One Culture in a Global Organisation - Zoological Society of London with Gbonju Akintola - OrgDev Episode 38

OrgDev with Distinction

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In this episode of the Org Dev Podcast, we're joined by Gbonju Akintola, Senior Organization Development Business Partner at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), an organisation best known for its two zoos - London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo - but also a science-driven conservation charity, creating a future where wildlife can thrive .
Gbonju shares her journey, from transitioning into OD from L&D roles and shares what it is like to work in truly global organisation - from Thames Estuary to West Africa. Nepal, Indian ocean and Mauritius where she supports diverse teams, from zookeepers to international policy teams.

Listeners will gain insights into how Gbonju applies OD principles, such as systems thinking and cultural change, in an organisation that combines the complexities of scientific research, policy, and conservation. She discusses the challenges and successes of embedding leadership development and fostering a "one ZSL" culture across global teams. The episode dives into the importance of humanizing organisations, balancing tradition with innovation, and finding creative solutions in resource-limited environments.

Tune in to learn how Gbonju's experiences highlight the power of building relationships, understanding organizational culture, and driving meaningful change through OD.
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💼 About our Guest
Gbonju Akintola
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbonjuakintola/
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About Us

We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change.

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