Twelve Scholars: Recent Episodes
Bob Buckley
At TWELVE SCHOLARS, we aim to be your essential guide to personal and professional development. Sharing insights and global perspectives, we explore, what ‘excellence’ looks like today — and in the future. Each series deep dives one aspect of leadership development. 12 episodes every series. Compliments and complementary to the Twelve Scholars Journal.
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE)
https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk
Manchester Gin
https://manchestergin.co.uk
Three Little Words
https://threelittlewordsmcr.co.uk
Storey Racing
http://storeyracing.cc
British Cycling
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk
Boot Out Breast Cancer
https://www.bootoutbreastcancer.org.uk
What does your reputation say about you? How do you build a reputation? How do you look after your reputation?
These are some the questions that we’ll attempt to answer, with the help of Robert Hopkins (S2E6).
REFERENCES
AHR Architects
CrossFit Ancoats
Hallidays
University of Salford — School of Health and Society
KEY LESSONPush the conversation
HIGHLIGHTS01:42 Young Alfred Waterhouse
07:28 Cassette tapes from the college library
08:30 Building boats at eighty
14:08 Brutalist buildings
16:36 Moving out from London
24:12 Talking to people
27:26 No howlers please
28:33 Key lessons
29:58 Close
REFERENCESAHR Architects
http://www.ahr.co.uk
The Royal College of Physicians (Northern)
The Spine, Liverpool
The Well Standard
https://www.wellcertified.com
The Pompidou Centre
https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en
In this episode, we take a closer look at mission and vision with Susan Banister and Ged King. We share a few rules for recruitment, talk about a special event, and introduce a new five letter acronym! ;-)
HIGHLIGHTS
01:02 What’s the difference?
01:54 A rather special event
03:20 Vision 1 – A world free from slavery
05:32 Vision 2 – A world where homelessness is a thing of the past
08:08 Vision 3 – A tribe dedicated to leadership development
09:22 Your questions answered
11:55 Closing remarks
12:30 Close
REFERENCES
Hope for Justice
Skullfades Foundation
The Podcast Fellowship
Podcast.co
MIC media
KEY LESSON
Lead from the front
HIGHLIGHTS
01:42 Introduction
03:15 Ben Cooley
05:05 William Wilberforce
06:54 Definitions of modern slavery
09:22 Communicating a vision
12:36 Supporting the mission
19:34 Advice to younger self
20:10 GETMO
22:12 Key lessons
23:36 Close
REFERENCES
The Slave Free Alliance
https://www.slavefreealliance.org
Hope for Justice
https://hopeforjustice.org
We take a closer look at the six values the Army uses to recruit. We touch on a new technique for building trust. And a short tribute to an old friend of mine.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:02 The Scout Law
02:20 The Army's Six Values
07:42 Building trust
09:32 A tribute to Len Davenport
10:52 Your questions
12:52 Closing remarks
13:30 Close
REFERENCES
The Army's Values
Link to website
KEY LESSON
Lead from the front
HIGHLIGHTS
01:42 Introduction
06:46 Life after Sandhurst
09:34 Communication Communication
13:44 Leading in a digital world
18:47 Thinking under pressure (thinking slow, acting fast)
23:40 Leadership styles
25:54 Advice to younger self
26:40 Key lessons
28:10 Close
REFERENCES
Amputees In Action
Green Peak Consulting
We take a closer look at Tom Bloxham MBE (Urban Splash) and Alice Sparks (Invisible Manchester)
HIGHLIGHTS
01:02 Introduction
02:10 An alternative method for goal setting
04:56 Walking in someone else's shoes
08:04 Your questions answered
09:44 Closing remarks
10:32 Close
REFERENCES
Urban Splash
https://www.urbansplash.co.uk
Invisible Manchester
https://invisible-cities.org
KEY LESSON
See the world differently
HIGHLIGHTS
01:35 Federation House
07:28 Social enterprise skills
12:36 Invisible Cities
15:55 Tour guides with a difference!
20:04 Outreach programme
23:22 Advice to younger self
25:02 Key lessons
26:16 Close
REFERENCES
Invisible Cities — Tour Guides with a difference!
