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 goal, flexibility of plans, and choice, and how this can play out in the business world.

Peter reflected on a quote by Tim Noakes, a 70 times marathon/ultra-marathon runner ‘Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic’.

Which seems to sum up a lot of the conversation and shared thoughts.

And it all concludes with Peter asking Donna how many trainers/running shoes she burns through each year.

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 brand

Along 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 life

So, Squid of Despair Episode 21 - a new and improved podcast? Up to you to decide

Spoiler alert - episode concludes with Peter receiving quite a shock from DAS (listeners of a nervous disposition please be warned)

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 Leadership

DAS 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 that DAS consider interesting but not specifically relevant to the podcast topic.

Happy New Year - they are back!