Sparks

In this episode of Sparks, Milly invites Hannah Frame from BAE systems to speak about the messy, rewarding, and surprising journey of learning to love management. From asking for support as a new manager to figuring out how to delegate, they share honest reflections and practical takeaways. We also dive into fresh insights from Cegos’ International Barometer on leadership trends across the globe. If you're stepping into a management role, or are still adjusting to one, this episode is for you. See what we do best:https://www.cegos.co.uk/Interested in sparking something with us?info@cegos.ukConnect with us on LinkedIn:Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Hannah Frame: https://www.linkedin.com/in/framehannah/0:00 welcome to sparks5:33 Asking for support as a new manager7:01 How did you adjust to quickly becoming a manager?18:29 Learning to delegate24:38 Learning to love management28:23 Insights from Cegos’ International Barometer38:51 Advice to people about to step into the role

Where do you draw the line when it comes to clients, colleagues, and your own capacity? In this episode of Sparks, host Milly is joined by Sita, our Senior Account Manager and Rachel one of our Lead Learning consultants, to unpack the art of setting boundaries at work. They explore why it can feel hard to say no, how to stay client-focused without burning out, and what to do when someone crosses the line.Packed with honest stories and practical advice, this conversation sheds light on how trust, communication, and self-awareness play a role in maintaining healthy workplace relationships and sustainable client partnerships.If you’ve ever struggled to set limits or protect your time, this episode is for you. Tune in for a smart, down-to-earth take on professional boundaries and what it really takes to thrive at work.Chapters00:00 Welcome to sparks02:23 What do we mean by boundaries and why do we need them?04:25 Why is it hard to set boundaries sometimes?07:13 Tips to help people say no sometimes09:47 How do you balance being client focused and setting boundaries?12:43 How do you set boundaries internally with colleagues or your boss?19:45 How do you approach a situation where someone’s interrupted your boundary?26:57 Do you think that trust plays a role in setting and maintaing boundaries?30:47 Examples of a time you’ve had to set a boundary with a client or someone internally?37:30 Early warning signs that a client might be trying to push your boundaries.Follow us on Linkedin:Milly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Sita Kohli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sita-kohli-0047462b/Rachel Cise https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cise-3aaa87142/Don't forget to follow us for more!

This week, host Milly is joined in the studio by Gaby, our Head of Studio, and Simone, one of our Learning Consultants, for a crucial conversation about accessible design in learning and development.Why is this essential for L&D professionals? What common misconceptions hold people back? We're diving into how to brilliantly balance creativity with inclusive design and identifying where learning experiences can unintentionally exclude people. Get ready for inspiring stories, immediate quick wins to boost your accessibility right now, and a look at those overlooked tools that can be total game-changers. Plus, we'll talk about how to truly involve people in your design process and what has us most excited about the future of accessibility and learning.It's a must-watch episode that will transform how you think about creating engaging, and most importantly, inclusive learning for everyone.Get in touch: info@cegos.uk Follow us on Linkedin Milly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/?originalSubdomain=ukSimone Sullivan https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonesullivan1/Gaby Bran https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-bran-60a339154/0:00 welcome to Sparks7:50 Why do you think L&D professionals should care about accessibility?9:45 whats a common misconception about accessible design?12:36 How do you balance creativity with accessible design?14:55 Where do you see learning experiences, sometimes unintentionally, excluding people?18:16 can you share a story where accessible design really transformed someone’s learning journey?21:09 Are there any immediate quick wins for making things more accessible?23:06 what overlooked accessibility features/ tools are game changers?26:40 What can teams do to involve people in their design process?30:03 What excites you the most about the future or accessibility and learning?31:47 where can people go to learn more about accessible design?

In this episode of Sparks, Milly sits down with Phoebe Shaw from Give a Grad a Go to unpack what diversity and inclusion really means in hiring today.From unconscious bias to impactful (and affordable) initiatives, they explore where the industry is falling short—and where it's heading next. Whether you’re hiring your first team member or shaping company-wide policy, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and some big questions to take back to the boardroom.Tune in for a fresh look at how CSR can actually shape team culture — and why it’s worth prioritising, even when resources are tight.See what we do best:https://www.cegos.co.uk/Interested in sparking something with us?info@cegos.ukConnect with us on LinkedIn:Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Phoebe Shaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-shaw-3188ab198/00:00 - welcome to sparks04:44 where are biggest points of bias showing up in the hiring process?08:39 what does inclusivity look like in hiring?11:52 what does the D&I training cover at Give a Grad a Go?14:36 Some key stats19:45 How can employers continue to be inclusive23:17 some low cost, high impact equality initiatives for hiring

In this episode of Sparks, Milly is joined by one of our learning consultants, Blair, and client delivery & HR manager Sharon for a conversation about all things CSR. From how to avoid the dreaded tick-box approach, to what really gets a team engaged and energised, they share insights from leading our own team's CSR initiatives. Whether you're just starting your CSR journey or trying to get buy-in across the business, this episode's packed with honest reflections, practical advice, and a few unexpected takeaways.Tune in for a fresh look at how CSR can actually shape team culture — and why it’s worth prioritising, even when resources are tight.See what we do best:https://www.cegos.co.uk/Interested in sparking something with us?info@cegos.ukConnect with us on LinkedIn:Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Blair Wagner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairrwagner/03:52 CSR can feel like a tick box sometimes06:01 Your team needs to feel involved13:18 How can CSR be part of team culture and morale?16:16 A CSR project that’s energised our team20:15 What are the biggest challenges you face when trying to get people too buy into your CSR initiatives22:01 How do you measure the impact of initiatives?26:58 Why should other businesses consider making CSR a priority, even if they’re limited on their resources?28:24 Advice to people beginning their CSR journey

On this episode of Sparks, we're exploring a topic that's shaping the future of work: employee fulfilment. This week, Milly is joined by Grace French, where they challenge the old standard of "employee engagement" and unpack why fulfilment is the new gold standard. They explore the biggest misconceptions leaders have, the power of being intentional, and who is doing it right. Tune in to find out if fulfilment is another buzzword or the blueprint for success, and hear our advice for both managers and employees on how to drive real, lasting change.Connect with us on LinkedInMilly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Grace French https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceelizabethfrench/?originalSubdomain=ukSee what we do best:https://www.cegos.uk/Want to spark something with us?info@cegos.uk00.00 Welcome to sparks02:49 Employee engagement used to be the gold standard06:21 how do you measure fulfilment?09:09 What are some of the biggest misconceptions leaders have?16:28 Who’s doing employee fulfilment well?23:11 Do you think employee fulfilment is a manager’s responsibility?30:21 Is there risk of it becoming a buzzword?35:19 Advice to managers36:19 Advice to employees

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, our host Milly Gladstone is joined by Emily Link, a Director here at Cegos, and Lizzie Finch, one of our Marketing Executives, to dive into the leadership style of the Lionesses' manager Sarina Wiegman. In this episode, our team unpack what makes her such a standout figure in women’s football. From the way she builds trust with players to how she keeps the game fun under pressure, we explore the mindset behind the lionesses manager, during one of the biggest matches of her career. What really went down at half time? And how does a leader know whether to step in or step back? Listen in to hear our own team’s thoughts on one of the biggest matches of the year.--Connect with us on LinkedinMilly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Emily Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-link-b576a246/Lizzie Finch https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-finch-818578210/See what we do best:https://www.cegos.uk/Want to spark something with us?info@cegos.uk00:00 welcome to sparks02:45 what do we know about Sarina's leadership style?06:54 How she builds relationships with her team players9:52 Keeping the game fun17:22 What was she doing in the lead up to the game?21:59 Instilling a sense of purpose in the team28:30 What was said at half time32:31 when to jump in to help as a manager?

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 Sparks episode, Milly Gladstone speaks with Jonna Sercombe and Louise Connors about what it’s really like to lead big, complex change—like a major acquisition and rebrand. Drawing on their recent experience leading our own merger, they delve into how these shifts are often planned quietly in the background, why timing your message matters, and how being real and grounded can make all the difference. In this episode, you’ll hear why small wins keep people motivated, how emotions can actually be strengths in leadership, and why ongoing support is key. Their big message? Change isn’t a one-off—it’s something we learn to live and lead through.Watch now to hear the valuable insights and strategies drawn from recent firsthand experience of our own leaders.--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/Jonna Sercombe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Louise Connors: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-connors-89302111a/0:00 Welcome to Sparks1:19 We’ve been through some big changes8:18 Should you process change before you lead it?13:54 Which models of change do we use?21:49 Why patience is so important22:52 Are people really resistant to change?29:03 What can we learn from horses?!32:25 Change for changes sake?36:00 Should we praise early adopters of change?40:00 How do we handle emotions during change?47:50 The end

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?

How much damage can a lack of alignment do to a workplace without anyone even realising it?In this episode of Sparks, Milly, Jonna, and Emily get under the surface of a hidden saboteur that’s holding back countless teams — and it’s not what you think. Alignment isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key ingredient for collaboration, creativity, and productivity.We explore what alignment really means, who’s responsible for creating it, and how team size, roles, and responsibilities all affect it. From surprising lessons at BMW to discovering the difference between healthy and harmful challenge, we lift the lid on a workplace issue that’s often ignored.Whether you lead a team or you’re a team member experiencing confusion first-hand, this episode is a must-listen if you want to spot, resolve, and avoid the hidden saboteur that’s slowing you down.--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/Jonna Sercombe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Emily Larson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larson-emily/00:00 Welcome to Sparks00:37 Who’s on the podcast today?02:38 What is alignment?08:52 How do we get alignment?12:20 Who’s responsible for creating alignment?14:09 When is challenge good and for how long?18:26 How does team size affect alignment?20:38 Does alignment have a place amongst creative teams?23:18 Jonna’s drawing again!26:26 Lessons from BMW30:23 How to handle misalignment34:18 What causes misalignment39:50 Is it ever ok not to be aligned?46:00 Why is L&D like a midwife?47:30 Is there a better word for alignment?

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

Chris and Jonna have some big news to announce! Watch the video to find out about the history of the Interactive Workshops, how brands and branding works, why we’re so excited about the Cegos brand and what it means for the future. Read Jonna’s article to find out more: https://www.cegos.co.uk/insights/blog/team/whats-in-a-name-the-story-behind-our-cegos-rebrandSee what we do best:https://www.cegos.co.uk/Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.comConnect with us on LinkedIn:Jonna Sercombe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Chris Lissaman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/00:00 Times are changing00:27 Welcome to Sparks01:13 Big news!03:00 What is a brand?07:43 How important is a name?10:20 How do you feel about the change?14:10 Why rebrand fully?18:05 The importance of shared values19:08 What does it mean for the future? (The Big Reveal!)24:00 What's it like as the CEO of a company that’s been acquired?26:14 Change management

In this episode of Sparks, Milly, Blair, and Reuben dive into the world of management - specifically, what great management looks like from the team’s perspective. From navigating high-pressure environments to managing up, we’re flipping the script and looking at leadership through the lens of those being led. Whether you’re a manager, an aspiring one, or just trying to get the best out of your working relationships, this one’s full of honest opinions and practical insight.--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/Blair Wagner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairrwagner/Reuben Fletcher-Louis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuben-fletcher-louis/00:00 - When did a manager help you succeed?00:48 - Welcome to Sparks03:05 - How can a manager get the best out of you?08:26 - What is over-communication?12:38 - Communicating our strengths to our manager15:23 - When has a manager really helped you?18:14 - Managing upwards23:29 - Management in high-pressure environments26:45 - Managing as an Individual Contributor

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?

In this episode of Sparks, we dive into the world of generative AI—what it is, how it’s changing the way we work, and what it means for the future of learning and development. From overcoming our initial fears of new tech to unlocking the true potential of great prompts, we explore practical ways Gen AI can enhance how we think, learn, and grow.Neil shares his hands-on experience, we discuss the ethics and realities of AI, and we unpack the new Cegos Whitepaper on the different AI personas—from explorers to transformers. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or ready to dive in, this episode offers a grounded look at where Gen AI fits in and how Cegos can help you make the most of it.Discover more about how AI can empower you in our whitepaper: https://www.cegos.com/en/news-and-resources/blog-global-learning-and-development/learning-trends/the-power-of-generative-ai-in-learning-development--See what we do best:https://www.cegos.co.uk/Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.comConnect with us on LinkedIn:Chris Lissaman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/Neil Rabbetts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-rabbetts-39b386149/00:00 We fear new technology00:48 Welcome to Sparks02:07 Neil’s experience05:45 How do we get the most out of Gen AI?06:44 What makes a good prompt?10:16 Benefits of spending time on our prompts13:16 The ethics of AI17:11 How can we use Gen AI in L&D?23:30 Is AI overhyped?25:22 Should we fear AI?30:01 What is your AI persona?30:55 The explorer33:11 The adopter33:53 The transformer35:03 How can Cegos help?

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?!

How do you really know if you're improving? In this episode of Sparks, Jonna Sercombe and Milly Gladstone dig into the tricky world of performance measurement—where numbers don’t always tell the full story, and some of the most important factors can’t be tracked on a spreadsheet.We start with a simple question: Does feedback count as measurement? From there, we explore the tension between qualitative and quantitative data, uncover the motivational role of data in marathon training, and ask whether clients actually want to talk about training at all.Discover the unexpected metric The Body Shop uses to measure success and get to grips with the difference between leading and lagging indicators. At the end of it all we wrestle with the conundrum of how to use data when some of the things that matter most to workers are the hardest to measure.Let us know in the comments what you measure most frequently.Don't forget to like and subscribe to stay up to date with all our episodes.00:00 Why should we measure performance?00:42 Welcome to Sparks03:26 Does feedback count as measurement?04:30 Qualitative vs quantitative06:16 Running a marathon and data09:10 Do clients want to talk about training?10:14 Milly takes over!17:27 The unexpected metric The Body Shop use to measure performance19:59 Leading vs lagging indicators, what are they?21:50 What matters to workers that you can't measure?23:08 How did they do?