ted Learning Podcast

In our latest podcast we are delighted to be joined by Justine and Chris and we'll be exploring their lived experiences from both an educational and work perspective.  We explore what we mean by neurodivergent and the conditions this covers.  Chris and Justine talk about some of the assumptions and judgements that people make about autistic and neurodivergent people and how this impacts the way you can be treated in work and education.  We also explore how we can be more understanding, accommodating and compassionate towards people who are neurodivergent, and the positive steps that can take place in Education but not always within the workplace.  Both our guests give first hand positive experiences and talk through how they felt when they were formally diagnosed as neurodivergent.   About Chris Bonello Chris Bonello is an autistic advocate, award winning writer and international speaker, also a novelist and special needs tutor. In 2015, he launched Autistic Not Weird, to share his insights from both a personal and professional perspective. About Justine Baylis  Justine Baylis is a recent graduate from the University of Arts London, where she studied fashion, PR and communications. She's passionate about advocating for neurodivergent individuals and her final year project was dedicated to this part of her identity, centred around her own business idea to better support Neurodivergent staff. About Justin Smith-Essex Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning. He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills. He is passionate about engaging learning and using drama to put people on the receiving end of an experience.  https://www.tedlearning.co.uk

In the latest of our series on lived experiences and to celebrate Black History Month, Justin from ted Learning speaks to Dani Moseley and Leon Wander, two black actors, who work for ted Learning.  We discuss their lived experiences growing up black in the UK, and what Black History Month means to them.  We hear first hand some of the challenges they have faced and overcome and why there is still work to be done to create a truly inclusive culture within the UK About Dani Moseley Dani Moseley recently starred in the BBC/Showtime comedy series, Dreaming Whilst Black and is due to appear soon in the hit C4 Comedy Big Boys and is a highly talented and versatile actor in both tv, film and theatre.  She is also one of the lead script writers at ted Learning.   About Leon Wander Leon Wander has been an actor writer and director for over 15 years, and is very involved in immersive theatre and also works extensively with young people from under-represented groups. About Justin Smith-Essex Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning. He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills. He is passionate about engaging learning and using drama to put people on the receiving end of an experience.  https://www.tedlearning.co.uk

In our latest ted Learning 'lived experiences' podcast, Justin from ted speaks to Simon Pinnell and Dave Bracher from the Spinal Injuries Association about their lived experience of being wheelchair users.   We find out what caused their spinal injuries and how it affected them both in the early days of becoming wheelchair users. We also explore the daily challenges they both face in accessing services and environments that non-disabled people don't have to grapple with, how the heart of UK Government isn't wheelchair friendly and the message this might be sending out to the wider business world, and how non-disabled people can be better allies. About Spinal Injuries Association Every four hours, a person's life is changed when they sustain a spinal cord injury. The aim of the Spinal Injuries Association is to be the go-to place for everyone affected by spinal cord injury (SCI), so that we can quickly connect them to the vast network of people, organisations and services they need. Both Simon and Dave work full-time at the Spinal Injuries Association, an amazing charity that supports people affected by spinal injuries in rebuilding their lives. www.spinal.co.uk About Simon Pinnell  A van hit Simon Pinnell in 2010 as he crossed the road, resulting in a T8 injury, which put him into a wheelchair. He is the Advocacy Manager at the Spinal Injuries Association About Dave Bracher Dave Bracher was rushed to hospital in 2012, where he ended up in a coma before suffering locked-in syndrome after suffering a rare combination of Guillain Barre Syndrome and ADEM, which attacked his nervous system, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Dave is the Head of People & Operations at the Spinal Injuries Association.  About Justin Smith-Essex Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning. He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills. He is passionate about engaging learning and using drama to put people on the receiving end of an experience.  https://www.tedlearning.co.uk

ted Learning is committed to helping organisations become more inclusive places to work, enabling people to be their authentic selves at work, each and every day. In the first in our series on 'lived experiences'  Ben Pechey talks to Justin from ted about their lived experience of being non-binary, what it means for them, some of the challenges and battles they face in going about their life, and their hopes for the future. About Ben Pechey Ben Pechey is a non-binary writer, presenter, content creator, LGBTQIA advocate, diversity & inclusion consultant and author. They have written and produced content for The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Refinery 29 and Diva Magazine. They have also worked with brands such as Manolo Blahnik, Condé Nast, Dr. Martens, The NSPCC, Virgin Atlantic and many more to educate and improve awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community. They are the author of The Book of Non-Binary Joy. Ben is also a TEDx speaker, with their talk focused on ensuring trans and non-binary people can find joy every day. https://www.benpechey.com/   About Justin Smith-Essex Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning. He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills. He is passionate about engaging learning and the use of drama to put people on the receiving end of an experience.  https://www.tedlearning.co.uk

