Shows
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterWill Artificial Intelligence Take All of Our Jobs?In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss the impact of AI on contact centres and back-office jobs. This follows a question from Rob, a member of the audience, who asked about the potential for AI to reduce contact centre jobs by a claimed 80-90% in the next year or two. The hosts share insights from a former guest, Alex Alexander's AI team, and James interviews Google's Gemini to discover if the AI themselves believe they will put us all out of a job.This is all balanced with a bit of real-world e...2025-06-2438 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterMastering the Art of Networking: Tips and StrategiesIn this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss the importance of networking with special guest Andy Warren - the best-connected person we know! They talk about the nuances of networking, what makes it effective, and how to overcome common barriers. Andy shares invaluable insights, including key strategies such as the significance of personal branding, overcoming the fear of rejection, and the 80/20 rule in listening versus speaking. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your networking skills, this episode offers practical advice to enhance your professional and social connections.They also face the c...2025-06-1728 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterPeak Performance and the State of FlowIn this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss “Flow”, a mental state where we achieve peak performance whilst our actions feel effortless. They discuss how Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discovered this phenomenon, and they also explore the benefits of being in the “Flow” state and its effect on happiness. The discussion leads to practical tips on achieving and maintaining flow state - setting clear goals, challenging yourself, eliminating distractions, and creating the best environment. Finally, the hosts share personal experiences and recommend resources for further understanding. You can tune in to learn how to boost your performan...2025-06-1025 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnintended Consequences, and How to Avoid ThemIn this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber study unintended consequences and how they affect you personally and in business. Their discussion ranges from Donald Trump’s tariffs to the introduction of Cane Toads in Australia and the invention of the microwave oven. They also share the unintended consequences that have impacted them personally (both positively and negatively). Most importantly, the hosts also explore why these things happen and how to avoid them from derailing your work.As a bonus, you can learn about the perils of gardening and the joy of real...2025-06-0333 min
The Insider Travel Report PodcastHow Expedia TAAP Supports Advisors with Bookable Product and TechnologyRobin Lawther, vice president of Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his dedicated unit helps all travel advisors with bookable and commissionable hotel content (the same as Expedia’s) as well as new technology and other products designed to boost profits. We interviewed Lawther after Expedia TAAP released a survey showing travel advisors are a growing and viable distribution channel. For more information, visit www.expediataap.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with...2025-06-0221 min
Interesting movies and seriesShe’s about to risk it all for her crazy boyfriend - Season 2 fullThe End of the F***ing World is a British black comedy-drama television programme. The eight-part first series premiered its first episode on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on 24 October 2017, after which the following episodes were released on All 4. Netflix handled international distribution and released it internationally on 5 January 2018. The programme follows James (Alex Lawther), a 17-year-old who believes himself to be a psychopath, and Alyssa Foley (Jessica Barden), an angry classmate who sees in James a chance to escape from her tumultuous home life. Gemma Whelan, Wunmi Mosaku, Steve Oram, Christine Bottomley, Navin Chowdhry, Barry Ward and Naomi Ackie...2025-05-2732 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterDebunking Workplace Myths: Boost Your Performance at WorkIn this episode, host James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss some common 'corporate myths' that hinder performance at work. They explain that while targets will drive performance, it necessarily result in the performance you want, the fallacy that senior management has all the answers, and the misconception that long hours equal productivity. They also highlight the value of small, tactical improvements over big strategic projects, the benefits of treating suppliers as partners, and how introverts can make exceptional leaders. The episode wraps up with a reflection on social media perceptions versus reality, emphasising the need to focus o...2025-05-2734 min
Interesting movies and seriesShe’s about to risk it all for her crazy boyfriendThe End of the F***ing World is a British black comedy-drama television programme. The eight-part first series premiered its first episode on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on 24 October 2017, after which the following episodes were released on All 4. Netflix handled international distribution and released it internationally on 5 January 2018. The programme follows James (Alex Lawther), a 17-year-old who believes himself to be a psychopath, and Alyssa Foley (Jessica Barden), an angry classmate who sees in James a chance to escape from her tumultuous home life. Gemma Whelan, Wunmi Mosaku, Steve Oram, Christine Bottomley, Navin Chowdhry, Barry Ward and Naomi Ackie...2025-05-2428 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterNavigating a Midlife Career Crossroads, With Jess SpiersThis week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of midlife career changes with expert coach Jess Spiers. They explore how to think about and approach a career crossroads - a point we all face at some point in our lives. Jess shares her own journey from digital content creation to career coaching, discussing the importance of clarity, confidence, and action in making intentional career choices. The conversation emphasises the importance of identifying values, super strengths, and transferable skills, while also addressing limiting beliefs and fears. Jess offers insights on how...2025-05-2035 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe Insider's Guide to Getting Stuff Done, With Vick GrimesThis week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome special guest Vick Grimes, a project management expert, to