Season 3 – Episode 5: With Ben Simpson Do you end each day full of energy or drained and in need of recovery? This week's guest, Ben Simpson, believes that our working lives should be a source of vitality, and not something we have to recover from, and he shares his insights on how to achieve that. Ben is the Chair of the Deming Alliance in the UK and co-founder of VitalOrg, so he knows plenty about what makes organisations and people tick. Plus, you hear from hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber to see if their working lives were ever a source of vitality. If that isn't enough, James takes a walk down memory lane, visiting universities with his daughter, whilst Jimmy is just back … [Read more...]
What Really Inspires Teams
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...]
Why Some People Thrive at Work (and Others Don’t)
Season 3 – Episode 3: With Caroline Mabon This week, we welcome Caroline Mabon, co-founder of Compassionate Cultures, to discuss the concept of thriving in the workplace. We explore how individuals can take care of themselves, find joy and grow in their professional lives. Caroline shares insights from her company's research, including their Thrive and Grow Index, which helps organisations create environments where employees can thrive. Caroline also shares tips on how to 'Lead Yourself', aligned with her simple model: setting intentional goals, owning your personal development, and building resilience. Don't settle for work being ok. You deserve moments of joy every day! Further … [Read more...]
The Power of Innovation
Season 2 – Episode 42 In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of innovation, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasising its true value in enhancing performance and enjoyment at work. They share personal experiences and discuss both successful and failed innovations, highlighting the importance of involving all employees in the innovation process. They then also discuss the necessary cultural and procedural changes required to create a genuinely innovative environment. Tune in for practical tips on generating ideas, testing them, and scaling successful innovations. Don't just leave it to the 'Innovation Team', everyone has a role to … [Read more...]
Peak Performance and the State of Flow
Season 2 – Episode 39 In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss “Flow”, a mental state where we achieve peak performance whilst our actions feel effortless. They discuss how Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discovered this phenomenon, and they also explore the benefits of being in the “Flow” state and its effect on happiness. The discussion leads to practical tips on achieving and maintaining flow state - setting clear goals, challenging yourself, eliminating distractions, and creating the best environment. Finally, the hosts share personal experiences and recommend resources for further understanding. You can tune in to learn how to boost your … [Read more...]