More Than a Lumpy Jumper

What does it mean to be at your learning edge?This throwback to Season 2 is full of wobbles, wisdom, and wonderfully weird metaphors (yes, there's a goose, a javelin, and a cheeky nod to S&M). In this solo re-run, Bobby explores how learning is more than just knowledge - it's a messy, brave experiment in how we show up, stretch ourselves, and sometimes fall flat.And yes, this is the second ball dropped. No guest. No noble excuse. Just Bobby, a mic, and a beautifully imperfect adventure in learning.References:Visual Facilitation with - Jon McNestrie | LinkedInFind a Visual Facilitation course - Northern Shore Consulting

So Bridge dropped the ball and didn't manage to record with a guest this week (and she didn't tell Bobby who is going to be mad!) so in an effort to mitigate the damage (you can tell she works in humanitarian security now ;-) ) she decided to share a past episode "Coping with Overwhelm" which she thought was apt. There are loads of gems in this episode from very early on in the MTALJ journey, most of which Bridge is putting to good use while bullets and bombs and peacocks are flying. Even if you're an avid fan there's still lots to revisit and if you're new then you get to hear some of the back catalogue that you may not have had a chance to catch up onLinksHow to Take Care of Yourself When You're Feeling Overwhelmed - Mental Health First⁠⁠Aid⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science | Compassion-Based Resilience ⁠⁠Training⁠⁠Kindness to Self | Compassion Based Meditation⁠ ⁠About Dr Libby Weaver - Nutritional biochemist⁠ ⁠Rushing Woman's Syndrome | Dr Libby Weaver ⁠⁠The Pace of Modern Life versus our Cavewoman Biochemistry: Dr Libby Weaver: TedX ⁠⁠Life is a Verb | 37 Days to Wake Up, be Mindful and Live Intentionally | Patti Digh ⁠⁠Unwind with the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (mondaycampaigns.org)

This week, Bobby chats with the wonderful Mandy McDowall - Headteacher of not one, but two primary schools.What starts as playful banter about being “roped in” quickly unfolds into a rich, honest conversation about leadership in education, emotional regulation, the blur between managing and leading, and why schooling your face might just be the survival skill we all need.Hooked early on by the camaraderie and humour of MTALJ, Mandy brings warmth, insight, and a touch of her South African roots to this episode.Come for the headteacher chat, stay for the mic-drop moment: “It's okay to take risks.”Mandy McDowall |LinkedInhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5fgBE43A70qeGPEyObD7Of?si=a6S2ccJtRlq6dr7RB6HnKg

It's time for guests with gifts as Bobby and Bridge take a short break. This week we've invited back the inimitable Wendy Faux to the show. Wendy is a Military veteran and reservist, an artistic innovator, the curator of "Not just a Wife" photography exhibition and the creator of the show's logo. She loves the concept of bringing your true self to your leadership but hates the title "authentic" and she chats with Bridge about why differences are so important. She audaciously suggests that Matthew Syed could challenge Saint Simon Sinek to the top leadership spot with his book 'Rebel Ideas' and is totally to blame for Bridge's bad language in the episode.LinksNot just a wifeRebel Ideas Matthew SyedSaint Simon SinekThe Bren!MTALJ Being your authentic self

Play isn't just for children! It's a secret weapon for creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. But somewhere along the way, many of us started treating it like a luxury rather than a necessity. In this episode, we're flipping that narrative. We'll explore why play matters in leadership and life, uncover the science behind it, and dive into Stuart Brown's play personalities, because yes, you have one! And if you've ever Googled ‘adult play'… well, you might have found more than you bargained for!! So, let's get into it, because what if play wasn't something tomake time for, but something that made time better?Stuart Brown: Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul | Amazon.co.ukStuart Brown: Play is more than just fun | TED TalkThe Importance of Play for Adults - National Institute for PlayThe 8 Play Personalities that illustrate how we have funDr Stuart Brown on The 7 Properties of Play | Human PerformanceCan We Actually Develop Leadership Through Play? | Psychology TodayWhat is LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®? | Official LEGO® Shop CC |Official LEGO® Shop US

Stories shape how we see the world and how the world sees us. But are we telling the right ones? This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, we dive into the power of storytelling. How the narratives we craft influence our confidence, decisions, and leadership. From bedtime stories to boardroom strategy, we explore what makes a story stick and how to frame experiences in a way that resonates, persuades, and lasts long after we've left the room.So, grab a cuppa and get comfy, because it's time to Be the Story. What Makes Storytelling So Effective For Learning? - Harvard Business PublishingInfluence Through Stories: The Leadership Power of NarrativeThe magical science of storytelling | David JP Phillips | TEDxStockholmChip Heath & Dan Heath: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die | AmazonStorytelling Can Make or Break Your LeadershipThe Importance of Stories | Simon SinekThe Wise Crone's Cottage in the Woods: The Crone as theStoryteller"Pentamerone: The Tale of Tales" Explained - Owlcation 

So many leaders wear exhaustion like a badge of honour. But what if sleep and self-care weren't indulgences, what if they were leadership strategies?This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bridget and I dive into the power of rest in honour of World Sleep Day. We're tackling the myths, the science, and the impact of sleep onleadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Plus, we make a strong case for the noble art of napping (with a special shoutout to the 26-minute NASA nap!).If you've ever pushed through fatigue thinking it was just part of the job, this one's for you. Time to rethink what it really means to lead well, starting with a good night's sleep.Come and take a listen to Being Your Own RetreatWant to Become a Better Leader? You Need to Sleep on It8 Leadership Practices to Optimise Sleep and Productivity | CCLWhy Sleep Is Crucial For Good LeadershipMatt Walker: Sleep is your superpower | TED TalkMatt Walker: 6 tips for better sleep | TED Talk7 Reasons You Should Be Taking Daily Naps At Work In 2024Actions Organisations Can Take to Improve Employee Sleep and Work Performance from Centre for Creative Leadership.pdf

