The Human Loop Podcast

Indecision Is Worse Than Being Wrong: Saeed Bor

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0000

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

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

Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:31 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

AI Adoption Is Actually a Leadership Problem: Weekly Loop

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:29 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

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

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:27 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

My Favourite Ai Insights: The Human Loop Podcast

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:01:02 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

How AI Is Impacting Entrepreneurs Right Now: Dodge Woodall

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:04 -0000

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The £10 Trillion Disengagement Crisis: Weekly Loop

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:26 -0000

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The Knowing vs Doing Gap: Founders 500

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:52 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The Decision That Changed My Life: Founders 500

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:03 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

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

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:39 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

How AI Is Transforming Service-Based Businesses: Paul Clarke

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:35 -0000

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Weekly Loop: The Leadership Crisis Behind the AI Boom

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:00:36 -0000

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

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

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

How Smart Founders Are Using AI to Win: Ezra Chapman

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:31 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with Ezra, entrepreneur and multi-business founder to talk about leadership, failure, systems, and the real impact AI is about to have on modern businesses.

After being forced to shut down 65–70% of his group in 2019, Ezra rebuilt with a sharper focus on structure, accountability, and long-term competitive advantage. We explore why most founders are thinking about AI wrong, what actually creates a moat in today’s landscape and why systems matter more than chaos when scaling.

If you're building a company or trying to stay competitive in an AI-driven world, this one's right up your street!

Chapters

00:00:00 Systems Thinking Starts at Home
00:02:00 Leadership Lessons from Childhood
00:05:45 Chaos vs Systems in Early-Stage Founders
00:08:35 Why Founders Secretly Love the Mess
00:09:23 The Collapse: Shutting Down 65–70% of the Group
00:11:10 Accountability at Your Lowest Point
00:12:00 Why Failure Makes Better Entrepreneurs
00:26:01 The AI Question Most Businesses Aren’t Asking
00:27:42 The Real Moat: Data, Relationships & Expertise
00:30:40 Brand, Memory & The Human Advantage
00:43:19 Optimising Humans, Not Replacing Them
00:44:48 Turning AI Into Competitive Leverage
00:46:00 From Recruiter to Talent Solutions Architect

Connect with Ezra - https://ezrachapman.com

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The Mission that Drives Me: Ben Stocken

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:14 -0000

I’m Ben, founder of Atherio and my mission is simple: enable the performance and wellbeing of 10 million managers in the next three years.

In this episode, I share why managers have one of the toughest jobs in business, why most don’t get the support they need, and how we’re bridging the gap between knowing what good leadership looks like and actually doing it.

From elite sport with England national rugby union team to working with global organisations, I’ve seen what makes teams flourish and what causes them to fail.

If you care about building high-performing teams without burning people out, this one’s for you.

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

How AI can Impact Your Work Life Balance: Nikki Foster

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:06 -0000

In this week’s episode of the Human in the Loop podcast, I sit down with Nikki, Managing Director of Ferox Partners, to explore what AI really means for recruitment, leadership, and the future of work.

We unpack how AI can drive speed and efficiency in hiring without losing the human relationships that build trust, culture, and performance. From cultural fit versus skill set, to offshoring, early-career development, and burnout in lean teams.
We then delve into the need for businesses to adapt to continuous change and the critical role of resilience and adaptability in maintaining high performance without leading to burnout.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction & Lunch at Lashings
00:02:30 Ferox Partners & Running Lean with AI
00:06:00 AI in Recruitment: Efficiency vs Human Judgment
00:10:30 Cultural Fit vs Skillset: What Really Matters?
00:14:45 Will AI Replace Human Roles?
00:19:30 Trust, Emotion & The “Bad Sandwich” Analogy
00:23:30 On-Site Client Work & The Value of Human Insight
00:29:00 Offshoring vs AI: The Future of Recruitment Models
00:36:00 Entry-Level Jobs & The Impact of AI on Early Careers
00:41:30 Education, MBAs & Preparing Graduates for AI-First Workplaces
00:47:00 Parental Responsibility & Work Ethic in the Next Generation
00:52:00 Burnout, Lean Teams & Manager Capability
00:57:00 Risk, Development & The Future of Leadership

Connect with Nikki - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-foster-21014223/

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The Impact of Reactive Fixes on Your Business: Lily Kyriacou

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:33 -0000

In this week's episode I sit down with Lily Kyriacou to discuss the challenges of reactive fixes in business, particularly in the context of team dynamics and performance. Lily shares her experiences at Amdaris, where she observed that traditional approaches to problem-solving were inadequate in a rapidly changing environment.

