Season 3 – Episode 026 Bad bosses: the office equivalent of a microwave with a broken timer. It either leaves your career frozen in the middle or burns it to a crisp, and you’re never quite sure which setting it’s on today. In this episode of A Job Done Well, Jimmy Barber and James Lawther dissect the scourge of the workplace: the boss who turns a dream job into a daily grind. With a mix of war stories, dry humour, and hard-won wisdom, they explore why a bad boss can overshadow even the most rewarding roles, and—more importantly—what you can do about it. From the hypocrites who preach morality while chasing bonuses, to the indecisive leaders who’d rather watch a business burn than make a … [Read more...]
100 Episodes In: The Hard Truths About Management
Season 3 – Episode 022 After a hundred episodes of dissecting corporate nonsense, Jimmy and James finally admit what you already knew: the system is rigged, your boss matters more than your paycheck, and no one cares about your career as much as you do. This isn’t a highlights reel—it’s a reckoning. From the delusion that “people can overcome a bad system” (spoiler: they can’t) to the farce of corporate purpose (hint: it’s usually just “make money”), the hosts expose the recurring patterns that make managers’ lives a living hell. They dissect how HR incentives turn good people into metric-gaming zombies, why your boss’s shadow looms larger than the company logo, and the cold truth that … [Read more...]
You Don’t Have a Time Problem—You Have a ‘Saying Yes’ Problem
Season 3 – Episode 19: Overcommitted and Underdelivering? Here’s How to Say No. You don’t need better time management. You need to stop agreeing to things you shouldn’t be doing. Saying no isn’t about being difficult—it’s about protecting your priorities, your sanity, and, ironically, your relationships. In this episode of A Job Done Well, Jimmy and James dissect the art of the polite but firm refusal, exposing why so many of us default to “yes” and the damage it quietly inflicts. From the social wiring that makes us people-pleasers to the hierarchical pressures of the workplace, they unpack the psychological traps that turn us into overcommitted, underdelivering messes. The … [Read more...]
Promotion Isn’t About Working Harder (Here’s What Actually Moves You Forward)
Season 3 – Episode 8: Don't Sell Your Soul Promotions don’t go to the hardest worker. They go to the person seen differently. This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore the subject of getting promoted and suggest how you can go about it without compromising your values or playing games. They discuss how promotions work in organisations, the importance of thinking through why you want a promotion, how you position yourself and some things to be wary of. The mix of practical tips and anecdotes will engage and inform on a topic many are interested in but few openly discuss! They also talk weather and holiday strategies - but don't go on too much! Transcript Speaker … [Read more...]
Mastering the Art of Networking
Season 2 – Episode 40: Tips and Strategies From Andy Warren In 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 … [Read more...]