What really drives conflict, silence, burnout, and sudden resignations at work?

In this powerful conversation, Benjamin Fry unpacks the story of the nervous system and why so many workplace reactions have nothing to do with performance, capability, or attitude—and everything to do with unfinished threat responses stored in the body.

Drawing on ideas from his book The Invisible Lion, Benjamin explains why humans overreact, underreact, freeze, fawn, or suddenly flee workplaces they once loved.

Together, we explore:

• Why workplaces amplify nervous system dysregulation—especially where hierarchy exists
• The difference between shutdown vs containment, and why “appropriate reactions” build trust
• How boundaries are not about controlling others—but about caring for your own nervous system
• Why psychological safety isn’t about being “nice,” but about feeling safe enough to stay regulated
• How leaders can spot dysregulation in real time—and slow moments down before they escalate
• Why listening is often more regulating than anything you can say
• Benjamin also explains the origin of the Invisible Lion metaphor—why behaviour only makes sense when we understand the unseen context behind it—and how workplaces can stop leaving people alone with their lions.

This episode is essential listening for leaders, HR, OD practitioners, and anyone who wants to build cultures where people don’t just perform—but feel safe enough to stay, speak, and be themselves.

🌐 Website: https://benjaminfry.co.uk/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-fry

📘 The Invisible Lion (book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1910919246

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In this episode of the Authentic Ewe Podcast, I sit down with Dave Snowden, founder of The Cynefin Company. Dave challenges the mainstream view of psychological safety, framing it not as comfort but as a signal system that reveals risks, patterns, and trust gaps in complex organisations.

We explore how leaders can use Cynefin, SenseMaker®, safe-to-fail experiments, and trios to navigate uncertainty and create authentic workplaces where people can thrive.

Links: Cynefin resources | Cynefin framework | SenseMaker® subscription | Premium Membership | Dave Snowden on LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Authentic Ewe Podcast, I sit down with Debbie Nicol — one of the world’s most recognised experts in The Leadership Challenge.

Deb shares a powerful truth most leaders forget:

We explore:

• What separates “doing leadership” from being a leader

• Why credibility and consistency matter more than tactics

• How the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership work in real life

• The link between DISC behaviour and leadership effectiveness

• Why executive presence is misunderstood — and how Deb reframes it through Presence Pro

• How disconnection shows up in workplaces, and what real leaders do differently

• The behavioural shifts that turn managers into trusted, influential leaders

This conversation is grounded, practical and deeply human — a must-listen for leaders who want their influence to actually land.

Presence Pro – Executive Presence Self-Assessment (Free)

https://presencepro.ai/

The Leadership Challenge – Kouzes & Posner

https://www.leadershipchallenge.com

Debie Nicol on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbienicol/

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