Canny Conversations Podcast Series 1

Bamboo Tree Thinking THE Chinese Bamboo Tree can tell us a lot about business. It can grow up the side of a skyscraper in just weeks, is very versatile and has a lot of uses. But if this sounds like an overnight success then think again because it is anything but. The tress grows for […]

It all starts with you THIS episode will be a reality check for many who see themselves as the next Richard Branson or Michelle Mone. People decide to go into business for many reasons: For some it is to make a lot of money, for others because they want to make a difference and for

The New Normal THIS podcast was recorded in the dying embers of 2020, before the disastrous ‘Christmas holiday’ easing of lock down or the roll out of the vaccination programme. It was also recorded just days before Safaraz came down with Covid-19. It is a fascinating piece of ‘crystal ball gazing’ without the benefit of

Pause to Reflect AT the end of a series that has covered so much ground the last episode is an opportunity to reflect and do some stock taking. Listeners must decide if the secondary objective of providing a guide to some of the key questions facing businesses of all sizes has been achieved. For Safaraz

Fine Tuning Talent THE vexed question of targets is examined with an analysis of how they can be counter productive and the danger of individual targets damaging business objectives. Safaraz emphasises that ‘motivation’ is an emotion and therefore comes and goes whereas ‘dedication’ is more important, as it involves the ability to get things done

Getting Hiring Right RECRUITMENT is a major investment for businesses and organisations with a very high price to pay for getting it wrong. This episode looks at how to increase the chance of making a good hire and reduce the risk of a poor decision. suggests that in some cases taking the trouble to understand

Talent Spotting Having a diverse workforce is not only a good thing but also improves performance according to reports prepared by Government. Often associated with ethnicity and race, diversity covers many other issues including, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. Lecturers in Further education can have a big influence on the careers that young people

Are leaders born? This episode explores the qualities of leadership and asks if leaders are:’ born or made, is it nature or nurture?’ The conclusion is that whilst some people are born to lead the skills can be learned. It is not ‘one size fits all’ for making a great leader. Some are charismatic, some

People Power Safaraz opens the series by turning the focus on the most important aspect of any organisation =, its people. He discusses the importance of the willingness to learn and unlearn and echoes the thoughts of Alvin Toffler:’ the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write but

Reputation and Brand This episode debates what brand is but is very clear as to what it is not. It is not a logo despite what graphic designers might say. Brand is a set of values and behaviours that people come to expect. Strong brands are recognised for characteristics such as quality, customer service, innovation,