Sparks is an original Cegos UK & US podcast. In each episode of Sparks we speak to experts to help individuals, teams, leaders, and organisations ignite their professional and personal life.
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August 19, 2026Episode 333 min
Community for Sale: What Makes Us Feel We Belong?
We're Cegos, an International leader in Learning and Development, that have been helping companies thrive since 1926.Sparks is our UK based podcast where we share advice and tips on Learning and Development topics; problems; and misconceptions, sometimes joined by special guests. We hope we can help you Spark new ways of thinking with our podcast and if you're interested in getting in touch, please do at info@cegos.ukJoin Jonna and Em as they wander around Paddington, discussing what community really means — and what makes us feel that we belong. From workplaces and shared spaces to the everyday relationships that bring people together, they explore whether community can be created, cultivated and shared, or whether it’s something we simply have to experience for ourselves.
July 1, 2026Episode 234 min
The Time Culture Gap at Work: Poly/Mono-chronic working
We're Cegos, an International leader in Learning and Development that have been helping companies thrive since 1926. Sparks is our UK based podcast where we share advice and tips on Learning and Development topics; problems; and misconceptions, sometimes joined by special guests. If you're an HR manager, Talent Leader, or Learning and Development Strategist, welcome. This podcast is for you. Walk through London with Jonna and Em in this episode, where they delve into different interpretations of time and their impacts on office culture. Time isn’t equally understood by everyone: its interpretation is cultural. What impact does this have on teams and workplaces? Listen to find out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Sparks 01:43: Why the office hasn’t got a buzz anymore 05:30 What is our relationship with time? 08:50 The impact of polychronic ways of working 13:40 How do we balance polychronic and monochronic culture?18:17 Is motivation affected? 18:54 How do we lead modern teams? 24:34 What do creatives think of rules? 27:26 how do businesses have balanced polychronic and monochronic culture? 30:00 What are the dangers to look out for? 31:13 Will the culture continue to change ----------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN Cegos UK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cegosuk/?viewAsMember=trueCegos US https://www.linkedin.com/company/cegos-us/?viewAsMember=trueJonna Sercombe https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Emily Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-link-b576a246/ CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.cegos.uk/EMAIL USinfo@cegos.uk
July 1, 2026Episode 129 min
The Duty of Fidelity: Is Asking For 100% From Your Team Extreme?
We're Cegos, an International leader in Learning and Development that have been helping companies thrive since 1926.Sparks is our UK based podcast where we share advice and tips on Learning and Development topics; problems; and misconceptions, sometimes joined by special guests. If you're an HR manager, Talent Leader, or Learning and Development Strategist, welcome. This podcast is for you.This episode, Jonna and Em dive into The Duty of Fidelity and what it means to give it your all at work. What makes people put in the extra effort?How is the resentment loop slowly breaking down teams?Why the relationship employees have with their company vision needs to be crystal clear.----------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and the duty of fidelity04:39 The resentment loop vs 100% commitment07:50 Redefining productivity: hours vs output10:14 Creating meaning, impact and community17:14 Workplace trust and evaluating the 'how'27:38 Servant leadership: leading from the backseat----------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW US ON LINKEDINCegos UK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cegosuk/?viewAsMember=trueCegos US https://www.linkedin.com/company/cegos-us/?viewAsMember=trueJonna Sercombe https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/Emily Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-link-b576a246/CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE https://www.cegos.uk/EMAIL USinfo@cegos.uk
February 18, 2026Episode 542 min
We've Managed Projects for Years, Here's What You Need To Know
In this episode of Sparks, Milly is joined by a very familiar guest — someone she’s managed projects with for years, our very own creative director. This episode is an honest, funny and surprisingly practical conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of getting big ideas over the line. From the tools and methodologies that actually make a difference, to demystifying Kanban, habit building and setting review rhythms that don’t become box-ticking exercises, this episode gets into the nuts and bolts of project management without the corporate jargon. They also tackle the harder stuff: how to make better decisions under pressure and what to do when milestones slip (because they will). If you’ve ever found yourself firefighting a deadline, overcomplicating your workflow, or wondering why a project that looked great on paper is quietly derailing, this one’s for you. Settle in for candid stories, practical insights and a few “we’ve definitely done that” moments. Chapters: 0:0 welcome to sparks 3:41 What kind of tools and methodologies to use when project managing 10:35 What’s a Kanban? 15:35 habit building 18:08 Review rhythms 25:53 Decision making 35:00 Not meeting the milestonesFollow us on LinkedIn: Milly Gladstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/ Emily Larson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larson-emily/ Interested in sparking something with us? Get in touch info@cegos.uk