Welcome to the latest episode of the ted Learning Podcast, "Resolving Conflict." where we join Justin Smith-Essex, founder of ted Learning, and Paul Hargreaves, a renowned facilitator, coach accredited by ILM Level 5, and a specialist in behavioural change and conflict management. Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. It can stem from a myriad of sources - differing personalities, opposing views, or even simple miscommunication. Left unchecked, these conflicts can disrupt productivity, cultivate a negative environment, and hamper growth. In this episode, Justin and Paul deep dive into the root causes of workplace conflicts. With their combined knowledge and experiences, they shed light on strategies that can be employed to manage and resolve these conflicts effectively, enhancing the overall work environment and promoting healthy, productive interactions. Expect a captivating discussion filled with real-life anecdotes, practical tips, and insights that delve into the psychology behind conflict. So whether you're a manager seeking to foster a more harmonious work environment or an employee trying to navigate workplace tension, this episode is packed with valuable information that can help transform the way you view and handle conflict. Join us for an empowering journey towards a more cohesive and conflict-free workspace.   About Paul Hargreaves  Paul is one of our very experienced trainers, and he strives to make all learning as personal as possible. He is a facilitator, coach (ILM level 5) and actor specialising in behavioural change. Paul lives in the Cotswolds where he enjoys open water swimming, canoeing, cycling and walking the dog, Fern, with his wife Jayne. He goes to the gym with his three sons who keep him on track with his least favourite gym activity – weights!

In this ted Learning podcast, Justin from ted Learning speaks to management and leadership coach, Paul Hargreaves on the value of coaching in the workplace.  They discuss the advantages of moving from ‘tell’ to ‘coach’, the wider business benefits and the roles and responsibilities of both the coach and the coachee.

In this ted Learning podcast, Justin Smith-Essex speaks to Sarah H Gordon, our recruitment expert and lead on our Consciously Inclusive recruitment course, about the approach employers should be taking to create more inclusive recruitment processes from how the advert and job spec are written, all the way through the interview and onboarding.  There are also useful tips for anyone applying for a role and things to consider, especially when the interview is conducted virtually.

As many organisations have shifted their working environments to a hybrid format, they now face the challenge of holding collaborative meetings remotely. While initially, we may have had some enthusiasm for the idea of virtual meetings, over time, it has become increasingly difficult to keep meeting attendees engaged. This can lead to feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction with virtual communication methods leaving your team feeling less productive than before. However, there are ways that you can overcome these challenges and create an effective space in which your virtual meetings will be successful. In this podcast, Justin Smith-Essex  CEO of ted Learning and Jon Stokes discuss various tools and strategies that you need to consider when trying to ensure your team is getting the most out of their virtual conversations!   Jon Stokes is a renowned business coach and facilitator for theatre-based learning with an engaging and energetic style.  He is an experienced presenter, actor and role-player.

In this podcast about well-being, Justin Smith-Essex talks to Claire Morton and Jules Kelly  about the impact of burnout at work and how well-being programmes can provide long-term benefits for your employees and your organisation.   Claire Morton is one of the UK’s most sought-after transformational leadership and well-being consultants and a multiple award-winning, number 1 best-selling author. With over 20 years of consulting experience in the private and public sector, Claire is an expert in meditation, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, yoga and well-being care and a fully qualified yoga teacher, alongside her work as a Master NLP practitioner and leadership development specialist.   Jules Kelly is Your Human Compass®. She is an experienced holistic leadership, growth and success consultant. She has over 30 years of experience within the Corporate World and has also experienced burnout, to the point of becoming classified as disabled.   Justin Smith-Essex is CEO of ted Learning a specialist in delivering workplace mental health and wellbeing training programmes to support employees & businesses. ted Learning has a range of practical and engaging courses designed to raise awareness and equip your employees and managers with the ability to better manage their own wellbeing and to provide support to colleagues who are showing signs of poor mental health.

