accenture
• Parliament of Victoria
• Rachel Zhang on LinkedIn
• David Bradford on LinkedIn
• ANZ
• NAB

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