Shows
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnderstand What You Value and Be Happy and Successful at WorkSend us a textIn 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 t...2025-05-0635 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterWhy Belonging Matters: The Key to Loving Your WorkSend us a textDid 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...2025-04-2926 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnlocking Leadership Development with Frank DevineSend us a textIn 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 fe...2025-04-2237 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterShow Me the Money - How to Earn More and Still Enjoy Your JobSend us a textIn 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 g...2025-04-1529 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterMastering Collaboration: Insights and Strategies for SuccessSend us a textIn 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.Pl...2025-04-0836 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterUnderstanding Leadership Power DynamicsSend us a textThis 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!2025-04-0127 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe Fear Factor: Understanding and Conquering Fear in the WorkplaceSend us a textIn 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 i...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?Send us a text'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 El...2025-03-1826 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterCustomer Experience or Customer Service With Adrian Swinscoe.Send us a textIn 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.2025-03-1134 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe World's Most Valuable Metrics – With Bernie SmithSend us a textBernie 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!)2025-03-0426 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterKPI's - Your Optional Unfair Advantage With Bernie SmithSend us a textThis 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 V...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 2Send us a textThis 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 o...2025-02-1829 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterWellbeing at Work With James CarrierSend us a textWellbeing – 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 o...2025-02-1128 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterHow to Flourish in a New Job – Start as You Mean to Go OnSend us a textThroughout 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...2025-02-0433 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe Power of Questions With Graeme RainbirdSend us a textThis 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...2025-01-2837 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterEnergy Limiting Conditions - The Workplace's Hidden SecretSend us a textYou 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. 2025-01-2134 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterMeetings – The Lifeblood of Work, or Just Corporate Treacle?Send us a textOn 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...2025-01-1424 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterPlaying to Your Strengths With Patricia BrooksSend us a textHappy New Year!We're back and starting 2025 on a high with a special guest: Patricia Brooks, a high-performance strengths coach.Patricia shares the importance and value of knowing what you are good at and her model for identifying, owning, and leveraging your personal strengths. This approach is invaluable for us all, as we perform better and enjoy our work more if we concentrate on the areas we excel at rather than constantly focusing on our "Development Areas."To find out more by contacting Patricia via:2025-01-0734 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterTwelve Insights for ChristmasSend us a textWe end the year with our version of the 12 Days of Christmas – a light-hearted look at some seasonal insights to help you over the festive period and into 2025. Amanda Gilbert our Learning and Development Guru attempts to keep us in order as we cobble together insights on habits, collaboration and how to behave at Christmas Do's. Thank you to everyone for listening, sharing, following, and supporting the podcast this year. We hope you all have an amazing festive period and a great 2025. If you're lucky, Santa won't be taking advi...2024-12-1731 min
Behind the Mic with AudioFile MagazineEdoardo Ballerini Interview: Best Multi-Voice Audiobooks 2024Golden Voice narrator Edoardo Ballerini joins AudioFile’s Michele Cobb to discuss narrating one of this year’s best in Mulit-Voice audiobooks, the oral history WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE, edited by Garrett M. Graff. Edoardo tells listeners about the challenges of narrating audiobooks that include so many voices—here, there were 26 narrators performing 700 real-life historical figures. It’s an impressive and moving listen, and deep exploration into those who participated in D-Day. Read AudioFile’s review of WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. AudioFile’s 2024 Best...2024-12-1214 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterHow to Succeed in Your CareerSend us a textFree advice from two old men, but is it any good?This week, we explore 'how to manage your career' - a subject often discussed, rarely taught, and where perfect answers don't exist. We have both had decades of experience—good and bad—trying to make the most of our careers. So, we thought we would share some of the dilemmas we faced and the insights we have gained. If our expertise isn't enough, maybe Baz Luhrmann's advice from a classic 90s song will be an adequate substitute. ...2024-12-1031 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterDo You Need Therapy? – Part 2Send us a textThis week is the second part of our conversation with Gestalt Therapist Dawn Wray. Dawn explains the "five explorations", questions that will help you deepen your understanding of yourself and improve your relationships with the world around you. She also shows how your past can affect your future. If you are 'curious' and want to learn more about the subject, please contact Dawn at the Listening Collective.2024-12-0324 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterDo You Need Therapy? – Part 1Send us a textThis week, we will see the first of two episodes with Gestalt Therapist Dawn Wray. We will explore how therapy can help improve performance and enjoyment at work. Dawn discusses its nature and shares how it can have a profound effect on your personal and professional life. She has helped people who have faced redundancy, been promoted, changed jobs, and many other situations. She shares some questions we can all consider that will help us deepen our understanding of ourselves and improve our relationships with the world around us.W...2024-11-2625 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterEmbrace Failure and SucceedSend us a textGood/bad, happy/sad, success/failure—we are conditioned to fear failure, but it's essential for learning, growth, and innovation. This week, we review the research into failure and share our experiences and perspectives. Listen to help you understand and develop a positive relationship with one of life's most prevalent natural resources.If that's not enough, we also share some TV recommendations. Though we recorded this before Rivals came out; otherwise, it would have made Jimmy's list!To find out more, contact Jimmy or James.2024-11-1927 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterDeveloping Capable People – There Is More to It Than TrainingSend us a textThis week, Amanda Gilbert joins us to share insights into how you can build people's capability - yours, your teams, or your organisation. Avoid some common pitfalls and follow critical steps to improve capability and results.This podcast follows the recent episode where James shared a magic bullet for improving performance: building your systems' capability. People are critical to any system, so check out Amanda's advice.We also discuss the challenges of buying and maintaining cars, and James improves his productivity by listening to podcasts on double speed—perfect if...2024-11-1227 min
A Job Done Well - Making Work BetterThe Magic Bullet for Better ResultsSend us a textThis week, we discuss the often shortsighted cost-cutting measures companies adopt to hit their targets and the flawed logic behind these strategies. What might appear to be an immediate saving usually leads to more significant issues down the line. Instead of superficial cuts, we will explain the catch-all strategy to fix all your operational and financial woes.Are we snake-oil salesmen, or do we know the solution? Listen in and decide for yourself.To find out more, contact James, Jimmy.2024-11-0524 min