Ep42: The Power of Conversation: Navigating Sales, Connection, and Courage Across Generations with Sara Hope and Luke Harris
Building authentic human connections at work is more vital—and more challenging—than ever in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. In this inspiring episode, Human Wise Podcast host Helen Wada is joined by Sara Hope, executive coach and founder of The Conversation Space, and rising auctioneer Luke Harris to reveal how powerful, genuine conversations can transform business relationships and accelerate success.
Discover how embracing curiosity, asking better questions, and creating intentional space for real dialogue sets top performers apart—whether you’re leading a team, navigating your first job, or developing client trust in high-stakes sales. Sara shares key lessons from her book on "conversational wisdom" and explains the science and heart behind meaningful connections. Meanwhile, Luke offers a fresh Gen Z perspective, bringing anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey and sharing tips for young professionals on building confidence, resilience, and rapport—even over the phone or in intimidating boardrooms.
Walk away with actionable strategies to foster openness, tackle difficult conversations, and make business development feel natural (instead of scary!). If you want to build impactful relationships and thrive in an evolving workplace, this episode is a must-listen for professionals of any generation.
Topics Discussed:
Building human connection at work
Power of authentic workplace conversations
Importance of curiosity in relationships
Creating psychologically safe environments
Developing business development skills
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:35 "Auctioneer's Journey and Connections"
09:58 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Embracing the Unconventional
12:26 Confidence and Self-Reflection Insights
13:46 Encouraging Workplace Courage and Dialogue
20:09 Auctioneer and Business Developer Insights
21:26 "Success: Pick Up the Phone"
24:48 "Preserving Authenticity in Workplaces"
28:19 Navigating Grad Job Challenges
31:17 Inspiring Mentor's Lasting Impact
About Sara Hope
Follow @Sarahope on LinkedIn
Purchase Conversational Wisdom - strengthening human connection through the power of conversation
Learn more about Conversation Space
About Luke Harris
Follow @luke-m-harris on LinkedIn
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Ep42: The Power of Conversation: Navigating Sales, Connection, and Courage Across Generations with Sara Hope and Luke Harris
[00:00:00]
Introduction and Guest Welcome
Helen Wada: Hello and welcome to another episode of Human Wise. This conversation is a first because actually it's not just me and one other person. I've got two wonderful guests in front of me. I've got so hope, founder of the conversation space an executive coach trainer and facilitator that works with leaders and boards.
And. Has also written a book on conversational wisdom, so I know you're gonna tell us a little bit more about that, but really delighted to have you on the show. And when we [00:01:00] were having a conversation about having conversations, there's a lot of conversations going on here. You were sharing with me. One of the stories that you had included in your book, and a wonderful young man called Luke Harris that worked with you a couple of years ago. And as we talked about, you know, who we were at our age in organizations and actually thinking about the younger generation coming in, and you suggested that we brought Luke onto the show.
So actually delighted to have Luke Harris with us as well. Luke recently graduated from the University of Exter. Degree in history and is now working with an auctioneer house in London and has already done sort of 50 50 sales today. Was it Luke? Something like that you were
Luke Harris: Nearly something along those lines. I've got not, I've not counted all of them, but. Certainly a fair few by now. Again,
Helen Wada: yeah. And so I was really curious to get Luke on the show as well. 'cause not only is he really in the world of buying and selling. And on human wise and human [00:02:00] advantage, we are really talking about how do we bring ourselves to be human at work and in the world of sales, but actually to bring a different perspective to the conversation.
So welcome to.
Luke Harris: thank you very much.
Sara Hope: It's great to be here
Luke Harris: Likewise.
Sara Hope: reconnect with Luke again after a gap of a few years as well. So yeah, it's a real joy to be back together.
Helen Wada: So tell us before we get into it, tell us a little bit more, you know, I've given a very brief, you know, overview of who you are, what you do. But Sarah, tell us a little bit about the work that you do with leaders.
Sara Hope: So my mission. Is to help people strengthen human connection through the power of conversation. And my career really has been split into two halfs. So the first half was in organizations. I. Primarily as a coach and in leadership development. And the second half has been running the conversation space.