January 9, 2026Episode 314 min
Our Top 2025 Learning & Development Tips | The Complete Rundown
Welcome to Sparks. In this special episode, Sam takes a step back to revisit the moments that really shaped our conversations in 2025. We’ve pulled together ten standout insights from across the year that challenged assumptions, sparked debate and changed the way leaders think about learning, leadership and work. From why over-communication might be underrated, to the quiet signals of struggling leaders, to the surprising power of saying no, this is a fast-paced highlight reel that connects the dots without giving everything away. Whether you’ve been with us all year or you’re new to Sparks, this episode is a great place to reflect, reset and get inspired for what’s next. Chapters: 0:0 welcome to sparks 0:21 You need to balance alignment with out of the box thinking. 1:18 There is no such thing as over communication. 2:30 Encourage experimentation and don't penalise mistakes. 4:06 Show vulnerability and stay calm. 5:56 How to spot struggling leaders. 7:21 It’s all about employee fulfilment 8:08 Your job specs could be the problem 9:10 The most common misconception about accessible design is… 10:24 The science of selling. biases can be helpful. 11:30 Transform transactions into true partnerships 12:45 The power of saying no! Subscribe for more conversations on learning, leadership and the ideas shaping the modern workplace.Interested in sparking something with us? Get in touch: info@cegos.uk or follow us on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/cegosuk
December 3, 2025Episode 235 min
How To Turn a Client Relationship Into a True Partnership
In this episode of Sparks, Milly is joined in the studio by Em, an Executive Learning Director with plenty of experience in turning client relationships into long-term, high-trust partnerships. Together they dig into what really strengthens a new relationship, the subtle signs that things are shifting into true partnership territory, and how to navigate the tricky moments that inevitably come with collaborative work.From early foundations and essential qualities to balancing friendship with professionalism, this conversation offers grounded, honest insight without sugar-coating the challenges. If you’ve ever wondered how to build better client relationships—or how to rescue one when it hits a rough patch—you’ll want to listen in.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to sparks.2:51 how to build a strong client relationship.07:29 signs that your client relationship might be becoming a partnership.10:17 what are some things you do at the start to build a strong relationship with clients?13:10 the qualities you need to build aa great partnership15:01 example of a challenging situation with a partner22:00 signs of a true partnership emerging26:45 how do you strike the balance between a friendship and professional partnership?33:15 Advice to someone going through a rough patch with a client.Follow us on LinkedInMilly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/Emily Link https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-link-b576a246/Interested in sparking something with us? Get in touch: info@cegos.ukDon't forget to stay subscribed for more!
November 19, 2025Episode 527 min
How Your Brain Tricks You When You're Buying!
In this episode of Sparks, Milly welcomes two of our Learning Consultants Simone Sullivan and Reuben Fletcher-Louis for a conversation that gets right under the skin of human behaviour. From the subtle biases that shape every buying decision to the snap judgements we make in the first seconds of a meeting, they dig into the psychology that quietly drives workplace performance. You’ll hear how salespeople can use science to make stronger first impressions, and why managers who understand human quirks have a serious edge when it comes to motivating their teams. It’s a lively, practical chat with insights you’ll start noticing the moment you hit play. Join us, and see how a little behavioural science can spark a lot of impact. Chapters: 00:00 welcome to sparks 09:48 selling to people’s biases11:14 The primacy bias14:04 Snap Judgements 17:40 Advice to a salesperson meeting a potential client for the first time 19:00 what can managers learn from the science? 25:20 Tips for managers in using psychology and science to motivate their team Follow us on Linkedin: Milly Gladstone https://www.linkedin.com/in/milly-gladstone/ Simone Sullivan https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonesullivan1/ Reuben Fletcher Louis https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuben-fletcher-louis/ Interested in sparking something with us? Get in touch: info@cegos.uk Don't forget to follow for more!
November 5, 2025Episode 443 min
The Secrets to Setting Boundaries at Work
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!
October 22, 2025Episode 334 min
Stop Excluding Learners: Accessible Design Tips from Learning & Development Experts
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?
October 8, 2025Episode 229 min
The Truth About Unconscious Bias in Hiring!
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
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