In this episode, Pim de Morree from Corporate Rebels, shares his journey, from corporate frustration to pioneering self-managed workplaces worldwide.

Pim discusses with your hosts, Henry and Maureen, how he and his co-founder left traditional jobs to research and promote organisations with employee-focused, hierarchy-free cultures.

Pim explains Corporate Rebels’ evolution from blogging to investing in companies, radically transforming them through transparency, autonomy, and profit-sharing.

Today's conversation highlights the challenges and successes of these transformations, offering practical tips for happier workplaces while revealing the growing global movement toward more meaningful, people-centered work.

Pim's tips for a happy workplace:

• Kill middle management positions (distribute their roles)
• Sit down with the team and ask, "How can we free you up?"
• Ask individuals about their dreams, hopes, and fears

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Corporate Rebels
• Drive, book by Daniel Pink
• Happy Workplace

Samantha Green is the leader of a UK charity working on animal welfare in Sri Lanka.

In today's conversation, Samantha shares how the Level Seven Senior Leaders programme helped her shift from top-down leadership to empowering self-managed teams.

Samantha discusses her experience with cross-training staff, adopting 'Toyota-inspired' continuous improvement, and fostering a workplace of trust and transparency.

Samantha also emphasises the importance of local leadership and provides practical advice for fostering a happy and inclusive workplace.

You'll hear about the transformative impact of innovative leadership and investing in team development.

Samantha Green's tips for a happy workplace:

• Visualise everything - whiteboards and on the walls
• Trust people - give them control; not instructions
• Involve people in decisions that affect them

Sophie Bryan works at the deepest level of workplace culture: where energy, trust, & curiosity shape everything.

In today's episode, Maureen and Henry are joined by Sophie to explore how Montessori principles such as freedom, curiosity, and play can transform workplace culture.

Sophie shares stories from her HR career, advocating for employee autonomy, transparency, and coaching over traditional management.

Sophie also discusses the positive role of sexual energy in creativity, the importance of belonging and authenticity in the workplace, and how recognising individual contributions can boost engagement.

Her journey with dance underscores her value of joy outside work, rounding out a conversation on building happier and more innovative organisations.

Sophie's tips for a happy workplace:

• Transparency across the board. "Tell the goddamn truth!"
• Be respectful of belonging and authenticity
• Be aware of the impact and contribution you make as an organisation

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• TED Talk by Sophie Bryan
• Thinking, Fast and Slow, book by Daniel Kahneman
• Happy Workplace Conference