Business at Bedtime - Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups

Solve for Happy is the equation for happiness. This is a startlingly original book about creating and maintaining happiness, written by a top Google executive with an engineer's training and fondness for thoroughly analyzing a problem. This reading is called, "What is Happiness?" Order your copy from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Digital Darwinism: Survival of the Fittest in the Age of Business Disruption lends a guiding hand through the turbulence, offering practical strategies while sounding a call to action that lights a fire underneath complacency to inspire creative change. This reading is called, "It's time to ask the hard questions" Order your copy from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

The Element has inspired readers all over the world to change their lives and this new companion is a practical guide containing all the tools, techniques and resources you need to discover the depth of your abilities and unlock your potential. This reading is taken from the chapter, "Finding Your Element" Order your copy from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Winning the Story Wars: Why Those Who Tell (and Live) the Best Stories Will Rule the Future is a call to arms for business communicators to cast aside broken traditions and join a revolution to build the iconic brands of the future. It puts marketers in the role of heroes with a chance to transform not just their craft but the enterprises they represent. After all, success in the story wars doesn't come just from telling great stories, but from learning to live them. This reading is called: The Digitoral Era Order your copy from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

In If Only They Knew, Chichi Eruchalu takes you on a journey of courage, faith and entrepreneurship as she shares how she went from corporate cubicle to award-winning Business Coach and Speaker, with two kids in tow and burnout in between. In this book, she shares her unique CEO Mastery framework to help you get the clarity you need to design a thriving full-time freedom business on your own terms. Whatever you want to achieve in your life is possible and available to you, if you believe that it is. This reading is taken from the chapter, "Your Life. Your Terms" Order your copy from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Unlike other publications, this book - How to Make People Laugh: Learn the Science of Laughter to Make a Powerful Impression, Win Friends and Improve Your Sense of Humour Even If You Don't Think You're Funny - is not aimed at experienced actors or comedians. Anyone can use it, and it doesn't read like a university course. The examples and exercises provided can be put into practice right away! You will be more successful if you know how to make people laugh. When you finish reading this book, which is actually a crash course, the "diploma" you will receive will not be a scroll with your name on it, but invaluable knowledge and tools on the science of laughter, helping you to be a great person to be with; a person who expresses joy and confidence. This reading is called, "Work on Your Image and Develop Incredible Charisma" Order your copy of How to Make People Laugh from your local bookshop or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

For Stolen Focus, internationally best-selling author Johann Hari went on a three-year journey to uncover the reasons why our teenagers now focus on one task for only 65 seconds, and why office workers on average manage only three minutes. He interviewed the leading experts in the world on attention and learned that everything we think about this subject is wrong. This reading is taken from the chapter, "Cause One: The Increase in Speed, Switching and Filtering" Order your copy of "Stolen Focus" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Recent research shows that people who have at least one ally at their job are nearly twice as likely to be satisfied and feel like they belong. As a manager, you have a unique opportunity to be role a model in building inclusion across teams, but you may face unique challenges in remote or hybrid settings. Use this guide to help you adjust and support you in this role. This reading covers: Learn, unlearn, relearn. Re-create the water cooler. Offer allyship learning. Do no harm. Do not let microaggression go — in any setting. Interrupt interruptions and other microaggressions. Mind your microexpressions. Advocate for people. Provide regular constructive feedback and micro affirmations., and Advocate for your team's mental health. A readable version of this article can be found here: https://hbr.org/2022/01/managers-heres-how-to-be-a-better-ally-in-the-remote-workplace You can also read more from Melinda Briana Epler by buying her book "How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