help them refine their delivery skills. Skills which are critical for everyone at work.They explore the need to create clarity, define processes, manage stakeholders, and sustain change. The discussion covers strategies for getting things done effectively, including breaking down tasks, managing risks, and recognising small wins along the way. Whether you’re leading a complex project or tackling daily tasks, this episode offers practical advice to improve your performance and enjoyment at work.You wil...2025-05-1331 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnderstand What You Value and Be Happy and Successful at WorkIn this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by Rachael Edmondson-Clarke to dive into the importance of understanding and aligning personal and organisational values to boost performance and enjoyment at work.Rachael explains how clarifying personal values can significantly impact your happiness and satisfaction, leading to a more fulfilling career and life. She guides James and Jimmy through a values elicitation exercise, demonstrating how to identify and align those values with actions and decisions. They also discuss the dangers of organisations claiming they value something when they don't.You'll also b...2025-05-0635 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterWhy Belonging Matters: The Key to Loving Your WorkDid you know the sense of 'belonging' at work improves performance by 56%, reduces attrition risk by 50% and decreases absence by 75%...Want to find out more? Check out this week's episode where hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss why belonging is so important and why it's not just changing your behaviour to 'fit in'.Research, examples and mildly "amusing" anecdotes help bring the subject to life and provide pragmatic ways to unlock the sense of belonging and reap the benefits of satisfying this basic human need.You will also hear from the biggest...2025-04-2926 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnlocking Leadership Development with Frank DevineIn this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by leadership development guru Frank Devine. Frank shares insights about which methods of leadership development work and which don't. After a long and varied career within HR working with some of the best organisations, people and academic research, Frank shares what he has learnt testing different "best practices". His research led him to develop the Cathedral Model (check out this link or visit the episode web page to see a diagram). It emphasises skills like recognition, coaching, and constructive feedback. We also discuss the pitfalls of...2025-04-2237 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterShow Me the Money - How to Earn More and Still Enjoy Your JobIn this episode, we dive into how to make more money at work while still enjoying what you do. We chat about everything from the difference education makes to earnings, choosing the right industry and company, to the importance of ongoing development whilst climbing the corporate ladder. We share our stories and tips on networking, moving companies, and why enjoying your job is as essential as your paycheck! Plus, we discuss the downsides of focusing too much on money and why it doesn't always equal happiness. We also both have new gadgets this week. James's nine-year-old iPhone f...2025-04-1529 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterMastering Collaboration: Insights and Strategies for SuccessIn this episode, we are joined by Amanda Gilbert, and we dive deep into collaboration in the workplace. We discuss the importance of collaboration, how to achieve it, and the common corporate pitfalls that can prevent it. We share practical steps for setting up collaborative environments, building trust among team members, and achieving shared goals. We also highlight real-world examples of successful collaboration and provide insights on leveraging collaboration tools and techniques. Tune in to learn how to enhance your team's performance and achieve better results through effective collaboration.Plus, we discuss what treats Mrs La...2025-04-0836 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnderstanding Leadership Power DynamicsThis week, we delve into the intricacies of leadership power and its impact on workplace dynamics. We explore power’s misuse and ethical implications, highlighted by current events and personal experiences. We also share our 'research' and insights - all aimed to encourage self-awareness for leaders to wield their power conscientiously and effectively for positive outcomes. You can also see if you are more intelligent than James by benchmarking your scores on LinkedIn puzzle games!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.2025-04-0127 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe Fear Factor: Understanding and Conquering Fear in the WorkplaceIn this episode, we are joined by returning guests Amanda Gilbert and Dawn Wray to discuss the pervasive impact of fear in the workplace. We explore various sources of fear, including individual anxieties, interpersonal dynamics, and systemic issues. The conversation, featuring personal anecdotes and professional insights, highlights how fear can hinder performance and well-being and occasionally serve as a motivator in specific contexts. It discusses key strategies for overcoming anxiety, such as gaining perspective and leveraging support systems.The episode emphasises the importance of normalising conversations about fear to improve organisational culture and everyone's performance a...2025-03-2549 min
Wine for Normal PeopleThe Greats - Saint-Émilion of BordeauxAs part of the series on the greatest wines in the world, I cover Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. With its legacy of winemaking, its unique terroir, and its small producers who are constantly innovating and improving, this region is indisputably one of the top in the wine world. As with all the regions in "The Greats" series, I go in depth on the fascinating history of Saint-Émilion, the complex terroir, the (convoluted) classification, and the grapes and flavors that are possible from this outstanding "Great." As...2025-03-1950 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterDOGE - Is This Really the Answer to Cost Challenges?'The wise learn not only from their own mistakes but also from the missteps of others.'In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it attempts to cut federal spending and modernise technology under President Trump's agenda. We discuss Elon Musk's cost-saving playbook, the risks of the approach, and most importantly, some suggestions on better ways of saving cost - by focusing on purpose, finding the right opportunities and listening to employees. Could we do a