August can be a strange month for many business owners.
Half the country’s on holiday. Your inbox is a little quieter. Deadlines feel… less deadly.
It’s the perfect time to step away from the daily grind, put your feet up — and feed your brain with something new.
For me, that means podcasts.
In recent years, I’ve been listening even more than I read. The variety (and quality) is astonishing — and sometimes, the right episode can completely shift how you think about your business, your life, or the world around you.
Here are my top three current listens — including one from our Client Services Director, Simon Hammond:
I’ve argued before, in my emails, that business owners need to understand the external environment in order to have a complete grasp of the risks and opportunities facing their business.
The Rest is Money, hosted by journalists Robert Peston and Steph McGovern, is an easy way to do that.
Several times a week, they delve into the key issues facing business, markets and finance, in this country and further afield.
They explain the impact of current events on the economy in a way that is very engaging and approachable — and often eye-opening.
They also bring on high-profile guests who share frank opinions and fresh perspectives. I’ve become an avid listener, and highly recommend it.
2. A Bit of Optimism
Simon Sinek, author of one of my favourite business books, ‘Start with Why,’ talks to guests who have achieved extraordinary things and inspired him.
This isn’t necessarily about business; his guests have started charities, survived cancer, been to space, served in the army, fought anxiety and loneliness – and so much more.
Sinek often repeats an interesting line: Why are all the bookshelves filled with self-help books, but none about how to help others?
This podcast is his answer, in audio form.
It’s uplifting — as much for Sinek’s own warmth as for the stories his guests share.
3. Off Menu (recommended by Simon Hammond)
Every episode, comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster ask a celebrity to design their dream menu. Their guest might be a famous chef, a food critic or another comedian.
The menus they design might include food they love or care about, food they are nostalgic for, or their most extravagant meal. Others have designed menus that make them feel comforted.
It’s all served with lashings of humour and sprinkled with restaurant recommendations (many of which Simon is working his way through).
One for the foodies among you (but not just).
If you try one, I’d love to hear what you think.
And if you listen to all three… you might just emerge from August wiser, happier, and slightly hungrier than you were before.
Warmly,
Garry
You might also like: 4 books that transformed my perspective on business – Insight Associates Limited