Optimism vs Realism

In the latest episode of the Works for Us populism series, Craig is joined by Politician Alex Neil to explore how populist policies can affect economic growth, investment and business confidence, and what the wider implications are for jobs, communities and society.

What is populism, why is it gaining momentum across the world, and what does it mean for politics, business, and society?In the first episode of our podcast series, Bell CEO Craig Bell is joined by The Rt Hon Justine Greening to explore one of the defining political and social trends of our time: populism.Together, they unpack what populism really means, the factors driving its rise across different countries and communities, and how growing public concerns around inequality, trust, identity and economic change are reshaping the political landscape. The discussion also examines the implications for business leaders, the role organisations play in responding to societal change, and how businesses can navigate an increasingly complex and divided world.Tune in for an insightful conversation on the forces shaping today's society and what they could mean for the future.

In this episode, Bell CEO Craig and Business Psychologist Helena tackle a question more graduates are asking themselves: does a degree still deliver on its promise? Craig questions how much effort actually goes into keeping undergraduate courses fit for purpose in a workplace being reshaped by AI, and whether higher education is keeping pace with the skills employers now need.The conversation also digs into two questions that rarely get asked out loud: how many people actually end up using their degree in their day-to-day job, and whether the cost of getting one still stacks up against that reality. Between rising tuition and living costs and a job market where AI is already changing what "entry-level" means, is the traditional degree route still the safest bet, or is it time to rethink what "worth it" actually means?

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mention of suicide.On this episode of Works For Us, for Men's Mental Health Week, we're sharing a conversation that took real courage.Mark Matheson, Director of IT at Bell, sat down with us and talked openly about his mental health journey - the silence, the struggle, and what happened when he finally asked for help.If you work in construction, you'll know the culture. Head down. Get on with it. Don't show weakness. But the truth is, we are all human. Every single one of us has hard days and no one should have to carry that alone.Mark's story is proof that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's one of the bravest things a person can do and it can change everything.All Bell employees, and their partners and dependents, have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured for wellbeing support.Health Assured (EAP): 0800 030 5182Resources:Samaritans — samaritans.org | Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) — thecalmzone.net | Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) — specifically focused on menShout — Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7 text-based support)MIND — mind.org.uk — information, guidance, and local support finderMovember — uk.movember.com — men's health charity with strong mental health resourcesAndy's Man Club — andysmanclub.co.uk — free peer-to-peer support groups for men, meet weekly across the UKMates in Mind — matesinmind.org — the leading mental health charity dedicated specifically to the construction sector; employer resources tooLighthouse Construction Industry Charity — lighthouseclub.org | Call 0345 605 1956 (free, 24/7) — provides emotional, physical and financial support to construction workers and their families

Authentic leadership

In Optimism vs Realism we explore the balance between positive thinking and honest assessment in business. Craig and Helena discusses why blind optimism isn’t enough, how constructive pessimism can strengthen decision-making, and why clear purpose and direction are essential to moving teams and organisations forward.

It sounds bold. Living it is another thing entirely.In this episode of Works For Us, Craig and I talk honestly about the weight other people’s opinions can carry - and how easily they start shaping how we see ourselves and the decisions we make.We dig into the difference between useful feedback and the kind of internal noise that holds people back. Why so many capable people lose trust in their own judgement. And what changes when you stop outsourcing your confidence.We also ask a bigger question: what would be different if more people backed themselves? What does it really take to step up, challenge the norm, and be a game changer?If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself, felt stuck by other people's expectations, or struggled to trust your own instincts, this episode is worth a listen.

In Should We All Be Leaders? we unpack what leadership looks like in modern workplaces, where it adds value, and where it can create confusion or burnout. We talk influence, accountability, and whether great teams really need everyone to be a leader — or simply great at their role.

Works For Us is a podcast about the world of work — what’s changing, what’s challenging, and what’s actually working.Through honest conversations and real-world insight, we explore leadership, culture, communication, and the decisions people face every day at work — with practical ideas you can take back to your desk.New conversations coming soon. Welcome to Works For Us.