What a year it’s been. With the drive to support businesses any way they could, in unprecedented circumstances, business advisors James Lay and Mark Curtis, decided to launch a free podcast. Their aim, from the start, was to help, advise and guide business owners through the murky COVID-19 financial waters.
Back in May, To Furlough and Beyond – Use the job furlough scheme effectively, launched to great success. So, bolstered in confidence, Mark and James navigated the government’s regularly changing financial updates. Soon it became clear that there were other areas of business that needed addressing; in particular mental health and good leadership.
They chose topics each week that seemed most prevalent at the time based on what the media were saying, and feedback that was coming out of the Commons. They covered issues such as Handling disappointment – you can’t always get what you want, The office is dead, long live the office! – Work effectively from home, to Trust me, I’m an employee – Improve trust within your team and Ohh do the Covid Hokey Cokey! – Help businesses coming in and out of lockdown.
The real highlight of the series so far, has to be the insights gleaned from their special guest interview episodes which launched in September. Their first guest was Dr Chris Mason; Mindshop founder, with a PhD in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, he is the ultimate coach of the coaches. His tips for how he manages his time, and the importance of how to build capabilities, is a must listen for any business leader.
COVID-19 wasn’t the only thing on the news agenda in 2020. The Black Lives Matter movement throughout the world prompted an important discussion between James and Mark, Sue Liburd MBE, and Andy Nicol from Abstract; an award-winning learning and development company that changes people’s lives. They talk through the importance, for business leaders, of the key elements of inclusive leadership and how to ensure diversity in the workplace.
One of the most popular episodes to date was launched recently in November – a chat with Louise Newby, an experienced educator in the world of mental health and wellbeing. Louise’s first-hand insight and experience made for a fascinating, and ultimately important conversation, particularly framed against the COVID-19 backdrop.
The farewell episode of 2020 is Negotiation Skills: Everything is a negotiation, where inspiration comes from Return of the Mac – signing off with a bang!
The team at MHA Larking Gowen wish all businesses out there a fantastic and well-earned break, and a truly prosperous 2021.
You can find Impromptu Business Chat on Apple Podcasts, or you can catch up with all previous episodes by visiting the MHA Larking Gowen website here.