So we use the power [00:03:00] of all these wonderful ways that we can connect with people to build more human centered. Organizations. And in terms of bringing Luke into this conversation, we came together in 2022 when we wanted to reach out and bring a different perspective into how we work at the conversation space.
And we've always, collaborated with university to bring young people into the workplace who bring a very diverse and different perspective to our way of thinking.
Helen Wada: Brilliant. And there. And there's Luke.
Luke's Journey: From University to Auctioneering
Helen Wada: Luke, tell us a little bit about you. Tell us a little bit about life, you know, as you've entered the workplace and who you are as a person.
Luke Harris: So I as you say, I graduated extra nearly two years ago now. I've been working,
Helen Wada: worry, ti time starts to go a lot quicker. Luke, it's like you only two years in. that by 10 and [00:04:00] add quite a lot for Sarah and I.
Luke Harris: I can't really believe how quickly it's gone and my brother's now extra as well doing history and I can't believe how quickly he's gone through it. But yeah, I left and now I've been an auctioneer and jewelry specialist. I. For a London auction house now for the 18 months I've been really enjoying it.
It's been building on what I did when I was younger in terms of buying and selling in like the antique and fine art world, but also like working with clients, you know, managing those relationships and trying to get the most out that as possible. But um, yeah, I met, Sarah in 2022. Whilst I was in my second year.
She kindly gave me, a bit of work experience for a few weeks and we did a lot of really cool things. Spoke, had, didn't, I could have that many conversations about having conversations, but did and then I was in the book when it came out a couple years ago as well, which is very cool.
Helen Wada: Fantastic. And only, I'm really curious, I'm gonna dive straight in. We're gonna get onto this sort of being human at work in a moment, but actually I'm gonna dive straight into your [00:05:00] background and how you got into this auctioneering because. The buying and selling, you know, that's something that I'm passionate about.
I, I work with a number of people that are brilliant at what they do. They're technical experts, but actually have a fear of this term selling. And it sounds like you started at Young Age. Tell us a little bit more about that.
Luke Harris: So I started around 12 or 13 years old buying and selling terracotta plant pots
Helen Wada: What made you do that?
Luke Harris: as one does at 12 years old. Yeah, I,
Helen Wada: my boys are watching rugby constantly. So, any ideas for an entrepreneurship greatly received.
Luke Harris: My I had some family that were market gardeners. So there was a few lying around. I sold one, one summer when I was bored. And then realized that they sold made a bit out of it and then kept going, and I sold I. Over 5,000 between up to the age of about 18 when I went off to extra.
And then I had a antique dealership specializing in more industrial agricultural antiques, which I did for a few years, but I can't really do that whilst in London because tractor [00:06:00] engine doesn't really fall into my flat. Unfortunately, but yeah, so that kind of led me to wanting to pursue a role in in auctioneering in a antique final auction house, which I've been doing for a while now.
But yeah, that's kind of the trajectory, I guess, of how I got to where I'm now. I.
Helen Wada: It is it's fascinating.
The Art of Conversation and Human Connection
Helen Wada: And I think Sarah maybe coming to you for a moment then we'll come back to Luke, but what did you see in Luke? You know, we think about conversations, we think about the great qualities of conversations. You talk about it in your book. You talk about, you know, being aware, being human, being skilled.
What is it that you saw in Luke from the skills that he had?
Sara Hope: Do you know, it came out so strongly and I remember a number of different conversations and I'm actually sitting in the office where Luke came into as well. And it was that ability to actually just have a chat and connect as people and. Luke's amazing at asking questions [00:07:00] and whole, you know, being curious, not being afraid to just ask questions that some people might think, oh God, I can't say that.
And having that willingness to just jump in. Which I really value. And bringing something as well. We had a shared passion for history too. And Luke did some research for me on one of my, I can't remember how many greats it was, but one of my great ancestors and it, again, it was about a relationship for me and knowing each other as human beings as opposed to Sarah who's.
You know, managing the work and Luke who's doing the work, it was very much as kind of more adult to adult which I really appreciated.
Helen Wada: And it's interesting there that you pick up on a couple of things, a, that, that questioning and being curious and I'm gonna come to loop again in a moment to understand, you know. Help him unpick. What are the skills that you're using in the conversations that you are having when you're selling with [00:08:00] the plant buts or the jewelry at the auction?
