Sparks

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

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

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!

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!

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!