We throw around words like productivity, engagement, and performance all the time. But do we actually know what they mean or how to create the conditions for them to thrive?

In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Craig Steel, Founder and Chief Executive of Vantaset. This conversation explores what real performance looks like in modern organizations and the shift that leaders need to make to achieve the results that matter.

In this episode, you will:

• Understand key factors that keep organizations stagnant

• Learn the difference between productivity and performance

• Discover practical insights on how to create the conditions for performance

Meet Our Guest Craig Steel

Craig Steel is the founder and Chief Executive of Vantaset – the world’s first people-focused high-performance operating system for business.

Craig is considered by many to be one of the world’s foremost performance transformation experts and Australasia’s leading authority on workplace performance.

He has worked full-time in the performance industry for over 30 years, acted as the head performance advisor to many of the country’s top athletes and helped over 50 Chief Executives transform the performance of their organisation.

Today, Craig and his team are helping CE’s globally build more competitive future-ready organisations.

You can connect with Craig on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigsteel/

Show Notes

Performance ≠ Productivity
Organizations often reward busyness instead of outcomes. Craig explains why real performance is about effectiveness, not activity.

Clarity Over Control
Lack of clarity—not lack of effort—is what drives underperformance. When people don’t know the “why,” they default to just doing the job.

From Systemic Sludge to Strategic Relevance
Employees want to contribute. But rigid systems turn meaningful work into meaningless tasks. Leaders must rewire the system, not blame the people.

Courageous Leadership
The best leaders don’t need to be right—they’re willing to be wrong, and they create space for others to think, contribute, and grow.

The AI Distraction
AI isn’t a get-out-of-investing-in-people-free card. When tech becomes an excuse to cut rather than elevate, organizations lose their greatest asset: human potential.

The Factory Model is Broken
Despite 21st-century challenges, most companies still operate like 19th-century factories. It’s time to redesign work for knowledge, not compliance.

Practices You Can Apply

Ask: What could we become?
A powerful question to reframe conversations and unlock new possibilities.

Reconnect people to purpose
Every employee should know how their work contributes to something bigger.

Audit for clarity
Do your teams know what success looks like? Start there before adding new KPIs.

Redesign for thinking, not tasking
Stop building systems that assume people are just there to “do a job.” Let them solve problems.

Look at behavior as feedback
Before you assume someone’s disengaged, ask what the system is rewarding—or punishing.

Memorable Quotes

• “We didn’t hire you to do a job. We hired you to make a difference.” — Craig Steel
• “Performance is not about output. It’s about contribution and impact.” — Dr Dani
• “If the All Blacks ran their team like most businesses run their staff, they’d never win a match.” — Craig Steel
• “Culture isn’t warm and fuzzy. It’s the system that either unlocks or limits human potential.” — Peter Allan
• “What could we become?” — Craig Steel

We live in a world that’s changing faster than the frameworks we've relied on can keep up with. So, is it time to rethink how we think? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by John Philpin to explore why the age of reason is over and why we need to embrace the age of experience.

In this episode, you will

• Understand why rigid thinking is no match for today’s complexity and what we need instead.
• Learn how business models built on certainty are being outpaced by change, AI, and rising human expectations.
• Discover how design thinking, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration can help us rethink how we think.

Meet Our Guest John Philpin

John has spent two decades inside and around the C-suite, twice as CEO, with a handful of CXO roles, and now as a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams. His through-line? People First. Always. He works at the intersection of technology and business, helping organisations cut through the noise, get clear on what matters, and drive the outcomes that follow. He’s worked across the UK, USA, and New Zealand, from scrappy startups to global giants, with deep expertise in tech, media, sustainability, and organisational design.

John is known for his clarity, candor, and ability to translate complexity into action. He partners with ambitious leaders ready to grow, lead, and connect, because in business, real expansion starts where engagement meets execution - because growth doesn’t come from managing what you have, it comes from engaging with who you haven’t reached. Yet.

John invites you to

• Come be my friend on LinkedIN
• Subscribe to my Substack

Show Notes

Key Themes:

• Reason vs. Experience: John argues we’re moving out of the “Age of Reason,” where everything is boxed, mapped, and standardized, and into the “Age of Experience,” where context, nuance, and emergence matter more.
• Structured Visual Thinking: Drawing from his time with Group Partners, John explains how visual frameworks help teams see the whole picture—but only if they remain flexible and dynamic.
• Why AI Adds Pressure, Not Relief: While AI can improve productivity, John warns of the risk of misusing it to justify job cuts instead of amplifying human capability.
• Organizational Misfits: Dani highlights how most organizational structures are still built like 18th-century factories, even as problems grow more complex.
• From Silos to Systems: True progress requires abandoning single-discipline thinking and embracing diverse perspectives—from sales to science, marketing to engineering.

