The Hidden Currents Podcast

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Xiangyao Bowler of East Star Exports about building trust and lasting relationships in cross-cultural business, particularly between Western companies and China. Xiangyao shares practical insights from her experience supporting international firms to navigate cultural differences, improve communication, and overcome misunderstandings that can stall partnerships. The conversation highlights why trust in Chinese business is relationship-driven, developed over time through respect, transparency, and shared value.
This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.We use this method to help organizations, in only two days, to replace resistance, rancour and resentment with mutual trust, shared resolve and new hope for the future. This results in smoother functioning teams, higher retention rates, and team happiness.To find out more, visit our website at: www.intergroupconsulting.com

In this episode of the Hidden Currents podcast, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Matty Caine, founder and CEO of First Person Project CIC, about building trust-driven, people-powered mental health services in Liverpool. Matty shares how his socially progressive mental health model empowers service users to become part of the solution, breaking down traditional barriers to access while fostering long-term relationships and community connection. The conversation explores leadership, authenticity, and the challenges of innovating within institutional systems while staying true to a values-led vision.
This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.We use this method to help organizations, in only two days, to replace resistance, rancour and resentment with mutual trust, shared resolve and new hope for the future. This results in smoother functioning teams, higher retention rates, and team happiness.To find out more, visit our website at: www.intergroupconsulting.com

In this episode, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Patrick Quinn, Head of Operations and Business Development at Cheshire Ireland, about building trust across service users, families, frontline staff, and funders. Patrick explains how clarity, realistic expectations, and honest communication create lasting trust in disability services. He also shares how strong internal leadership and a capacity-building mindset support sustainable growth in a not-for-profit organization.
This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project.
We use this method to help organizations, in only two days, to replace resistance, rancour and resentment with mutual trust, shared resolve and new hope for the future. This results in smoother functioning teams, higher retention rates, and team happiness.
To find out more, visit our website at: www.intergroupconsulting.com

In this episode, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Phillip Norville, Chief Executive of Infection Control Partners (IPC Partners), about how trust drives strong client relationships and long-term business growth. Phillip shares why transparency, professionalism, and delivering ahead of deadlines are key to earning repeat work. He also explains how networking and building influence with decision-makers can unlock major opportunities, especially when selling into complex systems like the NHS.
This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project. 
We use this method to help organizations, in only two days, to replace resistance, rancour and resentment with mutual trust, shared resolve and new hope for the future. This results in smoother functioning teams, higher retention rates, and team happiness. 
To find out more, visit our website at, www.intergroupconsulting.com

In this episode, host Paraic Mac Donnchadha speaks with Dr. Faisol Oladosu, founder and CEO of IBR Investments, about how trust fuels collaboration and results in both startups and large organizations. Faisol contrasts the ease of trust-building in a tight-knit founding team with the challenges of hierarchy and distance in systems like the NHS. He shares practical lessons on servant leadership, communication, and accountability as the key to repairing trust when pressure hits.
This show is sponsored by the Intergroup Consulting Method, the quickest, most powerful and effective way to turn around relationships that have soured among groups at work, or among groups that have got bogged down in delivering a major project. 
We use this method to help organizations, in only two days, to replace resistance, rancour and resentment with mutual trust, shared resolve and new hope for the future. This results in smoother functioning teams, higher retention rates, and team happiness. 
To find out more, visit our website at, www.intergroupconsulting.com