Scavenger Mindset

Claire Richmond introduces the “scavenger mindset” as a way for leaders to uncover untapped talent and capability already present in their teams and organisations. Drawing on her experience building a grassroots regeneration initiative with no budget or formal resources, she argues that starting with “nothing” can create freedom, innovation and new forms of collaboration.

The conversation explores how traditional, hierarchical workplaces can box people into roles and limit contribution, and why inclusive leadership begins with doing the groundwork: getting to know people beyond titles, inviting diverse perspectives, and building community around shared challenges. Claire and Joanne discuss practical ways to increase psychological safety, including starting small, creating trust over time, enabling anonymous input, and giving people space to think rather than demanding immediate “right” answers.

They also challenge conventional approaches to hiring, performance and productivity, emphasising potential, learning ability and resourcefulness over rigid experience checklists. The episode closes with reflections on uncertainty, adaptability and why leaders who focus on connection, belonging and ownership can help people do extraordinary work.