About this episode

In this episode of Career & Spirituality Conversations, I’m joined for the second time by workplace wellbeing specialist Stephen Dargan, returning to deepen a conversation that first inspired many listeners around what truly allows people to thrive at work. (Episode 4 – Happy Workplaces, an Unstoppable Movement)

In his previous appearance on the podcast, Stephen shared powerful examples of forward-thinking organisations, the role of trust and autonomy, and how removing fear and over-control creates environments where people naturally do better work. This follow-up conversation builds on those foundations, exploring what the future of work might require if we take human-centred wellbeing and sustainable performance seriously.

We talk about why stress at work never stays contained, how autonomy and trust change the way people show up, and why returning to basic human principles may be the most progressive move organisations can make. Our conversation touches on the four-day week, AI as a potential catalyst for systemic change, and what happens when work supports life rather than competes with it.

At its core, this episode is about stepping away from performance culture and back toward presence, connection, and work that allows people to function well — at work and beyond.

About Stephen Dargan

Stephen Dargan is the founder of Happy Workplaces and has spent decades working with organisations, leaders, and educators to improve wellbeing, engagement, and culture at work.

His work focuses on creating environments where people can do their best work without chronic stress, over-control, or burnout. Stephen is also the creator of the programme Wake Up to Wellbeing – Human, Not Superhero, supporting leaders and school principals in redesigning work and education systems around human needs rather than unrealistic expectations.

Stephen’s approach blends psychology, wellbeing science, leadership development, and a deep trust in people’s intrinsic motivation to contribute meaningfully when the conditions are right.

Episode Takeaways

• Why stress at work spills into sleep, health, relationships, and overall quality of life
• How autonomy and trust consistently lead to better engagement and results
• Why measuring work by hours is outdated, and what to focus on instead
• What the four-day week reveals about productivity and human capacity
• Could AI accelerate a shift back to human-centred values
• Presence, connection, and community remain essential in any future scenario
• What it means to design work that supports life, not just output

Ready for a more efficiently collaborative workplace?

You’ll find this conversation useful if you’re questioning current models of work, exploring the future of work beyond productivity metrics, or interested in creating environments where people can thrive, professionally and personally and for the greater good.

About this episode

In this episode of Career & Spirituality Conversations, I had the pleasure to interview “grizzli-stricken” globe trotter and fintech expert Roy Vella, about the intersection of AI, spirituality, and human connection at work and beyond.

We explored how curiosity fuels innovation, how collective intelligence can make teams more effective, and why presence—not performance—is the true measure of success. Roy also shares how his company is reimagining meetings through AI-driven collaboration analytics, helping leaders create smarter, more conscious workplaces.

About Roy Vella

Roy is a deep-tech strategist, futurist, and CEO of Next Collab, a platform that uses AI to measure and improve meeting effectiveness. With a background in business and law and decades of experience across continents, Roy blends technology, psychology, and collaboration science to help teams work with more clarity, purpose, and humanity.

He describes himself as curious, extroverted, and enthusiastic—driven by a belief that giving and learning are two sides of the same coin.

Episode Takeaways

• How curiosity shaped Roy’s journey across technology, AI, law, and global adventure
• Why presence and attention are the real foundations of meaningful leadership
• What spirituality looks like without religion — the “energy between people”
• How collective intelligence explains better teamwork, better decisions, and better meetings
• What Roy learned about identity and belonging from his time living in Cameroon
• How feedback from introverts changed his entire approach to communication
• How his company Next Collab uses AI to transform meetings into shorter, smarter, more intentional collaboration

Ready for a more efficiently collaborative workplace?

You’ll find this conversation useful if you’re curious about using AI to improve teamwork and productivity, if you’re seeking to build spiritually intelligent organizations, blending technology and humanity for real impact, and learning from curiosity, connection, and collective wisdom.

About this episode

What happens when a recruiter who spent decades matching executives to top jobs decides to slow down, “smell the roses,” and dedicate himself to coaching?

In this episode of Career & Spirituality Conversations, I sit down with Howard Longstaff, a former chef, business builder, and international recruiter, who now brings his wisdom to guiding others through career crossroads, imposter syndrome, and the search for clarity.

From his spiritual grounding in nature and fishing, to his candid take on the future of recruitment in the age of AI, Howard shares both practical strategies and heartfelt reflections on life, work, and meaning.

About Howard Longstaff

Howard Longstaff is a retired recruiter turned coach, with over 30 years of experience in building and running recruitment businesses across London, New York, Los Angeles, and Auckland. Today, he focuses on coaching individuals at career and life crossroads, supporting them in navigating imposter syndrome, stress, and uncertainty, while building clarity and resilience. Grounded in a spirituality rooted in nature and presence, Howard also offers specialised CV, Linkedin and interview support through his “CV Surgery” and academy programmes.

Episode Takeaways

• How Howard “fell into” recruitment by accident and built multi-continent businesses
• Why behavior and cultural fit matter as much as skills and experience in hiring
• The impact of AI and ATS systems on today’s job search (and why bullet points can hurt your CV)
• How spirituality and time in nature (gardening, fly-fishing) shaped Howard’s clarity and resilience
• What to consider if you’re wondering whether entrepreneurship is really for you
• Why everyone, from athletes to executives, benefits from a coach

Ready to jump into a career transition? 

You’ll love this conversation if you’re looking for clarity, are hesitating between business and employment, and seeking perspective and a grounded wisdom on navigating change.