With half a million copies in print, How to Read a Book is the most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader, completely rewritten and updated with new material. This reading is called "Active Reading" Order your copy from your local bookstore or here on Amazon Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with your friends, family and colleagues, using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Laurence Endersen spent his childhood in Mallow, a town in the south of Ireland, and now lives with his family in Dublin. Pebbles of Perception is his first book, which is an exploration of the more important decisions in life. Inspired by the teachings of Charlie Munger, the book is an invitation to Be Curious, Build Character and make Better Choices. This reading has 5 sections and is taken from the chapter: Is There a Better Question? The sections are: Staying Curious Good Questions Trump Smart Answers First and Second-Level Thinking Questions in Group Settings Better Conversations Order your copy from your local bookshop (preferably) or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with others using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Self-learning is not just about performing better in the classroom or the office. It's about being able to aim your life in whatever direction you choose and conquering the obstacles in front of you. This is where The Science of Self-Learning: How to Teach Yourself Anything, Learn More in Less Time, and Direct Your Own Education can help. This reading is called: The Learning Success Pyramid Order your copy from your local bookstore (preferably) or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it to others using the hashtag #OneLastThought. Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Quiet Power: Growing Up as an Introvert in a World That Can't Stop Talking is an insightful, accessible and empowering book that is eye-opening to extroverts and introverts alike. Although aimed at kids and teenagers, this passage is worth a listen to everyone.  In this reading, we are introduced to Drew who create a Public Service Announcement video to spread awareness of this very common but not well-understood personality type. CLICK HERE to watch this short video.  You can order your copy of Susan Cain's book from your local bookstore (preferably) or here on Amazon.  Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it using the hashtag #OneLastThought --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Amazon bestselling author, Damon Zahariades, provides a step-by-step, strategic guide for setting boundaries and developing the assertiveness you need to maintain them. You'll learn how to say no in every situation, at home and in the workplace, according to your convictions. This reading is called: Assertiveness vs Aggressiveness Order your copy of Damon's book from your local bookshop (preferably) or here on Amazon. Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it using the hashtag #OneLastThought --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

'This book is funny (which I expected) and concerns running (ditto), but it is also exceptionally moving and profound. Don't be fooled: it's not really about completing a marathon. It's about life and all its joy and weirdness. Recommended to all…' - Miranda Sawyer This reading is called: November. Five months before the marathon. A conversation with Richard. Order your copy from your local bookstore (preferably) or here on Amazon.   Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it using the hashtag #OneLastThought --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

In "Happy Sexy Millionaire: Unexpected Truths about Fulfilment, Love and Success", Steven Bartlett dismantles the most popular, unaddressed lies about happiness that we've been led to believe. He exposes the source of these lies, examines the incentives that fuel them and replaces them with a practical set of scientifically proven and unconventional ideas that will help you to live a truly fulfilled life, a life full of the love you seek and the success you deserve. This reading comes from the chapter: HAPPINESS IS NOW OR NEVER Order your copy from your local book shop (preferably) or here on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Filled with secrets from a therapist's toolkit, this is a must-have handbook for optimising your mental health. Dr Julie's simple but expert advice and powerful coping techniques will help you stay resilient no matter what life throws your way. This reading is called "How Feelings Get Created" Order your copy of Dr. Julie's book from your local bookstore (preferably) or here on Amazon. Also, if you're on TikTok, I can highly recommend that you follow her channel too. Search for @drjuliesmith or click here: tiktok.com/@drjuliesmith Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it using the hashtag #OneLastThought --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

For more than thirty years, Seth Godin has been trying to turn on lights, inspire people and teach them how to level up. This blog has been appearing daily for more than a decade and it will not be the last I read from it. This reading is called, "Generative Hobbies" and you can read more from Seth's blog at https://seths.blog. Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it using the hashtag #OneLastThought --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work is a practical and inspiring distillation of their insights and experiences. It isn't a book telling you what to do. It's a book showing you what they've done—and how any manager or executive no matter the industry or size of the company, can do it too. This reading is taken from the chapter "Curb Your Ambition" and is called "Bury the Hustle" Order your copy of It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. *Apologies to David Heinemeier-Hansson for missing the Hansson part of his name in the intro. Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it using the hashtag #OneLastThought --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

