riders&elephants

"You really do get obsessive over new things" An observation made of me as I sat by the crate of our new puppy, analysing and seeking solutions in response to why her behaviour had been different than what has become "typical". And the observation is not wrong. Sometimes the "obsession" fades (going to the gym, building living artwork, making over a room) and I stop going or don't complete the "obsession". Or sometimes it becomes a way of life because (excuse the pun) I'm like a dog with a bone! This is why yesterday, before we starred our first "Reflect to Connect" session I was feeling "Restless" in a good way! My obsession with understanding behaviour led me to the hashtag#emotionalculturedeck a few years ago and this obsession has fuelled my ambition, motivation & focus into my journey of becoming an entrepreneur. Feeling restless is the energy I use to turn my obsession into purpose, action & execution. Feeling humble allows me to let the less important obsessions go, with grace ( the living artwork) and notice when I need to re-prioritise obsessions - like going to gym." This weeks #ECDinthewild is from Sarah Dena, Managing Director, New Wave Learning in Swindon, UK. She is also in training to become and ECD Certified Consultant! ⁠ Tag #emotionalculturedeck to be featured!

True leadership goes beyond strategy and decision-making. It’s about cultivating an environment where emotional culture matters, and people feel empowered to show up authentically. And when it comes to leading through change? It’s not just about managing processes—it’s about managing emotions. That’s where real, lasting transformation begins. #emotionalchange #emotionalchangestrategy #emotionalculturedeck

In decision-making, we often think we need to suppress our emotions to make better choices. But recent research from Harvard Business Review, "Emotions Aren’t the Enemy of Good Decision-Making" by Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, tells us otherwise. Einhorn argues that acknowledging and naming our emotions can actually enhance our decision-making process. By creating space between how we feel and how we act, we allow emotions to provide critical insights we might otherwise miss. It’s not about ignoring the data, but combining logic and intuition for more informed, balanced decisions. In moments of uncertainty, consider what your emotions are trying to tell you. It could be a signal that the numbers alone aren’t revealing everything. 📸 @newhappyco

Calling all Auckland based change managers, team leaders and HR professionals. Change is inevitable in every organisation, but how we manage the emotional impact of change can make all the difference. Whether it’s a shift in leadership, restructuring, or navigating an evolving marketplace, the way people feel about change has a direct impact on its success. The ECD Emotional Change Strategy Course equips leaders with the tools and insights they need to guide their teams through the emotional landscape of change, ensuring that transitions are not only smoother but more meaningful. Check out this amazing opportunity with Kate Bacchus, CMHRNZ to learn how to recognise and shape the emotions of your people with proactive tools and techniques that make it easy to help them navigate change effectively. This course has never been more important or timely.

"It's impossible to get a 'nice' team photo when you are having this much fun at work.... Was great to make time to connect as a team and talk about what we need from each other to be successful. We have been having deep conversations about emotions at work utilising the incredible riders&elephants Emotional Culture Deck. To be successful at work my team needs to feel: ✅ Connected ✅ Inspired ✅ Supported ✅ Confident ✅ Uncomfortable (growth mindset) ✅ Fun Loving (nailed that in these pics) My team don't want to feel these at work: ❌ Anxious ❌ Disheartened ❌ Uncertain ❌ Doubt ❌ Embarrassed ❌ Afraid We've committed to each other to grow more of the positive feels and mitigate the negative ones. Thanks to Samantha Ilievski, Caitlin Duggan, Lee Ng and Phoebe Sudlow for their passion and allowing me, and each other, in to more of their lives - I couldn't do it without you all." This weeks #ECDinthewild is from Shaun Cameron, Certified OD, Culture, DEIB, Change, Learning & Talent Leader in Melbourne. Tag #emotionalculturedeck to be featured!

Want to feel more understood in your conversations? It starts with empathy. We all know how difficult it is to express what we feel inside—it's often messy and unclear. But here's the thing: the person you're talking to is likely going through the same struggle. When we recognize this shared challenge, it becomes easier to be patient and clear with one another. That’s how stronger, more meaningful connections are built. One way to foster that understanding is through asking beautiful questions. As Warren Berger points out, these questions aren’t just about getting answers—they’re about deepening the connection. They invite curiosity, reflection, and empathy. And when we lead with empathy, we create the space for real understanding to take place. 📸 @newhappyco

At our recent Perth Chapter Elephant Rider meetup, hosted by Shae Beswick, well-being wasn’t just a topic of conversation—it was an experience. It's not just a meetup. It's a chance to build something meaningful. Show up. Engage. Share. The world changes when we create spaces where people can be real. If you’re an Elephant Rider, check out when the next meetup is happening in your area! P.s. Wondering what an Elephant Rider Chapter Meetup is? Our meetups are hosted by volunteer Chapter Leads in cities around the world. They offer a chance for our community to come together, share ideas, and learn about how The Emotional Culture Deck can transform workplace culture and leadership. It’s about rehumanising the way we work, and we’d love to see you there! #emotionalculturedeck #elephantrider

When Chelsea L., Head of HR for Sanitarium’s Supply Chain, joined the company two and a half years ago, she faced a unique challenge. Sanitarium, known for its household brands like Weet-Bix and Up & Go, was undergoing unprecedented growth after 25 years of stability. This growth led to rapid changes—new product lines, a new distribution centre, and the recruitment of over 350 new employees, including 50 new leaders. In the midst of this growth and change, Chelsea turned to The Emotional Culture Deck to guide Sanitarium’s leaders and teams through the complex changes. Her approach was simple yet powerful: harness the emotional side of leadership to drive success. Chelsea focused on helping leaders move beyond the traditional “tell, tell, tell” approach and encouraged them to ask questions, listen actively, and coach their teams with empathy. Since then, Chelsea has integrated The ECD into Sanitarium’s leadership and culture strategy, impacting more than 300 employees across seven factories. Her goal is to have 1,000 employees experience the benefits of The ECD by the end of next year, embedding emotional culture into every aspect of the business. Learn how Chelsea used The ECD to strengthen leadership, foster open communication, and build a thriving workplace culture during times of significant change. Link to the highlights of the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/g7Q7W84k

"Having completed the ECD Masterclass recently I'm going to be taking the plunge and use the EC Deck and the CX Deck at my sailing club over the next few months. As a community club we want to attract more customers to sailing and ensure our club has a great culture. In prep for an upcoming session using the CX Deck this is my take on how we want our customers to feel and not feel. I wonder what the similarities and differences will be in the session?" This weeks #ECDinthewild is frrom Jane Moffat, an ECD Practitioner. Tag #emotionalculturedeck to be featured!

When things feel overwhelming, or hard, it doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It’s just part of the journey when you’re navigating change or creating something new. Embrace those emotions—acknowledge the discomfort. It’s through understanding and working with those feelings that you can turn the mess into something real and meaningful. Take a moment, reflect, and give yourself space to grow. Out of that discomfort, something authentic will emerge. 📸 @newhappyco