Shows
Here's an idea worth playing withThe Word at Work: IdeaThe word idea comes from the Greek idein — to see.Not to invent. Not to create. To see.That single detail changes how we understand what an idea actually is. It wasn't originally an act of bringing something new into the world. It was an act of noticing something already there.This episode traces the word from ancient Greek through Plato's theory of perfect forms, into the language of modern organisations — and what that history reveals about creativity, leadership, and the conditions that allow ideas to become something real.Quotes from Whit...
2026-06-1208 min
Here's an idea worth playing withThe Word at Work: Mottainai — the regret of waste, and what it means for how we workWelcome to Season 2 of Here's an Idea Worth Playing With — a new direction for the podcast. Each episode, one word. Its origin, its meaning, and what it still has to say about the way we work.This week: Mottainai. A Japanese concept that broadly translates as the regret of waste. We associate it with natural resources — but what about our human ones? Time, energy, and attention are finite. Unlike money, we can't generate more. And yet organisations squander them often through confusion, duplicate work, misalignment, meetings that shouldn't exist and more..Mottai...
2026-06-0504 min
Here's an idea worth playing withFun at work is an early warning system | Here's an idea worth playing withIt's 32 degrees in the UK. The kids are in the pool. The music is blasting from the garden. And I'm in the studio recording a podcast about why fun at work is one of the most important signals a leader can read.Which feels about right.When people stop enjoying their work — when the laughter goes quiet, when energy drains from the room — most organisations reach for a fix. A team event. An extra hour for lunch. Forced fun that makes everyone faintly miserable.That's the wrong response. Because fun isn't the prob...
2026-05-2618 minHere's an idea worth playing withFive books that made me a better leaderFive books I keep returning to — for managing better, leading better, and understanding how businesses actually work.These aren't the obvious picks. No productivity bibles, no airport bestsellers. Each one has shaped how I think about strategy, attention, service, growth, and the systems we all work inside.The books:Good Strategy / Bad Strategy — Richard RumeltThe Art of Noticing — Rob WalkerSelling the Invisible — Harry BeckwithGrowing a Business — Paul HawkenI Want You to Cheat — John SeddonThis podcast sits on the reading list at Cultivate...
2026-05-1810 minHere's an idea worth playing withWhy most feedback arrives too lateA thought that's been on my mind: most organisations don't lack feedback. They just get it too late to use it. By the time the signal arrives, the decisions that needed it were already made — and what was a cheap correction earlier has compounded into an expensive surprise.In this episode, I think through why short feedback loops matter more than better ones, what startups get structurally right, and how larger organisations can shorten the distance between action and insight without blowing up their governance.The written version of this argument is at cul...
2026-05-1314 minHere's an idea worth playing withCreativity Is a Climate Problem — Not a Talent ProblemMost organisations don’t have an idea problem.They have a climate problem.You’ve probably felt it.Your best ideas don’t show up at your desk. They show up walking.Travelling.Sitting somewhere unfamiliar.Different place.Different thinking.That’s not an accident.It’s conditions.In this episode, I explore why creativity isn’t about trying harder……it’s about the environment you’re thinking inside.And why the same person, in a dif...
2026-03-3011 minHere's an idea worth playing withThe Real Value of Your First Ideas (It’s Not What You Think)Most people think the value of an idea sits at the end — in the outcome, the money, the success.But especially at the start, the real value is something else entirely.In this episode, I share three small experiments from my sons this week — building a table, inventing a robot, and chasing rare coins — and what they reveal about how ideas actually become value.Because none of them “worked” in the way you might expect.But all of them created something far more important.If you’re a solo creator tryi...
2026-03-2405 min
Stationery FreaksScrap Notes & Desk Pads: Capturing Ideas Fast (Post-its, Legal Pads, Apple Notes + Voice Memos)In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dig into the messy, essential world of scrap notes: desk pads, Post-its, legal pads, envelopes, voice memos, and the “grab whatever’s nearby” capture habit.They explore the real question beneath the stationery: what’s the process for turning a quick note into something useful — and what happens when your capture system becomes a pile of open loops.We cover:Why scrap notes exist: capturing ideas without breaking the momentDesk pads as “work in progress” surfaces (and why that’s a feature, not a bug)The threshol...
