About the Guest

Melanie Wendland is a pioneering design strategist with over 18 years of experience in service design and a decade applying design to global health challenges. Specialising in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, she combines design, behavioural science, and data to drive better decision-making and social impact. As co-founder of Sonder Collective, where she led as chairwoman until 2022, and former Director of Service Design at Scope Impact, Melanie has spearheaded innovative approaches to tackle complex global health issues.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences, Melanie is a sought-after advisor, mentor, speaker, and lecturer on service design and social innovation. She has collaborated with world-leading organisations, including The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, and Merck for Mothers, to create transformative change in global health.

This Episode Covers

Exploring Alternative Business Models: Businesses can operate beyond traditional hierarchies by adopting models like cooperatives, which emphasise shared ownership, democratic decision-making, and reinvesting profits back into the organisation to create sustainable and inclusive structures.

The Role of Human-Centered Design: Human-centered design is a problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding the needs and experiences of people. By collecting insights, creating prototypes, and refining solutions, organisations can develop products and services that are effective, relevant, and meaningful.

Addressing Complex Challenges Through Research and Design: Combining thorough research with thoughtful design can help solve large-scale societal issues. For example, blending qualitative interviews and quantitative data can inform strategies that directly address community needs or systemic problems like public health challenges.

Decentralised Leadership and Decision-Making: Decentralised organisations demonstrate that leadership doesn't always require traditional hierarchies. By distributing roles and responsibilities based on expertise rather than position, these systems allow teams to operate flexibly while maintaining transparency and collaboration.

Practical Strategies for Business Innovation: Gathering feedback from users or customers and analysing it effectively is crucial for innovation. Businesses can improve their offerings and customer experience by using structured processes to build solutions that reflect real-world needs.

Integrating Structure and Creativity for Success: Effective organisations find a balance between creative freedom and structured systems. Clear processes for decision-making, transparent communication, and feedback systems enable teams to operate efficiently while fostering innovation and collaboration.

Links

• Website: Sonder Collective
• Social media: Linkedin

About the Guest

Lord Mark Price is a celebrated figure in the business world, best known for his contributions to enhancing employee engagement and happiness. As the former Managing Director of Waitrose and former Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership. He is now the founder of WorkL, the leading global employee experience platform helping individuals to work happier and organisations to improve commercial performance by prioritising employee happiness.

Mark is a member of the House of Lords, and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. His commitment to ethical business practices includes former chairmanship of The Fairtrade Foundation and Business in the Community, as well as his presidency of the Chartered Management Institute. He was also formerly Minister of State for Trade and Investment under David Cameron.

Mark has written a range of business books on his Six Step Methodology, Employee and Customer Happiness, his new book Happy Economics explores the intricate links between employee engagement and economic performance.

This Episode Covers

The Importance of Workplace Happiness: Happiness at work is essential for driving productivity and commercial success. Organisations with happy employees benefit from lower staff turnover, reduced sick leave, and improved customer service, all contributing to higher profits.

Six Factors of Happiness at Work: To enhance workplace happiness, focus on six critical areas: reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, well-being, instilling pride, and ensuring job satisfaction. These factors are foundational to creating a positive and productive work environment.

Culture and Management Matter: Organisational culture and management styles play a significant role in employee happiness. Companies that promote trust, recognition, and empowerment generally see higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

Cost-Effective Strategies for Improvement: Many strategies to improve workplace happiness, such as personalised recognition and empowerment, are low-cost. Implementing these can lead to significant improvements in employee morale and productivity.

Global Perspectives on Workplace Happiness: Globally, workplace happiness varies, with countries like the UK scoring lower compared to developed nations the US. Understanding and addressing cultural differences in workplace practices can help improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity.

Tailored Management Approaches: Recognising individual differences among employees is crucial. Effective management involves personalising support and empowerment to meet the diverse needs and preferences of employees, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and organisational performance.

Links

• Website: WorkL
• Social media: LinkedIn
• Take the free WorkL Happy at Work Survey here

John "Sinx" Sinclair is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Ustwo, a globally renowned digital product studio celebrated for its cutting-edge work in design, technology, and innovation. Founded in 2004 alongside childhood friend Matt Miller (Mills), they started working together to explore and build digital products when they were just starting to become a thing.

Ustwo grew rapidly, initially specialising in mobile design, and is now celebrated for its mix of client services, self-developed intellectual property, and joint ventures. Over two decades they have built a culture of trust, collaboration and honesty where everyone can inspire each other to bring out their most creative and considered thinking. They value diversity and inclusion, believing we work better when every individual brings their perspective to the table.

An award winning agency, Ustwo’s accolades include a BAFTA for the cultural phenomenon ‘Monument Valley’ (launched on the stage of Apple’s WDWC) and were recognised at the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards.