When it comes to having conversations that are meaningful, courageous and honest in the workplace, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It takes courage to tackle tough topics in a professional setting, especially when you know that a difficult conversation can possibly disrupt the harmony of your team or workplace. In this ted's latest podcast, Justin Smith-Essex and Katherine Mount discuss brave conversations and communication skills

In this ted Learning podcast Louise and her sister Jocelyn talk about Windrush and its impact on those people who lived here. The Windrush Generation were invited to Britain to help rebuild the economy that had been weakened by World War Two.  Some found employment easily, whereas others came up against racism and bigotry. Many immigrants who came to Britain from skilled jobs in the Caribbean could not find the kind of work they specialised in for a variety of reasons In 2018, the Windrush Scandal became headline news with numerous cases of wrongful detentions and deportations of these migratory pioneers, who were invited by the British government to live and work. This scandal prompted widespread condemnation but more importantly, a conscious drive to honour the contributions of the Windrush generation who have become the face of the dynamic global hub, which is modern Britain.   About Louise Chandler Louise is a Broadcaster media and communications specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the media, marketing, and PR industry. She began her career as a journalist, reporter, and broadcaster on TV and Radio, writing articles for print and online media for BBC, Commercial brands, and services. About Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins Jocelyn is an event’s organiser, film maker and producer. She is passionate about inspiring, supporting and empowering diverse communities, businesses and creative projects to connect and grow. Jocelyn has a wealth of experience in a range of areas including education, project management, marketing and film making & producing

Black History Month is a recognition of the heritage, culture, and achievements of Black Britons. With the theme ‘Time for Change: Action not Words,’ Black History Month 2022 focuses on amplifying Black voices, allyship and activism, and sharing the stories and diverse legacies of Black people in the UK. In this ted Learning podcast, Louise Chandler and her sister Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins talk about what inspires them, to mark Black History Month.  They talk about how they finally feel their presence in UK literature by way of characterisation and many more black authors appearing in mainstream bookstores. About Louise Chandler Louise is a Broadcaster media and communications specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the media, marketing, and PR industry. She began her career as a journalist, reporter, and broadcaster on TV and Radio, writing articles for print and online media for BBC, Commercial brands, and services. About Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins Jocelyn is an event’s organiser, film maker and producer. She is passionate about inspiring, supporting and empowering diverse communities, businesses and creative projects to connect and grow. Jocelyn has a wealth of experience in a range of areas including education, project management, marketing and film making & producing

In this ted Learning podcast,  Louise Chandler and her sister Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins talk about what inspires them, to mark Black History Month. In this edition, they talk about the inspiring story of their Mum, widowed at an early age, who went on to raise a large family and become a pastor. Also stories of others who came over to the UK to help provide vital work that keeps our communities ticking.   About Louise Chandler Louise is a Broadcaster media and communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience working in the media, marketing, and PR industry. She began her career as a journalist, reporter, and broadcaster on TV and Radio, writing articles for print and online media for BBC, Commercial brands, and services.

in this ted Learning podcast, Justin from ted Learning speaks with Giancarlo Gaglione about his personal experience of losing someone to suicide and the importance of men being more open about their mental health in the workplace.  We also explore what companies and employers can do to make vulnerability at work a more acceptable thing.

In our latest episode, Steve Carr ted Learnings award-winning mental health trainer talks about his own personal experience of deteriorating mental health and attempting suicide, why men are more likely to commit suicide and what organisations can be doing to increase awareness of mental health and possibly prevent suicide.

In this ted Learning podcast, Louise and her sister Jocelyn talk about what inspires them, to mark Black History Month. In this edition, they talk about food, the range of flavours and assumptions people make when popping around to Lou’s for dinner. Not great for the diet but a great listen! About Louise Chandler Louise is a Broadcaster media and communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience working in the media, marketing, and PR industry. She began her career as a journalist, reporter, and broadcaster on TV and Radio, writing articles for print and online media for BBC, Commercial brands, and services.

