#279: How to Create a Winning Workplace Culture and Bring Out The Best in Your Employees

Every year, 1 in 4 employees in the UAE leaves their employer because they hate their job – a shocking statistic, but unfortunately, it’s the cold hard truth. Jo Kearney brings over 18 years of Human Capital experience having worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Meta and Accenture, and I’m pleased to welcome her on the show. Jo is the Chief Learning Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE-based conglomerate that owns and operates malls, retail, and hotel establishments, employing over 48,000 people. Join the conversation as Jo peels back the layers of business transformation and reveals the blueprint for organisational success. In this episode, Jo shares her non-negotiable hiring question, top leadership tips, and effective strategies for managing team dynamics. If you want to understand what it takes to create a winning team culture, then this episode is one you can’t afford to miss. Discussion points: 3:31 About Jo7:34 Jo’s opinion on the tertiary education system10:47 The value of investing in your employees' personal development12:42 The impact of “Sink or Swim” situations15:15 What employers look for in an employee16:02 Jo’s non-negotiable question when hiring18:40 How to assess someone’s potential 20:14 ‘Skill Will Hill’ framework21:15 No.1 reason why people leave companies23:07 A great leader in Spencer’s life32:30 How to create a sense of belonging at work36:32 How Jo approaches working with people from different cultures38:26 Jo’s proudest moments41:19 Advice for leaders on how to make people realise their potential44:41 How to regulate your mood so that it doesn’t affect your team46:35 What Spencer’s daughter taught him about leadership47:54 Why taking feedback is so important for leaders Show Sponsor: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en Jo Kearneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jojofk/ https://www.instagram.com/jofkearney