Sparks

We're Cegos, an International leader in Learning and Development that have been helping companies thrive since 1926.Sparks is our UK based podcast where we share advice and tips on Learning and Development topics; problems; and misconceptions, sometimes joined by special guests. If you're an HR manager, Talent Leader, or Learning and Development Strategist, welcome. This podcast is for you.Walk through London with Jonna and Em in this episode, where they delve into different interpretations of time and their impacts on office culture.Time isn’t equally understood by everyone: its interpretation is cultural.What impact does this have on teams and workplaces? Listen to find out.----------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Sparks01:43: Why the office hasn’t got a buzz anymore05:30 What is our relationship with time?08:50 The impact of polychronic ways of working13:40 How do we balance polychronic and monochronic culture?18:17 Is motivation affected?18:54 How do we lead modern teams?24:34 What do creatives think of rules?27:26 how do businesses have balanced polychronic and monochronic culture?30:00 What are the dangers to look out for?31:13 Will the culture continue to change----------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW US ON LINKEDINCegos UK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cegosuk/?viewAsMember=trueCegos US https://www.linkedin.com/company/cegos-us/?viewAsMember=trueJonna Sercombe https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Emily Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-link-b576a246/CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.cegos.uk/EMAIL USinfo@cegos.uk

Feeling the weight of management? In this episode of Sparks, a podcast by Cegos, Milly is joined by Emilie West, where they dive into a growing workplace challenge - management fatigue. They get into what it looks like, why it’s on the rise, and how leaders can start to navigate it. As part of our mini-series on management and leadership, we’re unpacking the not-so-obvious signs of burnout, the reality of ‘quiet quitting’, and whether your work persona is helping or hindering your energy. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new to the role, this episode's here to spark a fresh perspective.Connect with us on LinkedIn:Milly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Emilie West https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliewest/See what we do best: https://www.cegos.uk/Want to spark something with us?info@cegos.uk00:00 Welcome to sparks07:48 Handling responsibility 12:26 Advice to new managers16:27 The rise of quiet quitting and finding your routine22:25 The signs of fatigue34:43 Tips for lessening the fatigue39:51 Work personas

In this episode of Sparks, Milly kicks off a powerful conversation on what it really means to lead when things aren't going to plan. Part of our mini-series on leadership and management, this one dives into the tough stuff—how to navigate failure, rebuild trust, and keep people motivated when success feels out of reach. It's real, it's reflective, and it's packed with insights that will stick with you long after the episode ends. Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this one's for you.Connect with us on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-h-32a1127b/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rourke-fiol-b5203426b/Interested in sparking something with us? Get in touch at info@cegos.uk00.00 welcome to sparks04:49 Sometimes we actually might not know where we're not succeeding until it's too late.05:13 How do we get out of a difficult situation to make sure that we ultimately succeed?08:43 How did you measure success?12:34 How do you lead with emotion, taking into account people’s personal lives?17:26 Have you ever had to rebuild trust or confidence in your leadership after a rough setback?32:56 What do you do when you’re not succeeding because of an individual’s actions?38:33 How do you manage up?

In this episode of Sparks, Milly is joined by Cameron Swan and Nathan Rager for a conversation that digs into the real differences between managing a team and managing a business and how to handle that shift. As part of our Leadership and Management mini series, we explore how to lead when the stakes are high, when to step in (and when not to), and what it actually means to empower people to fail. Cameron and Nathan also share a few candid moments from their own journeys—and some advice that might just change how you approach your next big decision.Watch now to find out why a pre-mortem might be more useful than a post-mortem, and what’s worth adding to your reading list.--See what we do best:https://www.cegos.uk/Want to spark something with us?info@cegos.ukConnect with us on LinkedIn:Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Cameron Swan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronswan-/Nathan Rager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanrager/00:00 Hello and welcome to Sparks01:13 On the episode today - Cameron Swan and Nathan Rager05:49 The difference between managing team and managing a business09:55 Pre-mortem vs post-mortem11:01 How do we know when to intervene?22:32 How do we empower people to risk failure?26:27 Have Cameron and Nathan had failure moments?38:29 Advice for managers handling strategic decisions44:32 Book club - what can I read on this topic?

Ever wonder how to lead without losing your warmth? In this episode of Sparks, part of our Leadership and Management mini-series, Milly talks with Rachel and Sharon about the real challenges of being a manager—especially when the lines between personal and professional start to blur. From giving tough feedback to staying friendly on the rough days, we’re diving into what it means to lead with empathy and authority.0:00 Intro0:21 Welcome to Sparks3:40 How would you describe your management style?6:04 How did you develop your style?7:53 How do we stay friendly on a bad day?10:31 Handling difficult conversations 16:32 Does the organisation shape your management style?18:52 Handling challenging people29:10 How to move on after difficult conversations30:57 Dealing with being promoted ahead of friends36:50 Giving feedback41:57 One piece of advice to new managers

In this episode of Sparks, we dive into the realities of management with Emily Link and Ken Govan, both Directors at Cegos UK. From navigating bad management outside of work to finding your own management style, Emily and Ken share personal experiences, practical advice, and reflections on the ongoing journey of leadership. We discuss the evolution of a manager’s role, how to balance managing others while delivering on your own responsibilities, and how Cegos supports clients in building strong management capabilities. Whether you’re new to management or looking to refine your style, this conversation offers valuable insights you can apply straight away.--See what we do best: https://www.cegos.co.uk/Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.comConnect with us on LinkedIn:Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Emily Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-link-b576a246/Ken Govan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-govan-b03a35b/00:00 A controversial question?00:42 Welcome to Sparks04:14 How do we continue to grow as managers?06:57 How can we handle bad management in an out of work context?11:02 How can we find our management style?16:12 Formational moment or gradual evolution?19:07 Key advice to new managers25:47 Balancing management responsibilities with getting our job done?28:07 How are we helping clients in the management space?

Are traditional classrooms failing us? In this episode of Sparks, we explore the evolving world of learning with special guest Andy Jones. From the most common asked questions to the ones we really should be asking instead, we dive into how to build comfort, confidence, and competence through more effective learning experiences.We discuss where learning interventions should start, the role of AI in education, and whether we are anywhere close to competence in its use or whether we're still very much incompetent (whether we know it or not!) Along the way, we examine AI failures, good learning design, and even unexpected lessons from HMRC.00:00 Classrooms don't work00:32 Welcome to Sparks and welcome Andy Jones02:02 What do you get asked most?08:28 What should be people asking you?11:24 Comfort, confidence, and competence15:59 What should the starting point for a learning intervention be?19:11 A.I. - are we consciously or unconsciously incompetent?22:06 A.I. fails28:50 Good learning design36:35 We can learn from HMRC!

In this episode of Sparks, Milly and Jonna return to explore what it really takes to drive performance improvement. From effective feedback to the power of data, we break down practical strategies for leaders looking to elevate their teams. Is a skills matrix the right tool? How can leaders create a culture of growth? And is comparison really the thief of joy?--// Brought to you by Interactive Workshops x Cegoshttps://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/// See what we do bestwww.interactiveworkshops.com// Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.com// Connect with us on LinkedInJonna Sercombe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/00:00 We are concerned00:42 Welcome to Sparks02:32 Improvement is a serious business05:49 Tips for leaders who want to improve their team07:26 How to give feedback12:16 The importance of data17:38 Milly takes over!22:39 Should we use a skills matrix?28:32 Find them on LinkedIn!28:54 Did they know we were still recording?!