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In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by leadership development guru Frank Devine. Frank shares insights about which methods of leadership development work and which don't.

After a long and varied career within HR working with some of the best organisations, people and academic research, Frank shares what he has learnt testing different "best practices".

His research led him to develop the Cathedral Model (check out this link or visit the episode web page to see a diagram). It emphasises skills like recognition, coaching, and constructive feedback. We also discuss the pitfalls of traditional reward systems and the importance of creating a culture from the bottom up.

Tune in for practical strategies to enhance your team's performance and drive organisational success. You can also hear James and Jimmy's latest successes... a daughter landing a job and a punter landing tickets for the FA Cup semi-final—no prizes for guessing which is which.

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In this episode, we dive into how to make more money at work while still enjoying what you do. We chat about everything from the difference education makes to earnings, choosing the right industry and company, to the importance of ongoing development whilst climbing the corporate ladder. We share our stories and tips on networking, moving companies, and why enjoying your job is as essential as your paycheck! Plus, we discuss the downsides of focusing too much on money and why it doesn't always equal happiness.

We also both have new gadgets this week. James's nine-year-old iPhone finally breathes its last, and Jimmy realises a new remote control is cheaper than a new TV.

Tune in for a mix of practical advice, humour, and some hard-earned 'wisdom' on balancing money and job satisfaction.

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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 Lawther is getting for her birthday, the plight of children leaving the nest and a great TV box set recommendation.

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This week, we delve into the intricacies of leadership power and its impact on workplace dynamics. We explore power’s misuse and ethical implications, highlighted by current events and personal experiences. We also share our 'research' and insights - all aimed to encourage self-awareness for leaders to wield their power conscientiously and effectively for positive outcomes.

You can also see if you are more intelligent than James by benchmarking your scores on LinkedIn puzzle games!

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In this episode, we are joined by returning guests Amanda Gilbert and Dawn Wray to discuss the pervasive impact of fear in the workplace. We explore various sources of fear, including individual anxieties, interpersonal dynamics, and systemic issues.

The conversation, featuring personal anecdotes and professional insights, highlights how fear can hinder performance and well-being and occasionally serve as a motivator in specific contexts. It discusses key strategies for overcoming anxiety, such as gaining perspective and leveraging support systems.

The episode emphasises the importance of normalising conversations about fear to improve organisational culture and everyone's performance and enjoyment at work.

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'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 middle-class gadget and how Jimmy's dog, Bear, is spending his newly found fortune!

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In this episode, we welcome guest Adrian Swinscoe, an author, researcher, and advisor on customer service and experience.

Adrian challenges the underlying management beliefs that you should try to manage revenue, cost, and profitability and explains how you can create better organisational outcomes by focusing on your employees and customers.

The discussion also covers the shortcomings of chatbots, artificial intelligence, and the desire to control “the customer experience”.

It is all about inputs and outcomes. Listen in to find out more.

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Bernie Smith, KPI guru, is back to help us find 'gold bars' - those vital measures that drive business success.

Bernie shares a simple three-step method for unlocking those gold bars, using examples as diverse as predicting an international incident from pizza sales data, spotting a COVID outbreak using scented candle complaints, and calculating the number of piano tuners in Chicago.

Despite being an analytical love fest, this is one of our most entertaining and informative episodes. (They only briefly discuss celery cell growth and paper moisture levels!)