This week, in celebration of International Women's Day 2025, we're diving into the stories of six extraordinary women; leaders, visionaries, and change-makers whose impact still ripples through history.From courtroom battles to political trailblazers, from radical educators to artistic revolutionaries, each woman's story holds powerful lessons for leadership today. But which iconshave we chosen? And what unexpected insights do they reveal?Tune in as we unpack resilience, influence, and what it really means to be a catalyst for lasting change. Cornelia Connelly - WikipediaStacy Schiff: Cleopatra | AmazonCleopatra: Stacy Schiff in conversation with Tim Gunn | 2020-05-21 | LIVE from NYPLRemembering bell hooks and her Enormous Legacy | YouTubeFrida | Official Trailer (HD)Frida Kahlo's Art in 8 Minutes: What Makes it So Special? Frida Kahlo: Feminism's Influential Leader - had.comRuth Bader Ginsburg: Who was she and why was she so important? - BBC NewsroundRuth Bader Ginsburg: Remembering Her Life And Legacy | YouTubeMadeleine Chapman: Just how cool was Jacinda Ardern in high school? | The Spinoff

Leadership or management - are they really that different? Or do we just love to put them in neat little boxes? In this episode, Bobby and Bridge attempt (with varying success) tobring some structure to the conversation, diving into mindset, skills, and the sometimes blurry lines between the two. Expect metaphors (hello, glaciers!), a few rogue interruptions, and the big question: Can you be a leader without also being a manager? Or are the best leaders actually just really good at knowing when to roll up their sleeves and when to step back?Oh, and if you ever wondered what's worse - being on mute or snuffling like a badger in the background - we cover that too.Hit play and join us!What Leaders Really Do (HBR) - John P KotterSimon Sinek: Leaders Eat Last | AmazonPeter Drucker: The Effective Executive | AmazonSimon Sinek: Start With Why | AmazonSimon Sinek: Start with Why | TED TalkSeth Godin – Leadership vs. Management - What it means to make a differenceRoselinde Torres: What it takes to be a great leader | TED TalkMoneyball: Building a Winning Team Through Numbers | FilmInvictus: The Poem that Inspired a Nation | Film

Resilience and flexibility - are they two sides of the same coin, or do we just like overcomplicating things? In this episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into what it really means to bounce back and bend without breaking (hello, bamboo analogy!), why being too resilient can backfire, and the tiny habits that make a big difference.Expect real talk, a few questionable metaphors (boats, trees, and maybe some unexpected fairy lights), and a deep dive into how your body holds resilience just as much as your mind.Plus, what happens when all your frustration ends up… on a tennis ball? Join us for Being Flexibly Resilient! LinksThe Secret to Building Resilience | HBRDr Carol Dweck: Mindset - Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential |AmazonCarol Dweck: Developing a Growth Mindset | TED TalkRichard Strozzi-Heckler | The Embodied LeaderTeaching Grit Cultivates Resilience and Perseverance | YouTubeSimon Sinek: Build for Resilience | YouTubeSimon Sinek: Strength through Resilience and Accountability Angela Duckworth: GRIT | AmazonDavid Epstein: Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World | AmazonJames Clear: Atomic Habits | AmazonBessel van der Volk: The Body Keeps the Score | Amazon

For this final week of reflections on our MTALJ library Bridge is thinking about love in the run up to Valentine's Day. Why do we often struggle to talk about leadership in terms of love when all of the actions of a good leadership are really the manifestation of love? - patience,care, kindness, humility, emotional balance, and honesty. While the general advice on speaking is to avoid politics and religion there's a little hint of both, but the focus is all on love with not a chocolate or a cupid in sight.LinksCorinthians 13 v4-7Love and Leadership - NCO JournalServant Leadership - James C Hunter

This week Bridge is reflecting on blame and accountability. How blame can undermine teams, trust, innovation, problem-solving and avoiding making the same mistakes again. It's a ranty episode because lessons learned episodes that are simply blame exercises are a bug bear of both Bobby and Bridge. Both Bobby and Bridge admit they they are recovering blamers but they are in the good company of St Brene Brown. However with a little mindfulness and reflection it is possible to change your mindset from blame to reframe, focus on facts rather than fault and systemic causes rather then pointing the finger at people. If you want to improve your team's approach to lessons learned come and join us for Being Blame Free with Accountability.

This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bridge revisits the “Being a stand for self-compassion ,” from June 2024. Self-compassion isn't selfish and it isn't a luxury. It's actually part of your job as a leader to ensure you have the resilience to be the leader your team need during a crisis. Check out the self-compassion guru Kristin Neff and Bobby's resilience practices and remember that you need to be reflective and proactive to be able to start being compassionate with your self. You ready to treat yourself with the same kindness, consideration and care that you would a dear friend? Have a listen Links Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff: Join the Community Now

This week on More Than a Lumpy Jumper, Bobby revisits the mini-episode, “Cultivating Play and Rest… but Mostly Play,” from Christmas 2023. Inspired by Brené Brown's work and the National Institute of Play, she reflects on why play is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and leadership, how to rediscover play as adults (hint: it's not lost, just forgotten!) and the fascinating “Play Personalities” and what they reveal about how we lead and connect. Play isn't a luxury—it's the key to joy, alignment, and even better leadership. Ready to bring more play into your life? Take a listen to this mini of a mini now!  Links The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition: Brené Brown Infographic for the 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living by Brene Brown Stuart Brown: Play is more than just fun | TED Talk The Importance of Play for Adults - National Institute for Play The 8 Play Personalities that illustrate how we have fun Hook - Food Fight Scene

