Making Work Better

In this episode of Making Work Better, Denise Quinlan speaks with Dan Te Whenua Walker, Māori tech leader and Global Co-Chair of Microsoft’s Indigenous Employee Resource Group. Dan shares how tikanga Māori isn’t just cultural heritage - it’s a living, practical guide for building workplaces that truly care. From his Master’s in Māori and Indigenous Leadership came Te Rau o te Huia, a whānau AI named after his beloved grandmother. Through stories of leadership, connection, and embedding manaaki into corporate culture, Dan reminds us: that connection, purpose, and care aren’t extras they’re essential. As Dan says, “This is tikanga in action.” Links: Get your free copy of the Making Work Better Report here: https://mailchi.mp/nziwr/making-work-better-report-2024 Follow Denise @drdenisequinlan linktr.ee/drdenisequinlan nziwr.co.nz Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz

In this episode of Making Work Better, Denise Quinlan talks with Kristy Matthews, Group Head of Talent and Inclusion, and Chloe Stewart-Tyson, Group Manager of Health, Safety, Environment and Wellbeing from Beca, about how the global employee-owned engineering consultancy is redesigning work for people, performance, and purpose. They discuss hybrid working, talent attraction and retention, and simplifying systems to reduce overload. From graduate onboarding to wellbeing programmes and affinity networks, Beca is making changes that stick - not through top-down mandates, but through grassroots momentum and shared ownership. If you’re looking for practical ways to future-proof your culture, this episode is full of real-world inspiration. Links: Get your free copy of the Making Work Better Report here: https://mailchi.mp/nziwr/making-work-better-report-2024 Follow Denise @drdenisequinlan linktr.ee/drdenisequinlan nziwr.co.nz Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz

Enjoy this replay of Making Work Better - Host Dr. Denise Quinlan sits down with Charlotte Ward, Kiwibank’s Chief People Officer, to explore how clear purpose, trust, and continuous listening are reshaping the future of work. Discover how Kiwibank is redefining hybrid work by finding the “flex within the flex,” where meeting innovations, dynamic wellbeing leave, and intentional leadership create an environment where everyone thrives. Charlotte shares how a culture built on belonging and purpose drives real results and Denise, the perennial independent, finds herself wishing she worked for Kiwibank. Links - Free copy of Making Work Better Report: https://mailchi.mp/nziwr/making-work-better-report-2024 - Kiwibank’s culture: https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/about-us/careers/life-at-kiwibank/culture/ - Fixing the Overload Problem at Work, Kelly & Moen: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/fixing-the-overload-problem-at-work/ Follow Denise @drdenisequinlan linktr.ee/drdenisequinlan nziwr.co.nz/ Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz

In this episode of Making Work Better, Denise Quinlan speaks with Stephen Eames Tumuaki/Principal and Matt Boucher Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Principal from Rāroa Intermediate about reimagining wellbeing in education. They share how Rāroa has embedded systemic support for student and teacher wellbeing, developed a clear pastoral care framework, and fostered a culture where no one is a single point of failure. From reducing burnout to boosting staff retention and building collective capacity, this episode is full of ideas that challenge how we define care, leadership, and what schools can be. Links: Get your free copy of the Making Work Better Report here: https://mailchi.mp/nziwr/making-work-better-report-2024 Rāroa School: https://www.raroa.school.nz/ Follow Denise @drdenisequinlan linktr.ee/drdenisequinlan nziwr.co.nz Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz

In this episode of Making Work Better, Denise Quinlan is joined by Sarah Stack, People & Culture Lead at Spark, NZ’s largest telco and digital services provider. Together, they unpack how Spark co-designed a culture of care with staff – embedding wellbeing, connection, and inclusion into everyday work culture. Sarah shares how listening to staff, training in-house wellbeing coaches, and leaders sharing personal stories have helped Spark reduce stigma around mental health, introduce new supports, and improve wellbeing and engagement across its 5,000-person workforce. If you’re looking to make wellbeing part of your strategy — not just your comms — this conversation is full of practical insight and inspiration. Links • Get your free copy of the Making Work Better Report here: https://mailchi.mp/nziwr/making-work-better-report-2024 • Spark’s wellbeing journey: https://businessgroup.spark.co.nz/insight-engine/finding-our-way-to-wellbeing-in-the-workplace Follow Denise @drdenisequinlan linktr.ee/drdenisequinlan nziwr.co.nz Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz