At smart/tasking, we’re always looking for ways to stay connected with the latest trends in both business and personal development. One of the ways we do this is through The Company Doctor podcast, hosted by our CXO, Gary.
Launched in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the podcast has grown into a great resource for business leaders and aspiring managers alike. In this Q&A, we sat down with Gary to explore how the podcast came to life, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how it continues to shape the work that smart/tasking does.
When did you start The Company Doctor podcast?
Gary: The very first Company Doctor podcast was uploaded on October 5th, 2020. We were in the middle of the pandemic, and I could see how much everything was changing—especially for people in business. I’ve always been passionate about networking, and I saw the podcast as a way to give back and share some of the insights and experiences I’ve gathered over the years with some of the people I’d met along the way. We now release an episode every two weeks.
What was the motivation behind starting the podcast?
Gary: I wanted to share my knowledge from years of consulting and gather insights from industry leaders. I’ve always been curious about what’s going on out there in the world. Then when COVID hit, the podcast naturally pivoted to focus on careers—things like job security and navigating furlough. We made the podcast relevant to the challenges people were facing at that time.
Who is your target audience?
Gary: When the podcast started, I’d have said: business-to-business management-level professionals — because my network consists largely of these people, both locally and internationally. However, with the shift towards career-focused topics, it now appeals to aspiring managers, and anyone interested in personal and professional growth. The content is quite broad and accessible, and it’s great to see the reach expanding.
Has the podcast had any impact on your day-to-day work at smart/tasking?
Gary: Absolutely. Hosting the podcast has made me a better facilitator. I’ve become more inquisitive, always learning from a diverse range of businesses, cultures, and individuals. These are insights I bring back into smart/tasking, whether it’s with clients or within our own team. I’ve had the chance to interview senior people from different sectors, and what’s funny is that despite their status, many of them are still nervous before recording. It’s taught me a lot about confidence, and it’s a good reminder that that we’re all just people at the end of the day.
What are the most valuable themes that have come out of the podcast? And can you name some favourites?
Gary: Networking is a core theme that comes up time and time again. Most guests say it’s something they wish they had done better earlier in their careers. The other big theme is purpose—having a sense of purpose is crucial for bringing people along with you. I’ve also learned the importance of personal brand. Many people overlook it, but your personal brand and your network are intertwined. If you don’t invest in one, it affects the other.
One of my favourite guests is Nick Walker, who is a seasoned HR director and has been on a few times. His insights into how to get promoted or land a job have been invaluable. And Bruce Daisley too — he’s a great guest because he challenges conventional thinking. Sally Wilkinson’s episode: Get Over Yourself, has been the most popular – and that was a real breath of fresh air!
How does The Company Doctor tie into the work at smart/tasking?
Gary: The name for the podcast comes from my smart/tasking nickname. A friend once managed to condense what I do into The Company Doctor, because I fix business problems, and it stuck. The podcast gives us a unique opportunity to get closer to our customers and discuss real-world issues. It’s not always strictly business-related, but there’s often an overlap between personal and professional life.
The podcast also gives us a platform to share our voice—and more importantly, sometimes we use it to give our clients a voice too. We’re heavily focused on business growth and leadership development at smart/tasking, and the podcast is an extension of that. For me it’s been a great tool to assist the people I work with.
Any plans for the future of The Company Doctor?
Gary: I’m planning some special editions that will focus on core services we provide at smart/tasking; transformation, optimisation, and acceleration. These are big topics for us, and I think there’s a lot of value in exploring them through the podcast. One of the biggest benefits of doing this podcast is that it keeps me curious, relevant, and engaged. It helps me stay informed so I can bring more value to our clients.
Plus, it’s a lot of fun! I get to do it with my son-in-law, and his questions are always coming from a place of genuine curiosity which makes the whole thing less staged and more authentic.
Explore more from The Company Doctor podcast here, and learn about smart/tasking’s business consulting services at smart/tasking.com.
