Sparks

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 yo...

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...

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 bu...

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 l...

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...

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 sale...

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 t...

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 le...

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...

In this episode of Sparks, Milly is joined by one of our learning consultants, Blair, and client delivery & HR manager Sharon for a conversation about all things CSR. From how to avoid the dreaded tick-box approach, to what really gets a team engaged and energised, they share insights from leading our own team's CSR initiatives. Whether you're just starting your CSR journey or trying t...

On this episode of Sparks, we're exploring a topic that's shaping the future of work: employee fulfilment. This week, Milly is joined by Grace French, where they challenge the old standard of "employee engagement" and unpack why fulfilment is the new gold standard. They explore the biggest misconceptions leaders have, the power of being intentional, and who is doing it right. Tun...

In this episode of Sparks, Milly invites Hannah Frame from BAE systems to speak about the messy, rewarding, and surprising journey of learning to love management. From asking for support as a new manager to figuring out how to delegate, they share honest reflections and practical takeaways. We also dive into fresh insights from Cegos’ International Barometer on leadership trends across the globe....

Feeling the weight of management? In this episode of Sparks , a podcast by Cegos, Milly is joined by Emilie West, where they dive into a growing workplace challenge - management fatigue. They get into what it looks like, why it’s on the rise, and how leaders can start to navigate it. As part of our mini-series on management and leadership, we’re unpacking the not-so-obvious signs of burnout, the r...

In this episode of Sparks, our host Milly Gladstone is joined by Emily Link, a Director here at Cegos, and Lizzie Finch, one of our Marketing Executives, to dive into the leadership style of the Lionesses' manager Sarina Wiegman. In this episode, our team unpack what makes her such a standout figure in women’s football. From the way she builds trust with players to how she keeps the game fun u...

In this episode of Sparks, Milly kicks off a powerful conversation on what it really means to lead when things aren't going to plan. Part of our mini-series on leadership and management, this one dives into the tough stuff—how to navigate failure, rebuild trust, and keep people motivated when success feels out of reach. It's real, it's reflective, and it's packed with insights that...

In this Sparks episode, Milly Gladstone speaks with Jonna Sercombe and Louise Connors about what it’s really like to lead big, complex change—like a major acquisition and rebrand. Drawing on their recent experience leading our own merger, they delve into how these shifts are often planned quietly in the background, why timing your message matters, and how being real and grounded can make all the d...

In this episode of Sparks, Milly is joined by Cameron Swan and Nathan Rager for a conversation that digs into the real differences between managing a team and managing a business and how to handle that shift. As part of our Leadership and Management mini series, we explore how to lead when the stakes are high, when to step in (and when not to), and what it actually means to empower people to fail....

How much damage can a lack of alignment do to a workplace without anyone even realising it? In this episode of Sparks, Milly, Jonna, and Emily get under the surface of a hidden saboteur that’s holding back countless teams — and it’s not what you think. Alignment isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key ingredient for collaboration, creativity, and productivity. We explore what alignment really means,...

Ever wonder how to lead without losing your warmth? In this episode of Sparks , part of our Leadership and Management mini-series, Milly talks with Rachel and Sharon about the real challenges of being a manager—especially when the lines between personal and professional start to blur. From giving tough feedback to staying friendly on the rough days, we’re diving into what it means to lead with emp...

In this episode of Sparks, Milly, Blair, and Reuben dive into the world of management - specifically, what great management looks like from the team’s perspective. From navigating high-pressure environments to managing up, we’re flipping the script and looking at leadership through the lens of those being led. Whether you’re a manager, an aspiring one, or just trying to get the best out of your wo...

In this episode of Sparks, we dive into the realities of management with Emily Link and Ken Govan, both Directors at Cegos UK. From navigating bad management outside of work to finding your own management style, Emily and Ken share personal experiences, practical advice, and reflections on the ongoing journey of leadership. We discuss the evolution of a manager’s role, how to balance managing othe...

In this episode of Sparks, we dive into the world of generative AI—what it is, how it’s changing the way we work, and what it means for the future of learning and development. From overcoming our initial fears of new tech to unlocking the true potential of great prompts, we explore practical ways Gen AI can enhance how we think, learn, and grow. Neil shares his hands-on experience, we discuss the...

Are traditional classrooms failing us? In this episode of Sparks, we explore the evolving world of learning with special guest Andy Jones. From the most common asked questions to the ones we really should be asking instead, we dive into how to build comfort, confidence, and competence through more effective learning experiences. We discuss where learning interventions should start, the role of AI...

Chris and Jonna have some big news to announce! Watch the video to find out about the history of the Interactive Workshops, how brands and branding works, why we’re so excited about the Cegos brand and what it means for the future. Read Jonna’s article to find out more: https://www.cegos.co.uk/insights/blog/team/whats-in-a-name-the-story-behind-our-cegos-rebrandSee what we do best:https://www.cego...

In this episode of Sparks, Milly and Jonna return to explore what it really takes to drive performance improvement. From effective feedback to the power of data, we break down practical strategies for leaders looking to elevate their teams. Is a skills matrix the right tool? How can leaders create a culture of growth? And is comparison really the thief of joy?--// Brought to you by Interactive Wor...