This month we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes- a conversation with Sir John Timpson, Chairman and owner of Timpson.

Many observers can't understand how a firm of shoe repairers can keep its staff happier than some of Britain's richest companies.

The answer lies with the chairman of Timpson and his no-nonsense approach to management. John has ensured they do more than cut keys- they also have a culture of cutting out policy and processes so people can do the job to the best of their ability, and they embody some of the most progressive thinking in the business world. That ethos is even more remarkable when you learn that around 12% of their employees are ex-convicts.

Sir John’s son, James Timpson, has just released a book about the Timpson approach called The Happy Index , where he describes the essence of the Timpson culture: Turn up on time. Trust your team. Do your work.

*Highlights:

• His early journey (4 mins)
• "Upside-down management" (5.5 mins)
• What the culture looks like in practice (7.5 mins)
• Giving staff autonomy on the front line (15 mins)
• Why they have a 'Director of Happiness' (19 mins)
• Looking after staff mental health and wellbeing (21 mins)
• The Timpson recruitment strategy (26 mins)
• Performance mangement and the 'Happy Index' (29 mins)
• Recruiting from prison (34.5 mins)
• His reflections from fostering over 90 children (39.5 mins)
• What the NHS can learn from the Timpson culture (43 mins)
• A book, a role model, and top tips (45 mins)

*Social media:

• @JamesTCobbler
• @NextGGP/@nishmanek

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