In this ted Learning podcast, Louise Chandler and her sister Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins talk about what inspires them, to mark Black History Month. In this edition, they talk about how things are finally changing in the portrayal of black people in the media. About Louise Chandler Louise is a Broadcaster media and communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience working in the media, marketing, and PR industry. She began her career as a journalist, reporter, and broadcaster on TV and Radio, writing articles for print and online media for BBC, Commercial brands, and services.

In this ted Learning podcast, Louise Chandler and her sister Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins. talk about what inspires them, to mark Black History Month. In this edition, they talk about black music in the UK.   About Louise Chandler Louise is a Broadcaster media and communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience working in the media, marketing, and PR industry. She began her career as a journalist, reporter, and broadcaster on TV and Radio, writing articles for print and online media for BBC, Commercial brands, and services.

Darren from ted Learning talks to Kim and Mowena from Autism Oxford about how mindsets are changing and getting people to talk more widely about neuro diversity. They also talk about how we can better accommodate neuro diverse people in the recruitment process and the wider workplace. Also how we should be thinking more positively about people’s strengths and embrace these talents in a modern, thriving and diverse workplace.

In our latest ted Learning Podcast, we’re talking about the Menopause and how it impacts people in their lives and their work. Our Director of Operations Roxy Hooton catches up with Menopause Specialist Coach Laura Shuckburgh about all things menopause, and what businesses can do to improve support.   About Laura Shuckburgh Laura is a Life Coach and an Internationally certified NLP (Neuro Linguistic programming) practitioner of Time Line Therapy® and Hypnotherapy…sounds posh hey…it’s not really but it does give me some great tools to help support real change and self-discovery.She is actively committed to raising awareness of the once-taboo subject of menopause and this is why I now educate people about how menopause can affect women on a personal level and in the workplace.

Tell me how many times you’ve had a tough day and just dived into social media or zoned out in front of the TV? Well, we’re going to talk about why that doesn’t help and what you can do to take care of your own mental wellbeing. In this final four-part series Mandy Preece explores how you can help your colleagues, friends and family improve their mental wellbeing and navigate the current climate.

We all want to be there for our work colleagues, friend and family who may be going through a tough time, but there’s a big difference between listening and letting someone know they’re being heard.  In part three of this four-part series, Mandy Preece explores how you can help your colleagues, friends and family improve their mental wellbeing and navigate the current climate.

January is a tough time for work colleagues, friends and family but people are not always comfortable with asking for help. What are the signs to look out for? In part two of this four-part series, Mandy Preece explores how you can help your colleagues, friends and family improve their mental wellbeing and navigate the current climate.

January can be a tough month for many but with covid-19 job insecurity, a lot of people are struggling alone with their mental health. So how can you help? This four-part series featuring Mandy Preece explores how you can help your colleagues, friends and family improve their mental wellbeing and navigate the current climate.

In part 2 of our podcast series on Black History Month, Darren Wingham speaks more to Louise Chandler about Black History Month.

In this podcast, Darren Wingham from ted Learning speaks to Louise Chandler, Broadcaster and Communications Expert on what Black History Month means to her and if she feels the UK has learnt anything from the events of this year in how we embed black culture in the UK.

In this podcast, Darren Wingham talks to Anne-Marie Davies on the value of having mental health first aiders in business, the impact that lockdown has had on mental health and why organisations and individuals have a role to play in supporting their colleagues regardless of whether they are in the office together or split and working in different locations.

In this podcast, we speak to Actor Josette Simon OBE & People Director Aggie Mutuma around racism they have experienced, the black lives matters movement, their experiences growing up in the UK and the challenges they have faced in a work environment.  This podcast contains content that some might find upsetting.

The UK economy is expected to take the biggest hit since records began, and recruitment will for many simply not happen. But some companies are recruiting and in this podcast, we explore the changes in approach. Also, as the furlough scheme comes to a gradual end, redundancies are being commonplace. We also explore the support that can be provided via outplacement and the way those affected need to market themselves for new opportunities including what skills will employers be looking for, post-covid-19.

With face to face interaction almost impossible for many of us, we are all having to use virtual meeting rooms to meet up with colleagues. But has the art of listening suffered during a lockdown? In this podcast, Justin Smith-Essex speaks to Ed Clark around the art of listening and how despite digital barriers this skill is as important as ever.

In part 2 of our podcast on Learning & Development in the new normal, we look at how companies need to re-build team dynamics as employees either return to the office or from furlough. Darren Wingham speaks to Justin Smith-Essex around the training and support that should be provided.

