Mastering the Art of Networking: Tips and Strategies

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 attrition (51% of people who feel they're not supported through a period of grief leave within a year) and provides actionable insights for making workplaces more compassionate and supportive environments. Whether you're someone dealing with grief, a manager or an HR director, this episode offers valuable perspectives and advice.To find out more about Lou and how she can help you Lou Hynes CoachingOn a lighter note, James shares details of his favourite pastime. Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss the impact of AI on contact centres and back-office jobs. This follows a question from Rob, a member of the audience, who asked about the potential for AI to reduce contact centre jobs by a claimed 80-90% in the next year or two. The hosts share insights from a former guest, Alex Alexander's AI team, and James interviews Google's Gemini to discover if the AI themselves believe they will put us all out of a job.This is all balanced with a bit of real-world experience of tech transformations. Check out the episode and see what they conclude - Are the robots taking over the world? You might be surprised by the answer.XOOTS – Your digital transformation co-pilotCallcenters in the Age of AIGot a question - get in touch. Click here.

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 the challenges of playing Eamonn Andrews (look him up if you're under 40!) at a friend's milestone birthday, and that teenagers think they can drive to the moon and back in a Fiat 500. Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

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 performance and enjoyment at work.They also carry on their British obsession with the weather and share some research secrets!Ali Abdaal - YouTubeGot a question - get in touch. Click here.

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 sitting exams!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, host James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss some common 'corporate myths' that hinder performance at work. They explain that while targets will drive performance, it necessarily result in 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 value of small, tactical improvements over big strategic projects, the benefits of treating suppliers as partners, and how introverts can make exceptional leaders. The episode wraps up with a reflection on social media perceptions versus reality, emphasising the need to focus on genuine rather than perceived performance. If you have any 'corporate myths' that you'd like debunking then please get in touch!And we also learn what James has in common with Pedro Pascal, and it's not highbrow French films!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of midlife career changes with expert coach Jess Spiers. They explore how to think about and approach a career crossroads - a point we all face at some point in our lives. Jess shares her own journey from digital content creation to career coaching, discussing the importance of clarity, confidence, and action in making intentional career choices. The conversation emphasises the importance of identifying values, super strengths, and transferable skills, while also addressing limiting beliefs and fears. Jess offers insights on how to develop a practical and actionable plan for a fulfilling career and life. The episode underscores the relevance of these strategies at various stages of one's career, not just at midlife. To find out more and get help with your career choice, Jess can be contacted at Twenty Twenty Coaching | mid-career coachingGot a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome special guest Vick Grimes, a project management expert, to help them refine their delivery skills. Skills which are critical for everyone at work.They explore the need to create clarity, define processes, manage stakeholders, and sustain change. The discussion covers strategies for getting things done effectively, including breaking down tasks, managing risks, and recognising small wins along the way. Whether you’re leading a complex project or tackling daily tasks, this episode offers practical advice to improve your performance and enjoyment at work.You will also be reminded of the power of laughter and sunshine to improve your mood, as well as the importance of choosing the right film to watch with teenage children.Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by Rachael Edmondson-Clarke to dive into the importance of understanding and aligning personal and organisational values to boost performance and enjoyment at work.Rachael explains how clarifying personal values can significantly impact your happiness and satisfaction, leading to a more fulfilling career and life. She guides James and Jimmy through a values elicitation exercise, demonstrating how to identify and align those values with actions and decisions. They also discuss the dangers of organisations claiming they value something when they don't.You'll also be treated to improbable films and unfulfilled cowboy dreams!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Did you know the sense of 'belonging' at work improves performance by 56%, reduces attrition risk by 50% and decreases absence by 75%...Want to find out more? Check out this week's episode where hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss why belonging is so important and why it's not just changing your behaviour to 'fit in'.Research, examples and mildly "amusing" anecdotes help bring the subject to life and provide pragmatic ways to unlock the sense of belonging and reap the benefits of satisfying this basic human need.You will also hear from the biggest April fool of recent years and receive a health warning regarding macho behaviour in the gym!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.