A Job Done Well - Making Work Better
Episodes
Is Conflict Our Greatest Natural Resource?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode introduces special guest Charles Irvine, who proposes a provocative idea: Conflict is our greatest natural resource.Key Discussion Points...
High Performing Teams Part 2 – With Elana Friedman
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Building on their previous discussion, this episode explores the second half of Elana’s Adaptable Team framework, focusing on two key areas: the lea...
Do You Need (or Want) Process Improvement?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of "A Job Done Well," James Lawther and Jimmy Barber confront a polarising topic: Process Improvement. They tackle the...
High Performing Teams Part 1 – With Elana Friedman
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Elana Friedman, an expert in organisational development and team dynamics, joins James Lawther and Jimmy Barber this week to discuss the secrets of hi...
How to Get Promoted Without Selling Your Soul
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore the subject of getting promoted and suggest how you can go about it without compromising your ...
How to Make Difficult Conversations Easy – with Amanda Gilbert
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "A Job Done Well," James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by learning and development expert Amanda Gilbert to tackle ...
How to Prioritise Your Work and Increase Your Effectiveness
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's world, we all face too many demands on our time—where do you start? How can you achieve more? The answer is never to work harder! Th...
How You Can Make Work a Source of Vitality
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to Inspire Your Team
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 thei...
How to Thrive at Work
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome Caroline Mabon, co-founder of Compassionate Cultures, to discuss the concept of thriving in th...
How to Work With Difficult People
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss strategies for dealing with difficult people at work. We all know them – t...
How to Make A.I. Work for You
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3 - we're back with a muddle of James's!To kick the season off, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore how we can all use artif...
Season 3 Preview
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're back! Contrary to popular rumour we didn't get divorced over the summer. This season expect more insights, thought provoking experts, ...
Season Two Finale - Highlights, Lowlights and Outtakes!
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week marks the end of the second season, so James Lawther and Jimmy Barber have an extravaganza for you - well, it should at least be mildly ente...
How to Harness the Power of Innovation?
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of innovation, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasising its true value in...
Understanding Grief at Work: A Conversation with Lou Hynes
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Will Artificial Intelligence Take All of Our Jobs?
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Mastering the Art of Networking: Tips and Strategies
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss the importance of networking with special guest Andy Warren - the best-connected person ...
How to Achieve Peak Performance by Using Flow State?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss “Flow”, a mental state where we achieve peak performance whilst our actions feel effortles...
Unintended Consequences, and How to Avoid Them?
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber study unintended consequences and how they affect you personally and in business. Their discuss...
How to Boost Your Performance at Work by Debunking Workplace Myths?
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss some common 'corporate myths' that hinder performance at work. They explain th...
How to Navigate Your Midlife Career Crossroads? With Jess Spiers
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 thi...
The Insider's Guide to Getting Stuff Done, With Vick Grimes
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome special guest Vick Grimes, a project management expert, to help them refine their delivery ski...
Understanding Your Values Helps You Be Happy and Successful at Work
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by Rachael Edmondson-Clarke to dive into the importance of understanding and aligning...
Why Belonging Matters: The Key to Loving Your Work
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know the sense of 'belonging' at work improves performance by 56%, reduces attrition risk by 50% and decreases absence by 75%...Want...
Unlocking Leadership Development with Frank Devine
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by leadership development guru Frank Devine. Frank shares insights about which methods of l...
How to Earn More and Still Enjoy Your Job
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to Master Collaboration: Insights and Strategies for Success?
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Amanda Gilbert, and we dive deep into collaboration in the workplace. We discuss the importance of collaboration, ho...
How Leadership Power Dynamics Really Work?
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we delve into the intricacies of leadership power and its impact on workplace dynamics. We explore power’s misuse and ethical implication...
How to Understand and Conquer Fear in the Workplace?
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 v...
Is Elon Musk's Approach with DOGE Really the Answer to Cost Challenges?
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
'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...
Customer Experience or Customer Service With Adrian Swinscoe.
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome guest Adrian Swinscoe, an author, researcher, and advisor on customer service and experience. Adrian challenges the under...
How to Work Out What are the Most Important Metrics – With Bernie Smith
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bernie Smith, KPI guru, is back to help us find 'gold bars' - those vital measures that drive business success. Bernie shares a simple thre...
How to Leverage KPI's? With Bernie Smith
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are joined by KPI Guru Bernie Smith - world-renowned expert and author of 21 books...Bernie has made a career out of successfully helpin...
How You Can Improve Wellbeing at Work? With James Carrier
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we hear more from Leadership and Wellbeing Guru James Carrier.Following last week's episode, we discuss who's responsible for wel...