In this final part of our 7 part series on the art of influencing in the new normal, we explore the challenge of how we influence away from the office and with many of our colleages, clients and stakeholders in different locations and unable to be face to face with them, what approach should we take. Justin Smith-Essex from ted Learning speaks to Matt Hayden.

Scarcity is the last of our 6 principles of influencing and is covered in this podcast. Justin Smith-Essex speaks to Matt Hayden around what this means, and how we utilise this in the current climate.

In part 5 of our series on influencing in the new normal, we explore the need for authority in how we influence and how we can use this via digital methods given the challenge of being face to face. Matt Hayden talks us through this principle.

Is it important to like someone you need to influence? No, but it helps! In this episode of our podcast series 'influencing in the new normal', we explore the need to find common ground with the people you meet and how this will help you influence them.

People rely on social cues from others on how to think, feel, and act in many situations. This is more difficult in the current climate where we aren't face to face and need to influence via a digital platform. In part 3 of our podcast series, we explore the principle of liking. Matt Hayden speaks to Justin Smith-Essex on what this means and looks like.

In part 1 of this two-part podcast, we explore the challenges facing employees and employers as lockdown eases and how a different type of training will be required for Managers to ensure anxiety and returning from furlough need to be managed. Darren Wingham speaks to ted Learning MD Justin Smith-Essex on how training needs to be part of the new normal focus.

In part 2 of our 7 part series on influencing in the new normal, Justin Smith-Essex speaks to Matt Hayden and we explore 'commitment and consistency' which form part of Robert B. Cialdini principles of influence.

Influencing in the new normal will have a different look and feel. Face to face is replaced by screen to screen. Justin Smith-Essex, Group MD of ted Learning speaks to Matt Hayden one of our trainers around how we need to adapt our approach for the new normal. In this first episode, we explore what we mean by influencing and cover the first of the 6 principles, Reciprocity.

n this podcast, Justin Smith-Essex, Group MD of ted Learning, speaks to Claire Morton about the benefits of mental health and wellbeing in the new normal and how we need to balance our physical and mental wellbeing.

In this podcast, Justin Smith-Essex, Group MD of ted Learning, speaks to Katherine Mount our Inclusion & Diversity expert trainer on the value of having an inclusive workforce both to the business and the individual plus the impact COVID-19 might be having on creating an inclusive workforce.

Everyone keeps talking about the new normal and in this podcast, we are exploring the impact this has had on our emotions, and in particular our emotional intelligence.    Justin Smith-Essex Group, MD of ted Learning, is joined by Brian Dannatt, one of ted's associate trainers and an expert in psychology and emotional intelligence.  About Brian Dannatt Brian is one of our training team who delivers our Emotional Intelligence, Unconscious Bias and Leadership Training.  He is an organisational and coaching Psychologist. With over 20 years of experience working with people to identify pragmatic solutions for developing potential and effectiveness.  Brian’s focus is on assisting people in building and managing highly effective relationships. His main areas are Leadership & Management & Personal Success and Change.

There is much concern, and quite rightly so, about the potential negative impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown.  In this podcast, we explore those concerns and ask ourselves "Is this also an opportunity to start to connect with what is really important". Patrick Holtby - Director of Product & Delivery Patrick has been part of the ted Learning team since soon after the business was formed. He has worked extensively within transport, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors as well as in hospitality. His specialities for ted Learning include key behaviour skills such as personal effectiveness, customer service, handling conflict, and leadership and management development. Patrick has been instrumental in delivering many of our ILM Programmes and is a key ambassador in our business for delivering joined up, sustainable learning. He has an ILM Level 5 Excellent Trainer Award 2015 with The University of York.

In this podcast to support mental health awareness, Patrick Holtby ask the questions "What are the things that make you feel worse?" and "What things make you feel better?" We provide tips on how to better manage your low moods and to understand what things affect your moods.    Patrick Holtby - Director of Product & Delivery Patrick has been part of the ted Learning team since soon after the business was formed. He has worked extensively within transport, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors as well as in hospitality. His specialities for ted Learning include key behaviour skills such as personal effectiveness, customer service, handling conflict, and leadership and management development. Patrick has been instrumental in delivering many of our ILM Programmes and is a key ambassador in our business for delivering joined up, sustainable learning. He has an ILM Level 5 Excellent Trainer Award 2015 with The University of York.

