In this episode, Matthew Radley and Sophie Taylor are joined by Lisa Wheatcroft, Chief People Officer, to explore the hard truths behind cultural integration and why it so often fails. Drawing on her experience leading executive teams through mergers, acquisitions, and organisational change, Lisa shares the defining moments that revealed just how much leaders underestimate the people impact.
From the misplaced belief that Day One is the finish line, to the absence of shared goals and people strategy, Lisa unpacks the leadership blind spots that derail integration. She speaks candidly about the emotional toll on early-career talent, the disconnect that grinds performance to a halt, and the courage it takes to lead culture with clarity and intent. It’s a powerful reflection on what happens when leaders stop delegating culture and start owning it.