In this book, Rob Moore, the bestselling author of MONEY, shows that the quickest way to perfect is starting right now and improving as you go. This reading is called, "You Are Not Alone" Order your copy of Start Now. Get Perfect Later. from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Do you struggle with procrastination and laziness? Have no free time for your loved one, your family, your friends? Think that you are missing your life, limiting your potential? Feel overwhelmed and guilty about yourself and beloved people? If you want to stop procrastinating and overcome laziness, then "How to Stop Procrastinating: A Proven Guide to Overcome Procrastination, Cure Laziness & Perfectionism, Using Simple 5-Minute Practices" is worth a read. This reading is called "Self-Sabotage and Procrastination" Order your copy of How to Stop Procrastinating from your local bookshop or here on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Mike Michalowicz, the author of Profit First and other small-business bestsellers, offers a straightforward step-by-step path out of this dilemma. In Clockwork, he draws on more than six years of research and real-life examples to explain his simple approach to making your business ultra-efficient. This reading is all about being more productive and is called "Revisiting Parkinson's Law" Order your copy of Clockwork from your local bookshop or here on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Welcome to the 100th edition of this podcast. Hours of free readings to inspire your mornings or evenings, whenever you choose to listen. This edition is from an author I can't believe I haven't covered until now. Messy: How to Be Creative and Resilient in a Tidy-Minded World is a book about the benefits of being messy: messy in our private lives; messy in the office, with piles of paper on the desk and unread spreadsheets; messy in the recording studio, the laboratory or in preparing for an important presentation; and messy in our approach to business, politics and economics, leaving things vague, diverse and uncomfortably made-up-on-the-spot. It's time to rediscover the benefits of a little mess. Send your readings or suggestions to businessatbedtime@gmail.com. And order your copy of Messy from your local bookshop or here on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Dave Trott is a Creative Director, Consultant, Author, D&AD Lifetime Achievement Award. Written 5 books (the latest of which is called "THE POWER OF IGNORANCE") and my favourite blogger on the creative skills within us all. This festive episode is taken from Dave's blog. Find out more by visiting his blog at https://davetrott.co.uk/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

In Strong Language: The Fastest, Smartest, Cheapest Marketing Tool You're Not Using, international tone of voice expert Chris West walks you through the process of creating a compelling brand voice – and getting everyone to use it from day one. This is the book that will help you create a brand voice that your customers - and your CEO - will listen to. This reading is entitled, Language Creates Identity Order a copy of Strong Language from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living is a wise, calming, page-a-day guide to living a good life, offering inspirational daily doses of classic wisdom. This reading is entitled: Control and Choice Order your copy of The Daily Stoic from your local bookstore or here on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

In "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know", you'll learn how an international debate champion wins arguments, a Black musician persuades white supremacists to abandon hate, and how a vaccine whisperer convinces anti-vaxxers to immunize their children. Think Again is an invitation to let go of stale opinions and prize mental flexibility, humility, and curiosity over foolish consistency. This reading is taken from the chapter: "A Preacher, A Prosecutor, A Politician, and A Scientist Walk Into Your Mind" and is on the story of Mike Lazaridis. Who? Listen and learn. Order your copy of Think Again from your local bookshop or here on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/one-last-thought/message

Recent studies have shown that spending extended time on our phones affects our ability to form new memories, think deeply, focus and absorb information, and the hormones triggered every time we hear our phones buzz both add to our stress levels and are the hallmark signs of addiction. In How to Break Up with Your Phone, award-winning science journalist Catherine Price explores the effects that our constant connectivity is having on our brains, bodies, relationships, and society at large and asks, how much time do you really want to spend on your phone? This reading is taken from the opening pages and is called, "An Open Letter to My Phone" Order your copy of "How to Break Up With Your Phone" from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

In "Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential". Dr Carol Dwerk explains why it's not just our abilities and talent that bring us success-but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. This reading is called, "Why Do People Differ?" Order your copy of "Mindset" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

The world of work is changing faster than ever before and it can feel overwhelmingly competitive out there. That's why Lucy Clayton, a founding CEO, and Steve Haines, an education policy advisor, have compiled and distilled the most valuable advice you can get on how to jump-start your career and shortcut the competition. I'd say this reading is for a far wider audience than those starting their career journey and is called "It's not what you know, it's who you know" Order your copy of "How to Go to Work: The Honest Advice No One Ever Tells You at the Start of Your Career" from your local bookshop or here on Amazon. 

