A Quick Brew

In this episode, James 'Cold Call' Sharples and Dave discuss the evolving landscape of sales, underlining the importance of resilience, accountability, and the shift from traditional sales methods to modern strategies. They explore the attributes of successful salespeople, the challenges of cold calling, and the role of platforms like LinkedIn in building trust and credibility. The conversation hi...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Superman' Sharples engage in a lively discussion with guest Danny Macklin (Head of Partnerships for The Ideal Home Show 🏡).They talk about the importance of human connection at events and the balance between live and virtual environments to create immersive experiences, and how this provides unique opportunities for brands to connect with consumers. They also rece...

Happy New Year 🎉 In this episode, Dave and James 'HNY' Sharples reflect on the New Year, discussing their approach towards resolutions, the importance of quality time with loved ones, and setting realistic goals. They share personal experiences of winter blues and weight-loss journeys, emphasising gradual changes and manageable targets. The conversation also touches on the challenges of engaging...

In this Christmas Special episode of A Quick Brew, hosts David Bancroft and James 'Crimbo' Sharples welcome special guest David Bell onto the pod. The conversation flows from festive reflections to the impact of AI on business, and reinforces the importance of balancing technology with human interaction. They discuss the significance of building meaningful customer relationships, the evolving natu...

In this episode, David and James 'Connection' Sharples discuss the implications of remote work for early-career professionals. They explore the importance of in-person learning, the challenges of burnout in remote settings, and the necessity of human connections in the workplace. The conversation emphasises the value of being physically present in an office environment for professional development...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Driven' Sharples welcome Toyin Akinyemi , a leadership development consultant, to discuss the importance of communication styles, stress management, and the need for training in leadership roles. They explore the concept of personality types using the Insights Discovery model, the role of healthy stress in personal and professional growth, and the significance of c...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Bookclub' Sharples discuss various topics ranging from book recommendations to the impact of dumbing down media content. They explore the importance of maintaining attention spans in a world filled with distractions, the significance of engaging content, and even the challenges of parenting. The conversation also touches on the future of work, particularly the tren...

In this AQB episode, hosts Dave and James 'Sharp Lez' Sharples welcome Abby Anderson, a career bookkeeper and now tech strategist, software provider and author. They discuss the importance of mindset in implementing smart systems, the role of AI in enhancing efficiency, and the need for continuous adaptation in business practices. Abby shares her insights on how to reclaim time through technology...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Whats The Point' Sharples discuss the challenges and frustrations surrounding LinkedIn's algorithm and its impact on content engagement. They explore the disparity between meaningful content and trivial posts, the changing nature of the platform, and the importance of building trust through valuable content. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in how L...

In A Quick Brew first, we continue our engaging conversation with Lisa Ansell . Dave and James 'Unpredictable' Sharples delve into the nuances of sales, highlighting the importance of relationship building, understanding customer needs, and the pitfalls of 'pitch slapping'. They discuss strategies for overcoming ghosting, learning from rejections, and the psychological aspects of sales. The conver...

In the 'magical eighth' episode of A Quick Brew, hosts Dave and James 'The Optimist' Sharples chat with "everyone's favourite person", Lisa Ansell , a fractional sales expert from Sales Geek. They discuss the evolving landscape of sales and explore the importance of authenticity, trust, and human connection, before moving on to the impact of AI and effective strategies for building client relation...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Dubstep' Sharples explore various themes, briefly discussing horror films and their impact on culture. James even treats us to a new, horribly good impression...They delve into the importance of human connection in a digital age, sharing personal experiences and insights from recent events. The conversation highlights the value of in-person interactions over digita...

In this engaging episode, hosts James and Dave discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) with expert Meesam Raza. They explore the practical applications of AI in business, emphasising its role as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human workers. Meesam shares insights on how AI can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and even take on senior roles in org...

In this engaging conversation, James and Dave discuss various topics ranging from the unsettling introduction of lockdown drills in schools to the challenges of disconnecting from work during holidays. They explore the implications of global events, share light-hearted moments about James' middle name, and delve into the latest tech with Meta Wayfarers. The discussion wraps up with reflections on...

In this episode, Dave and James welcome Craig Kelly, a prominent legal professional and LinkedIn influencer, to discuss the evolving landscape of the legal profession, the importance of shareholder agreements, and insights into business partnerships. Craig shares his journey in the legal field, discusses the impact of technology on legal practices, and emphasises the necessity of proper legal docu...

In this conversation, James suggests the school system is outdated, emphasising the need for modernisation and the inclusion of technology and real-life skills in education. Dave and James also explore the topic of unconscious bias in AI, highlighting how biases in historical data can impact AI outcomes, particularly in recruitment. The discussion concludes with reflections on the importance of hu...

In this episode, Dave and James discuss the evolution of hierarchical structures in modern workplaces, emphasising the balance between collaboration and traditional hierarchy. They explore the impact of technology and AI on job roles and workplace dynamics, advocating for a collaborative approach while respecting established reporting lines. The conversation highlights the importance of understand...

In the FIRST episode of ' A Quick Brew ', hosts David Bancroft and James Sharples discuss various topics including the rise of AI in sales, the expectations of employees during probation periods, and the psychological contract between employers and employees. They explore how technology is changing the landscape of business and the importance of accountability and support in the workplace. The con...