We then delve into the need for businesses to adapt to continuous change and the critical role of resilience and adaptability in maintaining high performance without leading to burnout.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Business Challenges
00:01:23 The Impact of Reactive Fixes
00:05:32 Understanding Team Dynamics
00:10:18 The Importance of Adaptability
00:12:13 Exploring Solutions for Resilience
00:19:52 Identifying Key Behaviors in Teams
00:25:34 The Shift from Skills to Job Identities
00:30:08 Reinventing How We Approach Our People

Connect with Lilly - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilykyriacou

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Amplifying Project Management with AI: Ruth Oates

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:30:26 -0000

In this week's episode, Ruth and I discuss the importance of strategic planning for 2026, emphasising the need for business leaders to reflect on past performance and set clear goals. We explore the integration of AI in the construction industry, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and safety. Ruth also addresses the challenges of adopting AI, advocating for treating it as a team member and ensuring proper training for employees.

Chapters

00:00:00 Strategic Planning for the New Year
00:03:13 AI in the Construction Industry
00:10:01 Integrating AI as a Team Member
00:16:59 Enhancing Project Management with AI
00:21:20 The Future of AI in Construction
00:30:21 Transforming Construction Through Data and Automation

Connect with Ruth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-oates-864b2b3/?originalSubdomain=uk

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The Weekly Loop: The Power of Purpose & AI growth in Businesses

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:00:22 -0000

In this episode of the Human Loop podcast, I discuss two main topics: the importance of understanding one's purpose in leadership, inspired by a podcast featuring Tony Robbins and Alex Hormozi, and the rising adoption of AI in the workplace, as highlighted by a recent Gallup study.

Chapters

00:00:00 Exploring Leadership and Purpose
00:03:50 The Rise of AI in the Workplace

Watch the conversation with Tony & Alex referenced here: https://youtu.be/xz-ymFOhBAE?si=YZxtgVx_Y7JxGdK7

Study Mentioned: https://app.e.gallup.com/e/es?s=831949997&e=4411946&elqTrackId=efd74c1a1b7a40299e524d6e5aa03bea&elq=8a49383f2812429785f47237c625512f&elqaid=16041&elqat=1&elqak=8AF5FB05DB48FD93D787A44BE55A195E925B0FF358E0599887B460C22E481365422F

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Enhancing Client Experience with AI: Andrew Fahey

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:30:39 -0000

In this week's episode I sit down with Andrew Fahey to discuss the challenges and opportunities for CEOs in 2026, emphasising the importance of realistic optimism. We explore the role of AI in transforming professional services, the necessity of human skills in a tech-driven world, and the innovative approaches Briars is taking to enhance client experience and internal processes.

Chapters

00:00:00 Navigating 2026: Realistic Optimism for CEOs
00:02:57 Briars: Global Expansion and Professional Services
00:05:56 AI Disruption in Professional Services
00:09:00 The Human Element in AI Integration
00:11:47 Transforming Client Experience with AI
00:15:01 Internal Use Cases for AI in Leadership
00:19:58 The Future of Onboarding and Human Skills
00:24:39 Generational Challenges in Professional Services
00:29:48 Conclusion: Embracing Change for Success

Connect with Andrew - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewfahey/

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Navigating AI Adoption Challenges for Your Business: Charlie Voller Barnes

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:00:23 -0000

In this episode I'm joined by Charlie Voller Barnes to discuss the intersection of human performance and AI, exploring the challenges organisations face in adopting AI technologies. We delve into the importance of clarity in goals, the role of people in transformation, and the necessity of continuous feedback and experimentation.

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Human Performance and AI
00:02:03 The State of AI in Business
00:05:05 Understanding Transformation Failures
00:08:41 The Role of People in Transformation
00:13:31 Experimentation and Incremental Change
00:19:31 Communicating Change Effectively
00:30:03 Top Tips for Implementing AI Products

Connect with Charlie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvollerbarnes/

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Leadership in 2026: The Old Playbook Is Now a Liability

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:15:00 -0000

In this week's Human Loop I discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in 2026, emphasising the critical role of AI and the necessity for leaders to adapt their strategies. I highlights the importance of human skills, trust, and purpose in driving organisational performance, while also addressing the challenges posed by skill gaps in the workforce.