Marcus Rashford MBE is famous worldwide for his skills both on and off the pitch – but before he was a Manchester United and England footballer, and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just an ordinary kid from Wythenshawe, South Manchester. Now the nation's favourite footballer wants to show YOU how to achieve your dreams, in this positive and inspiring guide for life. Order your copy of "You Are a Champion" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

When Life Is Full of It: An Antidote For Your Mind by Stan Belyshev takes you on a journey through practical life principles as he outlines many average individuals who decided to change their mental attitude, which resulted in them becoming famous, wealthy, influential and successful. In this reading, we take a look at The Life Attitude of Abraham Lincoln Order your copy of "When Life is Full of It" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon

Drawing on insights from influential leaders and experts, and grounded in the science of why we do what we do, "Even Better If: Building better businesses, better leaders, and better selves" is a comprehensive and practical guide to building an incredible workplace culture from the inside out. This reading is called: What is a Purposeful Company? Order your copy of Even Better If from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

Refined over 40 years and championed by scientists across the globe, in "The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Potential, Transcend Your Limits" you'll learn how to harness three key elements of cold, breathing and mindset to master mind over matter and achieve the impossible. This reading is taken from the chapter called "The Missionary" Order your copy of The Wim Hof Method from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

From UKIP surge to Brexit shambles, horsemeat lasagne to Trump in the White House: bestselling comedian David Mitchell brilliantly tackles the dumbfounding times we live in. In this episode, the focus is on story-telling. Order your copy of "Dishonesty is the Second-Best Policy" or here on Amazon.

If you want to grow your small business, without having to learn complex marketing strategies, and without being told to simply “work harder than everyone else”, then “Big Ideas... for Small Businesses: Simple, Practical Tools and Tactics to Help Your Small Business Grow” could be the “lightbulb moment” you've been waiting for... This book is a collection of the lessons, failures and successes that John now uses to coach and mentor hundreds of small business owners, teaching them to think bigger, work less, and design their business around the lifestyle they want. This reading is entitled, "Why Do People Hate Lifestyle Businesses?" Order your copy of "Big Ideas" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

In his mid-twenties, Jimmy was bored, boring, unfulfilled and underachieving. He wasn't exactly depressed, but he was very sad. Think of a baby owl whose mum has recently died in a windmill accident. He was that sad. "Before & Laughter: The funniest man in the UK's genuinely useful guide to life" tells the story of how Jimmy turned it around and got happy, through the redemptive power of d*ck jokes. Because you might be interested in Jimmy's life but he's damn sure you're a lot more interested in your own, Before & Laughter is about both of you. But mainly him. It tells the story of Jimmy's life - the transformation from white-collar corporate drone to fake-toothed donkey-laugh plastic-haired comedy mannequin - while also explaining how to turn your own life around and become the you you've always dreamt of being. Part 1 of the book is called "What Do You Want?", which this reading comes from, and is entitled "The Inevitable Car Carr Analogy" Order your copy of Before & Laughter from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

"Winfluence: Reframing Influencer Marketing to Ignite Your Brand" by Jason Falls not only explains the who, what, when, where, and why of influencer marketing but then adds the how. This reading is on the famous story of Instagram influencer, Tiffany Mitchell, and her motorcycle accident in 2019 and is called "The Influencer Stunt That Wasn't" Order your copy of Winfluence from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

This reading is called "Understanding The Audience's Power" from Nancy Duarte's HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations, which is written to help you: Win over tough crowds Organize a coherent narrative Create powerful messages and visuals Connect with and engage your audience Show people why your ideas matter to them Strike the right tone, in any situation Order your copy of Nancy's HBR Guide from your bookshop or here on Amazon.

This is another newsletter reading (the 3rd in 83 episodes), written by the brilliant Sophie Cross. The title caused one of the highest unsubscribed rates in her newsletter history. Well, I loved it as I do all her work. As Sophie says, "the more me I am in my emails, the more people I will attract who they really are for. And the fewer subscribers I'll have to pay for who aren't reading or into them anyway." Subscribe to Sophie's emails here.