Auction, his house. But there's something about that, that being curious, that being open, that you talk about it there, that finding a connection with somebody. You know, actually business is about relationships. And I believe I was having a conversation with somebody having breakfast this morning. You know, we're talking about AI again, we're talking about technology.
We're talking about how it's being brought into the workplace, you know, for good and you know, and the challenges that come with it. But ultimately, in order to connect the dots in the complex, uncertain world we live in, we need to connect as human beings and it is almost rewinding the clock and going back to. Starting again to say, hang on a minute. These fundamental skills of our species is really what we need to focus on right now.
Sara Hope: Definitely, and I think, intentionally going into a working relationship with that kind of mindset is [00:09:00] really important, and what I see at the moment is a very strong focus on just doing and being busy and being distracted and having constant demands on our time and sometimes forgetting that point that you've mentioned, Helen, that we are human beings and we are.
We are built and innately to connect together. And I think that's what brings joy and richness and happiness to life, whether it's inside or outside work, but as a human being. And Luke I think, is very skilled at being able to do that, and that's certainly what I experienced in the short term that we worked together.
Helen Wada: Now I'm gonna put Luke on the spot a little bit because it's certainly, I'm almost 50 in October. Goodness, heaven forbid. How did I get to that point? And it's taken me a long time. It took me quite a long time to unpick. You know, when people said to me, why are you good at what you do? [00:10:00] actually I had a podcast with a former colleague of mine who he said, I saw it in you immediately, Helen.
A bit like you saw a saw with Luke. You know that ability to be human, to connect with people.
Challenges and Skills in Building Relationships
Helen Wada: When you think about the skills when you were outselling plant pots, you know, what were you doing? What, what makes you good at what you do? Luke?
Luke Harris: What makes me get out? Why do I think just trying to do something different is what I've always tried to do. I didn't try and have like a, I always wanted to do like something different when I was younger in times of like a way of making money and entertaining myself. So it was quite a like a niche thing to do, but I really enjoyed and, you know.
I can't tell you how many times I've had the conversation. Oh yeah. I used to buy and sell ter to plant pots and people would going, oh wow. How'd you get into that? Da. I mean, I'm now, I turned 23 last week and I started about 10 years ago. So, it's certainly been a conversation I've repeated, but I, it's a [00:11:00] conversation I've really enjoy having.
I like people, you know, asking conversations, asking questions about, oh, how do you into this? That's really different. That's really, you know, interesting. I think I've kind of. Tried to carry that authenticity and trying to stay true to myself and do something different throughout what I've done that tries to do it in my degree and doing, you know, things differently and looking at problems in a different light and tried to, you know, carry that into how I work and how I work with people I guess.
Helen Wada: Yeah. And what is it when you are, you know, you're 23, goodness gracious me, I'd love to be 23 again. But when you are connecting with people, you obviously work with people that are, you know, much older than you, that have been in the industry for a while. What skills are you using to connect with them in a way that makes you good at what you do?
Luke Harris: Well, I, a lot of people, taken aback by, I think they think I look a lot younger than how I sound. [00:12:00] So in terms of, that's kind of something I've had to work with, like a arrange, you know, a meeting, um, with someone to put some things in auction, I'd turn up and they don't really think that I'm, who I've, the person they've been calling. I think I look quite a bit younger, but I think that has its pros and it has its cons because often people are wanting to, you know, help you know, people who were in the same shoes as then 10, 20, 30 years ago. So it's just I. Trying to use my age to get as much mentorship as possible, I guess, from people, and learn from people and what they did at my age, or what they did well, what they didn't do so well.
You know, kind of what they would do differently. And trying to use that as much to my benefit. Benefit in the workplace, really, I guess.
Helen Wada: And I think that's, you know, it is great and it is wonderful to hear and see and I think, you know, there's listeners that you know that are listening to this, we're thinking, goodness, you know, when I was that age was I that confident? And [00:13:00] actually it's a conversation I have when I'm coaching, so I'm sure you are the same.
