
The Accomplishment Podcast with Sir Michael Barber
There is no secret formula for success. But what if there was a pattern you could follow?Sir Michael Barber has spent many years advising governments, businesses and major sports teams around the world on how to achieve ambitious goals on time.In the Accomplishment podcast he discusses his insights on achieving difficult goals and traces the blueprint that can be applied to any area of life with different guests from the worlds of politics, education, sport and music. Read more in Accomplishment - How to Achieve Ambitious and Challenging Things Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2023 • 6min
Insight 7: David Blunkett - Building Effective Relationships
In this insight from Accomplishment in Government, former Home Secretary and Education Minister, Lord David Blunkett explores the lessons from his many years in politics. Discussing the importance of building effective relationships, David reflects on what he would do differently if he had his time again.Listen to the whole conversation here:https://shows.acast.com/accomplishment-with-michael-barber/episodes/s3-ep-3-accomplishment-lord-david-blunkett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2023 • 5min
Insight 8: Sania Nishtar - Setting an Example
In this insight from Accomplishment in Government, Dr Sania Nishtar, the renowned physician and public health expert, talks about the challenges of delivering a welfare state for Pakistan. Reflecting on tackling corruption and patriarchal attitudes, she explains why and how she fought for better transparency and data in government.Listen to the whole conversation here:https://shows.acast.com/accomplishment-with-michael-barber/episodes/accomplishment-dr-sania-nishtar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2023 • 5min
Insight 9: David Puttnam - Leading with Conviction
In this insight from Accomplishment in Government, Hollywood Producer and Labour Peer, David Puttnam, shares the lessons he has learnt from the world of both politics and the film industry. Discussing why all good leaders need conviction, David argues the need for having clear red lines and building coalitions.Listen to the whole conversation here:https://shows.acast.com/accomplishment-with-michael-barber/episodes/accomplishment-david-puttnam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2023 • 6min
Insight 10 - Helen Zille - Taking Risks
In this insight from Accomplishment in Government, one of the most controversial figures in South African politics, Helen Zille, discusses her career as a leading journalist who exposed the cover up of the death of activist Steve Biko, before becoming a leading South African politician. Helen discusses the importance of taking risks and why building capable state is one of the great moral issues of our time. Listen to the whole conversation here: https://shows.acast.com/accomplishment-with-michael-barber/episodes/accomplishment-helen-zille Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2023 • 3min
Accomplishment in Sport
Listen to the mini-series of insights from some of the brilliant sporting legends that have been on the podcast including Gareth Southgate, Dave Brailsford, Sue Campbell, Dame Katherine Grainger and Stuart Lancaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2023 • 6min
Insight 1: Dave Brailsford - Growth and Progress
Sir Dave Brailsford, known for his marginal gains philosophy in sports, discusses the importance of growth, setting tangible targets, and leading and motivating a team to overcome challenges. He explores intrinsic motivation, clear goals, accountability, and the whole team approach for success in sports and beyond.

May 15, 2023 • 6min
Insight 2: Gareth Southgate - Culture and Identity
Gareth Southgate discusses creating inclusive culture in diverse sports teams, emphasizing collective identity. Topics include team character development, role of experienced players in setting culture, motivating all players in tournaments, and dynamic football environment.

May 15, 2023 • 6min
Insight 3: Katherine Grainger - Values and Skills
In this insight from Accomplishment in Sport, Olympic medal winner Dame Katherine Grainger discusses her move from elite athlete to the Board room. Could the skills she’d acquired after years spent rowing backwards in a boat ever be transferable? Katherine explains that the values and fundamental skills learnt in one career will always be valuable in a new one, no matter how different. Listen to the whole conversation here: https://shows.acast.com/accomplishment-with-michael-barber/episodes/accomplishment-dame-katherine-grainger Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2023 • 5min
Insight 4: Stuart Lancaster - Resilience and Grit
Guest Stuart Lancaster reflects on dealing with pressure, fear of losing, and bouncing back from failure. Topics include resilience, grit, solitude at the top, and the fine margins between victory and defeat in sports.

May 15, 2023 • 5min
Insight 5: Sue Campbell - Vision and Leadership
Baroness Sue Campbell discusses her battles for top leadership in women's football, emphasizing the need for vision. She explores building a world-class team and the impact of transitioning to a professional league on coaching and team unity.
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