Bobby revisits one of the most popular topics: Being a Dynamic Team Leader. Reflecting on hers and Bridge's original conversation, she dives into; How leaders can recalibrate team dynamics and tackle those "elephants in the room," the importance of healthy conflict and why leaning into discomfort matters, insights from Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team and how to build trust from the ground up. As well as some practical tips for more effective meetings and onboarding processes.  If you're looking for actionable insights and a fresh perspective on team leadership, this mini episode is for you alongside the original.  Links 8 Alternatives to Having a Meeting (lianedavey.com) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Patrick Lencioni (Amazon.co.uk) A summary of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team : Executive Agenda Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Adjourning Tuckman Model | PM Study Circle

Season 5 of More Than a Lumpy Jumper kicks off with a trip down memory lane as Bobby revisits the very first episode, “Being in the Conversation.”  Here she reflects on how far she and Bridge had come since those raw, unpolished beginnings, key lessons on communication, connection, and vulnerability and the ripple effect of starting something imperfectly and letting it grow. Whether you've been with them from the start or are just joining, this is a great place to start.

Time for another “Guest Gifts” with Bobby at the mic! Pull up a chair (and maybe a crash helmet) as Lizzie Beuzeval and Sara Scott join Bobby for an unfiltered chat about juggling life, work, family, and everything in between. These multitasking marvels share their wisdom on finding flow, saying no (or not yet), and redefining what it means to truly thrive—without dropping too many plates (or whole dinner services!) along the way. We dive into the freedom of setting boundaries, and the challenge of finding those elusive 15 minutes of "me time." From navigating the fine line between perfectionism and play to embracing the art of uni-tasking, Lizzie and Sara offer sharp insights and relatable stories. Oh, and there is also some talk of fancy-dress shenanigans and a black Sharpie of doom. Listen in to find out more! Tune in for a glorious celebration of life's chaos, with plenty of relatable stories and laughter to keep your plates spinning—and your sanity just about intact! Links   Sara (Hamerton) Scott | LinkedIn  Lizzie Beuzeval | LinkedIn  Simon Sinek - Together is Better (Amazon)  Karen M. Blackwell | LinkedIn  The Uni-tasking Revolution - Sarah Furness (Amazon)  Four Thousand Weeks - Oliver Burkeman (Amazon)  Right Kind of Wrong - Amy C. Edmondson (Amazon)  Being Guilt Free with a No  Coping with Overwhelm  Being a Brand  Being a Sparkling Introvert  Cultivating Play and Rest but mostly Play 

And now it's the Bobster's turn to be in the driving seat for "Guest Gifts," hanging out with dedicated listeners.Welcome to a powerhouse of self-discovery and connection as Aime Rushton and Ali Spooner join Bobby for a raw, real, and riotously funny conversation. These two phenomenal women tackle big themes—belonging, community, finding your voice, and navigating the complex dance of introversion and extroversion—all with a hefty dose of humour and heart.From untethered moments of loss to the joy of finding their tribes, Amy and Ali reflect on what it means to truly know yourself and be seen. We dig deep into the myth of "faking it till you make it," the power of authentic connection, and yes, the occasional need to “thwang it out” (you'll have to listen to get it!).Whether you're building your community, stepping into your space, or just figuring out how to sing from your belly, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and laugh your way to a deeper understanding of yourself and others.Press play and join the conversation that feels like a warm hug from your tribe—minus the toxic cocktails

This is Bridge's last week in the driving seat of guests gifts and she is joined by Leina Ibnouf, a Sudanese Irish community activist and John 'Willy' Williams a military veteran, 7 Signal Regiment survivor and scrum master (which apparently has nothing to do with rugby). They discuss why they listen to the podcast, their favourite episodes with a focus on curiosity, the pain of not belonging, and how somehow Bobby and Bridge have become role models (yes seriously!) despite their tendency to be a bit sweary. It's a really honest, vulnerable and heartfelt episode so come and join for some real chat. Links John Williams Leina Ibnouf Ellie Middleton - autism advocate AkiDwA - Network of Migrant Women in Ireland What is a Scrum Master?

It's the in between seasons bit! So we get to hang out with some of our lovely listeners. This week it's Lucie Barker and Murray Smith fellow soldiers who share a love of messing about in boats. We get to chat about their favourite episodes as well as motherhood, cat parenting and why self-reflection is important but only to a point. Links Learn to Sail from Princess to Pirate Lucie's Etsy Shop Inside the mind of a master procrastinator - Tim Urban Ted Cutts - try something new for 30 days

Join Bobby and Bridge as they mark International Men's Day. They are joined by their special guest, Daniele Fiandaca from Token Man Consulting to dive into the often-overlooked challenges that men face today, from mental health to shifting roles in society. Together, they discuss the importance of creating spaces for men to be vulnerable, break stereotypes, and how inclusive leadership plays a crucial role in moving the conversation forward. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation on why it's time to support men as allies and agents of change. Links Daniele Fiandaca | LinkedIn International Men's Day Token Man Brave Space Hard as Nails Uncommon Man Robert Baker| LinkedIn Josh Connolly | LinkedIn Rob Smith | LinkedIn Seb Randle | LinkedIn Elliott Rae | LinkedIn Lee Chambers | LinkedIn Sal Naseem FRSA | LinkedIn Feeling Wheel Marriage Story - film Emilia Perez - film Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, Gender Equity | Michelle P. King (michellepking.com) 7 Leadership Lessons Men Can Learn from Women (hbr.org)

This week, Bobby and Bridget are back with a vibrant new episode, welcoming Michelle Hartley from People Sorted and the HR Geek Squad. Known for her rainbow wardrobe and lively energy, Michelle is here to talk about "Being a Sparkling Introvert." They dive into the paradox of introversion and extroversion, the power of self-awareness, and the courage it takes to lead authentically. Tune in to uncover why there's no one quite like you-er than you! Links Michelle Hartley FCIPD | LinkedIn Daniel Findlay | LinkedIn An Introvert's Guide to Visibility in the Workplace (hbr.org) How to work with Introverts and Extroverts (amazingif.com) Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking: Susan Cain(Amazon.co.uk) Quiet at Work | 30-day Interactive Journey with Susan Cain The Genius of Opposites: How Introverts and Extroverts Achieve Extraordinary Results Together Kahnweiler (Amazon.co.uk) INFOGRAPHIC: What Every Introvert Needs to Know to be Happy and Successful (happify.com) The Different Characteristics of Introverts, Extroverts and Ambiverts

In today's episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into the transformative power of personal branding with Kayleigh Lloyd, a creative powerhouse helping women in business craft authentic, standout brands. Kayleigh shares her unique journey from working with corporate giants to becoming a "brand goddess," and offers insights into how personal branding is so much more than just a logo—it's about telling your story. Learn how to align your brand with your true self, embrace creativity, and create a lasting connection with your audience. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips on building a brand that's authentically you.  Links Kayleigh Lloyd | LinkedIn Quick Links — Lloyd Creative (lloyd-creative.co.uk) Personal Branding: What It Is and Why It Matters (hbs.edu) A New Approach to Building Your Personal Brand (hbr.org) How to Define, Develop, and Communicate Your Personal Brand (hbr.org) Who are you really? 25 Questions to define your personal brand. | LinkedIn

It's our birthday! Welcome to the one-year anniversary episode of More Than a Lumpy Jumper! Bobby and Bridge are celebrating 39 episodes, 14 mini-in-between Season episodes, 23 incredible guests, and countless laughs. In this special one, they reflect on the highs, the lessons learned, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments (including a memorable baguette incident). Whether you're curious about their journey, or just here for the laughs, join them as they look back—and forward—at the wild ride so far! Links For one week only, we are back to diddly squat! Take a little look back over previous episodes to see what Resources you might have missed

In this episode, Bobby and Bridge dive into the fascinating dynamics between leadership and followership, exploring how followers play a critical role in organisational success. Following the insights from thought leaders like Barbara Kellerman and Robert Kelley, they break down the five followership styles. And through real-world examples and personal stories, they discuss how good followers can challenge leaders, promote teamwork, and contribute to a thriving organisational culture.  Whether you're a leader or follower, this episode will leave you thinking about how both roles work together for success. Tune in for “Being a Leading Follower” and see where the convo takes you.  Links A British Army Followership Doctrine Note.pdf (mod.uk) Followership - the great skill of Leadership Kelley's model for followership Followership: How Followers Are Creating Change and Changing Leaders: Barbara Kellerman: Amazon.com The Art of Followership: How Great Followers Create Great Leaders and Organizations: Ronald E. Riggio, Ira Chaleff, Jean Lipman-Blumen: Amazon.com Encouraging critical thinking in the workplace A Leader is Made by a First Follower (YouTube) What Is Followership? 14 Qualities of Good Followers | Indeed.com The 10 Rules of Good Followership: Meilinger.pdf (govleaders.org) How Followership leads to Leadership: Clive Barrow (TedX) Turn the ship around Manager meets the monkey- Ken Blanchard

Networking—it's no longer just awkward handshakes and juggling canapés while swapping business cards. Join Bobby and Bridge as they explore how networking has evolved into something much more meaningful. In this episode, they'll dive into new, informal, and digital ways to connect, showing how with a bit of intention and a fresh perspective, networking can transform from a dreaded task into a powerful tool for building genuine relationships. Sound less ghastly? Tune in to hear more on "Being an Intentional Networker" with Bobby and Bridge!  Links Takingthe Work Out of Networking : Karen Wickre (Amazon.co.uk) [PDF] Taking the Work Out of Networking Summary - Karen Wickre (shortform.com) KingsleyAikens - The Networking Institute Giveand Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success: Adam Grant (Amazon.co.uk) HowLeaders Strategically Enhance Their Networks For Maximum Impact (forbes.com) EasyNetworking Tips for the Networking Haters (hbr.org) Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader: Herminia Ibarra (Amazon.co.uk) Social-Chemistry-Decoding-Patterns-Connection : Marissa King (Amazon.co.uk) Why Women Need a Professional Network : Forbes.com Adam Grant's Wish for Workplace Cultures Seven-tips-for-building-a-strong-network-of-fellow-women-in-business: Forbes.com How-women-leaders-can-build-strong-networks : ddiworld.com Why-women-need-to-build-and-actively-use-more-networks : Gov.UK

In this special episode timed to coincide with National Coming Out Day, Bobby and Bridge are joined by Colonel Ali Brown OBE and Alex Meyrick from Fighting With Pride – the LGBTQ+ Military Charity, to discuss the challenges LGBT+ veterans face. Ali shares her journey as part of the first female intake at Sandhurst, navigating military life while concealing her identity, and her mission to improve services for female veterans. Alex discusses her work supporting veterans and the lasting impact of the military's LGBT+ ban. And all together, we explore how leadership is evolving, the cost of hiding one's true self, and the importance of diversity in leadership. A powerful conversation on pride,resilience, and healing. #making the journey home  Links Ali Brown (fightingwithpride.org.uk) Alexandra Meyrick | LinkedIn Lifting the ban on gay military service members | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk) Pride in Veterans Standard (fightingwithpride.org.uk) Coming out | Stonewall

Are you a master at putting things off? So are Bobby and Bridge! In this episode, they dive into their own procrastination habits, sharing why they think they do it and Bobby shares old practices from her younger days that might help them out now that they're working for themselves. And for all those procrastinating leaders out there, there's also some fascinating research on breaking the procrastination cycle, the self-talk that can shift your mindset, and why dealing with discomfort is key to getting things done. So if you're ready to face your procrastination demons (or just want to delay that looming task) join Bobby and Bridge for a fun, honest and maybe a little uncomfortable conversation on "Being a Procrastinator (or maybe later!)" Links Pomodoro® Technique - Time Management Method (pomodorotechnique.com) Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator | Tim Urban (TEDTalk) Why You Procrastinate Or Lack Motivation—And What To Do About It. (forbes.com) The 5 Second Rule | Mel Robbins (youtube.com) Five-ways-leaders-can-embrace-and-manage-their-procrastination : Forbes.com 4-types-of-procrastination-problems-and-solutions : www.belongly.com The Cure to Procrastination - Leadership Society of Arizona (leadaz.org) How-to-Beat-Procrastination-as-a-Leader-7-game-changing-strategies: Nirmal Chhabria: medium.com The-productivity-paradox-exploring-the-positive-effects-of-procrastination: Blog 21-ways-successful-people-beat-procrastination: cleverism.com The-5-stages-of-procrastination: wizeprep.com  

This week we chat with Debra Corey, who transitioned from traditional HR roles to becoming a "Chief Pay It Forward Officer" (flipping love this title!!). Debra shares her journey, discusses the evolution of HR, and explores the true meaning of workplace culture. She also dives into the lasting impact of "bad bosses" and her latest book, "Bad Bosses Ruin Lives." Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation on trust, empathy, and building a positive workplace culture.   Links Debra Corey | LinkedIn Bringing Your Values Out to Play: A Playbook on Company Values | Debra Corey | Amazon.co.uk Bad Bosses Ruin Lives | Debra and Ken Corey | Amazon.co.uk Effective HR Communication | Debra Corey | Amazon.co.uk Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life |James Kerr | Amazon.co.uk How to Drive Employee Engagement and 'Pay it Forward' |Debra Corey on Happiness at Work | Spotify Building-Better-Bosses-with-Debra-Corey: Happier at Work Give and Take: Adam Grant Summary of Legacy: All Blacks by James Kerr: thegrowthfaculty.com Adam Grant: Workplace Culture: thegrowthfaculty.com

Join Bobby and Bridge as they dive into the world of emotional intelligence (EQ) and uncover its complexities. From the origins of EQ to its impact on leadership and corporate culture, they explore how EQ can be both a powerful tool and a potential weapon. Whether it's leaders who thrive despite low EQ or the rise of "dark empaths" who use their emotional savvy for manipulation, we tackle the good, the bad, and the controversial sides of EQ. Tune in for a lively discussion that challenges the conventional wisdom on what it really means to be emotionally intelligent.  Links The Art of Managing Emotions | Daniel Goleman (youtube.com) Merve Emre on Emotional Intelligence as Corporate Control - WorkLife with Adam Grant | Spotify Is Emotional Intelligence Real - WorkLife with Adam Grant - Apple Podcasts Emotional Mastery: The Gifted Wisdom of Unpleasant Feelings | Dr Joan Rosenberg (youtube.com) The Power of Emotional Intelligence | Travis Bradberry (youtube.com) Emotional Intelligence from a Teenage Perspective | Maximillian Park (youtube.com) The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence (simplypsychology.org) 15 Most Valuable Emotional Intelligence TED Talks on Youtube (positivepsychology.com) Adam Grant podcast work life with Merve Emre Walter Michelle: Marshmallow study No stupid question Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner - How important is Emotional Intelligence Mayor-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) Merve Emre - The repressive politics of Emotional Intelligence Salovey and Mayer - model of 4 emotional intelligence abilities (You Tube) 12 Traits of Emotionally Intelligent People: Daniel Goleman (Podcast) ‘Dark empaths': how dangerous are psychopaths and narcissists with empathy? Daniel Goleman On How To Manage Your Emotions At Work & Why EQ Is More Valuable Than IQ (LinkedIn) Preview YouTube video The Salovey & Mayer Model of Four Emotional Intelligence Abilities The Salovey & Mayer Model of Four Emotional Intelligence Abilities

Hmmmmm…that moment when you wonder if you should have had a Guest for this topic. A leader who is professional in their handling of criticism rather than Bobby and Bridge's approach which entails going bright red, potentially yelling “f*ck off” or disappearing for a good old teenage sulk!! Seriously…should these two really be let loose on such a topic!  Well, the answer is YES. Come and have a listen to these two feisty leaders being incredibly honest about their relationship with unsolicited feedback (in other words, criticism) and how their approaches have morphed (or not on occasion) as they have grown in self-awareness, self-reflection and self-assurance.  Links 7 Strategies Smart Leaders Use to Handle Criticism | Inc.com Dealing with Criticism | Wisdom for Life (YouTube.com) How to Keep Criticism from Undermining Your Confidence (hbr.org) 4 Constructive Ways Leaders Can Handle Criticism (forbes.com) Why Your Critics Aren't the Ones Who Count - Brené Brown (brenebrown.com) How to take criticism well when you are sensitive to criticism: Mental Health guide (youthemployment.org.uk) Wisdom from The Four Agreements | Don Miguel Ruiz (Amazon.co.uk) The Seven Day Mental Diet: How to Change Your Life in a Week | Emmet Fox (Amazon.co.uk)

