The Integration of a Commercial Focus and Coaching Approach: Insights from Karl Edge, Chief People Officer
By Helen Wada with Karl Edge
Introduction: Embracing Authenticity and Connection
In the latest episode of HumanWise, I welcomed Karl Edge, a highly experienced commercial leader who has been on the front line of customer relationships for much of his career and is now embracing the role of Chief People Officer focusing on his passion of building an inclusive and connected business, leading 23,000 people in the UK & Switzerland.
Karl's career journey over three decades provides rich insights into fostering genuine human connections and leading with integrity.
The Importance of Human Beings not Human “Doings”
Karl shares that in an era of rapid societal and technological change, remaining authentic ensures we maintain a bedrock of support within professional environments.
Karl: "Being human means being present with people, not just managing tasks. We’re human beings, not human doings. It’s about creating connections that support us through life’s challenges."
We discuss the importance of the “how” as much as the “what”. So often we are focused on a list of tasks rather than stepping back and thinking about how we want to show up. We need to ask ourselves “Am I present at home and at work?” and if not, what can I do about it?”
Karl: “It’s about your 1% - what are the ways that you learn to manage your energy, to be present in all situations, the best you can?”
We both acknowledged that it is not always easy, and neither of us are perfect -so there is an element of being kind to ourselves. We have to recognise that if we try to multi-task we are not truly focused on the conversation in front of us.
Look Beyond Titles
In the commercial world, it is easy to focus on labels and titles, but as Karl and I explore together, in a human-centric world, we must look beyond the badge and get curious about who they are as a person. Whether they are someone in your team, a colleague or a client, what matters is the person behind the title rather than the title itself.
Too often when approaching conversations there is a full agenda to “get through” we can miss the important check-in at the top of a conversation. This isn’t necessarily just a “how are you?” But pausing and focusing to take a moment to sense where they are at, right now.
Karl: “One of my learnings on client relationships over the years is we sort of make assumptions that the Helen I met three months ago is the same Helen I’m meeting now… and that’s not always the case”.
It comes down to listening, checking in “we had planned to discuss this, but is that still top of mind, or has anything else arisen? Using your senses to check-in with yourself, what is your intuition telling you - and not being afraid to act.
The Importance of Intentionality, Impact and Identity
Creating space to pause and be focused is a skill that takes practice. In our time-pressured lives we can often feel as if there is no time. Yet Karl and I discuss how important it is to be intentional about your own schedule - and creating the space you need, so that when you show up, you are present, focused and engaged.
Helen: “The impact that you make as you enter a room can have a significant impact on how you are perceived by others, are you in control? Are you confident, calm and ready to listen?”
These are skills that I have developed over time, as an executive coach and encourage others to do the same. Taking time to figure out what you are good at and who you really are as a person is critical to building trust and connection with others.
Karl: “I talk to new partners when they are promoted. I don’t want their identity to be defined by their role, it is far more than that. I want their identity to be that of a mother, father, daughter, son, because you are a richer, rounder individual and will be far more resilient if you are true to yourself.”
We explore the impact of mirror neurons, the concept of infecting people with how you show up and the energy that you bring. It means that we have to be conscious of the way that we enter a space, whether presenting in front of 100 / 1000s of people or in a much smaller setting. Taking time to check in with ourselves before we present is a skill - and each situation may require a different approach.
What Shadow Do You Cast?
Karl is a big fan of asking people to think about what shadow they cast.
Karl: “Do you notice how you show up for others? What do you look like at your best? And when you are not - what is the impact it has on the conversation?”
We discuss the importance of awareness first and foremost, being kind to ourselves and learning from experiences. We cover the importance of building in time for reflection particularly from a learning perspective. We are continually learning - and in this hybrid world, have to work harder at creating this space.
Karl: “In this hybrid world, we have lost the natural reflection time moving from meeting to meeting. The best teams I know build in time for debrief and review each side of key interactions”.
Focus on What You are Good at and What You Can Control
The conversation evolves to cover work-life balance, managing your career and maintaining energy in fast-paced environments.
Karl: "There’s an ongoing continuum in striving for balance. It requires conscious effort and clarity about priorities. Balancing work pressures with family and personal interests enriches my life and enhances my leadership effectiveness."
Karl offers practical strategies for embracing authenticity and fostering meaningful connections within organisations:
Foster Open Communication: Encourage dialogue at all levels to build trust and transparency
Champion Diversity: Ensure diverse voices and ideas are heard and valued across the organisation
Take control of your Career: Seek out mentors and ask to join meetings - do whatever you can to find what’s of interest to you
Balance is Key: Prioritise what’s important - nourishing your soul is important for sustainable success and resilience
Final Thoughts: Cherishing Authentic Connection
Karl’s insights highlight that while tasks may never end, our ability to foster authentic connections defines the quality of our work and life experiences. His narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of genuine relationships and diversity in shaping a resilient and responsive workplace.
For a more in-depth exploration of our discussion, tune in to the full episode of HumanWise with Karl Edge and discover actionable strategies to embrace authenticity and connection at work.
Connect with Karl on LinkedIn to gain further insights into his journey and leadership philosophy.
Stay updated with forthcoming episodes from HumanWise, available on all major podcast platforms, as we continue exploring dimensions of human-centric leadership and personal growth.