201 - Escaping the Leadership Hamster Wheel with Kate Jones

What happens when leaders become so focused on speed, delivery and efficiency that they start to become almost machine-like themselves?

In this conversation with Kate Jones, founder of Neon and architect of Deeply Human® leadership, we explore why humanity is not the opposite of performance, but one of the conditions that enables people and teams to perform at their best.

We discuss what Kate calls the 'hamster wheel' of modern work, where pace, task focus and constant delivery can squeeze out reflection, creativity and meaningful connections and relationships. We also explore how leaders can create connection in remote and global teams, and why care is something people need to experience, not simply an intention.

Kate's challenge is clear - demonstrating high levels of humanity as a leader does not mean accepting lower standards or weaker performance. Leaders can make tough decisions, expect high performance and still lead with care, connection and compassion.

Kate Jones brings 30 years of experience in leadership, organisational culture and change, including 20 years across social work and corporate consulting before founding Neon in 2013. Her work focuses on helping purpose-led organisations build leadership capability without losing the human qualities that create trust, connection and wellbeing.

What you will learn:

Why humanity and high performance are not opposites How the 'hamster wheel' of work can make leaders increasingly disconnected Why self-awareness is the starting point for more human leadership Focusing on relationships to change the impact of conversations Ways to build genuine connection across remote and global teams Why self-care is a leadership responsibility, not an optional extra How small, everyday choices can communicate care When has the pace made you less connected to the people around you?

What are the small ways you could communicate care to your team?

Resources:

Connect with Kate Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerjones Learn more about Kate Jones' Deeply Human® leadership work and Neon: https://deeplyneon.com Find all of Kate Jones' links here: https://linktr.ee/katejonesneon Discover your leadership archetype with Kate Jones' quiz: https://neon4.scoreapp.com/ Listen to the audiobook of Become a Global Leader: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR Read the book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leade