A true advocate for innovation and collaboration, Sinx and Mills made a groundbreaking decision in April 2022 to transfer the majority ownership of Ustwo to its employees under an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This move ensured that 62% of the company is owned by its current and future employees, reinforcing Ustwo’s independence, preserving its values, and unlocking entrepreneurial potential across the organisation. Ustwo employees, or "partners," now share a stake in the company’s success and are represented on the board, driving its future collectively.

This Episode Covers

• How Sinx transitioned from being a hands-on designer to a leadership role, implementing a leadership team, and eventually stepping away from day-to-day operations while maintaining a guiding presence.
• The transition of UsTwo into an Employee Ownership Trust model, how the model works, its implications for the company, and the pros and cons, including its impact on recruitment, client relationships, and the company's independence.
• Navigating the ups and downs of running a creative business, especially during uncertain economic times, the importance of staying engaged, adapting to market trends, and building strategies for sustainability.
• The importance of planning for leadership transitions and career progression to ensure continuity and growth.
• Sinx desire to leave a lasting legacy through UsTwo, focusing on producing impactful work, nurturing people, and proving the viability of the EOT model in creative businesses.
• Clarifying common misconceptions, such as the belief that employees run the company outright, and explaining the role of the trust and board in governance.

Links

• Website: Ustwo
• Social media: LinkedIn

In this special edition of The Beautiful Business Podcast, we bring you exclusive insights from BenchPress Live 2025, hosted by The Wow Company at London's iconic Banking Hall. This episode merges the highly anticipated release of Wow's annual BenchPress report with an engaging panel discussion focused on building people-centred businesses.

Join your host, Chloe, alongside expert panellists:

• Mo Kanjilal, author of The Inclusion Journey and Co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce, providing actionable insights into embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) to enhance innovation and profitability.
• Kelly Goodship, Managing Director at The Wow Company, sharing first-hand lessons on building clarity of vision, effective communication, and nurturing a culture that prioritises people and performance.
• Nikki Gatenby, renowned author of Superengaged and Better Business on Purpose, offering practical strategies for creating measurable outcomes through vivid visions and lighthouse metrics.

Highlights from this episode:

• The vital link between DE&I and commercial success - why genuine inclusion attracts talent and drives innovation.
• How to define and communicate your business vision clearly to motivate your team and boost profitability.
• Practical steps to turn key business numbers into 'lighthouse metrics' everyone can understand and support.
• Effective strategies to balance work-life commitments, foster accountability, and promote wellbeing across your team.
• Navigating the remote vs hybrid office debate to maintain a strong company culture and attract top talent.
• Enhancing employee engagement by understanding and supporting neurodiversity within your agency.

Key takeaways:

• DE&I isn’t just a compliance exercise - it’s fundamental to innovation and profitability.
• Clear and continuously communicated visions inspire teams and drive measurable success.
• Profitability should be understood as fuel for growth, benefiting everyone, not just business owners.
• Success in modern business requires flexibility, empathy, and creative approaches to traditional work structures.

Dive into this episode for essential insights and inspiration from industry-leading experts to drive meaningful change in your agency.

Resources:

• The Inclusion Journey by Mo Kanjilal
• Superengaged (Nikki Gatenby)

For more practical tips on building your own Beautiful Business, visit our content hub at wowco.uk/hub.

Patrice Gordon is a multi-award-winning professional renowned for her leadership expertise, honed through senior roles at British Airways, Royal Mail, and Virgin Atlantic. Transitioning from Commercial Finance to Commercial Partnerships, she successfully led the largest transatlantic airline joint venture.

Driven by a deep curiosity about psychology and human behaviour, Patrice became an executive coach to empower individuals and organisations. Recognising the central role people play in organisational success, she founded her consultancy, Eminere, offering Executive Coaching, Group Coaching, and innovative Reverse Mentoring programmes designed to remove barriers and foster belonging in the workplace.

Patrice is also a published author, with her book, "Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace," released in November 2022 by Hachette (US) and Little Brown Book (UK), further cementing her position as a leading voice in organisational development and inclusivity.

This Episode Covers

• How reverse mentoring can break down generational barriers and enhance innovation within businesses.
• The surprising impact of psychological safety on workplace dynamics and team effectiveness.
• Why traditional leadership styles may hold back organisational growth—and how to evolve them.
• Real-life insights from Patrice’s experience managing high-profile commercial partnerships at top airlines.
• Practical strategies leaders can use to genuinely promote diversity, belonging, and inclusion.