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00:00 The State of Leadership in 2026
00:02:27 Strategic Leadership as a Core Skill
00:04:22 The Importance of Human Skills and Trust
00:07:16 Closing the Gap Between Tech and Human Capability

Studies Mentioned:

Story 1: UK business investment in AI and training
https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/assets/pdfs/media/press-releases/2025-press-releases/lloyds-bank/31.12.2025-lloyds-new-year-flash-business-barometer.pdf

Story 2: Survey coverage & additional context
https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/resource-centre/insight/business-barometer.html

Story 3: Skills gaps & transformation barriers
World Economic Forum summary on skills gaps and upskilling priorities
https://gloat.com/blog/ai-employment-impact/

Story 4: AI in the workplace & skills obsolescence
https://www.secondtalent.com/resources/future-of-workplace-statistics-that-are-important-to-know/

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

The Importance of Authentic Leadership: Agni Ghosh

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:22:55 -0000

In this week's episode of The Human Loop, Agni and I discuss the importance of authenticity in leadership and recruitment, the role of honesty in attracting talent, and the impact of AI on the recruitment process.

Chapters

00:00:00 Leadership Failures and Authenticity
00:03:04 The Role of Honesty in Recruitment
00:06:04 Speed to Hire: Strategies for Success
00:08:45 AI Adoption in Recruitment
00:11:45 The Future of AI in Staffing
00:14:35 Human vs AI in Recruitment
00:17:41 Building Trust in Recruitment
00:20:44 The Importance of Relationships
00:23:48 Differentiating in a Crowded Market
00:26:47 Leadership Metrics: Sacrifice and Challenge
00:29:41 Meaningful Work and Team Success

Connect with Agni https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnighosh

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

The Weekly Loop: The Rise of AI in Business.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:12:04 -0000

In this weekly loop I discuss the latest research and trends in human performance, AI integration in business, employee engagement, and the challenges of burnout.

We highlight the significant use of AI in organizations, the concerning decline in employee engagement, and the critical need for effective communication and support for managers and employees to combat burnout and enhance productivity.

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00:00 The Rise of AI in Business
00:02:47 Employee Engagement Trends
00:06:07 The Burnout Crisis
00:08:55 AI Training and HR Integration
00:11:48 Leadership and AI Strategy Disconnect
00:15:02 Key Takeaways and Future Focus

Studies Mentioned:

Story 1: The AI Value Gap

"The State of AI 2025: Agents, innovation, and transformation"
Source: McKinsey & Company
URL: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai

Story 2: Manager Engagement Crisis

"State of the Global Workplace 2025"
Source: Gallup
URL: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/state-of-global-workplace

Story 3: Burnout at All-Time High

"Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change"
Source: DHR Global
URL: https://huntscanlon.com/workforce-trends-2026-leaders-confront-burnout-disengagement-and-ai-driven-change/

Story 4: The AI Training Gap

"2025 Talent Trends: Artificial Intelligence in HR"
Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
Published: February 2025
URL: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-talent-trends/ai-in-hr

Story 5: The AI Strategy Illusion

"Workforce 2025 Global Insights Report"
Source: Korn Ferry
URL: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/press/korn-ferry-reveals-workforce-2025-research
Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

The rise of the SuperAdapters with Miz Rahman

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:17 -0000

In this episode of the Human Loop I sit down with Mizan Rahman, co-founder of Emerge IQ and an OG of the Ai space.
We discuss the evolution of AI, the importance of human synthesis in technology, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI's role in society.

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to AI and Human Performance
00:02:30 Exploring Human Synthesis in AI
00:12:38 The Ethics of AI and Human Interaction
00:21:53 AI's Impact on Leadership and Organizational Change
00:43:08 Empowering Organizations through the Human Loop

Connect with Miz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizan-rahman

Connect with The host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

The Weekly Loop: AI and Leadership Insights

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:01:39 -0000

In this week's loop I talk about how AI, leadership, and workplace innovation all connect. I explain that AI tools can be helpful, but the real challenge is building strong leadership, because that’s what actually drives meaningful change in an organization. I share five stories that show how HR is starting to focus more on developing leaders, why workplace innovation matters, the hurdles companies face when adopting AI, and the rising issue of employee burnout. In the end, my main point is that if organizations want better productivity and more engaged employees, they need to invest in their leaders.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to The Human Loop and AI in Leadership

00:59 Workplace Innovation: The Role of Leadership

03:24 Leadership Development: A New Priority for HR

05:45 The AI Silicon Ceiling: Bridging the Gap

07:43 CEOs and Social Media: A Strategic Retreat

09:39 The Burnout Engagement Paradox

12:27 Conclusion: Leadership as the Bottleneck

Studies Mentioned:

Story 1: Workplace Innovation

Story 2: Leadership Development #1 Priority

Story 3: The AI Silicon Ceiling

Story 4: CEOs Going Quiet

Story 5: Burnout-Engagement Paradox

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken