Nevermind the Buzzwords

By: Helen McMillan and William Pearce
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Never Mind the Buzzwords—the podcast that ditches jargon and delivers real talk on business transformation. Hosted by Helen McMillan and Will Pearce, this series is your no-nonsense guide to unlocking true business value through digital and technological innovation. In a world drowning in hype, how do you separate game-changing innovation from empty noise? Never Mind the Buzzwords cuts through the fluff, exploring the practical realities of digital transformation—helping businesses boost efficiency, agility, and growth. Helen and Will bring clarity to the chaos, sharing real-world insights that help you make smart, impactful decisions. Whether you're tackling operational challenges, enhancing customer experience, or evolving your business model, this podcast delivers actionable strategies that turn digital potential into measurable success. Expect expert interviews, case studies, and straight-talking discussions on what actually works in business transformation. Powered by Valorem First.
    2025
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Episodes
  • Brains Work Differently – So Should Workplaces with Nuria Fraile-Diaz
    Mar 5 2025
    Brains Work Differently – So Should Workplaces with Nuria Fraile-Diaz

    🎙️ Hosts: Helen McMillan & Ricky Milliken
    🎤 Guest: Nuria Fraile-Diaz – Learning & Development Specialist at The Data Lab

    🚀 Episode Summary:
    Workplaces are designed for the ‘average’ employee—but what if we built them to support all thinking styles? In this episode, Helen and Ricky dive into the realities of neurodiversity in the workplace with Nuria Fraile-Diaz, a specialist in learning and development.

    Together, they explore how businesses can go beyond surface-level accommodations and rethink communication, recruitment, and work structures to unlock hidden talent and create a genuinely inclusive culture.

    🔍 What’s Covered:

    1️⃣ Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Autism, ADHD, OCD, and why cognitive differences matter.
    2️⃣ Beyond Tokenism – Why true inclusion goes beyond quiet spaces and sensory adjustments.
    3️⃣ How Communication Affects Inclusion – The hidden barriers in meetings, emails, and social interactions.
    4️⃣ Fixing Recruitment – Rethinking job descriptions and interviews to attract neurodivergent talent.
    5️⃣ Flexible Work & Technology – AI-powered tools and digital solutions that improve accessibility.
    6️⃣ Shifting Workplace Culture – Moving beyond compliance to build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

    💡 Key Takeaways:
    ✔️ Neurodivergence is an asset. Businesses that embrace diverse thinking styles unlock innovation and problem-solving abilities.
    ✔️ Inclusion is about culture, not just accommodations. Physical adjustments help, but true inclusion requires systemic change.
    ✔️ Rethink recruitment. Traditional hiring processes exclude neurodivergent talent—change how you write job ads and conduct interviews.
    ✔️ Flexibility drives engagement. People perform better when they can work in a way that suits their cognitive style.
    ✔️ Technology is a game-changer. AI tools reduce cognitive overload and make workplaces more accessible.

    📢 Join the conversation!
    ✅ Listen to the full episode for expert insights from Nuria Fraile-Diaz.
    ✅ Share your thoughts: How is your business adapting to support neurodiversity? Use #NeverMindTheBuzzwords on LinkedIn.

    🎧 Enjoyed the episode?
    🔹 Like, follow, and subscribe for more insights.
    🔹 Share this with your network to spark the conversation.

    👋 Thanks for tuning in—see you next time! 🚀

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    45 mins
  • From Waste to Worth: Identifying Value in Your Organisation with Mhairi Brown
    Mar 5 2025
    From Waste to Worth: Identifying Value in Your Organisation

    🎙️ Hosts: Helen McMillan & Will Pearce
    🎤 Guest: Mhairi Brown – Expert in Manufacturing & Engineering

    🚀 Episode Summary:
    What does value really mean in business? It’s more than just numbers—it’s about people, processes, and purpose. In this episode, Helen and Will are joined by Mhairi Brown, who brings 30 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, and leadership. Together, they break down how organisations can maximise value while ensuring employees feel engaged and appreciated.

    🔍 What’s Covered:

    1️⃣ What is Business Value? – Beyond salary: recognition, engagement, and efficiency.
    2️⃣ People vs. Technology – Why tech alone isn’t the answer (and how upskilling employees leads to success).
    3️⃣ Business Transformation & Value Stream Mapping – Identifying inefficiencies and streamlining operations.
    4️⃣ Culture & Leadership – The role of leadership in driving real, long-term value.
    5️⃣ Customer-Centric Value Creation – Understanding what customers actually need.
    6️⃣ Developing Future Leaders – Why lean thinking and innovation are crucial for the next generation.

    Key Takeaways:
    ✔️ Business success relies on people and processes, not just technology.
    ✔️ Employees must feel engaged and valued to drive real change.
    ✔️ Value stream mapping is a game-changer for improving efficiency.
    ✔️ Long-term strategic value beats short-term cost-cutting every time.
    ✔️ A culture of continuous improvement leads to better engagement and results

    📢 Join the conversation!
    ✅ Listen to the full episode for expert insights from Mhairi Brown.
    ✅ Share your thoughts: What does value mean to you in your business? Let’s discuss on LinkedIn!

    🎧 Enjoyed the episode?
    🔹 Like, follow, and subscribe for more insights
    🔹 Share this with your network

    👋 Thanks for tuning in—see you next time! 🚀

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins

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