Culture Bites Episode 231 with Richard Harding
In this episode of Culture Bites, host Dominic Gourley from Human Synergistics Australia is joined by Richard Harding, a seasoned executive and non-executive director with extensive leadership experience in both public and private insurance organisations across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation centres on Richard’s unique track record of turning around organisational culture and performance in three challenging leadership roles: TIO (Territory Insurance Office), Tower Insurance in New Zealand, and icare (Insurance and Care NSW).
Richard shares practical insights into how he successfully shifted each organisation from low engagement, high turnover, and toxic cultures—marked by avoidance and opposition—towards constructive, high-performing workplaces. He emphasises the critical role of purposeful leadership, connecting culture with strategy, and aligning executive and middle management behaviour to achieve sustainable change. Key themes include the importance of creating meaning and ownership through purpose, overcoming cultural inertia, and making tough leadership calls, such as addressing toxic team members.
Listeners will gain valuable, real-world advice on managing cultural transformation, fostering accountability, and the leadership mindsets necessary to embed a high-performing, values-driven culture. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to take control of their organisational culture rather than letting it evolve by chance.