Practices You Can Apply:

• Listen beyond your lane—explore ideas outside your field.
• Revisit your childhood obsessions—they may hold forgotten clues to how you think.
• Start conversations across departments and disciplines—especially where no one’s currently talking.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Smallcreep’s Day by Peter Currell Brown
• Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore
• Zone to Win by Geoffrey Moore
• Martini Shot podcast by Rob Long
• Substack writing by John Philpin

We did it—50 episodes! In this milestone episode, we pause to reflect on the journey, the lessons, and why celebration isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a necessary part of doing meaningful work. Whether you're leading a team, tackling tough challenges, or simply trying to keep momentum, this episode will change how you think about celebration.

Spoiler: It's not just about parties or cake (though we’re fans of both).

In this episode, we:

• Learn why celebration builds resilience, reinforces purpose, and fuels forward momentum
• Explore how small moments of acknowledgment—what we call “atomic celebrations”—can drive big impact
• Discover practical ideas to celebrate progress authentically, whether you're leading a team or working solo

What happens when you believe in design thinking but your organization doesn’t? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter, share ways you can start using design thinking in your work, even if no one else is on board yet.

In this episode, you will

• Understand how one person can spark a movement
• Learn why you can be the lone Design Thinker at work
• Discover practical ways to introduce design thinking without asking for permission

What if the only real safety lies in continuous change and standing still is the true danger?

In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Ralph H. Groce III, author of We Have Nothing to Lose: A Dark Optimist’s Call to Action. Drawing on personal stories, leadership insights, and a message forged in adversity, Ralph challenges us to stop waiting for things to "go back to normal" and instead start creating a path forward. In this episode, you will

• Understand why the world needs dark optimists now more than ever

• Learn how to embrace change with clarity and urgency

• Discover the high cost of clinging to comfort

About Our Guest

Ralph H. Groce III is an accomplished entrepreneur, visionary thinker, and dedicated advocate for change. With a rich tapestry of experiences in entrepreneurship, technology, finance, and philanthropy.

Ralph holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University Questrom School of Business, a Graduate degree from Boston University Metropolitan College, an MBA from Queens University McColl School of Business, and the honor of receiving an honorary doctorate from Johnson C Smith University. His academic achievements complement his entrepreneurial prowess.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ralph has founded and successfully managed multiple businesses, amassing several patents along the way. His ventures have been at the forefront of innovation, contributing to economic growth, and creating opportunities. His experiences have not only shaped his career but have also offered valuable insights into the dynamic world of business and technology.

Ralph's professional journey is a testament to his versatility. From entrepreneurship to financial services, his contributions have been instrumental in transforming industries, optimizing operations, enhancing security, and enabling growth. He currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for Scroobious Inc. A startup initiative focused on creating equitable access to investment capital. Prior to joining Scroobious Ralph served as Chief Information Officer, Global Head of Operations Technology at Wells Fargo, where he successfully combined his entrepreneurial mindset with technology leadership. Ralph also co-founded and serves as CEO of Knowhere Art Gallery, headquartered on Martha’s Vineyard, MA.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ralph's roots are in a city known for resilience and innovation. He presently divides his time between Northeast Pennsylvania and New York City.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ralph is an enthusiast of diverse passions. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Johnson C. Smith University. He also serves on the University Advisory Board of Boston University and is the Chairman of the Boston University Metropolitan College Advisory Board. He is an avid sports enthusiast, a music lover, a published author, an ardent reader of literature, and a passionate traveler. These interests reflect his belief that a well-rounded life fosters creativity and personal growth.

You can connect with Ralph on

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhg3d/

• Website http://www.thedarkoptimist.com/

• Instagram @grossoptimist

Ralph's book We Have Nothing to Lose: A Dark Optimist's Call to Action is available on Amazon and other major retailers.

Learn more about Arts for Humanity at www.afhboston.org

Productivity is a hot topic in news headlines, boardrooms, and everyday conversations. In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter unpack the productivity crisis. In this episode, you will

• Understand why productivity isn't just an individual performance problem

• Learn the contributing factors that stall productivity

• Discover practical strategies for unlocking productivity

In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter delve into the concept of 'Dumbify' with guest David Carson. Discover how embracing 'dumb' ideas can lead to breakthrough innovations. Learn about David's journey building successful companies, and how a simple dinner conversation sparked the idea of 'Dumbify.' In this episode, you will:

• Understand the importance of spending more time with 'dumb' ideas

• Learn practical ways to integrate 'dumb' thinking into your problem-solving process

• Discover how challenging traditional methods can lead to unexpected success

David Carson is an entrepreneur and marketing innovator whose groundbreaking companies and products have impacted millions worldwide. Renowned for his expertise in creative thinking, Carson has collaborated with global giants like American Express, Nike, Coca-Cola, and IKEA, as well as cutting-edge advertising agencies including Mother and Ogilvy. His unconventional approach has not only shaped iconic brands but also challenged traditional notions of problem-solving in business and beyond. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcarson2/ and subscribe to his Dumbify newsletter at https://www.david-carson.com/

The inspiration for this podcast came from a question posed by Ian Scott, a longtime listener and friend of the podcast. Ian asked, "What's your view on human-centered systems thinking?"

In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore the intersection of human-centered design and systems thinking.

In this episode, you will

• Understand how these approaches work together to deliver better solutions.

• Learn how to leverage these holistic approaches in your work

• Discover practical strategies for integrating these practices