What is Wellbeing at Work? With James Carrier
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wellbeing – is it another corporate buzzword, a moral responsibility or an investment in future performance? This week, we are lucky to have James ...
How to Flourish in a New Job – Start as You Mean to Go On
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout our work lives, we change jobs - sometimes, we get a promotion, move to a new organisation, or move within a company. It happens all the ti...
How to Use the Power of Questions? With Graeme Rainbird
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's special guest is Graeme Rainbird, a Leadership expert and self-confessed question addict.Questioning is something we do daily, but wi...
Energy Limiting Conditions - The Workplace's Hidden Secret
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You or someone near you suffers from one of these.....This week, Steve Shutts joined us to discuss energy-limiting conditions, which impact 15 million...
How to Make the Most Out of Meetings at Work?
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On average, we spend 28% of our working lives in meetings. So how do we make the most of this time and ensure meetings are productive and positive rat...
How to Play to Your Strengths? With Patricia Brooks
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year!We're back and starting 2025 on a high with a special guest: Patricia Brooks, a high-performance strengths coach.Patricia shares t...
Twelve Insights for Christmas
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We end the year with our version of the 12 Days of Christmas – a light-hearted look at some seasonal insights to help you over the festive period an...
How to Succeed in Your Career
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Free advice from two old men, but is it any good?This week, we explore 'how to manage your career' - a subject often discussed, rarely taugh...
Do You Need Therapy? – Part 2
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week is the second part of our conversation with Gestalt Therapist Dawn Wray. Dawn explains the "five explorations", questions that wil...
Do You Need Therapy? – Part 1
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we will see the first of two episodes with Gestalt Therapist Dawn Wray. We will explore how therapy can help improve performance and enjoy...
How to Embrace Failure and Succeed at Work?
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Good/bad, happy/sad, success/failure—we are conditioned to fear failure, but it's essential for learning, growth, and innovation. This week, we...
How to Develop Capable People? There Is More to It Than Training!
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Amanda Gilbert joins us to share insights into how you can build people's capability - yours, your teams, or your organisation. Avoid ...
The Magic Bullet for You to Get Better Results
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss the often shortsighted cost-cutting measures companies adopt to hit their targets and the flawed logic behind these strategies. ...
How Can Systems Thinking Help You Improve Performance? With Rob Wilson
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A second episode, in which Rob Wilson (Co-Founder of Service Economics) shares his insights into Systems Thinking – an approach that can help transf...
What is Systems Thinking? Rob Wilson Explains.
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are lucky to have Rob Wilson, Co-Founder of Service Economics, as a special guest. Rob has 20+ years of experience leading and transform...
Lessons from the NHS and Solutions for Every Workplace
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In last week's episode, we discussed the issues highlighted in Lord Darzi's report on the current state of the NHS and concluded that many a...
What Can We Learn from the Current State of the NHS? Lessons for Every Workplace
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss Lord Darzi's report about the state of the NHS. The NHS is a crucial part of our lives, both in moments of joy and crisis, ...
How to Master the ‘Art’ of Managing Upwards?
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you resent those who can 'manage upwards’, or do you simply envy them or feel uncomfortable doing it yourself? In this episode, we discus...
How to Master Emotions? Boosting Work Performance and Enjoyment
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 4 Following the episode on mood (season 2, episode 2), Rachael Edmondson-Clarke returns to delve into the interconnected topic of emotion. Whi...
Are Operations a Thing of the Past? Don't get left behind!
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 3 This week's discussion centres on the future of 'operations' within the U.K., where over 80% of us work in service industries...
How to Master Your Mood and Enhance Your Effectiveness?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 2 This week, we are joined by Rachael Edmondson-Clarke, an expert in Leadership Psychology and Biology. Rachael shares some fascinating insigh...
Masterful Manager or Inspirational Leader - Who Really Delivers Success?
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2 will be full of insights to make you 10% better at work. Episode 1 - In today's kick-off episode of 'A Job Done Well,' Jam...
End of Season Finale - the Highs, Lows and Outtakes
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 35 - Join us for highlights from our inaugural season as we aim to enhance work performance and enjoyment. We'll revisit some standout mo...
How to be a Transformational Leader?
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 34: This week, as part of our Leadership Series, we explore Transformational Leadership – A leadership style for today's environment, w...
The Economics of Customer Service. Insights From Seán Keane
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 33: We continue our series of episodes focused on answering the critical question –What Is the State of Customer Experience Today? As 81% o...
How to Unlock the Power of Analysis?
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We All Need to Understand the DataWelcome to Unlocking the Power of Analysis, where we explore data’s transformative potential for improving work pe...
Is AI Transformative Tech or Management Fluff?
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we have a special guest, Alex Alexander, to discuss Gen AI. Alex runs a tech start-up, Xoots and has a glittering career in technology across E...
