Episode 133: The Octopus Organization with Phil Le-Brun
The Workplace Podcast in association with Dynamic Partners · 2026-05-05 · 52 min
Episode notes
In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Phil Le-Brun, co-author of The Octopus Organization and former International CIO at McDonald’s. Together, they explore the realities of organisational transformation - why so many initiatives fail, and how leaders can build more adaptive, empowered, and high-performing teams. Phil shares practical insights on ownership, decision-making, and culture, including why “artificial ownership” is so common in organisations, how gatekeepers slow progress, and what it really takes to create clarity of purpose at scale. From the concept of “pigs and chickens” to the dangers of “watermelon reporting,” this episode is packed with memorable frameworks and real-world examples that challenge traditional ways of working. A must-listen for leaders looking to empower their teams, improve accountability, and navigate complexity more effectively. Find out more about the book here: The Octopus Organization | a guide to thriving in a world of continuous transformation
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