It's a new season! And boy have we got a heap of awesomeness coming your way! This week join Bobby and Bridge as they welcome the fabulous, Fiona Galbraith, to join them on MTALJ.  Through her business, Ruralink, she partners with land-based businesses to develop career opportunities focusing mainly on career changers especially advocating for fellow ex-military colleagues. Fiona is also a University Lecturer in Intelligence Security, Risk and Resilience, as well as Chair of Governors at Cirencester College and a volunteer responder for REACT Disaster Response.  Clearly a Master of Pivots amongst Pivoters (is there such a word). Come and join us for Fiona's multitude of insights into making career decisions and in the words of Barack Obama “Being the person who gets things done”   Links  Fiona Galbraith | LinkedIn  Ruralink - Growing Fresh Careers  What Colour Is Your Parachute? 2023: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success: Richard N. Bolles (Amazon.co.uk)  4 Key Pivoting Phases of a Successful Career Change (forbes.com)  Five Strategies for Making a Career Pivot | Stanford Graduate School of Business   Becky Grove | LinkedIn  Emergent Generation I A diverse network of young people working together to build an agroecological food system and regenerative future  Mike Croll | LinkedIn  The Rise of Security and Why We Always Want More | Mike Croll (Amazon.com) 

Welcome to the final episode of our "Guests with Gifts". This week, Bridge is joined by two remarkable women who've made significant impacts in their fields and communities. First, Nina Killick, a longtime friend of Bridge with a portfolio career including sports coach and project manager in the hospitality industry, and Lieutenant Colonel Ann O'Flynn, the Commanding Officer of the British Army's 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. They discuss everything from sports like rugby and triathlons to values, change management, and authenticity. Get ready for a sporty, thoughtful, and engaging finale to our mini season!   Links Dr Ann O'Flynn MCMI BSc (Hons) BVSc PGDip MSc MRCVS | LinkedIn  1st Military Working Dog Regiment Being Blame free with accountability  Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose  Constantly Curious  Being comfortable with curiosity  Being a Wall Breaker  School your face  Being your authentic self - Keeping it real  

In this episode of "Guest with Gifts," Bobby and Bridge connect with some more of their most dedicated listeners.  Bobby is joined by Sarah and Nicole, two exceptional managers who kept her almost sane during the dark days of COVID, bringing camaraderie, chuckles, and a lot of hard work. Sarah and Nicole are the ultimate doers. They describe themselves as Planners, but their “get sh*t done” attitude sets them apart. Though different in style, approach, and learning, their camaraderie and now strong friendship shine through in this conversation. Tune in to hear how these massive supporters feel like every episode is recorded just for them. And if you know the long fancy word Bobby used in an early episode, please get in touch!   Sarah Abercrombie Chartered MCIPD | LinkedIn  Nicole Strong | LinkedIn  Radical Candor — Kim Scott (kimmalonescott.com)  Unreasonable Hospitality: Will Guidara: Amazon.co.uk  Being in Community - More Than a Lumpy Jumper  Being a Fraud and Doing it Anyway  Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose  Being in Meetings - More Than a Lumpy Jumper  Constantly Curious - More Than a Lumpy Jumper  Being comfortable with curiosity - More Than a Lumpy Jumper 

This week, Bridge is joined by James Fulford-Talbot, making a return to MTALJ, and Jogging Jodie Fulford-Talbot, a new and very welcome guest. The conversation is rich, with an overriding message that this podcast helps leaders not feel alone in their struggles. They can come here to listen in for conversation starters, something to share, and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in to hear more from these super advocates and discover who the famous Freddie and Mr. Percival are!  Jodie Fulford-Talbot | LinkedIn  James Fulford-Talbot | LinkedIn  Freddie and Mr Percival Nxus People University of New South Wales Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose  Constantly Curious - More Than a Lumpy Jumper  Being comfortable with curiosity - More Than a Lumpy Jumper 

Welcome to Guest Gifts, where Bobby and Bridge get to hang out with some of their most dedicated listeners. This week, Bobby is joined by Gina and Ella, who must be the most patient humans she has ever met. They've endured Bobby's appalling technical skills with grace and are incredible people in general, especially given the work they do in the HR world. Gina and Ella are deeply invested in their own development, exploring MTALJ with a commitment to trying new things both at work and in their personal lives. They have discovered some valuable nuggets amidst Bridge and Bobby's meanderings. Come and listen as they share what they are learning and how they are applying it. Links Gina Knight | LinkedIn Georgia Ella Smith-Dunn | LinkedIn Stop Saying Sorry School your face Being a Fraud and Doing it Anyway

This week for Guests with Gifts, Bridge is joined by Danni and Jo, who truly embody all the beautiful C's: Curious Conversationalists, Community Collaborators, Connectors, Creatives, and above all, Carers. They lead with kindness, passion, and ideas, making this episode full of thoughtfulness, raw honesty, and a real desire to support future generations.   Tune in and listen for all the delightful C's!   Links Danielle Edwards Jo Dukkipati Superpowering Collaboration ⁠Being a Person with a Bigger Purpose⁠  ⁠Being Lonely in Leadership⁠  ⁠Good Day Cork: Be inspired by uplifting news, podcasts and videos⁠  Many Tongues of Cork - pandemic edition Wild Ones Salon podcast Speak Up and Grow ⁠Speak Up and Grow Podcast with Danielle Edwards⁠ and Bridge as a guest

Welcome to Guests with Gifts, where we get to hang out with some more of our dedicated listeners. This week, Bobby is joined by Roger and Gail, exceptional leaders, lifelong learners, and heart speakers with military connections. So many joining of the dots as they discussed their favourite MTALJ episodes with Bobby. Roger and Gail are deeply committed to developing others and seek learning through various mediums to achieve this. You'll find them delving into the additional research links after listening to each episode, with their healthy appetite to learn more. Come and listen to these fantastic advocates as they share their feedback and extended insights, keeping our Being conversations alive and kicking. Links Roger Morton Gail Atkins Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Being Guilt Free with a No Being a Lovely Leader Being a Heart Speaker Being a Dynamic Team Builder Being in Meetings