2026-03-0141 minHere's an idea worth playing withLearning, Interest, and Career Value — Choosing What to StudyIn this episode, I reflect on the decision point that appears whenever we choose what to learn next — the moment where time, energy, and attention become real, committed, investments.Why do some courses and learning paths feel like obligation while others create momentum? And why do the subjects we study out of pure curiosity often shape our work more than the certifications and professional learning we pursue for career progression?This is a gentle exploration of learning as behaviour, interest as energy, and the idea that workplaces are made of humans whose broader dev...
2026-02-1005 min
Stationery FreaksThe 2026 Planning Episode: Painted Pictures, Todoist, Obsidian & Too Many NotebooksIt’s our first Stationery Freaks episode of 2026, and we’re going deep on goal setting, as we usually do for the first cast of the year. Rob and Helen compare two different approaches to planning the year: outcomes vs lifestyle, goals vs systems, and why the “right” method depends on what helps you keep going (not what looks good on paper). Helen shares her shift toward building routines that protect what matters - writing time, movement, mental bandwidth - plus a surprisingly brilliant charity-shop find: a Rocketbook reusable notebook for 50p. Rob ref...
2026-01-3050 minHere's an idea worth playing withWhere Meditations on Management Came From - Unfinished ideas, wintering, and the discipline of attentionMeditations on Management didn’t begin as a book.It began as fragments — unfinished articles, notes made between meetings, and observations that felt true enough to keep but not yet ready to finish.In this episode, I reflect on how those ideas were allowed to rest in what I call my “digital cabinet,” how time and distance revealed the patterns between them, and why patience and attention matter more than productivity when it comes to meaningful work.This is a quiet episode about noticing, wintering, and letting ideas mature — and about what that proce...
2026-01-1111 min
Stationery FreaksLive From Brick Lane: Mark+Fold’s 10th Anniversary & The Stationery Freaks Origin StoryIn this special on-the-road episode, Rob and Helen meet in person for the first time in almost six years — to celebrate Mark+Fold’s 10-year anniversary at their Brick Lane pop-up. Recorded between a noisy East London bar and the beautifully minimalist Mark+Fold shop, this episode is a blend of celebration, nostalgia, and stationery-fueled creativity.Apologies for some of the audio quality - London doesn't have many quiet bars and restuarants!You’ll hear:The Stationery Freaks origin story — how a shared love of pens and notebooks sparked a 7-year podcastWhy Mark+Fol...
2025-11-1430 minHere's an idea worth playing withFrom Idea to Keynote: Five Lessons from BudapestAt 4 a.m. in Luton Airport, I head to Budapest to deliver a keynote — and along the way, unpack what it really takes to turn an idea into a valuable talk.In this travel-journal-meets-creative-process episode, I share five lessons learned from the runway to the stage: how to go from idea → value, find your point of view, think in stories, do the hard work, and give generously.It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of speaking, the nerves before stepping on stage, and the joy of seeing your name on an arrivals card — all thro...
2025-11-0327 minHere's an idea worth playing withThe Power of Appearance: How Clothing Shapes First Impressions and PerformanceIn this episode of Here's An Idea Worth Playing With, I cover the science of clothing and appearance. Your clothes don’t just influence how others see you — they shape your own confidence, focus, and performance. In this episode, I explore the fascinating psychology of appearance: how clothing affects first impressions, why it can boost or drain your confidence, and the science behind “felt power".Discover how to use simple outfit choices and symbolic “uniforms” to show up at your best — whether at work, in the gym, or in everyday life.We often underestimate...
