B. Listening

What is Wim Hof? The new wave of wellness workshops

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of B. Listening, we’re joined by Dan Hughes, co-founder of Vitae Vi, offering Wim Hof Method workshops, breath work classes, and corporate wellbeing programmes to help participants manage stress, regulate anxiety, and boost energy.

We explore what makes up a typical workshop, the benefits of the method, and how these practices translate into employee and attendee wellness for corporate events.

“It’s not just a wellness gimmick. This is science based, practical experience that you can then build into your life. It's delivered in a really fun, really engaging, exciting, but challenging way".

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Hope you enjoy this episode!

B.listening is a podcast series created by the event professionals at Broadsword to share our insight and experience with individuals across or interested in the events industry. Follow us for more advice for event profs.

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Rewilding the Workplace

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode of B. Listening we are joined by Susan Kench, Founder of Nature In Mind, to explore the powerful impact of nature connectedness and forest bathing for workplaces.

Nature In Mind offer several transformative workshops, carbon literacy training, away days, and programmes ranging from forest bathing experiences to a 12 month programme focused on embedding nature into your organisation. Partnering with outdoor education organisation, The Hive, and an organisational change consultant; they help weave employee health and the health of the planet into organisations, increasing pro nature values and encouraging behaviours that protect nature.

With a 15 % increase in worker productivity when office spaces are enhanced with plants, and 11 hour decrease in sick leave when employees have a view of landscapes and trees - imagine the impact of a workplace that weaves nature into its culture.

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Leadership Lessons: A Conversation with Anna Green

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

For our International Women’s Day special episode, Broadsword’s own MD and one of the female leaders pushing boundaries and shaping the events industry, Anna Green joins us on the podcast. She discusses her career defining moments and how she juggles personal and professional life in a fast-paced industry and high-pressure role, while celebrating being yourself, the power of mentorship and support networks, and the mark she hopes to leave on our sector.

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B. Listening: The Skills Special with WorldSkills UK

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

To celebrate National Apprenticeships Week, we are joined on the podcast by Daisy Seepersad, Careers Lead at WorldSkills UK and Ruben Duggan, Skills Champion, former apprentice, and medallist at The WorldSkills competition in Lyon.

Ruben and Daisy talk about the biggest misconceptions of apprenticeships and technical education and how WorldSkills UK challenges those perceptions, including their international WorldSkills event attracting over 140,000 visitors, and the opportunities Ruben has found through an apprenticeship.

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Purposeful Playtime: The Gamified Solution to Team Building

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Serious Play might seem like somewhat of an oxymoron. How do colourful bricks fit into the corporate world? We speak to the Founder of Jump in Puddles and trained facilitator of LEGO's unique approach to play that helps organisations innovate, manage change and collaborate.

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Movember, Mental Health and Wellness - practical tips on how to get involved

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Movember is an annual movement, where we can dial up awareness and raise funds for men's mental health. This year, we had a conversation with Head of Leadership and Learning at GSK on how to get involved with Movember, look after, and speak to others about your mental health.

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The B Corp Buzz

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

59% of UK consumers use B Corp certification to influence purchase decisions. It's an incredible way for businesses to collectively do things in a better way, making positive change together. But becoming a B Corp is no easy feat - it requires a rigorous assessment and continuous reporting. That's where The Pollinator come in; a business dedicated to helping others understand the B Corp buzz.

This is an insightful and in depth conversation with two B Leaders. Whether you want to explore the topic or your journey, The Pollinator explores the misconceptions about B Corp, how to start the process to become certified, the benefits to business and how businesses can evolve from just starting the assessment. Listen below, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts .

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Redefining The Accessible Event

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000

We dived into what makes an event truly accessible with Accessibility and Inclusion Educator, Rachel Belier-Wilson. Listen to discover how to remove barriers so everyone can feel welcome to experience your event to its fullest.

From toilets to table heights, the first-hand challenges a participant with accessibility needs faces and those that are often overlooked by event planners. At the age of 17 Rachel suffered a severe spinal cord injury and broken back and through her lived experiences of exclusion, she found a passion to inspire change across the industry.

Rachel shares her advice for event planners setting up a framework for accessibility and inclusion at events.

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B. Listening: Creating Your Own Industry Event Series

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Events can be a powerful tool to foster connections, facilitate the exchange of ideas and find inspiration in your niche. Often there is a gap in an industry where professionals have a need to connect and learn from others. This is what Kim identified when setting up the Legal BD Futures Forum. She joins us on our podcast to share how she founded her own industry event series and grew it from a post on LinkedIn to a network of over 100 members.