In the Season 3 finale, Bobby and Bridge explore the transformative power of the phrase "Yes...and." Despite initial doubts about the topic's depth, they dive in with curiosity, a bit of discomfort in trying to practice “Yes…and” in the moment with a bit of spurious chat about an imaginary hat and a committment to take an improv class together. Yes…AND in the process they begin to uncover the surprising depth that a simple shift in language can bring for creativity, collaboration, and growth for us, in work, and even for life in general. Join us for this slightly random but enlightening episode to wrap up the season! Links Whose Line is it anyway - you tube UCD Innovation Academy De Bono 6 thinking hats How To Leverage 'Yes And...' As The Gold Standard for Influencing (forbes.com) Leading With A 'Yes, And' (forbes.com) The Power of Yes: Why the Yes Mindset Leads to Innovation and Creates Great Leaders (forbes.com) The Risks of ‘Yes, and' Leadership - The New York Times (nytimes.com) Why “Yes, and…” Might Be the Most Valuable Phrase in Business. Big Think IDEO U Learning Experience What is a Kaospilot?: Explore now and become part of Kaospilot Adam Grant: Why Brainstorming Doesn't Work | TIME Vote for us in the British podcast awards

Join Bobby and Bridge as they dive into the wild world of meetings! From the taxonomy of different meeting types to those head-scratchers where you're not sure why you're there, they are dissecting it all. They share experiences of various meeting styles, ponder why people often stick to unproductive routines, and discuss how we can all break free from habitual suffering. Whether you're a meeting lover or dread them, this episode is packed with insights and chuckles. Tune in and rethink your next invite! Links A taxonomy for meetings: distinguish or suffer | LinkedIn Maximizing The Productivity of Meetings Is as Easy As 3-2-1 (forbes.com) Stop Wasting People's Time with Bad Meetings (hbr.org) Stop the Meeting Madness (hbr.org) Stop wasting valuable time (Hbr.org) What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Meeting (harvardbusiness.org) Board Match Ireland How to set up a Fishbowl conversation meeting Open space technology meetings How to run a World Cafe Lean coffee meetings Silent Meetings are more inclusive VR meetings Meeting-free days Gender Fitness - Ken Barton Monitor manterrupting with gender timer Equaltime.io speaking monitoring app G-app the gender gap app UN-REDD monitoring women and men's meeting participation Meeting Audit in 2023: Stop Wasting Precious Time (rhythmsystems.com)

Ooooooooooooooo A GUEST! Bobby and Bridge are joined by the amazing Alison Riley (better known to us as Dunney!!) who they met at Sandhurst some 30-plus years ago. And she's another one who has had an interesting “career path” since those tumultuous days of military training. Alison served for 5 years before leaving and qualifying as a secondary Maths teacher. She taught for 10+ years before deciding on a further career change and being ordained as a Minister!! So join us as we hear about the whys and wherefores of her career journey before delving into Alison's wisdom on what faith, spirituality, and belief (you choose the word for yourself) brings to leadership. Oh, and find out about Chill Church. It is just SO cool (pardon the pun!!) Links Rev. Alison Riley Network Youth Church The Centre for Action and Contemplation - Building on Richard Rohr's Founding Vision Measuring loneliness Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean | Kim Scott | Amazon.co.uk Spiritually-Intelligent-Leadership | Yosi Amram PhD | Amazon.co.uk

Episode 9 – Being with Lifelong Friends As it's Armed Forces Week we have an excuse to have a chat with a couple of female veterans who just happen to be our lovely friends - the amazing Lt Col Wendy Faux MBE and the equally wonderful Lt Col (retd) Sally Purnell. Despite having given you all an episode on Not Saying Sorry, Bobby and Bridge do think they need to offer an apology as there are probably a whole load of acronyms that are going to pop up during this episode which will make you think WTF (look there's another one!). They really tried to pull together a Glossary but…it didn't happen. If it really makes little sense, get in touch. Otherwise, sit back and listen to the regaling of tales from a bunch of ladies, who go back a long way and have MUCH to say about their time serving in the Army and all that happened after. While we have your attention we'd really appreciate if you could vote for MTALJ in the British Podcast Awards https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting Links British Army ranks explained The 2004 Tsunami Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her own words Tina Turner - Simply the Best Dame Julie Walters Dame Julie Walters in action The Rani of Jhansi, a symbol of resistance to British Rule in India – Legacies of Slavery in Glasgow Museums and Collections Begum Hazrat Mahal: The Revolutionary Queen of Awadh Mary Seacole To War with Whitaker( Wartime Diaries of the Countess of Ranfurly: Amazon.co.uk The Countess of Ranfurly Not just a wife! - Wendy Faux Wendy Faux photography

Being Lonely in Leadership Join Bobby and Bridge as they embark on a fascinating journey, analysing why loneliness seems to have reached epidemic proportions across the young, the old and whatever the in between looks like. What is at the root of loneliness? How does it affect leadership? And then most importantly, what can we start to do to bridge the gap of loneliness, seeking to rebuild our social muscles in a world that feels more disconnected than ever. Links Jonny Sun: You are not alone in your loneliness | TED Talk Kio Stark: Why you should talk to strangers | TED Talk Richard Renaldi | Touching Strangers Index Robert Waldinger - Research on Loneliness Robert Waldinger - Loneliness Kills Vivek Murthy: How To Solve the Work Loneliness Epidemic (forbes.com) Kingsley Aikins - The Networking Institute Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone: Brené Brown (Amazon.co.uk) The Friendship Formula: How to Say Goodbye to Loneliness and Discover Deeper Connection: Kyler Shumway (Amazon.co.uk)