2025-10-0210 minHere's an idea worth playing withThe Art of Noticing: How Creative Awareness Can Make You a Better LeaderIn this episode of Here's An Idea Worth Playing With, I explore The Art of Noticing — a subtle but powerful skill that can separate effective leaders from the rest. Far from being a framework, checklist, or trendy methodology, noticing is about widening your awareness, understanding how work flows, spotting bottlenecks, and observing patterns that matter. And we can develop these skills through creative pursuits.Discover how creativity trains you to notice what truly matters, frame stories effectively, and make informed decisions that drive impact and productivity in your organisation.The best leaders aren’t alw...
2025-09-3008 minStationery FreaksRituals, Routines & Stationery: Why the tactile nature of stationery can help us with ritualsIn this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dive into the world of rituals and routines, exploring how our favourite stationery tools (along with time and space) can transform tasks into meaningful, mindful moments.Helen discovers other writers are now using Blackwing pencils in her writing class. Rob spent so little time choosing which notebook to use for a business book he's writing (the Rhodia A4 notebook) - that he wonders what is wrong.Rob and Helen also receive a very awesome poem in Zine format from previous guest, Richard. Very cool...
2025-09-2935 minHere's an idea worth playing withHow to Build an Internal Coaching and Consulting Function That Drives Business ValueInternal coaching and consulting teams can be powerful assets — or costly afterthoughts. In this episode of Here's an idea worth playing with, we break down how to design a function that delivers real impact. Learn the difference between coaching and consulting, why purpose and demand management matter, how to package your services, and how to connect your work directly to measurable business outcomes. With practical principles drawn from years of experience, you’ll discover how to transform your team from a “nice-to-have” into a strategic advantage.Read more about this subject on the c...
2025-09-2614 minHere's an idea worth playing withOvercoming the Fear of Public Speaking: Essential Skills for Career Growth and LeadershipDo you get nervous at the thought of speaking in public? You’re not alone — and mastering this skill can be a game-changer for your career and leadership growth. In this episode, I explore practical strategies to overcome fear, develop your authentic speaking style, and connect with audiences through storytelling, emotion, and clear purpose. From avoiding the perfection trap to bringing enthusiasm and energy to your talks, you’ll learn how to make every presentation memorable. Plus, discover how my book Zero to Keynote provides a complete roadmap for turning ideas into compelling talks, getting submis...
2025-09-2312 minHere's an idea worth playing withClimb the Career Ladder: 8 Key Principles to Thrive, Add Value, and Accelerate Your CareerIn this episode, I share the 8 principles that shaped my own career journey — from software tester to executive leader. We’ll explore how to define what thriving looks like for you, make sure your ladder is leaning against the right wall, and understand the critical difference between cost and value. You’ll learn why communication is your greatest superpower, how to shift your own behaviours for growth, and why strong relationships and clarity matter more than raw talent. Whether you want to move into management, leadership, or simply build influence in your current role, these princi...
2025-09-1912 minHere's an idea worth playing withSpinning Plates: A Simple Productivity System for Work, Family, and ProjectsIn this episode, I break down the productivity system that helps me manage work, family life, content creation, and side projects - all without feeling overwhelmed. It’s not about doing more, but about choosing the right plates to spin. I’ll share how I use tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and ToDoist alongside paper and notebooks to stay organised, prioritise what matters, and keep a clear overview of everything on my plate. If you’re looking for a practical, flexible way to manage competing demands while staying sane, this episode will give you ideas to des...
2025-09-1609 minHere's an idea worth playing withHow Businesses Sabotage Themselves: Lessons from a 1944 CIA ManualDuring World War II, the OSS (precursor to the CIA) released the “Simple Sabotage Field Manual”—a handbook for disrupting enemy organisations from within. The shocking part? Much of it reads like a modern business playbook: excessive committees, slow decision-making, perfectionism on unimportant tasks, and endless meetings. In this episode, we unpack the uncanny overlap between sabotage tactics and today’s workplace behaviours, why they persist even with good intentions, and how leaders can spot and dismantle them before they derail performance. It’s a reminder that agility isn’t about speed — it’s about removing the hid...
