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In a captivating episode of The Leadership Matters podcast, Andy Dent engages in conversation with Maggie Matthews, an esteemed Associate Director from The Oxford Group. With over 15 years of experience working with global clients, Maggie has played a crucial role in crafting solutions for leadership and people development needs within large multinational organisations. Her deep-rooted belief in the significance of organisational culture and its impact on learning forms the foundation of this insightful discussion. Episode 4 offers valuable insights into culture change, people development, programme design and delivery, the future of leadership, and potential leadership pitfalls

The Importance of Organisational Culture in Driving Learning

Maggie begins the conversation by emphasising the pivotal role of organisational culture in fostering a learning-centric environment. She underscores that for learning to be truly effective, it must be embedded within the fabric of an organisation’s culture. By creating a culture that values continuous learning and growth, organisations can unlock the full potential of their employees and drive innovation and success.

Culture Change and People Development

The discussion then delves into the intricacies of cultural change and its impact on people’s development. Maggie shares her expertise in partnering with global clients and designing tailored solutions to address their unique cultural challenges. She emphasises the need for a holistic approach that encompasses leadership buy-in, effective communication, and ongoing support to drive sustainable culture change. Maggie highlights the importance of aligning people development initiatives with the desired cultural transformation, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the new environment.

Programme Design and Delivery

Moving on, the conversation shifts to programme design and delivery, where Maggie shares her insights on crafting impactful learning experiences. She emphasises the need for a learner-centric approach, where programs are designed to actively engage participants and cater to their unique needs and preferences. Maggie emphasises the significance of incorporating experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring opportunities to enhance program effectiveness and ensure the practical application of new skills and knowledge.

The Future of Leadership

The podcast episode also explores the future of leadership, considering the evolving landscape of business and organisational dynamics. Maggie shares her perspective on the changing expectations of leaders, emphasising the need for agility, adaptability, and a growth mindset. She discusses the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion, fostering innovation, and leading through change and uncertainty. Maggie provides valuable insights into the skills and qualities that leaders will need to cultivate to thrive in the future.

Identifying Leadership Pitfalls

To conclude the episode, the conversation delves into potential leadership pitfalls and challenges that individuals may encounter in their leadership journeys. Maggie draws upon her extensive experience working with diverse clients to shed light on common stumbling blocks and offers strategies for overcoming them. Listeners gain valuable insights into areas such as communication, delegation, managing teams, and self-awareness, enabling them to navigate potential pitfalls with confidence.


In Episode 4 of the Leadership Matters podcast, Andy Dent engages in an enlightening discussion with Maggie Matthews, an Associate Director from The Oxford Group. The conversation explores the critical role of organisational culture in driving learning and development. Listeners gain insights into the intricacies of culture change, program design and delivery, the future of leadership, and potential leadership pitfalls. Maggie’s expertise and passion for building learning-centric cultures provide valuable guidance for leaders and professionals seeking to create impactful change within their organisations. By embracing the principles shared in this episode, individuals can foster a culture of continuous learning, drive people’s development, and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of leadership with confidence.

Listen now to The Leadership Matters Podcast Episode 4: