Sparks

Interactive Workshops

Sparks is an original Interactive Workshops podcast hosted by Chris Lissaman, alongside Jonna Sercombe. CEO and Founder of Interactive Workshops, Jonna has spent more than 20 years helping thousands of leaders and hundreds of teams get faster, brighter, closer, and stronger. Chris is an ever-composed team leader and go-to guy for simple ways to solve big problems. In each episode of Sparks, Jonna and Chris share their expertise and experience to help individuals, teams, leaders, and organisations ignite their professional and personal life. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

The Secret to Better Sales - Are You Asking the Right Questions?
06-11-2024
The Secret to Better Sales - Are You Asking the Right Questions?
In this episode of Sparks, Chris Lissaman sits down with Nathan Rager and Commercial Training Manager, Nicola Frier, for a deep dive into the world of sales enablement. They discuss strategies to ensure sales enablement programs align with the needs of sales teams and, most importantly, how to secure their buy-in for success. Understand the core needs of sales teams, design sales enablement programs that drive results, build trust and get sales teams to embrace the enablement process. If you're a sales leader, enablement professional, or part of a sales team looking to improve collaboration and boost performance, this episode offers valuable insights that can transform how your team works together. Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert discussions on sales, leadership, and business growth! --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best www.interactiveworkshops.com // Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.com // Connect with us on LinkedIn Host: Chris Lissaman: linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman Guests: Nicola Frier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nf5 Nathan Rager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanrager/ 00:00 Up next 03:13 Nicola's experience with sales programmes so far 07:41 How can we make Sales Enablement work for the seller? 11:11 How do we get buy in? 16:52 Avoid these pitfalls 19:54 What motivates sellers? 29:22 How is IW sparking sellers?
Spark Happiness | It's Better for You and Your Career
02-05-2024
Spark Happiness | It's Better for You and Your Career
Join hosts Chris and Jonna for a special Sparks episode as they explore the intricacies of happiness with the brilliant Alysha Adams from Age UK. Gain insights into the subtle indicators of happiness and its impact on professional success. Challenge the notion of constant happiness and discover how organisations like Age UK integrate happiness into their culture. Whether you're seeking personal fulfilment or professional growth, this episode offers value to unlock lasting happiness. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best www.interactiveworkshops.com // Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.com // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/ Jonna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ Special guest - Alysha Adams, Head of Organisation, Culture & People Development at Age UK : linkedin.com/in/alyshaadams 00:00 Should we be dissatisfied? 01:02 Welcome to Sparks 01:46 Introduction to Alysha from Age UK 10:11 The ‘tells’ of happiness 14:19 Is celebration essential? 16:30 Strategies and tactics of happiness 18:02 Can happiness help us professionally 25:26 It’s okay to not be happy all of the time 30:42 The correlation between unhappiness and critical thinking 36:46 How does Age UK fit happiness into work? 39:58 How does Interactive Workshops support mental health? 42:39 Tips on cultivating happiness 46:40 How are Interactive Workshops making clients happy?
Spark Improvement | How To Help Others Succeed
18-04-2024
Spark Improvement | How To Help Others Succeed
Join us this week on Sparks and we take a closer look at Improvement. Starting by exploring the cyclical nature of progress and setbacks, tune in for a discussion on the timeline of improvement and the importance of sparking a reaction to change ongoing management practices that hinder growth. Emphasising the value of learning before making mistakes, discover the significance of drawing inspiration from others and avoiding the repetition of errors. Feel empowered to ask proactive questions like “How can I improve?” Throughout the episode, we underscore the critical role of organisations in fuelling sustained improvement and the necessity of building the right team to foster growth. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best www.interactiveworkshops.com // Want to spark something with us?sparks@interactiveworkshops.com // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/Jonna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 Welcome to Sparking Improvement01:45 The Cycle of Better and Worse03:25 Timeline of Improvement05:00 Improvement Around the World07:00 Modern Improvement in a Fast Changing World08:10 Making Things Better09:25 There is No Better Version12:30 People Improve People14:30 Train Both Leaders & Teams16:15 Improve Behind Closed Doors18:00 Spark a Reaction to Change20:25 Stop the Ongoing Management22:20 Learning Before Mistakes24:10 Learn from Brilliant People 27:00 Don’t Compound Your Mistakes 28:20 Sustaining Improvement 29:00 Transform Performance in 2 Weeks 30:00 How to Help High Performers 33:00 Build The Right Team 37:55 Career Phases in Improvement 40:30 Challenges Bring Improvement 42:07 Demand More 44:50 Ask “How can I Improve?” 46:15 Don’t Improve People, Improve Performance 48:35 The Desire to Be Better 50:15 How We Are Sparking Improvement
Spark Sales | Insights From our Sales Director
21-03-2024
Spark Sales | Insights From our Sales Director
Chris is joined by Nathan Rager, Director of Sales at Interactive Workshops, as they dive into the core principles of sales questions, uncovering hidden complexities and discussing strategies for success in an ever-changing landscape. Tune in to find out how a British Army planning methodology can become a powerful tool for navigating shifting scenarios and driving effective sales strategies. Learn valuable techniques for using different types of questions throughout sales conversation to maximise the value of your meetings. As always, share and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. #SparkPodcast #salestips #salesenablement -- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris Lissaman: linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman Nathan Rager: linkedin.com/in/nathanrager 00:00 Coming up 01:42 Foundations of sales 02:27 Sales and questioning 04:02 Underneath the surface 05:25 Driven to understand 07:04 Ever changing sales 08:32 The Seven Questions 09:27 Has the situation changed? 11:44 Can we measure change? 12:27 The core types of sales questions 13:24 Open and closed questions 14:02 Probing questions 16:23 Leading questions 17:52 Hypothetical questions 19:37 Conditional questions 20:17 Should you stick to your questions? 23:27 Bad questions or just bad timing? 27:17 Unlocking information 28:43 The Key Question… 30:06 How we help
Spark Decisions | You Don't Have to Make Brave Decisions
22-02-2024
Spark Decisions | You Don't Have to Make Brave Decisions
Join this week as Jonna and Chris, delve into the intricate world of decision-making. Starting with the fundamental notion of deciding to make decisions, the duo explore subconscious decision-making, heuristic decisions, and the relationship between risky decisions and successful businesses. Tackle the importance of sensible decisions over risky ones, challenging the idea that business and logic don't mix. Tune in to explore how individuals and businesses can optimise their decision-making strategies. As always like, share and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. -- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 Decide to make decisions 01:30 Subconscious decision making 02:50 Making everyday decisions 06:05 Heuristic human decisions 07:45 Do risky decisions make successful business’? 10:25 Sensible decisions not risky ones 12:30 Decisions are harder than ever 14:30 “Business is not about doing nothing” 15:00 Value vs. logic based decisions 18:03 Business and logic don’t mix 19:22 Go with your gut 20:20 Finding excitement in boring decisions 23:00 “A business is just a set of competencies” 25:00 “Going with your gut is hard to get paid for” 26:34 What is an expert? 28:00 Wisdom of crowds 30:16 Power in odd numbers 31:39 Hurdles in making decisions 33:52 Complex decisions 35:10 What means the most?
How to Spark Drive | Why it's Better to be Driven than Motivated
08-02-2024
How to Spark Drive | Why it's Better to be Driven than Motivated
Join Chris and Jonna on this week’s episode of Sparks as we explore why drive is better than motivation. From collective drive fostering team success to the nuances of different individuals' motivations, we leave no stone unturned. Discover actionable tips on how to sustain long-term motivation, understand the responsibility of a positive attitude, and discern the difference between bringing your authentic or best self to every situation. Find out how Interactive Workshops is unlocking drive in clients and as always don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshopshttps://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/// See what we do best⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠// Want to spark something with us?⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠// Connect with us on LinkedInChris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 Creating Drive02:20 “To be alive is to have something in you that drives you”05:10 Motivation vs. Drive: Which is more sustainable?07:00 Moral obligation to keep going10:30 Balancing drive in every area of your life11:55 Collective drive creates team success13:50 Different people, different drive16:25 Can we remove the blockers that cancel out drive18:50 What keeps you motivated long term?20:35 Show up conscious of your drive23:15 Social drive can carry you farther24:30 Underlying drive27:37 What hinders your drive?29:00 “If you keep having to muster up drive, something is wrong”30:00 Responsibility to show up with a good attitude31:00 “Bring your authentic self or bring your best self?”31:48 Communicate with empathy skills34:43 Helping unlock drive in clients
Is Efficiency a Compromise? | Why I Clean My Teeth in The Shower
25-01-2024
Is Efficiency a Compromise? | Why I Clean My Teeth in The Shower
Join Jonna and Chris on this week’s episode of Sparks to discuss the nuances between efficiency and effectiveness. Uncover the paradox of "slow down to speed up" and learn strategies for how to foster workplace efficiency. Tune in to explore the delicate balance between efficiency and excellence, perfectionism vs. pragmatism and navigate the importance of agility. From setting constraints to prioritising tasks and embracing efficiency in life, join to learn secret hacks for work efficiency. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best⁠ www.interactiveworkshops.com ⁠// Want to spark something with us?⁠ sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 The difference between efficiency and effectiveness 02:03 “Be efficient with things. Be effective with people” 04:10 Total efficiency as our main enemy 06:30 “Slow down to speed up” 08:40 Being efficient at work 12:20 Focus on outputs 14:13 Can we be efficient and always hit excellence? 16:29 Perfectionism vs Pragmatism 19:18 Speed-quality trade-off 20:30 The importance of Agility 21:30 Unlocking the efficiency of teams to generate content 23:15 Set the constraints 24:19 Prioritisation and sequencing of tasks 25:10 Can we be efficient in life? 28:00 Dealing with difficult conversations 31:30 Embracing efficiency and incremental gains 36:50 Secret hacks for work efficiency 37:30 Helping clients go faster
Spark Joie de Vivre | Change The Way You Think About Joy
11-01-2024
Spark Joie de Vivre | Change The Way You Think About Joy
Chris and Jonna are joined this week by Interactive Workshops producer, Rachel Cise to ignite your "joie de vivre” otherwise known as the ‘Joy of Life’. Starting with the essence of sparking joy, the trio unfold practical steps like cultivating a positive mindset, radiating positivity, and diving into the meaning of life. Tune in to explore the art of living in the moment, nurturing a belief in something greater, and adopting a lucky mindset. With insights on teamwork and practical tips, discover how to infuse "joie de vivre" into your life and share it with others. As always please like, comment, and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ Rachel Cise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cise-3aaa87142/ 00:00 How to spark "joie de vivre" 03:49 Get into a positive frame of mind 04:50 Be a radiator, not a drain 05:50 What is “joie de vivre”? 08:16 The meaning of life 10:35 Choose to live in every moment 14:32 Belief in something bigger than yourself 18:19 Do you have a lucky mindset? 22:05 The importance of community 29:15 Blending into the background 29:52 “Work as play” philosophy 32:15 Many hands make light work 36:10 How do you create “joie de vivre”? 40:11 Sparking “joie de vivre” in clients
Spark Celebration | The Key to Happiness and Productivity
14-12-2023
Spark Celebration | The Key to Happiness and Productivity
This week on Sparks, Chris and Jonna are joined by Mary Fletcher-Louis who works as a Strategic Advisor, Mentor and Coach. In this episode, the trio discuss the significance of validation while navigating how to express gratitude authentically. From exploring the symbiotic relationship between celebrating teamwork and leadership to gaining practical insights on helping clients celebrate victories, this episode has everything you need to know about celebrating to the best of your ability. Tune in and elevate your work environment with the power of genuine, uplifting celebration. As always don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 How to spark celebration 04:58 Intentionality 06:23 Building a culture of celebration 09:25 Celebrating uniqueness and individuality 14:15 Should we celebrate work successes? 17:11 Importance of validation 17:51 Is there a limit to celebration? 21:12 Is celebrating rational or emotional? 22:43 Choosing gratitude and authenticity 26:40 Importance of celebrating and encouraging upwards 29:41 How to help clients celebrate their successes 30:10 Learning to give and receive feedback 32:18 Celebrating teamwork and leadership
How To Spark Synergy | From £12,000 a year to CEO
29-11-2023
How To Spark Synergy | From £12,000 a year to CEO
Ready for a journey into the heart of business success? In the latest episode of the Interactive Workshops podcast Chris and Jonna are joined by Terri Loska the CEO of Dartmouth Partners. Tune in as we unravel the keys to thriving in the dynamic world of leadership. Have process goals prevented individual flare from shining through? From igniting synergy through emotional intelligence to perfecting the art of work-life balance, each chapter is a deep dive into essential skills for navigating the modern business landscape. Explore the importance of responsibility and accountability and gain valuable perspectives on managing change, persevering with a positive mindset, and unlocking growth. This episode also unveils the success story of Dartmouth Partners, offering insights into their journey. As always be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 EQ and sparking synergy 02:45 Responsibility and accountability 07:55 How do you synergise a big company? 10:25 How to rekindle an entrepreneurial spirit 12:50 Work-life synergy 20:10 Lead by example 21:15 Work ethic and drive 25:00 Empathy and EQ skills 26:05 Managing guilt 31:50 Clear thinking and confidence 34:10 Importance of EQ skills in business 37:05 Culture of radical candour 42:30 Don’t confuse change with progress 47:43 Perseverance and perspective 49:33 Growth at Dartmouth Partners 51:00 Candour and synergy at Interactive Workshops
How to Spark Fans | From Chief Financial Officer to YouTube Star
15-11-2023
How to Spark Fans | From Chief Financial Officer to YouTube Star
In this episode, Chris and Jonna are joined by Stephen Ogden, better known as Thogdad. Sidekick to his son Theo with over 1.29 million subscribers on their YouTube channel the trio delves into the highlights of Stephens’s career as well as talking all things content creation.From pivotal career changes to the power of partnership, discover the importance of flexibility in work and life—can true success thrive without adaptability?Tune in as we navigate the question: In a world of trends how do we really stay our authentic selves? Gain insights into diverse learning styles and as always like, share and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshopshttps://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/// See what we do best⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠// Want to spark something with us?⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠// Connect with us on LinkedInChris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 Sparking fandom 02:40 Highlights of Steven’s career 04:45 A career change 10:53 The power of partnership 11:35 The importance of flexibility in work and life 14:25 How to spark fans and/or content 15:50 Authenticity is everything 24:39 Is there a difference between fandom and obsession? 27:56 Obsession with craft as a content creator 30:25 Honing craft through repetition and research 32:40 What makes good video content? 37:20 People learn in different ways 40:17 Japanese concept of Ikigai 41:00 How do you align business and passion? 46:25 Hard work and dedication are key 48:20 How to build successful YouTube content 53:30 ‘No regrets’ strategy 56:58 How Interactive Workshops inspires client content
How to Spark Energy | Break Free from Burnout, Boost Your Energy
01-11-2023
How to Spark Energy | Break Free from Burnout, Boost Your Energy
In this episode of Sparks, we unravel the secrets to maintaining consistent energy in work and life. Chris and Jonna are joined by Partnerships Manager, Cassie Chan as they delve into her career experience in global companies such as Deloitte and Google. Learn actionable tips on sparking energy when you need it most and explore the profound impact of self-awareness, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and maintaining high-energy performance through balance and preparation. Do you struggle with the feeling of burnout? Join the trio as they navigate the spectrum of burnout, discovering how to recharge and master the art of boosting your energy. Stay tuned to see how Interactive Workshops creates an energising impact for clients and don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. --- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 How to consistently maintain energy 03:00 Introduction to Cassie and her career 06:30 How to spark energy 08:35 Optimism and focusing on what you enjoy 11:17 The importance of being aware of your strengths and weaknesses 15:18 Balancing energy, preparing for performance and bringing your best self 20:14 Self-awareness and choosing where you put your energy 21:07 Energy boosters. Is being high energy a choice or nature? 23:22 Recharge and protect your energy 24:28 The spectrum of burnout 25:35 Are you taking charge of your own life and guarding your energy? 27:48 Energy is about being kind to yourself 29:42 Energy-draining moments 33:14 Can you fake energy? 35:03 Maintaining a consistent energy level 38:00 How is IW energising clients? 40:09 Energy management is part of the process
How to Spark Leadership Style: The Secret to a Happy Team
18-10-2023
How to Spark Leadership Style: The Secret to a Happy Team
Chris and Jonna are joined once again by Cody, our NY director to discuss leadership potential. Dive into the dynamic world of leadership styles — what makes a leader truly stand out? We're dissecting the essence of teamwork within leadership, exploring the power of collaboration that propels teams to new heights. Is good delegation the secret sauce to exceptional leadership? Join the trio as they unravel the layers of effective delegation and its pivotal role in steering the ship toward success. We challenged Jonna, Chris, and Cody, to come up with better insights than ChatGPT, find out if they succeeded in this episode. Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe to be part of the Sparks network. -- // Brought to you by Interactive Workshops https://interactiveworkshops.com/podcast/ // See what we do best ⁠www.interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Want to spark something with us? ⁠sparks@interactiveworkshops.com⁠ // Connect with us on LinkedIn Chris: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislissaman/⁠ Jonna: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnasercombe/ 00:00 What doesn't AI know about leadership? 02:02 What is a leadership style? 03:33 Cody’s leadership style. 06:43 Leadership or management? 09:24 Is leadership style just personality applied to leadership? 12:02 Teamwork within leadership 14:08 Leadership doing or leadership being? 16:22 Entrepreneurial leadership style vs corporate style 18:39 Is good delegation the cornerstone of good leadership? 20:40 Energy management as a leader. 23:40 Can AI help us with finding out our leadership style? Can AI replace leadership? 26:29 What’s the most underestimated characteristic of a great leader? 29:32 How to let go in leadership. 37:25 Simplicity in leadership. Lead a simple life and enjoy today. 41:23 Leadership development at IW