Where actually. Even people, you know, double your age, I'm gonna say Luke and the rest, there's still the, you know, there's often a lack of confidence when they're talking to maybe people that are more senior or perceived to have more expertise in a certain area. And I think there's something about knowing yourself and how you show up and. Being true to ourselves and just reflecting on, you know, when I talk about the human framework, you know, and it's about how do you show up? It's about knowing yourself. You clearly have started that at a young age, but actually taking a step back to understand who we are, what our value is, why we deserve to be in the room, which you clearly do with your experience and what you're doing, but I think it's not something that comes naturally to everybody.
And there's something that. You do relatively naturally, and you've been doing stuff for 10 years but [00:14:00] actually is something that others can learn from in terms of taking a step back and saying, no, I'm who I'm, and this is why I'm here. Sarah, what's your thoughts
Sara Hope: think it takes,
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Sara Hope: I think it takes immense courage to do that, particularly going into a workplace. And. That's where I think in terms of as leaders creating, and you know, I'd be interested in Luke's feedback on this, but creating a kind of environment where we do encourage people to share what they think and to ask those difficult questions.
And I think one of the questions you asked me, Luke, was, Where do you want the business to be in five years time? And it was a question that, you know, obviously don't people have business plans and have it all structured, but it kind of came at this moment in time where I thought, oh my goodness, I haven't actually thought about that.
I'd sat down and slowed down and really given that time, and I don't imagine many [00:15:00] 22 year olds would. Go into organizations and ask those kind of naughty questions, but they are really valuable questions. So to create the kind of environment where we do hear people's different perspectives, whether it's across generations or gender or ethnicity, that's where I think the real magic happens.
And I think it takes courage on both parts to do it together.
Luke Harris: Sure.
But I think that only comes from the fact that I was comfort enough to ask those questions. I don't think I would've asked those if I didn't feel like it was a comfort enough, you know, environment to put those questions to though.
Helen Wada: And then that's a really interesting point, Luke, that you make about the environment and the environment that we create. And maybe this is something that Sarah created when you had that conversation. That sort of humility, the vulnerability, the [00:16:00] openness that gave you the space to feel. You could ask those questions.
And so I think, you know, that comes into what makes a great conversation. It's not just about what you say, it's about the environment that you're having, the conversation. Maybe when you're having difficult conversations, what do we need to do? I was coaching this morning, I was coaching outside. We were on the South bank of the temps and it was fabulous and it completely changed the dynamic of the conversation. And there were so many parallels in there in terms of what did that space give us that we wouldn't have had if we'd been sat in a box room in an office. And you know, the space that, that you and Ali hold naturally, Sarah, as coaches, does encourage. People to maybe feel that, the opportunity to ask questions to share things, which, you know, if you're thinking about selling what do people want to buy?
You know, get curious. We need people to talk [00:17:00] so that we can understand what's important to them.
Sara Hope: Yeah, and I think it's the, it's both the physical environment and the psychological environment and giving attention to both, I think, again, takes I. Time and thought. And when we get into those habits of just doing conversations in the same way, often it's that part that gets lost. But being, like you said, side by side or walking being in a car is a great place to have a difficult conversation
Helen Wada: That's why I always tip my teenagers when I wanna have a chat. I was like, come on,
Sara Hope: Like,
oh, get
Helen Wada: can't go anywhere. Try get my, no. Put it away. Come on, we're gonna talk.
Sara Hope: But you know, it's different. And again, Luke, I'd be interested in your thoughts on how to build that kind of conversational environment when maybe we haven't met face-to-face or, and we're doing it virtually because the world of work is so different. and how we do that [00:18:00] across the screen.
Luke Harris: In terms of. Having those conversations without meeting?
Sara Hope: Yeah.
Luke Harris: I mean, it's not actually too much that I've experienced because I do, I mean a lot of my work is in person. I don't ever work from home. The people I meet, I go and meet in in Bond Street or in Haston Gardens. It's not actually something that I really have to deal with personally.
'cause a lot of my work is still. Entirely face to face. I think it's probably quite unique in that, I mean, it's mostly because it's pretty high value items and you do want to go and meet people and you have to build those kind of levels of trust that who you are working with who's taking, you know, your jewelry way is, you know, trustworthy and they're gonna.