Links

• Website: Patrice Gordon
• Social media: Instagram, LinkedIn

Tim Foster MBE is an Olympic gold medal-winning rower, a former head coach of the Swiss national rowing team, and now Head of Performance for the League Managers Association. Best known for winning gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics alongside Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and James Cracknell, Tim has dedicated his career to understanding high-performance environments—both in elite sport and in business.

After retiring from professional rowing, he successfully transitioned into coaching, guiding athletes and leaders in developing elite mindsets, team culture, and leadership strategies. His insights into trust, accountability, and pressure management offer valuable lessons for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders striving to build high-performing teams.

This Episode Covers:

• What businesses can learn from elite sports environments
• How to create a high-performance culture in your organisation
• The five key functions of a great team (trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results)
• How to give and receive feedback effectively—without damaging trust
• The psychology of pressure and how top athletes manage it
• Why many business leaders struggle with delegation and letting go
• The transition from elite performer to leader—and why so many fail at it

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build trust and create a culture where healthy conflict is encouraged
• Why accountability is the missing piece in many businesses
• The biggest leadership mistakes and how to avoid them
• Why self-awareness is crucial for long-term success

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Tim Foster MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfostermbe

Sabrina Chevannes is the founder of N0BS, a members’ club for ambitious entrepreneurs that also houses the No Bullsh*t Agency, a full-service creative agency. With over a decade of experience leading her agency, she has worked with major clients like NATO, Sony, and the NHS.

Sabrina’s career is packed with accolades, including being named one of the British Interactive Media Association’s Top 100 Creatives to Watch for two consecutive years . Beyond the agency world, she’s an International Chess Master, a competitive international poker player, and has played chess for England in multiple Chess Olympiads .

She’s also the force behind TEDxShoreditch, an international public speaker who has taken the stage in 12 countries, and a self-development leader at Forbes. On top of that, she’s a bestselling author, a podcaster, and an MBA lecturer .

When she’s not leading her businesses or speaking on stage, you’ll find her spending time with her Chow Chow, Bella .

This Episode Covers:

• Why so many agency owners are struggling – and what they’re doing about it.
• How AI and automation are reshaping the agency space.
• The growing divide between agencies and consultancies – and which model is winning.
• The hidden problem of talent retention and why great creatives are walking away from agencies.
• Why bigger isn’t always better – and how Sabrina pivoted her business to be more profitable and enjoyable.

What You’ll Learn:

• The real reason many agency owners no longer want to run an agency.
• How client expectations have shifted – and why agencies must adapt or fail.
• The biggest mistake agencies make when trying to scale.
• Why niching and authenticity matter more than ever in a crowded market.

Links & Resources:

• Sabrina’s Agency & Members’ Club: N0BS
• Follow Sabrina on Social Media: @SabrinaChevannes
• Learn More About TEDxShoreditch: TEDxShoreditch

About the Guest

Jess Baker is a highly accomplished psychologist, award-winning author, and expert in leadership and personal development. With over 15 years of consulting experience, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and an impressive set of qualifications (MSc, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CBPB) to her work. Her unique approach combines pragmatic solutions with imaginative thinking, making her a sought-after consultant for tackling complex organisational and leadership challenges.

Jess is the co-author of The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People, which won a prestigious Business Book Award in 2023. The book has been celebrated globally, translated into multiple languages, and continues to inspire compassionate individuals seeking balance and impact in their personal and professional lives.

Throughout her career, Jess has designed and delivered an extensive range of programmes, including leadership development, culture change, talent management, team-building, and employee engagement. Her work spans private and public sectors, where she’s helped leaders and teams thrive in fast-changing environments.

Beyond consulting, Jess’s journey includes lessons from starting a few ventures and experiencing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She also gained invaluable insights as a Senior HR Manager in the financial services industry. Her ability to blend real-world experience with psychological expertise allows her to help others navigate the demands of compassionate leadership while maintaining their own well-being.

This Episode Covers

• Understanding the concept of the Dynamic Helper Archetype.
• Exploring the challenges of compassionate leadership.
• Insights from Jess’s book The Super-Helper Syndrome.
• Practical tips for becoming a healthier and more impactful leader.

What You’ll Learn

• What the Dynamic Helper Archetype is and how it influences leadership.
• Key takeaways from The Super-Helper Syndrome book.
• How to balance compassion with boundaries in leadership roles.
• Steps to access free resources and quizzes for self-improvement.

Links

• Website: JessBaker.co.uk
• Dynamic Helper Quiz: Discover your personal Dynamic Helper Archetype and reveal how you can become a healthier, more impactful leader. Takes less than 3 minutes.
• Award-Winning Book: The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People by Jess Baker & Vincent, available worldwide in several languages. Purchase here.
• Free Book Club: Join the free book club with resources like meditations and hot-topic discussions.
• Social Media: Follow Jess on all platforms: @JessBakerPsych