2025-09-1212 minStationery FreaksStationery Hauls, Fountain Pen Finds & Writing Success – Sailor, Tom’s Studio & MoreIn this episode Rob and Helen dive deep into their latest stationery hauls — from Japanese Sailor pens and Tom’s Studio Wren to Martha Brooks advent calendars and Zebra limited editions. Plus: writing contest success, notebooks you’ll never dare write in (that are ridiculously expensive), and a new digital note-taking tool that’s winning Rob over. Helen refuses to talk about her sticker addiction and Etsy is properly off the table for conversation.Helen is already buying advent calendars....in September. Rob is trying not to buy anything else, he's changed.We cha...
2025-09-1127 minHere's an idea worth playing withHow to Study Anything: 10 Principles That Actually WorkIn this episode, I explore 10 practical principles that will help you study anything more effectively. We’ll break down why active engagement beats passive highlighting, why depth matters more than sheer volume, and how teaching others sharpens your own understanding. I’ll share how principles create a foundation for long-term mastery, why rest is essential for retention, and how embracing different learning styles keeps you flexible and open. Whether you’re developing professionally or pursuing personal growth, these tools will help you study smarter and turn knowledge into action.--> A deeper and richer...
2025-09-0912 minHere's an idea worth playing withBuilding a Learning Culture: Why Behaviour Beats Training Every TimeIn this episode, we explore what it really takes to create a true learning culture inside an organisation. Not just training programmes or box-ticking courses, but learning as a shared behaviour that drives growth, engagement, and collective intelligence. From role modelling as a leader, to giving teams time and space, to encouraging personal learning with no strings attached—you’ll hear practical ways to make learning part of your company’s DNA. Plus, I share a surprising story about a mechanic course that reshaped an entire organisation’s culture.--> Find more in...
2025-09-0411 minHere's an idea worth playing with5 Trade Skills That Will Accelerate Your Success in BusinessWhat are the timeless skills that make someone invaluable and successful at work? In this episode, I break down the five core “Trade Skills” — persistence, facing facts, risk management, hands-on learning, and grasping numbers — and explains why they matter more than ever in today’s business world. Learn how mastering these skills can elevate your career, sharpen your commercial awareness, and turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth.Accompanying article : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/trade-skills/----📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https...
2025-08-2615 minStationery FreaksThe Art of Commonplacing : Curating a Life – Richard Barnard on Collage & Commonplace booksIn this episode of the podcast, Rob & Helen chat to Richard Barnard; collage enthusiast and commonplacer. Have you ever wondered what a Commonplace book is, and what it's used for? Well, in this episode we explore the origins of the Commonplace book, how Richard uses his, the stationery he uses for it and how he searches through the wealth of insights, observations, quotes and thoughts.Richard Barnard, an avid commonplacer and passionate collage artist, explains that it's a way of "creating the best book you've ever owned." He shares his analog-first, bu...
2025-08-0239 minStationery FreaksThe Art, Craft & Purpose of Travellers Journals with Frank from YokogakiJoin Rob and Helen in this edition of Stationery Freaks as they welcome special guest Frank, from Yokogaki, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of travel journals / notebooks!Frank shares a mini masterclass on exactly what traveler's journals are, how they differ from the typical notebook, and various ways to use them for everything from bullet journaling to light scrapbooking on the go. Frank, who found himself crafting his own high-quality, leather journals, shares his unique philosophy behind creating companions that "love you back," exploring the Japanese concept of Mottainai (regret over waste...
2025-07-1240 minHere's an idea worth playing withCrafting a Winning Conference Talk Proposal - and getting it selectedCrafting a Winning Conference Talk Proposal - and getting it selectedWant to share your expertise on a conference stage but feel stuck at the Call for Papers submission process? You're not alone! Getting your talk accepted is the crucial first step, yet it's often where aspiring speakers fall short. In this episode, I share ideas straight from the Zero to Keynote book, on why, even if you have a cracking story to tell, your conference talk proposal is the first hurdle, demanding far more effort than you might think. From finding the...
2025-07-0233 min