Season 3 Episode 30: With Ceri Newton-Sargunar Ever wondered why your team’s brilliant technical expert turns into a bumbling fool the second they’re promoted? Or why your boss would rather launch a doomed rocket than admit a mistake? Welcome to the brutal, biological truth: status is the invisible force driving every decision, conflict, and ego in your workplace. In this eye-opening episode, Jimmy and James are joined by Ceri Newton-Sargunar—neuroscientist, chaos theorist, and self-proclaimed "ologist"—to dissect how our primal need for status (success, power, or virtue) shapes behaviour, from boardroom power plays to the quiet despair of middle managers. Ceri reveals why even flat … [Read more...]
How to Inspire Your Team
Season 3 – Episode 4: Everyone wants to inspire people - it's an ambition, a badge of honour, but is it that easy? Hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber talk about their experience of how they've been inspired by their managers (rarely) or demotivated by them (often), and their experience of trying to inspire others (ditto). Despite this, they identify some things anyone can do to inspire others—as ever, James reverts to system-related changes, while Jimmy focuses on the people side. But there are some things they agree on that could have a significant impact. Plus, you can hear about the Nottingham tradition for Cock on a Stick at the Goose Fair, a hotel recommendation for your next … [Read more...]
Unintended Consequences, and How to Avoid Them
Season 2 – Episode 38: Examples and Solutions From Snakes to Microwave Ovens In 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 realising that you have stopped … [Read more...]
Corporate Myths
Season 2 – Episode 37: The Things You've Been Told That Just Ain't So! In this episode, host James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss common corporate myths that hinder performance and productivity in the workplace. They explain that while targets will drive performance, it won't be 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 importance of small, tactical improvements over big strategic projects, the value of treating suppliers as partners, and how introverts can make exceptional leaders. The episode wraps up with a reflection on social media perceptions versus … [Read more...]
Mastering Collaboration
Season 2 – Episode 30: With Amanda Gilbert In 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 … [Read more...]