Season 3 – Episode 012: With Charles Irvine This episode introduces special guest Charles Irvine, who proposes a provocative idea: Conflict is our greatest natural resource. Key Discussion Points The Problem with Denial: Jimmy, James and Charles discuss how much time, energy, and resource people dedicate to denying the existence of conflict or avoiding it, leading to a "long tail of conflict" through rumination and anxiety. The Water Analogy: Charles uses the analogy of water—an essential resource that can nurture or destroy—to explain that, while conflict can be destructive, it must be channelled and worked with rather than demonised or avoided. Conflict vs. Consensus: James raises the … [Read more...]
How to Create a High-Performing Team (Part 2)
Season 3 – Episode 11: With Elana Friedman Elana Friedman, an expert in organisational development and team dynamics, continues her conversation with James Lawther and Jimmy Barber this week to discuss the secrets of high-performing teams. (Listen to part 1 here) Building on their previous discussion, this episode explores the second half of Elana’s Adaptable Team framework, focusing on two key areas: the learning rhythm within teams and the dynamics of team leadership. Elana shares practical insights on how high-performing teams create habits of reflective learning—emphasising the importance of regularly pausing to consider not just what the team is doing, but how they are working … [Read more...]
You Can’t Avoid Them: How to Deal With Difficult People Without Losing It
Season 3 – Episode 2: Don't Be One of Them Difficult people aren’t just frustrating—they’re exhausting. And most advice on dealing with them doesn’t actually work in real life. In this week's episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss strategies for dealing with difficult people at work. We all know them – those you dread interacting with – maybe they don't listen, or they snipe from the sidelines. Perhaps they ignore you, or nothing ever sticks to them when things go wrong. Regardless of who they are, James and Jimmy discuss how to deal with them effectively – both in the moment and over the long term, if their behaviour is systemic. James and Jimmy also challenge … [Read more...]
Understanding Grief at Work
Season 2 – Episode 42: A Conversation with Lou Hynes Nearly a quarter of us are impacted by grief every year - so why aren't we talking about it more at work? In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Baber explore the crucial topic of grief in the workplace with special guest Lou Hynes, 'The Grief Guru'. Lou shares her personal story, in which, through devastating personal loss, she has found her calling - helping us become a more grief-literate society. The discussion covers how grief affects employees, the importance of organisational support, and practical ways managers and colleagues can offer real help. Lou emphasises the need for companies to support their employees, or risk … [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...]