better job than Elon? Have a listen and you de...2025-03-1826 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterCustomer Experience or Customer Service With Adrian Swinscoe.In this episode, we welcome guest Adrian Swinscoe, an author, researcher, and advisor on customer service and experience. Adrian challenges the underlying management beliefs that you should try to manage revenue, cost, and profitability and explains how you can create better organisational outcomes by focusing on your employees and customers.The discussion also covers the shortcomings of chatbots, artificial intelligence, and the desire to control “the customer experience”.It is all about inputs and outcomes. Listen in to find out more.Got a question - get in touch. Click here.2025-03-1134 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe World's Most Valuable Metrics – With Bernie SmithBernie Smith, KPI guru, is back to help us find 'gold bars' - those vital measures that drive business success. Bernie shares a simple three-step method for unlocking those gold bars, using examples as diverse as predicting an international incident from pizza sales data, spotting a COVID outbreak using scented candle complaints, and calculating the number of piano tuners in Chicago.Despite being an analytical love fest, this is one of our most entertaining and informative episodes. (They only briefly discuss celery cell growth and paper moisture levels!)Got a question - get i...2025-03-0426 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterKPI's - Your Optional Unfair Advantage With Bernie SmithThis week, we are joined by KPI Guru Bernie Smith - world-renowned expert and author of 21 books...Bernie has made a career out of successfully helping people from across the globe to identify how they use KPIs to unlock performance. In this first episode, Bernie shares how to identify the KPIs that will give you the edge with practical insights and engaging stories. It is hard to believe that KPIs can be so interesting.And, of course, we'll get another dose of middle class smugness from James as his Volvo and its heated seats give h...2025-02-2523 min
One Large DuvetThe One With Dan TetsellThe One With Dan TetsellJeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s long-running West End hit is set to terrify audiences when Ghost Stories comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 18 - Sat 22 Feb.After exhilarating audiences across the globe with record-breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to be bringing back Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s supernatural sensation Ghost Stories for a full UK Tour. More spine-tingling and terrifying than ever, the Olivier Award-nominated show comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 18 - Sat 22 Feb.2025-02-1914 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterWellbeing at Work With James Carrier Part 2This week, we hear more from Leadership and Wellbeing Guru James Carrier.Following last week's episode, we discuss who's responsible for wellbeing, and if this is such an obvious thing to invest in, what gets in the way? Why do many organisations tick boxes rather than invest in their employees' wellbeing, improving the workplace and, ultimately, performance and results? Much to James L's delight, JC has a model to help you think about and take action to improve your wellbeing.Full of thought-provoking insights and pragmatic tips on improving leaders' wellbeing at all l...2025-02-1829 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterWellbeing at Work With James CarrierWellbeing – is it another corporate buzzword, a moral responsibility or an investment in future performance? This week, we are lucky to have James Carrier joining us to discuss wellbeing at work. How do we define it? How do we measure it? How do we improve it? Why does it matter?What are our responsibilities for our personal wellbeing and those around us?James Carrier is thought-provoking and insightful as he challenges our actions and beliefs. This isn't just an exercise to see how many Jameses you can get on one podcast! 2025-02-1128 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterHow to Flourish in a New Job – Start as You Mean to Go OnThroughout our work lives, we change jobs - sometimes, we get a promotion, move to a new organisation, or move within a company. It happens all the time.Often, the initial transition can be bumpy and influence your entire tenure in a role, so this week, we explore some ways that you can ensure a smooth transition and maximise the impact you have in a new job.Preparing for new responsibilities goes beyond the usual inductions or initial training. We share a tried-and-tested (by Jimmy, at least) model from Michael D. Watkins, and we will...2025-02-0433 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe Power of Questions With Graeme RainbirdThis week's special guest is Graeme Rainbird, a Leadership expert and self-confessed question addict.Questioning is something we do daily, but with little thought, Graeme talks about the power of questions for shaping outcomes and relationships and gives some hints and tips for asking great questions. It's an easy but impactful win, so check out what Graeme says.This episode was recorded a few weeks ago, so you'll also get an insight into our attitudes and ability to ice skate!Get in touch with Graeme to learn more about the power of questions...2025-01-2837 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterEnergy Limiting Conditions - The Workplace's Hidden SecretYou or someone near you suffers from one of these.....This week, Steve Shutts joined us to discuss energy-limiting conditions, which impact 15 million people in the UK or 1 in 5 in the workplace. These conditions are a silent challenge for many, often not talked about or understood, and consequently negatively impact many people's working lives.Steve shares the extent to which these conditions impact people, provides insights into how to make the workplace inclusive for people with ELCs, and discusses the benefits this can bring to individuals, teams, and organisations. We will all work...2025-01-2134 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterMeetings – The Lifeblood of Work, or Just Corporate Treacle?On average, we spend 28% of our working lives in meetings. So how do we make the most of this time and ensure meetings are productive and positive rather than "hours of my life I won't get back."? This week's podcast discusses the importance of meetings and how we fool ourselves by using them to define our status and importance. By following some simple principles, you can turn the corporate treacle into an invaluable investment of your time and your organisation's money. After all, you don't want to waste a quarter of your time at work!2025-01-1424 min