During my time as a Learning and Development Manager with TransPennine Express, one of my responsibilities was to organise the Annual Management Conference which I had done for a couple of years. Each time we would organise a series of activities and speakers throughout the day. Everyone would sit around the cabaret-style tables, sticking with the colleagues who they knew and worked with regularly. As soon as it came to coffee time, delegates would grab a cup of coffee and then go in search of a quiet space so that they could catch up on their emails. Patrick Holtby - Director of Product & Delivery Patrick is the Director of Product & Delivery at ted Learning. Patrick has been part of the ted Learning team since soon after the business was formed. He has worked extensively within transport, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors as well as in the hospitality sectors.

There is nothing worse than the absolute fear that overwhelms some people when they have to stand up and present – sweaty palms, pulse racing, can’t focus, worried they will forget key points.  It’s also no fun being on the receiving end of this quickly realising this will be an uncomfortable presentation and hoping it’s not a long one.  In this podcast, Katherine Mount provides help and advice for anyone who is going to present any type of information or message to someone else.  Follow the simple steps she describes and we believe you will be on the road to deliver a presentation that engages your audience.

A survey in the Daily Mail in 2018 of over 1,100 decision-makers found that three out of five agreed a woman should have to disclose whether she was pregnant during the recruitment process and almost half thought it was alright to find out if women had young children. Asking any of these questions would be illegal and a breach of the Equality Act 2010. So why do employers still want to ask this type of question?

As they do in every area of our lives, our emotions can influence the way we act and react in the workplace. Emotional intelligence is about developing the skills to better understand both our own emotions as well as those around us, and effectively managing how we react to them so that we can be more productive in our work life.   The objective is not to suppress or ignore difficult emotions or feelings but rather learning to handle them intelligently when they arise. Emotional Intelligence (or EI for short) is what makes the difference between top-performing leaders and the rest. Managers with strong EIs are measurably more successful in recruitment, employee retention, productivity, and customer service. But EI is not just for Managers and Executives; it is critical for success at any level in your career.  If you want to rise to higher levels of responsibility in your job, having a strong EI is essential.

Conflict in the Workplace costs British businesses £33 billion per year. We are all unique. We all have different experiences with diverse backgrounds and perspectives of the world which means we can respond differently to situations at work. This has an influence on our relationships with those around us. Our diversity of experience and thought is a positive thing, but sometimes it can also lead to misunderstanding and conflict between us. What we consider to be conflict differs from one person to another. Our perception of a difficult situation can differ from someone else’s. A degree of conflict can even be positive, a bit of healthy competition in achieving goals can be a good thing. Different opinions on a project help us to reach a creative solution. Managed well, these conflicts correctly we can up with a really positive outcome.

We often forget that an interview is a two way decision making process. Many interviewing Managers believe it’s their decision alone as to whether a candidate is successful and joins the team. The reality is that the candidate is effectively interviewing you too – does your business live up to their values – does it feel like a good place to work, are you flexible if that’s important to them? What are career progressions prospects? If we start all interviews mindful that the candidate is also deciding if your business is right for them, we are beginning the process of a candidate focused interview. Also, it’s worth noting that more and more candidates not only research the company but the person interviewing them! So be prepared for your social footprint to be explored by people considering joining your business.

Even when you don’t manage to take a sick day, stress and worry can seriously impact your performance: we’re all less productive when we’re tense, distracted by worry, and lacking sleep. The statistics back this up; according to the Institute of Directors one in three employees admit that stress and anxiety hinder them from completing projects on time. The negative impact of stress on company culture is clear; studies have also shown that it damages employee retention and commitment to the company.

There’s a lot of self-help literature out there about how helping others is actually a good way to help yourself. One of our favourite mantras at ted Learning – one that is often forgotten in the workplace – works the other way around: ‘Doing the best by yourself in order that you can do your best by others’. Managing yourself is surprisingly difficult. It’s easy to take the attitude that ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’; to assume that since you know you want to be successful, you can trust yourself to always  push your hardest to get there, without needing to think strategically about motivating yourself to work. As long as you make enough time, you tell yourself, and waste fewer hours on luxuries like, say, sleep, you can exceed everyone’s expectations.