The Squid of Despair David Ayling-Smith and Peter Taylor

In which DAS shares some personal experiences around losing your mojo and both Peter and DAS share some (possibly) new words with their listeners on descriptions of the human condition.It is all about recognition of entering the state of languishment, finding an antidote to this state, and presenting ideas to re-connect and recover.There is a disclaimer about DAS and Peter learns all about Ikigai. Plus Squid of Despair is in the top 10 Squid related podcasts!

Shockingly there are 3 people in this podcast – DAS and Peter welcome their first ever guest, Donna Cooper – Services Leader and Untra-Marathon runner.DAS kicks it all off by introducing a brand-new word (to Peter anyway) – Sisu: A Finnish word variously translated as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness – and this is the Squid of the Day.In the light of this Donna talks about her running experiences and challenges considering the value of a clear...

In which David (aka DAS) and Peter (aka The Lazy Project Manager and now also aka Pedro) explore the value and purpose of evolving a personal brandAlong with stories of branding successes the dynamic duo (think the Ant and Dec of the business world) consider how anyone can invest in their own brand and what this can offer to them in their business and personal lifeSo, Squid of Despair Episode 21 - a new and improved podcast? Up to you to decideSpoiler alert - episode concludes with Peter rece...

Where DAS assumes complete control of the podcast topics for 2024 (not precisely a coup but Peter is assuming a subservient role...)Exploring Balance in LeadershipDAS and Peter reflect on the 'old school' style of command and direct leadership and the more relevant and appropriate blended leadership model that is both expected and needed in the modern business world.Peter, despite his 'underling' position does lead the conversation in the somewhat random direction of tightrope walking records...

This week, we're tackling a topic that's increasingly relevant in today's world Peter feels: The danger of uninformed opinions.Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance – Plato.Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes – Voltaire.But that is only Plato’s and Voltaire’s opinion of course, the question is whether they were both either informed or uniformed? It is about the importance of speaking from real knowledge, especially in a world w...

Incorporating the now famous 'lost episode of Squid' when a technical issue caused a significant loss to DAS and Peter but the subject of this episode is resilience and they are committed to therefore being 'resilient' about it all.Resilient - (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditionsThe dynamic duo explore whether you are, or aren't resilient, and why - and consider ways to become more resilient in the future, as well as ways to stave off the caus...