Releasing the Power of Teams – Episode 3: Navigating Informal Teams and Networks: Flexing Styles to Make Influence Count

1 September 2026

In an increasingly connected professional environment, the ability to work effectively across teams, functions and organisations has become a critical skill. While formal structures remain important, success often depends on building trusted relationships, collaborating across boundaries and influencing others to achieve shared outcomes.

In the third and final episode of Releasing the Power of Teams, Dr Declan Woods, CEO of teamGenie, is joined by Dr Heather Melville OBE, Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute, Partner at Stork & May and Chancellor of the University of York. Together, they explore how professionals can thrive in increasingly matrixed and networked environments by building trust, developing strong relationships and adapting their approach to different situations.

Drawing on more than 40 years of leadership experience, Heather shares practical insights on influencing without authority, creating inclusive and high-performing teams, and developing the networks that help people and organisations succeed.

In this episode, you'll discover:

How to work effectively across informal, project and matrix teams.
Why trust and relationships are fundamental to professional success.
Practical ways to build and maintain professional networks.
How diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and team performance.
The importance of adaptability, mentoring and continuous learning.

Continue the Conversation

The conversation doesn't end with the podcast. Join Dr Declan Woods for a live Releasing the Power of Teams surgery session, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the themes from this episode in more depth, share your own experiences, and discuss practical challenges and opportunities with fellow professionals.

Register here