What Can We Learn about Customer Experience? - Virgin Media Case Study
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 30 - This week, we continue to explore the UK Customer Experience. The country's service economy employs 80% of the workforce, so underst...
Why Continuous Improvement Programmes Fail
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 29: Insights from Hugh AlleyIf you have worked in a large organisation, you will have seen continuous improvement initiatives come and go with...
How to Cope With Being Made Redundant?
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 28 - Being made redundant is a possibility that we all may face. It's one of the most challenging experiences in our working lives. In ou...
How to Lead People Through Redundancy?
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you grappling with one of the most formidable leadership challenges? At some point in our careers, we must navigate the complexities of guiding a ...
How to Manage Work Effectively - Insights From Hugh Alley
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Were you taught how to manage the work? We are all trained on the technical aspects of a job and the leadership of a team, but we are rarely taug...
What Is the State of Customer Experience Today?
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 25: Today, we start a series of episodes focused on answering the critical question –What Is the State of Customer Experience Today? As 81%...
How to Improve Performance by Turning Suppliers Into Partners?
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 24 – Every organisation relies on others to be successful, so this week, we discussed: The importance of suppliers in delivering on your pu...
What Is Emotional Intelligence and How Can You Develop It?
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we talk with our resident Learning and Development Guru, Amanda Gilbert, about Emotional Intelligence (EQ). What is it? Why should you use ...
How to Survive, Thrive in or Change Performance Appraisal Systems?
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at Performance Appraisals. Dating back to the 3rd century, these systems try to solve many of an organisation's performance ma...
James's Magic Formula for Saving Costs
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we unlock the mystery of cost savings with James's formula for making savings thoughtfully without damaging service—doubters, listen...
How to Work With Dysfunction in Organisations?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we looked at dysfunctional organisations and the behaviours they encourage. We discussed what that looks and feels like and how it impacts ...
How to Be a Curious Leader and the Payback?
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, our resident Learning and Development Guru, Amanda Gilbert, joins us again for the third episode in our Leadership series. We explore the s...
How to Make Governance Effective?
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Corporate Jargon - Is It Just Buzzword Bingo?
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we take a 30,000-foot view and deep dive into corporate language. If it's only Buzzword Bingo, why do 75% of us use it? We add value b...
How to Work with Egos?
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss how to work with ego - yours and others. We explore what ego means and why it is a complicated subject. How do our egos show up,...
Reward and Recognition - What Works and What Doesn't?
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss our different tastes in pancakes - what does Jimmy’s preference for vegan delights and James’s taste for galettes say about ...
What Is Authentic Leadership and How Do You Develop It?
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the second episode of our monthly series on leadership. Our learning and development guru, Amanda Gilbert, joins us again, bringing muc...
The Post Office Scandal. It Could Never Happen Here???
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Post Office Scandal is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice the UK has seen. It has had tragic consequences for its many victims, and the fi...
How to Effectively Transformation Your Organisation or Team?
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss the trend for transformation. What do we mean when we talk about 'Transformation'? Whilst we agree that the need...
Do Reorganisations Make Things Better?
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss the 'silver bullet' or ‘management magic’, which is a reorganisation or a restructuring. Some of the highlights/lo...
What Makes a Great Leader?
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are joined by a special guest - Learning and Development guru Amanda Gilbert, to start a series of podcasts discussing the topic of lead...
How to Get the Balance Between Cost and Service?
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we tackle the challenge of how to get the balance between delivering cost and service. Organisations and teams often struggle with this cha...
How to Set Effective Goals?
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our second festive episode, we focus on 'setting you up for success' in 2024 by exploring the subject of goals. We discuss the value of g...
How to Leverage Your Strengths?
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is the first of two festive episodes aimed at helping you plan for a bumper 2024. In this episode, we discuss the value of playing to y...
How to Manage Office Politics?
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jimmy and James talk about Workplace Politics - an often ignored subject that impacts most of us daily and often not positively! They explor...
Interview With James Lawther Author of 'Managed by Morons'
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we mix things up a little - Jimmy will be interviewing James about his best selling and highly rated book 'Managed by Morons' - ev...
How to Find the Best Improvement Opportunities?
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jimmy and James discuss how to identify the best opportunities for improvement. Why this is important, where you go hunting and hints and ti...
How to use Measures? What Gets Measured Gets Done
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Jimmy and James discuss the impact of measures and how to use them. They discuss the power and pitfalls of measuring performance and progre...
How to Make Your Working Meaningful - The Importance of Purpose
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are corporate mission statements essential or are they just so much hot air? That genuinely depends on what they say. We all need a purpose in life, ...
Introduction - A Job Done Well
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to A Job Done Well. The podcast that provides insights, advice, analysis and humour to help you transform your working life by improving perfo...