Summed Up is a podcast providing advice, insights and practical perspectives for leaders and decision‑makers.
Each episode explores real‑world challenges and opportunities facing mid‑market businesses – from leadership and culture to strategy and decision‑making. Lived experiences and honest conversations are told by PKF Smith Cooper experts, joined by clients, contacts and industry voices. Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, learn from those who have done it or understand what’s coming next in the business landscape, this is the place to start. If you’d like to speak to one of our experts about a topic covered in one of our episodes, or more generally about your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple PodcastsLatest episode: Building Future Leaders in a Changing Workforce
In this episode of Summed Up podcast, we sat down with James Bagley, Managing Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, and Dr Mel Bull, Director of Executive Education and MBA Programmes at Nottingham Business School, to explore why developing future talent has become one of the biggest challenges facing employers today. From workforce shortages to leadership development, they discuss what businesses need to do now to attract, retain and nurture the people who will drive future success.
Timings
[00:00:00] Guest introductions
[00:01:19] Why businesses need to focus on talent pipelines now
[00:03:20] Developing leaders beyond technical expertise
[00:04:17] What young people are looking for from employers today
[00:06:26] The value trainees bring to an organisation
[00:07:28] Encouraging fresh thinking and innovation in the workplace
[00:11:21] Building future leaders through development programmes
[00:13:41] James Bagley’s career journey and lessons in progression
[00:15:46] Cross-department collaboration and employee retention
[00:20:33] Does investing in training encourage employees to leave?
[00:25:05] The role of universities and employers in developing talent
[00:29:45] Rapid recommendations – supporting the next generation of talent
[00:31:23] Closing reflections and key takeaways
This episode explores why talent development has become such a critical issue for employers. James and Mel discuss the workforce challenges facing businesses, the importance of developing future leaders and how organisations can build stronger talent pipelines. They also share practical insight into attracting and retaining employees, creating opportunities for growth and empowering people to challenge established ways of working. Throughout the discussion, they highlight why investing in people is no longer optional for businesses looking to thrive in the future.
About our guest speakers
James Bagley – Managing Partner at PKF Smith Cooper
James Bagley joined PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate in 2004 and has progressed through the firm to become Managing Partner. Alongside leading the business, James works closely with owner-managed and ambitious businesses, advising on growth, strategy and long-term success. Having built his own career through the firm’s trainee programme, he is a passionate advocate for talent development and creating opportunities for future leaders to thrive.
Dr Mel Bull – Director of Executive Education and MBA Programmes at Nottingham Business School
Dr Mel Bull is Director of Executive Education and MBA Programmes at Nottingham Business School. Working with organisations across the public and private sectors, Mel helps businesses develop leadership capability, strengthen talent pipelines and improve organisational performance. An accredited coach with extensive experience in executive education, she works closely with employers to design development programmes that support both individual growth and long-term business success.
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Catch up on previous episodes
Listen back to conversations with business leaders, industry experts and our specialists.
Episode 1: Women Leading the Way – Building Influence, Culture and Career Growth
In the first episode of the Summed Up podcast, Claire Spencer and Alice Rees share their experiences of building successful careers in traditionally male-dominated professions. From imposter syndrome to leadership and career progression, they offer practical insights, honest reflections and advice for professionals looking to grow their confidence and make an impact.
Listen to the full conversation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Episode 2: Why the Midlands is Built for Business
Episode 3: How Technology and AI Can Drive Better Business Performance
AI may dominate the headlines, but successful technology investment isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about choosing the right tools, implementing them effectively and ensuring your people, processes and governance keep pace.
In this episode of Summed Up podcast, we sat down with Paul Howard, Managing Director of PKF Infuse, and Blake Fine, Managing Director of Servtron Group, to explore how technology is shaping business performance, from the challenges of implementation to the opportunities created by emerging technologies and AI.
Listen to the full conversation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.