You Must Be Woking

This episode launches our Podcast Mini Series to celebrate International Women's Day 2026.
 summary
Hosts Craig Richards & Dawn Hurst interviews guest Amy Barnes who shares her journey through leadership, the challenges women face in the workplace, and the importance of authenticity and giving back. She discusses breaking barriers, the value of vulnerability, and how to support the next generation of women leaders.

In this episode, Dawn & Craig explore the critical role of workplace culture in organizational success, discussing how outdated cultural infrastructures can hinder performance and lead to toxic environments. They analyze real-world examples, including the Ministry of Defence and Manchester United, to illustrate the consequences of neglecting cultural transformation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, transparency, and proactive leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture. Practical steps for cultural change are provided, alongside insights from listener questions.

A look back at the year in review, which also celebrates a year of You Must Be Woking too! Craig & Dawn talk about their viral moments, guests and hand out awards too. Check it Out.

The impact of cultural narratives on workplace dynamics.
Systemic issues in organizations often stem from leadership challenges.
The importance of addressing sexism and misogyny in politics.
Military institutions face significant challenges with bullying and harassment.
The Met Police's policy changes reflect broader societal debates on hate speech.
Portugal's right to disconnect raises questions about state intervention in workplace culture.
Cultural acknowledgements can be performative without genuine understanding.
Disney's backlash highlights the complexities of representation in media.
Personal stories can humanize contentious topics like pronouns.
Effective leadership requires ongoing education and adaptation to modern challenges.

Summary
In this episode of 'You Must Be Woking,' hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst delve into various current events and cultural issues, exploring their implications on workplace dynamics and societal norms. They discuss the BBC series 'Riot Women,' the ejection of Nuala McAllister from the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Ministry of Defence's bullying claims. The conversation also touches on the Met Police's policy changes regarding hate crimes, Portugal's right to disconnect law, and the cultural acknowledgements made by Canadian airlines. Additionally, they analyze the backlash against Disney's new short film 'Versa' and the importance of pronouns in personal identity, emphasizing the need for education and understanding in addressing these complex topics.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Woke News and Current Events
02:41 Exploring the BBC Series 'Riot Women'
15:30 Discussion on Sexism and Misogyny in Politics
23:50 Military Culture and Bullying in the MOD
31:13 Assurance Over Accreditation
33:48 Policy Shifts in Law Enforcement
37:12 Values and Workplace Culture
42:19 The Pendulum of Free Speech
43:39 The Right to Disconnect
49:02 Cultural Acknowledgements in Canada
54:03 Performative Actions vs. Genuine Change
56:46 The Power of Storytelling in Identity

A fascinating discussion with Tim Barber founder of Feel Good Folk and the host of the Feel Good Podcast - Deep diving into masculinity, men's mental health and what that looks like in the workplace