Season Two – Episode 13

The Power of Storytelling: Building a Culture of Trust and Psychological Safety

In this episode of CPO Talk, Helen Letchfield, co-founder of Parent and Professional, is joined by Clare Sandman, People Director at Rolls-Royce SMR, to explore how psychological safety, empathetic leadership and storytelling can help create a truly family-friendly culture. Drawing on her own working parent journey, Clare shares why leaders need to look beyond the person they see at work and recognise the family, caring and life experiences they may be carrying with them. She discusses why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, but do need the empathy, curiosity and confidence to start conversations and offer support.

Clare also shares We Are SMR, Rolls-Royce SMR’s employee storytelling initiative, where people share personal experiences including miscarriage, caring, work-life balance and family challenges. She explains how these stories are helping employees feel less alone while building greater trust, understanding and inclusion across the organisation.