Culture Unwrapped
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in company culture - Leaders, HR and People professionals alike. Brought together by Smart Works UK, Jo and Rachel connected over their common purpose to help humans find their confidence to achieve the things that matter to them.
Jo Smedley is co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.
Rachel Gilfrin is a Confidence & Career Performance Coach who is hugely passionate about accelerating gender diversity within leadership roles, by working with women and organisations to support female talent to rise up.
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Episodes

Aug 20, 2026
Aug 20, 2026
29 min
In this episode, we enjoyed continuing the "C Diet" and explored the topic of collaboration!
Let's face it - a lot of us have simply got out of the habit of collaborating. Working independently feels like the new norm, particularly when we reaching for digital reassurance rather than having a proper conversation.
How you can dial up your collaborating skills and reach out to someone today? We're all guilty of neglecting our own interactions, but think about how good it feels to really connect. Keep it simple, but take a step forward.
Collaboration sparks creativity and stops us from working in unproductive, uninspired silo's.
Keep listening as we continue the "C Diet" series, and let us know if you'd like us to explore any new topics!
Connect with Jo: Linkedin
Connect with Rach: Linkedin
Find out more about Zest

Aug 6, 2026
Aug 6, 2026
32 min
In this episode, we enjoyed continuing the "C Diet" and explored the topic of courage.
Courage is a vital ingredient for effective leadership and a thriving workplace culture. By recognising moments that require bravery, open dialogue, and investing in personal development, leaders can cultivate a courageous environment that empowers everyone to thrive.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider how you can dial up your courage for the greater good.
By doing so, you not only enhance your own effectiveness but also create a positive ripple effect across your organisation.
Keep listening as we continue the "C Diet" series, and let us know if you'd like us to explore any new topics!
Connect with Jo: Linkedin
Connect with Rach: Linkedin
Find out more about Zest

Jul 24, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
31 min
The Art of Connection is first in our series of episodes we have termed "The C Diet!"
Disconnection can lead to negative repercussions in our daily lives. When we operate on autopilot, we risk missing opportunities to connect.
The energy we project influences how others perceive us, which is particularly crucial in leadership or networking scenarios.
Let's discover the Art of Connection together and learn how to make impact through genuine introductions.
Connect with Jo: Linkedin
Connect with Rach: Linkedin
Find out more about Zest

Jul 10, 2026
Jul 10, 2026
39 min
Culture Unwrapped is back!
After a little time away, we’re back behind the microphones, ready to unwrap the themes we’re noticing in workplace culture, leadership and across all areas of our lives.
We’re endlessly curious, always learning and love exploring the big questions shaping how we live, work, lead and connect. From change, compassion and honesty to mindset, relationships and the digital world, we’ll be sharing our perspectives, real life reflections and probably a few tangents along the way!
Expect open-hearted conversations, plenty of curiosity and no shortage of opinions. Nothing is off the table.
So grab a coffee and join us as we unwrap what it means to live, work and show up as who we truly are.
Jo & Rach x

Jun 14, 2024
Jun 14, 2024
42 min
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in all things human behaviour, and our perspectives on the ever evolving workplace culture of today.
This season we are unwrapping personal and professional transformation, how we can get the best out of ourselves and our people by exploring our creative potential.
Join the dynamic duo - Jo Smedley, (co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.) And Rachel Gilfrin (a coaching profesional who is hugely passionate about helping ambitious individuals to build their skills and confidence to discover genuine career fulfilment) for The Ripple Effect.
Expect a jam packed season of expert guest interviews as we dive even deeper into how we can reset the balance and empower talented people to thrive.
In this episode we were delighted to welcome Andy McKinlay to the podcast. Andy is a reflective and hugely inspirational leader within the NHS. He has driven a huge amount of change over the last 24 years within his career through leading towards a clear vision and purpose, aiming to inspire both public and private sector working together.
Discover how Andy led his team in a meaningful mission whilst overcoming consistent obstacles to improve the service in a way that really matters.
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Zest Learning

May 31, 2024
May 31, 2024
47 min
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in all things human behaviour, and our perspectives on the ever evolving workplace culture of today.
This season we are unwrapping personal and professional transformation, how we can get the best out of ourselves and our people by exploring our creative potential.
Join the dynamic duo - Jo Smedley, (co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.) And Rachel Gilfrin (a coaching profesional who is hugely passionate about helping ambitious individuals to build their skills and confidence to discover genuine career fulfilment) for The Ripple Effect.
Expect a jam packed season of expert guest interviews as we dive even deeper into how we can reset the balance and empower talented people to thrive.
In this episode we were delighted to welcome Tony Mallett. Tony is a friendly and creative teacher, artist, coach, inspirational speaker and avid lifelong learner with a passion for developing confidence and resilience within teams or individuals.
In 2023 he published his first book "Inspirational Leads" aimed at challenging the norm and revealing fresh innovative ways to empower people to think big and pursue a vision for themselves for a different, sustainable and more fulfilling future.Warning: you won't be able to get through this episode without smiling or feeling inspired!Find out more about Tony and his book Inspirational leads here
Find Tony on Linkedin
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Zest Learning