In this episode she shares the ins and outs of planning the event and building a positive community such as marketing an event using LinkedIn, working with a limited budget, putting yourself out there and overcoming the fear of nobody showing up, finding speakers for your industry event, and utilising attendee feedback.

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Exploring the World of Incentive Travel

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

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Feel The Noise With Gong Workshops

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Event organisers and employees alike are increasingly seeking to prioritise mental wellbeing at corporate events through wellness focused activities such as guided meditation sessions, brain tapping or yoga breaks.

Who better to speak to about wellness than Mark Smallman, a certified sound meditation practitioner, to talk us through the science behind gong baths and this unique experience centred around wellness.

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Beyond Carbon: Talking All Things ESG with Matt Grey

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0000

As we dive into the future of events, it's time to think beyond green. Matt Grey, Founder of event:decision, sat down with Broadsword to discuss sustainability in the events industry, talk about Event Decision's new holistic impact tool, and explore the broader impact of events including social engagement and local impact.

Matt is part of the team of EventProfs at event:decision helping the event industry transform for a more sustainable future. Event:decision is the #1 in event sustainability audit & advisory and is working with global brands, agencies and venues to help event planners make better decisions in environmental sustainability, social engagement, governance processes (ESG & Responsible Business).

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Celebrating Kindness and Community with Pinky Lilani CBE DL

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we speak to Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Founder of the Women of The Future Programme, about her incredible work as an advocate for women and the power of kindness in business success.

Pinky Lilani CBE DL is is an author, motivational speaker, food expert and women’s advocate. She is the founder and chair of several awards recognising influential women and leaders, including the annual Women of the Future Awards and the Asian Women of Achievement Awards.

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Unlock Your Audience with Behavioural Science

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Lea Karam, Consulting Director at Behave, introduces behavioural science as a powerful tool for insight driven marketing and brand experiences. She dissects how we can create audience centred brand experiences by creating better buyer segments that go beyond demographics and have predictability over the unpredictable.

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An Event Planner's Guide to Chinese New Year

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The 10th of February marks Chinese New Year, so we talk to Sheldon Goii, an event professional based in Singapore, about the traditions of the celebration and beyond that, the continued need to connect through events in the region.

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Movement for Movember

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Inspired by Movember's challenge to move 60km, our very own Strategy Director Matt Green talks to us about how to stay motivated, avoid burnout and how moving has benefitted his wellbeing in the context of men's mental health month.

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In conversation with: Events Apprenticeships

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

We speak to board members of Event Apprenticeships, an industry initiative developing event-specific apprenticeships, about the impact of apprenticeships, more about getting into the industry and advice for event companies taking on apprentices.

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The Speaker's Guide to Success: with RADA Business

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

We speak to Joe Barlow, Jonathon Tester and Tariq Jordan from RADA Business. They talk to us about the techniques actors use to speak confidently and engage audiences that are integral to successfully lead a meeting, pitch to a client, or speak at an event.

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Future-proof your event with Jürgen Alker

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

What does the increasingly digital world mean for physical experiences and brands? Director of NFT Studio at High Snobiety shares how the trends in AI and NFTs and the journey into Web3 can enhance event experiences and environments for the next generation.

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A taste of alcohol-free with Laura Willoughby MBE

Thu, 25 May 2023 09:00:00 +0000

We joined Laura Willoughby MBE, mindful drinking expert at Club Soda's alcohol-free tasting rooms to discuss sober inclusivity and the role of alcohol at events.

You can also watch this episode on our website: https://www.wearebroadsword.com/insight/b-listening-taste-of-alcoholfree

Get in touch - we'd love to hear what you think of our podcast!

Being Creative with Cat Kevern

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Chair of the Network of Women in Events, Cat Kevern, shares her advice for working in creative fields including events and marketing, staying inspired and avoiding burnout.

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The Co-working Conversation with Laura Beales

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Co-founder of Tally Workspace, Laura Beales, shares more about co-working, her advice for creating a healthy and productive workspace and her outlook on trends such as a four day work week.

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Pathways to Leadership with Claire Fennelow

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

To celebrate International Women's Day we invited Claire Fennelow, Executive Director of EVCOM, to share her pathway to leadership and how we can support women in the industry.