Make some good money for you. So it's actually not something that I have to deal with too much in terms of like over the, um, like a Zoom call in terms of meetings. So, but I do have to [00:19:00] do, you know, a lot of like telephone calling or relationship building in that sense. Something that I've more, that I've come across really.
Helen Wada: And I think there's co two interesting points in there. A you are talking, you know, and you're just coming at this relatively cold, you know, high value items, you need to build that trust. The in-person connection is still very important. And I think that's something that we are losing to a certain extent with, you know, there, there's huge amount of benefits, don't get me wrong, in terms of the remote working and the flexibility it gives to people.
But there is something in that about, for those high ticket conversations, nothing can beat the in person meet.
Luke Harris: Sure.
Helen Wada: And so there's something there, but also you're talking about. Building relationships over the phone. And again, that's something that I know a lot of people are scared of that, you know, and I would argue even more so.
And you know, maybe you talk about your generation, [00:20:00] when we see people coming into the workplace, actually picking up the phone seems to be a challenge. Because people are used to, to texting or to Snapchat or, you know, even email feels a little bit old. Actually I think we are losing that art of picking up the phone.
And I'm just curious, you know, are you cold calling? Are you building up? How do you do that? What are, sort of, tell me a bit more about that relationship building over the phone and how you do it.
Luke Harris: So in terms of the fact, so I work in like the kind of the business. Side as well as being an auctioneer. So I kind of manage a portfolio of high pro, high profile clients that I deal with to consign to get pieces into auction. But also have like a network of buyers as well that I deal with, that I make sure that, you know, if something comes up that I think I might be interested in, you know, going shirt to them.
So I work with quite a lot of the jewelry dealers and jewelry houses. Kind of across London, it's, it is always important. Now, I think [00:21:00] you can't really beat either picking up the phone or going to see someone over an email really. I think you can just it's just you're always more persuasive.
Always more likely to be able to sell someone something or get something off someone for, you know, a bit of better price. And it's not really beat useful, to be honest, I don't think.
Helen Wada: And if, you know, we've got listeners on the, that listen to this podcast that you know, quite frankly, it's out of their comfort zone, right? It's clearly in your comfort zone. You're clearly good at it. What would you say to them, you know, early stages of career, even mid stages, career? What advice would you have to them around building these relationships, these business development skills that.
Luke Harris: pick up the phone. Basically, I mean, because it's not really you just gotta keep doing it. And keep doing it. I mean, it's not really something that I've struggled with too much. 'cause I was, I mean, if people thought I'm young now, when they used to [00:22:00] rock up, pick up some plant pods when I was 13 years old, they certainly didn't expect that.
So it is kind of something that I've always been used to. But I mean, just, you know, picking up the phone just. Making those conversation, those connections. It's just, if you're not gonna, it is just the easiest way to kind of, I guess, maybe get better and it get more relaxed. And the more relaxed you are, the better you'll be at, you know, making those relationships and those connections and just better you'll get at selling your, whatever you're selling, your good, your service, your experience.
Helen Wada: You must have had some bad conversations though. Have they gone wrong? I mean, we've all had them. I know I've had them where you've, you know, you are on the other end of the phone. You're like, okay, this really isn't going according to plan. How do I get through this?
Luke Harris: sure. And I definitely, and particularly, I mean, when I'm auctioning as well, I'm obviously like we're not in person. It's just online. But I'm still broadcasting to, to a lot of people. And there is sometimes, you know, when you are [00:23:00] auctioneering for. Three 50 locks for six hours or whatever.
There's, there are a couple of hiccups. Usually they go unnoticed or make them a bit more comical. But yeah, the suit sometimes does happen. Fortunately.
Helen Wada: I think that use of humor, I was talking to somebody else the other day, we where actually it was a quite a challenging meeting and Sarah, maybe we'll talk about challenging conversations in a moment. And they were explaining how they dealt with, you know, a particularly aggressive character on the other side of the table and kind of actually just made a joke about it.
And kind of, you know, sometimes using humor can diffuse tension can diffuse challenging situations and kind of get you back on track or at least focus the way forward. So what, what's your
Sara Hope: I think as well.
