In this podcast episode, I’m joined by Michael Noonan, a technology leader with deep experience in developing high-performing teams, and scaling global teams across organisations, including Microsoft, Visa, Capita and IBM.
Michael shares practical lessons from a leadership journey that has spanned continents, cultures and thousands of team members. We explore what it truly takes to lead across cultures, build trust and belonging in large organisations, and develop the human leadership needed in a world that is changing rapidly through technology, AI and global uncertainty.
One of the key themes in our conversation is trust, creating the conditions where people can thrive. Michael describes trust as the true currency of leadership, and explains why leaders must focus on creating environments where people feel safe, heard and able to do their best work.
We also explore how leaders can remove friction from the workplace, support individuals as whole people, and encourage curiosity and adaptability as organisations navigate the evolving world of work.
What you will learn:
- Practical ways leaders can build connection across cultures, from language to shared human experiences
- How simple leadership codes can help align large teams around shared behaviours and values
- Why listening groups can unlock powerful ideas and strengthen psychological safety in organisations
- How leaders can remove friction from work so people can perform at their best
- Why curiosity, adaptability and continuous learning are essential leadership capabilities in the age of AI
- How technology and AI agents can free leaders to focus on creativity and strategic thinking
- Why trust, belonging and psychological safety remain fundamental leadership foundations
What practical steps could you take to create more belonging in your team?
Where might there be friction in your team that is preventing people from doing their best work?
How are you encouraging curiosity, learning and adaptability in yourself and others?
Resources:
- Connect with Michael Noonan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-noonan-0b67185/
- Buy Victoria’s book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/
- Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