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Getting Into Events with Sasha Hollie Green

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode we speak to Sasha Hollie Green, Co-founder of Future Event Leaders, about her experience of entering the events industry.

As there are many career paths in the events industry, we look at the option of doing Event Management degrees and explore the different opportunities for event profs.

Sasha shares more about her experience and how this shaped her career today, as well as advice for students and the benefits she found in attending university.

She says she is so glad she decided to go down the university route; find out why using the link below. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Get in touch - we'd love to hear what you think of our podcast!

Ever thought of Apprenticeships? with Julie-Ann Hammond

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

For this episode of Be Listening, we were joined by Senior Account Manager Julie-Ann Hammond from Just IT who shared her experience of helping young people get apprenticeships and the benefits of this route into the world of work.

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Asia Pacific Events Industry Insight with Angie Choi

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

We were joined by Angie Choi who gave us some insight into the events industry in Hong Kong, within the Asia Pacific region. This episode provides insight into Angie's career, show calling and difficulties within the industry throughout the pandemic.

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Learning your non-negotiables with Siôn Stansfield

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Co-founder of Point3 Wellbeing, Siôn Stansfield, joined us to discuss all things mental health. This episode provides insight into Siôn's career and journey to forming Point3, what wellbeing is and how we can take care of our well-being in the events industry.

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Talking through challenges and trends in global Comms with Claire Purves

Wed, 11 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Claire Purves , a Director of Strategic Communications joined us to discuss her career, what a communications role entails and the impact of working from home on the communications profession.

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The Carbon Conversation with Eddie Fitzgerald-Barron

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Eddie Fitzgerald-Barron , a co-founder of an environmental consultancy - C Free, joined us to discuss his company and the importance of measuring your carbon footprint using data-driven tools and algorithms.

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International Women's Day with Juliette Foster

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Juliette Foster, award-winning TV and radio presenter joined us to discuss her career and the importance of International Women’s Day for the events industry.

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Broad Stripes & Bright Stars

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In this special edition of our podcast series hosted by Project Assistant Christine Aasma, we speak to Ben Hocken, MD Americas at Broadsword on the exciting launch of our US office.

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The show must go on!

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

The second podcast in our series is on the subtle art of show calling. We were joined by Briony Allen and Dewi Wynne, who both share their experiences of how they gained the relevant experience to work in their fields and some of the challenges involved in managing live v. virtual events.

Both make some suggestions on how event organisers can make their shows run seamlessly with some tips on the rehearsal process and the importance of running a cue to cue.

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Adjusting the narrative

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Be Listening - Martin talks to Marni Smyth, a freelance researcher for Purple Goat about the accessibility of events. This includes her first-hand experience, what she’s been doing to change the industry and how others can follow.

Get in touch - we'd love to hear what you think of our podcast!

B. Listening

What is Wim Hof? The new wave of wellness workshops

Rewilding the Workplace

Leadership Lessons: A Conversation with Anna Green﻿

B. Listening: The Skills Special with WorldSkills UK

Purposeful Playtime: The Gamified Solution to Team Building

Movember, Mental Health and Wellness - practical tips on how to get involved

The B Corp Buzz

Redefining The Accessible Event

B. Listening: Creating Your Own Industry Event Series

Exploring the World of Incentive Travel

Feel The Noise With Gong Workshops

Beyond Carbon: Talking All Things ESG with Matt Grey

Celebrating Kindness and Community with Pinky Lilani CBE DL

Unlock Your Audience with Behavioural Science

An Event Planner's Guide to Chinese New Year

Movement for Movember

In conversation with: Events Apprenticeships

The Speaker's Guide to Success: with RADA Business

Future-proof your event with Jürgen Alker

A taste of alcohol-free with Laura Willoughby MBE

Being Creative with Cat Kevern

The Co-working Conversation with Laura Beales

Pathways to Leadership with Claire Fennelow

Getting Into Events with Sasha Hollie Green

Ever thought of Apprenticeships? with Julie-Ann Hammond

Asia Pacific Events Industry Insight with Angie Choi

Learning your non-negotiables with Siôn Stansfield

Talking through challenges and trends in global Comms with Claire Purves

The Carbon Conversation with Eddie Fitzgerald-Barron

International Women's Day with Juliette Foster

Broad Stripes & Bright Stars

The show must go on!

Adjusting the narrative

Leadership Lessons: A Conversation with Anna Green