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Who’s part of your team, encouraging you to improve, and challenging you to think differently?
In this episode, we introduce Aaron Penwill—he’s been part of our team from the start. He’s been there to bounce ideas, test new equipment and challenge our thinking on what leadership is all about.
HIGHLIGHTS01:02 Introduction
02:40 First impressions
06:22 Podcast vs. Print
12:56 Favourite quotes
15:42 Rebel ideas by Matthew Syed
17:44 Closing remarks
18:48 Close
REFERENCERebel Ideas, by Matthew Syed
The Lean Practice
Aaron Penwill’s consultancy
KEY LESSON
Leave a better legacy
HIGHLIGHTS
01:35 Tom's favourite part of Manchester
05:26 It will never work
10:40 Reimagining Europe's largest listed building
14:00 Building for the future
17:18 Being a visionary
20:12 Key lessons
21:48 Close
REFERENCES
Urban Splash
www.urbansplash.co.uk
KEY LESSON
The Excellence Framework
HIGHLIGHTS
01:02 Introduction
02:02 The Excellence Framework
06:48 Anthony Banks
10:42 Questions answered
12:46 Scholar updates
13:44 Closing remarks
14:10 Close
REFERENCES
EGSP
The Excellence Framework Video Tutorial
Dial M for Murder
www.dialmformurderplay.com
KEY LESSON
Engage with your audience
HIGHLIGHTS
01:30 Earliest memory
03:21 The role of theatre director
05:30 The plot of The Girl on the Train
08:31 Putting the audience first
14:28 Different audiences
19:09 Setting expectations
22:32 Final question
23:29 Key lessons
25:00 Close
REFERENCES
Anthony Banks
www.anthony-banks.co.uk
The Lowry Theatre
www.thelowry.com
In this episode, we look back at Series 1, introduce Series 2 and leave you with a productivity tool that is guaranteed to make a difference.
Leadership tool
Retrospective: WWW and AFI
Three Letter Acronym
AFI — Areas for improvement
EGSP — Find out next time! ;-)
TS — Twelve Scholars
UX — User Experience
WWW — What worked well
KEY LESSON
Play to your strengths.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:33 Introduction
05:00 Changing your communication style
07:58 Bob's football analogy
11:55 HIT classes (internal training essential)
18:38 Helping other with Business AM classes
23:13 Advice to younger self
24:25 Nigel's recommended book to get started
25:19 Key lessons
26:34 Close
REFERENCES
Hallidays
https://www.hallidays.co.uk
KEY LESSON
Learn how to focus your energy.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:30 Introduction
05:45 British Athletics
07:55 Professional, Passionate and Purposeful
10:00 Better communication is key
14:12 Being a great coach
21:38 Final few questions
24:40 Key lessons
26:03 Close
REFERENCES
British Athletics
https://www.britishathletics.org.uk
UK Sport
https://www.uksport.gov.uk
Trafford Athletics Club
https://www.traffordac.co.uk
SPECIAL GUEST
In this week's show we meet Dave Walker. Dave is a Senior Product Engineer at MSM Aerospace, an advanced manufacturer, based in North Manchester. Dave started his working career at Ferranti — at the time — one of the largest engineering firms in the UK. He later worked at Bellhouse Hartwell before joining MSM aerospace in 2002. Dave is widely known for his ability to overcome challenges and get things done. So today, we sit down with Dave to talk about being proactive and why having a bias for action is so important.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:30 Introduction
06:52 Getting things done
13:16 Developing an interest
18:30 Switching off
22:28 Key lessons
23:55 Close
REFERENCES
MSM aerospace
www.msm-aero.com
Ferranti
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferranti
SPECIAL GUEST
Today, we welcome Gary Lovatt to Twelve Scholars. Gary is Chief Executive of Social Sense and a Serial Entrepreneur. Gary has a passion for social change. He has worked with the National Health Service (NHS), the Police and schools up and down the country, to help people to make better decisions. And through the subtle art of digital persuasion, he has improved lives and reduced pressure on our public services.