Helen Wada: You must, you know, you must see this quite a lot with people you work with and your experience over the years.
Sara Hope: Definitely, and I think recognizing as well and [00:24:00] remembering that we are humans with bodies and that we can use our breath as well
and just think about our feet and having two feet on the ground and remembering to breathe from your stomach as opposed to. You know, tight up in your chest. And just little techniques that can help. Just take a moment if things feel hard because there are so many conversations that are hard when we've got to share some difficult news or supporting someone who's grieving. And. Not being able to fix it. And I think often we are so used to, as we move up in organizations, having answers and being right and being able to make sure everything's okay.
And the reality is as human beings that we often can't. And just acknowledging that and [00:25:00] remembering our whole cells, I think is really important.
The Importance of Authenticity and Mentorship
Helen Wada: I think you're right and I think it touches on something that, when Luke said earlier that I was gonna sort of follow up on because you know, again, clearly, you know, recently out of university's got the energy the skills, the capability to, to have all these broad conversations, but as do a lot of people.
So I think there's a lot of individuals that come. Out of university or the training. And really enthusiastic, and really confident in who they are, what they want to do. You know, some overconfident you might see, but when you look at the stats around workplace wellbeing, mental health, happiness at work, being human leading with humanity, they're really not very good. And there's an argument that says we have all this wonderful generation that come through, come out of their studies really with [00:26:00] ambition and excitement and authenticity. And through the years of working and Luke, I really hate this doesn't happen to you, it almost gets beaten out of them in the way that you're following process.
And you have to follow the DNA and you know, and so all that creativity and spontaneity. Has kind of hit by organizations and we are now faced with the fact that we now want people to be more authentic again, and we want 'em to be more human. But we've been the ones I talk collectively generally, but have been batting out of them for the last 20 years.
Sara Hope: And I think it's really imperative that we. Focus attention and energy to making sure that we do look at the rich tapestry that is within organizations, across generations and across difference, and to respect and value and grow [00:27:00] relationships through our conversations. Across whoever we're talking to.
And I think that's why conversation is our super skill and I passionately believe about that. And my my desire, I suppose, is to encourage those who have power and influence in organizations to start to explore and unpick. The power of conversation because if you think about how much time we spend often in meetings, and that's where we do, I was gonna say we do a lot of talking and maybe less listening than perhaps we should do.
But if meetings are our vehicle for people coming together to do their thinking, to do their decision making, to do their strategic plans. By thinking about how we connect in those meetings, that's where the [00:28:00] opportunity lies. And I think we could do it in so many different ways.
Helen Wada: no, I think you're right. And I think, you know, Luke is a testament to that with the way in which he's approaching life and work and what's your advice to others, Luke, that are maybe, you know, your stage maybe a few years ahead of you, early stages in their career, thinking about what next?
Thinking, goodness, I wish if I, you know, if I could do this, what would be your advice to them to follow their dreams and their passions?
Luke Harris: If I, so, I mean, I certainly think that. You know, coming out of university at the moment there's a lot of people going for seemingly fewer roles available. I think it is definitely getting harder to, to land a grad role. But I, I think what I've really enjoyed is being able to do something that I really enjoy every day.
William just, I got fairly lucky. I guess in that I am able to do that. I [00:29:00] do always look for, you know, the next thing what I can be doing what I'm doing better and kind of advice would be just to try and, you know, in a least couldn't you way possible. So like, stay true to what you actually want to do and make sure that your values align with the company that you are, you know, working for.
Can they, you know, you help to, you know, improve that alignment at all possible and just trying to, you know, find something that's right for you and not just maybe jump into the first thing possibly. 'cause there are, as I said, so many people going for what seems increasingly small amount of jobs, but just, you know, trying to find one that is, is right for you and you compliment this basically.
Helen Wada: And I, I think that's really good advice, but I think, you know, building on that we all change as well over time and naturally [00:30:00] stepping into something. Where you don't necessarily know what it's gonna be like actually could lead to some really interesting places. And starting somewhere you never quite know.
I, you know, even when I'm talking about running the business, and so I'm sure you're the same, you know, I talk about one conversation at a time. It's at the top of this podcast. You know, we're learning about what being human means to be at work, one conversation at a time, because. I dore a house.
