Smart Working Revolution

08/08/2026

One thing that distinguishes CEOs of successful organisations is that they pay attention to culture before it becomes a problem.

They understand that culture is easier, more manageable and cheaper to shape early, while the organisation still has the flexibility to test, learn and adjust. Poor habits are not yet deeply embedded, so leaders have more room to influence how people behave, make decisions and work together.

Culture rarely fails overnight. It drifts. Standards slip, difficult behaviour is tolerated and accountability becomes less clear. Left alone, those issues become part of how the business operates.

By the time the impact is obvious, good people may have left, customers may be affected and change may require costly restructuring or senior exits.

Successful CEOs do not treat culture as an HR initiative. They treat it as part of the operating model because it affects performance, leadership, customer experience and growth. The earlier they act, the more choice they have and the less it costs to get right.

Need help shaping your culture before problems become embedded? Get in touch.

24/03/2026

Here we discuss a simple yet powerful idea that underlies behaviour, motivation, and decision-making in leadership: the locus of control.

First introduced in 1954 by Julian Rotter, the concept examines where people believe control over their lives and work actually lies. At the time, leadership thinking focused heavily on reward and punishment. Carrot and stick. Rotter challenged that view.

The blog explores why this matters so much for leaders, teams, and organisational culture, and how unnoticed beliefs about control can either unlock ownership or quietly limit performance.

If you lead people, this is a concept worth revisiting. https://buff.ly/t1ivY3V

19/03/2026

I'm Only Human After All - Smart Working Revolution https://buff.ly/Bnr7KYI

There’s a line in Human by Rag 'n' Bone Man that feels oddly appropriate for leaders right now. “I’m only human after all.”

17/03/2026

Ruth Gawthorpe and Josh Hoole led today’s session, focusing on coaching and mentoring skills, with a strong emphasis on asking better questions to drive better outcomes.

It was a fantastic opportunity to work with the advanced Registered Managers group, who continue to demonstrate a real commitment to delivering high-quality care across Cornwall.

A great session with engaged leaders who are clearly invested in continuous improvement and raising standards within their services.

Proud To Care Cornwall

17/03/2026

When organisations talk about brand management issues, they often assume something external needs fixing. The website feels tired. The messaging isn’t quite right. The values need “bringing to life”. So the work begins…..refresh, rewrite, relaunch.

But brands rarely fail because of what they say. They fail because leadership shows up in ways that make things uncomfortable, particularly when things feel uncomfortable. Read more here https://buff.ly/bnQ6X3u

13/03/2026

Josh had the privilege of facilitating an Employment and Skills Round Table at the Cornwall Council Careers Event this week.

The discussion brought together employers, educators and stakeholders to focus on two critical areas shaping the future workforce.

• Work readiness and the importance of human skills in preparing candidates for the modern workplace
• Leadership, organisational culture and stronger recruitment practices to help employers attract and retain the right people

It was a practical and forward-looking conversation about how we bridge the gap between talent entering the workforce and employers' expectations.

The setting made the occasion even more memorable. The round table took place in the Council’s Main Chamber, which explains the flags and the gavel in the background. A fitting environment for a discussion about responsibility, leadership and the future of work.

Encouraging to see so many organisations committed to strengthening the skills pipeline and supporting better employment outcomes across Cornwall.

Cornwall Council

06/03/2026

Ruth and Olly are with the Harland team today delivering a focused and energising development session by the sea.

Today’s session centres on strengthening brand excellence, enhancing professional presence and maximising personal impact. Practical discussions, real-world application and purposeful reflection are helping the team refine how they represent their organisation and themselves.

Great energy in the room, powerful conversations and practical ideas the team can put into action straight away.

27/02/2026

27/02/2026

Yesterday marked the first day of our Advanced Leadership Programme, hosted at the impressive Scorrier House in Cornwall.

It was a strong start. In the room, you can see Oliver Thompson working with the delegates as they begin the shift from leadership to guardianship.

Day one centred on a transition to a critical mindset. Moving beyond operational leadership towards true guardianship of culture, identity and long-term stewardship. The group explored how organisational culture is shaped, how identity influences decision-making at the senior level, and what neuroscience teaches us about stress and behaviour under pressure.

This programme is designed for those with real accountability. The conversations were thoughtful, grounded and commercially focused from the outset.

Each delegate received their Smart Working Notebook, a practical tool to capture insights, challenge assumptions and document the shifts in thinking that will take place over the coming months.

A purposeful beginning in a setting that reflects the gravity of the work ahead.

23/02/2026

There is no single right way to lead. Effective leaders adapt their style to the context and the people in front of them.

Our video exploring ten leadership styles helps leaders reflect on their default approach and where greater flexibility could drive better results.

If any of these topics resonate, we are happy to arrange a short online conversation with Oliver Thompson or Ruth Gawthorpe to explore what this could mean for your leadership practice.

These videos are a practical resource for leaders who want to lead with confidence and clarity. Click here to sign up for this exclusive free resource for leaders https://buff.ly/NETiVN4