You couldn't make these things up. Join Bobby and Bridge as one of them spends more time on mute coughing themselves inside out and not practicing self-care when they are meant to be talking about self-compassion and resilience. I ask you…the hypocrisy!! And in spite of all that, here is another episode full of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical strategies for embedding self-compassion into everyday life. Enjoy…cough, splutter, gasp! Links 10 Powerful TED Talks on Resilience, Empathy, & Compassion - mind remake project Operationalizing Kindness at Work: This Is What Kindness Looks Like | LinkedIn Self-Compassion Will Make You a Better Leader Discover the Empowering Videos Featuring Dr Kristin Neff Self compassion exercise (with apologies about the bath scene)

Being a No Blame Leader “It wasn't me; it was her!” Are we listening to the words of a 5-year-old or an adult work colleague throwing you under the bus??! Both. Blame just comes all to easily in the workplace to help us escape from discomfort, pain, anger and the like. But what happens when a leader takes true accountability for the part they played? When they have their teams do a deep dive into lessons learned when things go wrong Come and join Bobby and Bridge as they track through the science of blame, their experience of blame cultures and practical advice on how to change an organisation's narrative to one of accountability. #nipitinthebud Links Brene Brown short on Blame Project Retrospectives: A Handbook for Team Reviews: Norm Kerth How To Stop the Blame Game Creating a Culture of Accountability, Not Blame - Michael Timms (including Table showing Culture of Blame v Culture of Accountability) Blame Culture Is Toxic. Here's How to Stop It. - Michael Timms

Oh they SO wanted to behave Disgracefully in this episode and then decided that perhaps they weren't quite old enough yet? So, instead Bobby and Bridge are here considering our aging workforce. What are the stages of life you witness at your dinner table when the family gets together? And then how does that extrapolate to a business? How do you cater for the spectrum of ages in a workforce and how they look at and interact with the world and each other? Turns out this is a great topic…whatever your age. Come and have a listen. Links Richard Rohr - Falling Upwards Falling upwards book Harnessing the power of age diversity Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce : Megan Gerhardt, Josephine Nachemson-Ekwall, Brandon Fogel (Amazon.co.uk) Article on Aging Helena Clayton | Leadership or eldership? The Elders | Independent global leaders Ethical Leadership Why You Should Create a “Shadow Board” of Younger Employees (hbr.org) Warning by Jenny Joseph - Scottish Poetry Library

Silos, Barriers, Walls … doesn't matter what you call them, if they take hold in an organisation … EVERYTHING seems to get that little bit trickier – communication channels, processes, procedures and above all relationships. So, join Bobby and Bridge as they do a little bit of ranting and a whole lot of chatting about how to deal with Silo Working. Do Silos ever work in an organisation? And what can you do rather than deconstructing a whole organisation in an attempt to get rid of them. That's where the Bridge comes in. Over to you Bridge!! Links NextMapping | The Future is Human | Cheryl Cran Future of work - No more silos Breaking down silos - Cheryl Cran Making Silos Work for Your Organization (hbr.org)

“I wonder if today's the day I get found out”. “Oh…I was just lucky to get this job”. “I feel such a Fraud”. Do any of these little mutterings ever take up residence in your self-talk? Join Bobby and Bridge as they try and fathom which comes first your self-talk or the environment that helps create it. Is there a cure? And if not what strategies do we have to work with this phenomenon? Links The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women : Valerie Young Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are Stop telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome The Authority Gap : Mary Ann Sieghart Ted Talk - How to close the authority gap Why imposter syndrome doesn't exist Tim Wilson - Redirect video

Episode 2 – Being Included Wowzers…when you decide to get going on the topic of Belonging and Inclusion, you just find out how much we still need to learn and how far we still need to go. THIS, however, is no reason not to make a start. So, join Bobby and Bridge as they make THEIR start in contemplating what it feels like to Belong BE INCLUDED. Links How to overcome our biases. Walk boldly towards them : Verna Myers (TEDx) Micro-messaging-final.pdf (utsouthwestern.edu) The quiet discrimination of microinequities: A Q&A with Adjunct Professor Mary Rowe | MIT Sloan Micro messaging: Why Great Leadership is Beyond Words : Stephen Young (Amazon.co.uk) 9 Ways Leaders Can Build A Culture Of Belonging (forbes.com) The Key to Inclusive Leadership (hbr.org) Microaffirmations

What makes a great team? What makes a terrible one? And what do you do when you know the vibe is slightly off? Join Bobby and Bridge as they attempt not to incriminate themselves talking about teams they have enjoyed being part of or leading and those they have not! Along with some pieces of research to help you in your quest for team dynamism. Links 20 Questions to Ask When Your Team's Vibe Is Off Tuckman's Model of Team Development The Avengers and Tuckman's Model Johnson and Johnson Cooperative Learning De Bono's Thinking Hats Facet Five Five Vital Conversations for Getting Things Done In Groups | Richard Watkins | TEDxRoma Improve Your Team Dynamics (lianedavey.com) Read the damn pre-read people! (lianedavey.com) 8 Alternatives to Having a Meeting (lianedavey.com) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Patrick Lencioni A summary of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team : Executive Agenda Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't: Jim Collins Dancing Man - Followership

Can you make “Sorry” sound like you don't mean it at all? Or do you use it every other word out of habit, even when there is nothing to apologise for! In the last episode of the “Easter minis” Bobby and Bridge offer some gifts to help break the habit. #sorrynotsorry Links Stop Over-Apologizing at Work (hbr.org) Shira Miller: Stop the Apology Speak | TED Talk Hey Ladies, Stop Apologizing ... and Other Career Mistakes Women Make: New 2017-2018 Edition: Maja Jovanovic How Apologies Kill Our Confidence | Maja Jovanovic | TEDxTrinityBellwoodsWomen (youtube.com) Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals: Rachel Hollis