Sometimes I've done a abroad where you think about, well, you need to get into the garden gate. You can't see what that house looks like unless you get behind the wall. And then you need to have a conversation to get behind that front door to see maybe how many rooms there are and what they look like and what seem interesting to you. And once you are in those rooms, where do those lead to? And so for me it's about a journey of life and discovery. And that applies to both building your career. But also building relationships and building commercial [00:31:00] relationships that ultimately bring you business where you can collaborate with partners, where you can do great work and ultimately add value and grow yourself and your business.
And that for me is where the whole coaching approach comes back into it. You know, we talk about just get curious
Sara Hope: Yeah, definitely.
Helen Wada: and be brave to take that first next step. Because we don't always know what that second and third next steps are.
Sara Hope: I was lucky enough to have an amazing role model who you may know have known Helen at KPMG, John Bailey. And he was an inspiration and he was very skilled at getting to know me as Sarah and Sarah, the mother and Sarah, the lover of the outdoors, Sarah, who was passionate about her family and who loved her work too.
And when he had to tell me that I wasn't being promoted once. Which I was gutted [00:32:00] about at the time, and I can remember exactly where he did it in the office in Blackfriars. And it was the days when senior people did have offices and there were
wonderful pictures around his wall of gliders. 'cause that was his passion and he had that difficult conversation with me was such skill and humanity that I ended up staying with the firm for a number of years after that.
And sadly he died. But that conversation and his humanity as a person really stuck with me. And he was one of the most inspiring role models that played a big part in what I'm doing today, really. So I think those connections and building those relationships and that trust and look at it with the three of us,
you know, having Helen, we were both.
In the same firm,
Luke, you were with the conversation space [00:33:00] and it's through that connection together that we come back together today.
Helen Wada: No, it's fabulous. And I think it just shows the power of connection, the power of curiosity and I will add in there the power of coaching. Because actually for me, coaching is at the heart of a lot of this stuff, and I think it's an undervalued skill in the workplace that for me, has. Real commercial value, not just in the commitment of our people to stay in the business and coaching them to, to succeed at what they do, but it comes back to the skills that you talk about for conversation.
Sarah. It talks about the curiosity, the connection, the understanding of others, what you've talked about there. You know, in terms of Dawn and what we actually do and who understanding people for who they are and not just what. I'm conscious of time. The time has absolutely flown. But before we [00:34:00] go, I always like to ask, you know, one, one piece of insight, one top tip for our listeners and a good coach loves a good question. So maybe one question. So maybe Luke, if I can come to you for a top tip and then I'm gonna come to Sarah for a question to leave us with a question.
Luke Harris: sure. I mean, I think I. Just staying authentic, staying true to yourself, and finding those mentors. Like Sarah, I mean, I was only with Sarah in the conversation space for a few years ago. So for a few years ago, for a few weeks. But everything I um, learned that ended there definitely has, has um, stayed with me in terms of the power conversation.
And it was it was a very insightful couple of weeks and I think finding those mentors and. Be able to guide you in your career is definitely something that's absolutely essential in my opinion.
Helen Wada: Brilliant. Thank you, Ellen. It's been great to have you on the show and I wish you all the best with the auction auctioneering. And you know, maybe one day when [00:35:00] I need some fine art or jewelry, I know I'm gonna know where to come because you know, you never know who might need some at some point.
So, we really appreciate you joining
Luke Harris: Thank you very much.
Helen Wada: That's right. Sarah, what about a question leaving us with a question for listeners to think about as they reflect back on this conversation that you just.
Sara Hope: It's so hard henan to come up with one
Helen Wada: Well, you've already got one,
Sara Hope: yes, I will. So,
Helen Wada: have two. If you really
Sara Hope: I'm going to do one and. It's how much space do you create in your conversations to build a human connection? And I've intentionally used the word space because I think, again, as I kind of said at the beginning, it's so easy to keep doing and I think we have to intentionally create space.
Helen Wada: Thank you both so much. Been wonderful to have you on the show. Enjoy the rest of your evenings and look forward to seeing you both again soon.
Luke Harris: Thank.
Sara Hope: Thank [00:36:00] you.