In today’s show, we sit down with Gary to discuss being proactive and how we all have the freedom to choose.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:25 Introduction
03:51 How we make decisions
08:15 Social norm theory
11:58 Developing a mindfulness programme
18:50 Sustainable change programmes
22:32 Final questions
23:40 Key lessons
24:51 Close
REFERENCES
Social Sense
http://socialsense.co.uk
Social Sense Community Interest Company (CIC)
http://socialsensecic.co.uk
Breathworks
https://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk
SPECIAL GUEST
Since joining AO, Ben has completed a number of physical and mental challenges that have pushed him to the absolute limit. Today, he draws on that experience to help others become more proactive and develop a ‘can-do’ attitude. In this episode we discuss mental resilience, training for a triathlon, what it’s like working for AO, and why climbing the highest Mountain in North Africa changed his life forever.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:30 Introduction
03:14 Mount Toubkal
09:00 Coast to Coast
09:27 JOGLE
10:12 Training for triathlon
13:45 12½ hours
16:25 The culture of a fast-growing online business
21:12 Final questions
23:50 Key learning points
25:08 Close
REFERENCES
AO
https://ao.com
Ride Across Britain (JOGLE)
https://www.rideacrossbritain.com
Ironman UK
http://www.ironmanuk.com
Mount Toubkal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toubkal
SPECIAL GUEST
Lizzie Kelly-Dyson is a UX Designer and co-founder of Ladies That UX. Lizzie grew up in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, before moving to Manchester to study web development. She's worked as a UX Designer for BBC Sport, Booking.Com and dunnhumby. Always looking for the next challenge and step outside her comfort zone, Lizzie is also co-founder of non-profit global organisation that promotes women in tech. In this episode we discuss being proactive, equality and helping others step outside their comfort zone.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:33 UX defined
04:26 Ladies That UX
08:48 Talk UX
13:35 Dot voting
19:00 Daily routine
21:23 Advice to others
23:20 Key learning points
24:24 Close
REFERENCES
Ladies That UX
http://ladiesthatux.com
Talk UX
https://www.talk-ux.com
dunnhumby
https://www.dunnhumby.com
SPECIAL GUEST
Geoff's story is one from rags to riches... from growing up in a council house in North Manchester, he's travelled the world and now lives in the leafy suburbs near Altrincham. He started his first business aged 25, and over the past 3 decades has built and sold many businesses. He credits much of his success to studying people such as Brian Tracy, Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar. Find out more about how Geoff first got started.
HIGHLIGHTS
02:04 Introduction
05:32 The subconscious mind
07:22 Geoff One and Geoff Two
08:00 Going the extra mile
11:44 Zig Ziglar and Co.
15:00 Recommended reading
16:52 Business success
21:06 Key learning points
22:18 Close
REFERENCES
Research & Development Specialists
www.rdsltd.uk
Rhinoceros Success, by Scott Alexander
Being Happy! by Andrew Matthews
SPECIAL GUEST
Natalie is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford, and a founder member of the Salford Institute for Dementia. Natalie is also receiving treatment for cancer — her fifth cancer diagnosis since the age of 19. Despite Natalie's health setbacks, she hasn’t let it interfere with her life and has gone on to tackle some amazing physical and mental challenges. We visit Natalie (and her two dogs) to find out more about her story and what keeps her going.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:44 Introduction
04:58 Discovering cancer at University
09:00 Florence Nightingale
10:42 Sacrifices and choices
12:48 A passion for running
17:50 A hidden talent for millinery
20:00 Daily routine
22:25 Key learning points
23:43 Close
REFERENCES
Hatilly
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Hatilly
Florence Nightingale Foundation
www.florence-nightingale-foundation.org.uk/scholarships/
University of Salford
www.salford.ac.uk
Threshold Sports
http://www.thresholdsports.co.uk
SPECIAL GUEST
Ben Upfold has established himself as one of the leaders in the fitness industry. Ben is co-founder of OperationFitUK and CrossFit Ancoats. He has recently opened a new gym (aka 'a box') in Manchester — a dedicated fitness space designed specifically for high-intensity workouts.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:36 Introduction
02:14 Being proactive
04:22 Overcoming procrastination
05:54 Planning for the future
08:22 Achieving more with others
11:37 Bob's experience with CrossFit
17:48 Accountability partners
19:04 Manchester's newest Box
23:32 Close
REFERENCES
CrossFit Ancoats Manchester
www.crossfitancoats.com
OperationFitUK Personal Training
www.operationfituk.com
SPECIAL GUEST
In this week's show we meet Ged King — founder of Skullfades and the Skullfades Foundation. Ged has established himself as a successful entrepreneur with a thriving barbershop. He also runs a charity committed to ending rough sleeping. He’s worked not only on improving on streets of Manchester, but also Paris and Calais.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:52 Role models
04:52 Finding a bigger purpose
09:46 The Skullfades Foundation
14:56 Contributing through business
17:10 The six human needs model
21:30 Working example
24:16 Continuous and never ending improvement
25:24 Supporting the Foundation
27:24 Close
REFERENCES
Skullfades Barbershop Manchester. M33 7XN www.skullfades.co.uk
Tony Robbins www.tonyrobbins.com
SPECIAL GUEST
In this week's show we meet Jennie Johnson — founder and Chief Executive of Kids Allowed. Jennie is committed to raising standards, not only for her team, but also the wider teaching profession.
HIGHLIGHTS
01:25 Backstory to Kids Allowed
03:55 Excellence framework
07:35 Why good isn’t good enough
12:50 What makes a Kids Allowed alumni
14:33 Raising standards in teaching profession
17:42 Investing in professional development
20:49 Advice to younger self
25:20 Further information
26:56 Close
REFERENCES
Kids Allowed, 7 Christie Way, Manchester. M21 7QY www.kidsallowed.com
Ofsted education inspection framework www.gov.uk
SPECIAL GUEST
In this week’s show, we meet Elliott Norcliffe — a hair stylist by day and property developer by night. Elliott owns 5 properties, and at the age of 24 he defies the current trend of his generation being unable to save for a deposit and get on the property ladder. Always keen to maximise his day, Elliott will challenge you to make the most of your day too!
HIGHLIGHTS
01:50 Being proactive
03:22 Early career
11:44 Getting on the property ladder
16:33 Top tips for time management
22:04 Key lessons and practical advice
23:56 Close
REFERENCES
NAM Restaurant, 33 Blossom St, Ancoats. Manchester. M4 6AJ. www.nammcr.com
Monroes Hair Salon, Powell Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire. www.monroes-hair.co.uk
In this week’s show, we meet someone who has inspired me for nearly 20 years. We talk about time management, management dyads, triathlons, how to combat corporate burnout and something called ‘Pixie Dust’.
We’re also delighted to announce that our team here at Twelve Scholars is expanding, and we’re on track to deliver our first printed publication this Spring. Check out our website for more information and click the button to subscribe to Twelve Scholars. www.twelvescholars.com
Special guest
Our special guest this week is Dr Howard Awbery — Founder and Managing Director of Awbery Management Centre. A specialist in leadership and management development. Although Howard doesn't live or work in Manchester, he's been pivotal in my personal development and will be watching Twelve Scholars with great interest!
Highlights
- 00:46 introduction to Howard Awbery
- 01:46 top tips for time management
- 04:40 triathlons and lessons learned
- 06:00 Pixie Dust I... a tale of management dyads
- 08:22 Pixie Dust V... how to avoid corporate burnout
- 14:14 EGSP excellence framework and 'the art of leadership'
- 20:02 final questions
- 23:43 key lessons and practical advice
- 26:16 close
References
Dr Howard Awbery (2015). Pixie Dust V: A tale of combatting corporations burnout - protecting your talent. ISBN 1784562297
Gill Edwards (1999). Living Magically - A new vision of reality. ISBN 9780749939984
A trailer introducing a new podcast where we’ll meet the movers and shakers who are transforming Manchester into a Global City… the people who are improving the classrooms and corporate life, the skylines and street life, our transport and quality of life.
Each week, our guests reveal their vision for Manchester and offer practical advice for anyone wishing to succeed. Sharing insights and global perspectives, we explore, what ‘excellence’ looks like today — and in the future.
Subscribe to TWELVE SCHOLARS and take your performance to the next level. #inspiringexcellence
Check out the website twelvescholars.com for more information.