Here's an idea worth playing with

At 4 a.m. in Luton Airport, I head to Budapest to deliver a keynote — and along the way, unpack what it really takes to turn an idea into a valuable talk.In this travel-journal-meets-creative-process episode, I share five lessons learned from the runway to the stage: how to go from idea → value, find your point of view, think in stories, do the hard work, and give generously.It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of speaking, the nerves before stepping on stage, and the joy of seeing your name on an arrivals card — all through the lens of the Idea to Value system.Recorded across airports, trains, and hotel rooms — part reflection, part field note — this episode is for anyone turning ideas into something worth sharing.Key Takeaways — Five Ways to Make a Valuable KeynoteGo from Idea → Value Every creative act — from writing to keynotes — follows the same path: idea → investment → activity set → creative action → value. Get effective before worrying about being efficient.Have a Point of View A great keynote isn’t a lecture — it’s a perspective. Believe in what you’re saying. The goal isn’t to please everyone; it’s to help the right ideas land with the right people.Think in Stories Facts inform, but stories connect. Design your talk like a story: beginning, middle, and end — with moments, characters, and growth along the way.Do the Hard Work Before the Stage Most of the effort happens long before you take to the stage. Script, rehearse, edit, and refine until it’s ready. The nerves fade when you know you’ve done the work.Give Generously A keynote is an exchange of value — your time, energy, and attention for the audience’s. Respect that investment. Share ideas worth carrying forward.Find the video and associated blog post here - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/how-to-turn-an-idea-into-a-talk-that-truly-resonates/Grab The "Idea to Value System" Video Course — Learn the full system for turning ideas into impact in the workplace 👉 cultivatedmanagement.com/idea-to-value-systemGrab Zero to Keynote — My book and toolkit for crafting, rehearsing, and delivering great talks 👉 cultivatedmanagement.com/zero-to-keynoteEpisode Highlights00:00 – Luton Airport reflections (and why it’s last on the list)03:45 – From idea to value: how Rob builds a keynote10:30 – Writing and rehearsing longhand on the plane18:10 – The joy of seeing your name on an arrivals card23:00 – Budapest: finding your point of view30:00 – Stories that connect (inside a railway museum)40:00 – Doing the hard work before you take the stage48:00 – Give generously and respect the audience’s attention53:00 – Reflections, book signings, and the flight home54:00 - A reminder why Luton airport is at the bottom of my listSupport Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course.🏢 Work with me✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/📸 Daily videos on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivatedlabs📸 Daily videos on Facebook📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

In this episode of Here's An Idea Worth Playing With, I cover the science of clothing and appearance. Your clothes don’t just influence how others see you — they shape your own confidence, focus, and performance. In this episode, I explore the fascinating psychology of appearance: how clothing affects first impressions, why it can boost or drain your confidence, and the science behind “felt power".Discover how to use simple outfit choices and symbolic “uniforms” to show up at your best — whether at work, in the gym, or in everyday life.We often underestimate the role of clothing in our lives. But science suggests what we wear impacts more than style — it influences how people perceive us, how we perceive ourselves, and even how well we perform.In this episode, I share:Why first impressions are shaped by appearance—and why context matters.How clothing boosts self-confidence when it feels authentic and expressive.Research on “felt power” and how formal clothing sharpens focus.The concept of enclothed cognition—and why a lab coat makes people perform better.How to build your own set of symbolic uniforms to trigger focus and performance.Key TakeawaysFirst impressions are contextual. Match your clothing to your purpose, audience and environment.Authenticity matters. Wear clothes that feel true to you — confidence flows from alignment.Create symbolic uniforms. Assign outfits to important activities and let them trigger focus and flow.For a much richer article and full bibliography and references, visit the blog article : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/the-power-of-clothing/ReferencesAdam, H., Galinsky, A.D., 2012. Enclothed cognition. J. Exp. Soc. Psychol. 48, 918–925.Slepian, M.L., Ferber, S.N., Gold, J.M., Rutchick, A.M., 2015. The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing. Soc. Psychol. Personal. Sci. 6, 661–668.Stuart, E.W., Fuller, B.K., 1991. Clothing as communication in two business-to-business sales settings. J. Bus. Res. 23, 269–290.University of Ljubljana et al., 2014. Clothes and Costumes as Form of Nonverbal Communication. Tekstilec 57, 321–333.Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/📸 Daily videos on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivatedlabs📸 Daily videos on Facebook📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

In this episode of Here's An Idea Worth Playing With, I explore The Art of Noticing — a subtle but powerful skill that can separate effective leaders from the rest. Far from being a framework, checklist, or trendy methodology, noticing is about widening your awareness, understanding how work flows, spotting bottlenecks, and observing patterns that matter. And we can develop these skills through creative pursuits.Discover how creativity trains you to notice what truly matters, frame stories effectively, and make informed decisions that drive impact and productivity in your organisation.The best leaders aren’t always the loudest — they’re the ones who see, understand, and act on the details that really count.Check out the blog post, video and photo walk here : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/art-of-noticing/Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/📸 Daily videos on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivatedlabs📸 Daily videos on Facebook📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

Internal coaching and consulting teams can be powerful assets — or costly afterthoughts. In this episode of Here's an idea worth playing with, we break down how to design a function that delivers real impact. Learn the difference between coaching and consulting, why purpose and demand management matter, how to package your services, and how to connect your work directly to measurable business outcomes. With practical principles drawn from years of experience, you’ll discover how to transform your team from a “nice-to-have” into a strategic advantage.Read more about this subject on the corresponding blog post - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/how-to-build-an-internal-coaching-function/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/📸 Daily videos on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivatedlabs📸 Daily videos on Facebook📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

Do you get nervous at the thought of speaking in public? You’re not alone — and mastering this skill can be a game-changer for your career and leadership growth. In this episode, I explore practical strategies to overcome fear, develop your authentic speaking style, and connect with audiences through storytelling, emotion, and clear purpose. From avoiding the perfection trap to bringing enthusiasm and energy to your talks, you’ll learn how to make every presentation memorable. Plus, discover how my book Zero to Keynote provides a complete roadmap for turning ideas into compelling talks, getting submissions accepted, and delivering keynotes that leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re pitching ideas, leading a team, or speaking at conferences, this episode will help you speak with confidence and influence.I mention Sir Ken Robinson's talk on schools killing creativity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtYI mention my own book Zero to Keynote - you can buy the print or digital copies here - https://zerotokeynote.com/Supporting article on Cultivated - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/the-importance-of-learning-public-speaking-skills/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/📸 Daily videos on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivatedlabs📸 Daily videos on Facebook📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

In this episode, I share the 8 principles that shaped my own career journey — from software tester to executive leader. We’ll explore how to define what thriving looks like for you, make sure your ladder is leaning against the right wall, and understand the critical difference between cost and value. You’ll learn why communication is your greatest superpower, how to shift your own behaviours for growth, and why strong relationships and clarity matter more than raw talent. Whether you want to move into management, leadership, or simply build influence in your current role, these principles will help you create impact, earn trust, and unlock opportunities.--> Find out more : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/how-to-climb-the-career-ladder/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the Meeting Notes newsletter: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/newsletter/ 📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work 🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultivated.work 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/ 📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

In this episode, I break down the productivity system that helps me manage work, family life, content creation, and side projects - all without feeling overwhelmed. It’s not about doing more, but about choosing the right plates to spin. I’ll share how I use tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and ToDoist alongside paper and notebooks to stay organised, prioritise what matters, and keep a clear overview of everything on my plate. If you’re looking for a practical, flexible way to manage competing demands while staying sane, this episode will give you ideas to design a system that works for you.--> Check out the associated article with a little more detail and screenshots of my system: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/simple-productivity-system/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the Meeting Notes newsletter: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/newsletter/ 📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work 🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultivated.work 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/ 📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

During World War II, the OSS (precursor to the CIA) released the “Simple Sabotage Field Manual”—a handbook for disrupting enemy organisations from within. The shocking part? Much of it reads like a modern business playbook: excessive committees, slow decision-making, perfectionism on unimportant tasks, and endless meetings. In this episode, we unpack the uncanny overlap between sabotage tactics and today’s workplace behaviours, why they persist even with good intentions, and how leaders can spot and dismantle them before they derail performance. It’s a reminder that agility isn’t about speed — it’s about removing the hidden habits of sabotage baked into our ways of working.--> View the associated post on Cultivated website - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/we-are-sabotaging-our-own-workplaces/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the Meeting Notes newsletter: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/newsletter/ 📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work 🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultivated.work 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/ 📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

In this episode, I explore 10 practical principles that will help you study anything more effectively. We’ll break down why active engagement beats passive highlighting, why depth matters more than sheer volume, and how teaching others sharpens your own understanding. I’ll share how principles create a foundation for long-term mastery, why rest is essential for retention, and how embracing different learning styles keeps you flexible and open. Whether you’re developing professionally or pursuing personal growth, these tools will help you study smarter and turn knowledge into action.--> A deeper and richer article on this subject is here: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/how-to-study/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the Meeting Notes newsletter: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/newsletter/ 📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work 🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultivated.work 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/ 📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

In this episode, we explore what it really takes to create a true learning culture inside an organisation. Not just training programmes or box-ticking courses, but learning as a shared behaviour that drives growth, engagement, and collective intelligence. From role modelling as a leader, to giving teams time and space, to encouraging personal learning with no strings attached—you’ll hear practical ways to make learning part of your company’s DNA. Plus, I share a surprising story about a mechanic course that reshaped an entire organisation’s culture.--> Find more in-depth details and more resources on the website - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/building-a-learning-culture/🤝 Support Cultivated ManagementThis podcast is a labour of love and will always be free, but it's not free to create it - if you’d like to support my work:🚀 Buy a book, or sit a course. 🏢 Work with me ✉️ Subscribe to the Meeting Notes newsletter: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/newsletter/ 📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work 🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultivated.work 👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/ 📸 Check out YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects

What are the timeless skills that make someone invaluable and successful at work? In this episode, I break down the five core “Trade Skills” — persistence, facing facts, risk management, hands-on learning, and grasping numbers — and explains why they matter more than ever in today’s business world. Learn how mastering these skills can elevate your career, sharpen your commercial awareness, and turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth.Accompanying article : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/trade-skills/----📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cultivated.work🎵 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultivated.work👉 Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlambert/📸 See the creative side of business life : https://www.youtube.com/@creativesoulprojects👉 Develop skills, buy books, sit courses and learn about leadership, communication and creativity - https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/

Crafting a Winning Conference Talk Proposal - and getting it selectedWant to share your expertise on a conference stage but feel stuck at the Call for Papers submission process? You're not alone! Getting your talk accepted is the crucial first step, yet it's often where aspiring speakers fall short. In this episode, I share ideas straight from the Zero to Keynote book, on why, even if you have a cracking story to tell, your conference talk proposal is the first hurdle, demanding far more effort than you might think. From finding the perfect Call for Papers (CFP) to understanding conference themes, I'll guide you through the entire process. Plus, I share my 10-step masterclass on writing a proposal that reviewers will shout "YES!" to. Whether you're just starting your public speaking journey or aiming for bigger stages, learn how to craft a compelling submission that increased your chances of being accepted. Find out more about the Zero to Keynote book : https://creativesoulprojects.substack.com/p/zero-to-keynote-bookSubscribe the Creative Soul Projects newsletters: https://creativesoulprojects.substack.com/

Public speaking at conferences or events, and even at work, can be a joyful experience. However, a major reason I hear from people who are hesitant to take that first step towards public speaking is that they struggle to find something to talk about. There is a kind of curse of knowledge - as in, why would I know something, or have something interesting to share, that hasn’t already been said by someone else? In other words, why would someone want to listen to me?Well, that’s nonsense. In a kind way.Nobody has your personal insights, experience and take on the world - and trust me, assuming you are speaking at the right event or conference, there will be people who are interested in what you have to say. So, one of the first things to do when you’re planning a talk, is to have something worth talking about; something you’re excited about sharing.Step forth a heavy dose of ideation (the precursor to creativity) and let those ideas fill your bucket - then whittle them down and craft something you’re happy to talk about. Listen to the podcast for a deep dive into each way to generate talk ideas, and/or download the super cool free guide I’ve created over on creativesoulprojects.comUntil next time.

This is episode 5 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. This episode of about learning and making ourselves, and the business, betterThe model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a storyStep 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?Step 4 - Routines and HabitsStep 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

This is episode 4 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. This episode of about building routines and habits - that lead to the painted picture.The model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a storyStep 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?Step 4 - Routines and HabitsStep 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

This is episode 3 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. This episode of about building the team to get it done.The model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a storyStep 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?Step 4 - Routines and HabitsStep 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

This is episode 2 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. This episode of about leaning into the current reality of your business - and building a strategy.The model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a storyStep 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?Step 4 - Routines and HabitsStep 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

This is episode 1 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. This episode of about writing a story about the future - a painted picture.The model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a storyStep 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?Step 4 - Routines and HabitsStep 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

In this episode I share the idea of a book being written about the business you work in. That book started on the first day of the business - and continues to be written every single day. It's therefore an idea to consider what your current chapter of the book is about. What's your contribution to this big book of the business? Is this chapter a horror, or drama, or action packed adventure? Find out more about Cultivated Management here : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/telling-a-story-of-the-business/

In this episode I share 10 Elements of a powerful workshop. These are ideas I think are worth playing with. No absolutes, just 10 elements that I apply to my award winning workshops. They may work for you also!Find out more on cultivatedmanagement.comSubscribe to the Meeting Notes newsletter hereSit the online Communication Super Power WorkshopThanksRob..