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The new series of podcasts is going out under the new sub-brand, The Unlearning Curve, which comprises four episodes. In this first episode, Jonathan discusses the concept of job crafting with Charlotte Axon and Rob Baker from Durham-based Tailored Thinking. They explore how personalising everything is becoming more common and the benefits of personalising work. […]
In November I was extremely privileged to be a delegate on Alliance Manchester Business School Strategic Productivity programme. The balance of academic rigour, exploring content through a variety of organisational contexts and space to consider practical application was exceptional. I left with fresh perspectives, new connections and a renewed enthusiasm for business. Sincere thanks to […]
In the article strategic business consultant, Angela Taylor, explores the debate surrounding retaining women in engineering and manufacturing, which has really sharpened in 2025, and it’s no longer just about representation. It’s about systemic change, inclusive leadership and rethinking the entire talent pipelines, as Angela explains. What’s the current situation? Women still only account for 26% […]
Our new video mini-series, One-Minute Insights, which was launched on 8 September, explores five aspects of time management and presents tips and techniques so that we can all become more productive. In my recent post, Rewriting Our Relationship With Time, I state that the concept of time management is a bit of a misnomer, because […]
Productivity can be an uncomfortable thing to talk about. Identifying what to do to increase output without increasing labour costs or investing in new equipment can be challenging. Whilst there are tools and techniques that enable waste to be identified and new ways of working developed, creating the right environment for these changes to stick […]
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of things on your to do list? Do you feel disappointed in yourself when the list has not been completed? Has your list started to interrupt your thinking; perhaps when you’re talking to a colleague or during family time? This used to be me until I had […]
At the heart of any great safety culture is behaviour: the things people do. But these behaviours don’t just happen. They’re influenced by leaders and the working environment they create and reinforced by habits. Behavioural science indicates that when we do something consistently and positively, it becomes second nature. In the manufacturing and processing […]
Returning to work after a break and what our feelings reveal about our work and holidays. Coming back to work after a holiday is a universally relatable experience — whether it’s after a long holiday abroad or just a quiet few days at home — returning to the regular rhythm of early starts, emails and […]
There’s an old story about a woodcutter who is furiously sawing at a tree. A passerby notices he’s been at it for hours and suggests: “Why don’t you take a break and sharpen your saw?” The woodcutter, without pausing, replies: “I can’t stop, I’m too busy cutting.” This story has endured for good reason — […]
