Blaire Palmer, author of three books, including What’s Wrong with Work, host of the podcast A Brilliant Gamble, and founder of That People Thing, joins the show this week to talk about her fascinating background into the world of coaching, speaking, and writing. From a start in radio at the BBC, to owning her coaching business, Blaire helps leaders bring about significant change in their organization and life. We talk about what’s wrong with work and what we can do to make it better. She also gives some examples of great leaders and organizations that get it right, how we can better understand the evolution of our workforce, and where to begin when taking bold action.

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:26] Blaire was always fascinated by the media, and particularly radio. She worked her way up in commercial radio to a few key positions, including the producer role on the well-known BBC show Woman’s Hour.

[6:22] As we go along in our life and careers, our idea of the “dream job” changes. Blaire saw that coaching was more of a fit than broadcasting so she left the BBC and started to run a coaching business.

[7:28] Leaders face more pressure today than ever.

[8:01] Blaire’s focus is two-part: to support others in an ever-changing work environment and to help them find a way to get more creative in how they work and find value out of their contribution.

[11:28] In a future where AI and bots are very much real, organizations need to keep up. Blaire sees most companies running on an antiquated model. This leads to less productivity, wasted time through too many meetings, and putting profit over customer and employee needs.

[16:49] We need to manage people because we don’t think their heart is in the right place, and we don’t trust them. This is why Blaire calls for companies to manage the process, not the people.

[22:12] When companies employ the self-management technique, employees will seek advice, but in the end the decision is theirs.

[27:02] It’s important to ask the right questions before even taking a jump. What does work mean to you? What does work mean to your family? What are you really looking for — freedom? Time? Financial freedom? These important questions will get answers aligned with what the outcome is you seek from taking a risk.

[36:02] It doesn’t even need to be a huge jump. If you like dipping a toe in the waters first, try to stay connected with your company and possibly move to a consultant role.

[48:15] Shaking things up takes a willingness to try without a guaranteed outcome, and vulnerability.

[48:46] Blaire decided to shake things up herself and travel in an RV with her daughter. The experience was great and she also discovered two very important lessons. First, you take “you” with you wherever you go. Second, freedom looks different to everyone.

 

Resources:

Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins on Twitter

Mike Robbins on Instagram

TED Radio Hour

Woman’s Hour

What’s Wrong With Work, by Blaire Palmer

Zappos

That People Thing

A Brilliant Gamble