Dan Strode, Global Culture & Innovation Expert

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Dan Strode, a Principal at Coode, is a recognised leader in culture transformation, innovation and digital change. With experience spanning global organisations, consulting and education, he brings a practical perspective on embedding behaviour change at scale.

In this opening episode of Season 2, Dan reflects on his time as Global Director of Culture at Santander, where he led transformation across 32 countries. He shares frameworks and lessons on aligning culture with strategy in complex systems, and explains why adaptability, clarity and leadership alignment are essential.

Now working as a consultant, educator and keynote speaker, Dan explores the intersection of culture, innovation and emerging technologies. He introduces the Cyborg Mindset, a human-centred approach to embracing AI and experimentation in today’s world.

From measuring what matters to navigating global and local nuance, Dan offers clear, candid insights on building cultures that foster trust, safety and performance. He also shares unexpected reflections on leadership, including a lesson or two from ants.

Author of The Culture Advantage and The Innovator’s Edge, Dan is now writing From Web1 to Web3 while continuing to advise organisations around the world.

This episode is a timely and grounded exploration of how culture shapes performance and what leaders must do next.

 

 

Podcast Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome to Season 2
00:01:24 – Introducing Dan
00:02:24 – Career Path to Santander
00:05:15 – Global Culture at Santander Group
00:11:14 – Becoming the First Global Culture Lead at Santander
00:15:37 – Three Core Questions & Adapting Over Time
00:20:01 – Global vs Local Culture
00:26:34 – Tracking Progress By measuring Culture
00:31:29 – Life After Santander & Writing The Books
00:38:54 – AI, Innovation & the Cyborg Mindset
00:44:42 – Ants
00:45:30 – Dan’s leadership Journey in a Song

 

Ways to Listen:

Spotify

Youtube

Apple Podcasts

Amazon Music

Audible

 

 

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