This 2nd reading from "Unlearn" (check out Ep77 for the first) is called, "Want To Be Happier in 5 Easy Steps?". It is taken from Unlearn, which is a brutally honest, empowering book that defies conventional thinking. You will shed the sabotaging habits, fixed mindsets and past regrets that characterise modern life and instead tap into your best, most authentic self. Order Unlearn from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

This reading is a brilliant story that flies in the face of everything we've been told about effective marketing methods, and is called "Social Currency". This book does what it says in the title and, whatever your business or industry, shows you how to embrace word-of-mouth in a fast-moving, digital age. Order your copy of Contagious from your local bookshop, or here on Amazon.

This reading is called, "Forget Self-Improvement, Try Self-Remembering", from Be Brilliant Everyday. Be Brilliant Everyday shows us how to foster some serious positivity and mental agility and transform our lives. The book is crammed with practical tips to help us ditch those down days and flourish every single day. Order your copy of "Be Brilliant Everyday" from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

This reading is called "Kafka, eat your heart out" and is taken from a book that the Mail on Sunday calls (rightly, in my opinion) "A manual in how to survive in the 21st century" The Art of Not Falling Apart is a joyous, moving and sometimes shockingly honest celebration of life as an adventure, one where you ditch your expectations, raise a glass and prepare for a rocky ride Order your copy of Christina's book from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

This reading is from Chapter 2 and is called "Dialing Up Grit". It is taken from Mark Schaefer's collection of essays, which explores the intersection of technology, business, and the human condition. Through 32 very honest, provocative, and prescient articles, Mark lays bare the unvarnished truth of personal and business survival in the digital age. Order your copy of "LESSONS" from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

This reading is called, "Unhappiness is Simple". It is taken from Unlearn, which is a brutally honest, empowering book that defies conventional thinking. You will shed the sabotaging habits, fixed mindsets and past regrets that characterise modern life and instead tap into your best, most authentic self. Order Unlearn from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

Adam Pearson is an award-winning freelancer, proud northerner, and a Research Consultant. He is also incapable of doing work on the house without seeing lessons about freelance life, which is how he has connected his experience of getting a new kitchen with running a business. You can view and subscribe to PS Research's emails here and connect with them online here.

On average, how long are meetings you attend? How would you feel if you could get each meeting down to 25 minutes? Tonight's reading is called "How to slim back to 25 minutes" and is taken from Donna McGeorge's The 25 Minute Meeting: Half the Time, Double the Impact, which goes beyond “cut to the chase” and shows you how to take back your workday with smarter planning and more productive action. Order your copy of The 25 Minute Meeting from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.

Did you know that the web browser you choose can dictate how creative and productive you are? Tonight's reading, called "Firefox v Safari", explains more. It's taken from Everyday Creative, in which culture and creative leadership expert Mykel Dixon reveals what's holding us back from our full creative potential and explains how we can reclaim our original, vibrant selves. Order your copy of Everday Creative from your local book shop or here on Amazon.

Tonights' reading is called, "Applying the ‘Insane Approach' to Change", from Philip Owen's new book which gives a new level of insight into how to change any time that you find yourself stuck. Order your copy of "Mastering the Change Curve" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

Tonight's reading is from the 3rd principle in this book, which is to be "A True Leader" and is called: "The End in Mind" From migrant to door-to-door salesman to award-winning CEO, this personal and raw glimpse into Sunil Kumar's journey shares with you his seven key principles that will help your business thrive to success. Order your copy of "From The Ground Up" from your local bookstore or here on Amazon.

In this reading, we meet the English chemist, philosopher, theologian, educator, and theorist Joseph Priestley as he grapples with a life-changing decision. What would you have done? In Decisive, Chip and Dan Heath draw on decades of psychological research to explain why we so often get it very badly wrong - why our supposedly rational brains are frequently tripped up by powerful biases and wishful thinking. At the same time, they demonstrate how relatively easy it is to avoid the pitfalls and find the best answers, offering four simple principles that we can all learn and follow. In the process, they show why it is that experts frequently make mistakes. They demonstrate the perils of getting trapped in a narrow decision frame. And they explore people's tendency to be over-confident about how their choices will unfold. Order your copy of Decisive from your local bookshop or here on Amazon.