Apr 26, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
43 min
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in all things human behaviour, and our perspectives on the ever evolving workplace culture of today.
This season we are unwrapping personal and professional transformation, how we can get the best out of ourselves and our people by exploring our creative potential.
Join the dynamic duo - Jo Smedley, (co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.) And Rachel Gilfrin (a coaching profesional who is hugely passionate about helping ambitious individuals to build their skills and confidence to discover genuine career fulfilment) for The Ripple Effect.
Expect a jam packed season of expert guest interviews as we dive even deeper into how we can reset the balance and empower talented people to thrive.
In this episode we welcomed Claire Mackinnon to unpack a topic that we don't think is being spoken about enough. Claire Mackinnon helps leaders experience greater joy and ease as theygrow their careers, so they can have the impact they long to. Hercoaching clients tend to be successful leaders, mid-career, but feeldissatisfied, uninspired and often consumed with their work. She helps them to create clarity on their career path and grow their authentic impact, whilst enjoying a quality of life beyond work that nourishes them.In Claire's life beyond work she loves writing and is currentlyworking on a book-length memoir about her journey back to creativity, joy and aliveness through dance and performing on stage. She also writes her weekly Substack, Glitter and Biscuits, where she shares inspiration and fieldnotes from her ongoing creative adventures.Find out more about Claire at her Website, on Linkedin or her Substack
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Zest Learning

Apr 5, 2024
Apr 5, 2024
44 min
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in all things human behaviour, and our perspectives on the ever evolving workplace culture of today.
This season we are unwrapping personal and professional transformation, how we can get the best out of ourselves and our people by exploring our creative potential.
Join the dynamic duo - Jo Smedley, (co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.) And Rachel Gilfrin (a coaching profesional who is hugely passionate about helping ambitious individuals to build their skills and confidence to discover genuine career fulfilment) for The Ripple Effect.
Expect a jam packed season of expert guest interviews as we dive even deeper into how we can reset the balance and empower talented people to thrive.
In this episode we welcomed the wonderful Kate Smith to give our perspectives on sustainable business a "shake up". Kate is an experienced leadership consultant and facilitator and qualified Executive coach. She is passionate about both people and the planet and believes that sustainable and ethical businessesare a core part of the solution to creating a world where all life can thrive. Kate has seen that when people are empowered to be their best authentic selves, they show more compassion towardsthemselves, others, and nature. We learned more about how Kate is driving real change in her 2 sustainability focussed communities, and how you can be part of this too!
Check out the Ripple Circle here
Check out the Yorkshire Eco Business Network here
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Zest Learning

Mar 15, 2024
Mar 15, 2024
34 min
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in all things human behaviour, and our perspectives on the ever evolving workplace culture of today.
This season we are unwrapping personal and professional transformation, how we can get the best out of ourselves and our people by exploring our creative potential.
Join the dynamic duo - Jo Smedley, (co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.) And Rachel Gilfrin (a coaching profesional who is hugely passionate about helping ambitious individuals to build their skills and confidence to discover genuine career fulfilment) for The Ripple Effect.
Expect a jam packed season of expert guest interviews as we dive even deeper into how we can reset the balance and empower talented people to thrive.
In this episode we were delighted to welcome Dr Jan Smith.
Dr Jan Smith is a psychologist, researcher and author.
For over the past 15 years she has worked across the health, aviation and legal sector supporting workforces and organisations, as well as individuals and their families who have been traumatised as a result of negligence care in the healthcare system. In 2022 Jan and her team launched, the MindYourself app, with the vision of making mental health support accessible and available to all, through humans and AI.
We discussed Artificial Intelligence vs Actual Intelligence, and how we can get the balance right! A fascinating conversation.
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Zest Learning

Mar 15, 2024
Mar 15, 2024
10 min
Culture Unwrapped is a lighthearted yet informative podcast for anyone with an interest in all things human behaviour, and our perspectives on the ever evolving workplace culture of today.
This season we are unwrapping personal and professional transformation, how we can get the best out of ourselves and our people by exploring our creative potential.
Join the dynamic duo - Jo Smedley, (co founder and director of Zest Learning Ltd, a business geared up to help build performance and create cultures where individuals and teams can thrive and inspire.) And Rachel Gilfrin (a coaching profesional who is hugely passionate about helping ambitious individuals to build their skills and confidence to discover genuine career fulfilment) for The Ripple Effect.
Expect a jam packed season of expert guest interviews as we dive even deeper into how we can reset the balance and empower talented people to thrive.
In this introductory episode, we're setting the scene for what's to come!
This season is about empowering YOU, our audience, to create your own ripples of change.
Please hit subscribe and continue to join us for our inspiring coffee conversations about all things human behaviour and workplace culture.
Zest Learning




