Season 3 – Episode 016: With Richard Rolls Risk management—it’s the corporate equivalent of eating your greens. You know it’s good for you, but sometimes you’d rather scoop your eyeballs out with a teaspoon than sit through another risk workshop. Yet, as this episode of A Job Done Well reveals, risk management isn’t just about spreadsheets, buzzwords, and endless meetings. It’s about stopping bad things from happening, so you can actually get on with your job. Joined by risk expert Richard Rolls, Jimmy and James dissect why risk management often feels like a bureaucratic nightmare, why people hide problems instead of addressing them, and how middle managers can use risk frameworks to … [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...]
DOGE – Is This Really the Answer to Cost Challenges?
Season 2 – Episode 27: We Explain to Elon How To Make Money. 'The wise learn not only from their own mistakes but also from the missteps of others.' In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it attempts to cut federal spending and modernise technology under President Trump's agenda. We discuss Elon Musk's cost-saving playbook, the risks of the approach, and most importantly, some suggestions on better ways of saving cost - by focusing on purpose, finding the right opportunities and listening to employees. Could we do a better job than Elon? Have a listen and you decide! Plus, you'll discover James's latest … [Read more...]
Governance
Season 1 – Episode 18: Can You Make It Sexy, or at Least Useful? Is that impossible, you think? This week, we will examine governance — what it is and why it is essential. What are some of the mistakes made when setting up governance, and how can you ensure it fulfils its vital purpose — ensuring the right things get done, accelerating progress and maintaining quality — without boring the pants off everyone? It's not impossible. Just have a listen… Find out more by emailing jimmy@ajobdonewell.com or james@ajobdonewell.com … [Read more...]