The Jim Bouman Experience – Podcast

Do you hold yourself and others to the same standards? Most of us don’t. Even among others, we hold different people to different standards? And why do we do that? Because we think some people have more potential than others? Because we believe in them more? Do you know that it is this belief that […]

In this first episode of Business in West Africa, I interview David Kpondehou, founder and CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting. From the day I met David I could feel his drive and passion in connecting Japan with West Africa, all to make West Africa and the entire African continent great (again). Coming to a country

“Label a man a loser and he will start acting like one.” Aka the Pygmalion Effect. Surprised why someone you know can’t seem to live up to expectations? Have you thought about what you think of that person? And his potential? What do the other people around him think? Believing in someone can let that

Growing a startup isn’t easy. In the beginning it’s easy. Relatively. You simply do what you think is best. Try to get feedback from the marketplace. And adjust. Then it starts going well. And you hire new people. You assign them some tasks. So far no problem. But what do you do when you’ve got

The company is changing. Priorities change. Objectives change. Targets change. It’s only natural that the responsibilities change, right? And the job roles? This happens in a startup. Not once. Not twice. Many, many times. There are wrong ways to manage this. And there are ways that work. That keeps the spirits up. And keeps everybody

Want to change something in your life? Gotta change those circumstances. But where to start? What is it you want to change? What would the ideal situation be like? How can you get there? Which decisions do you have to make? Which actions do you have to take? Which changes should you make in your

Solomon’s Paradox. Aka: you’re better at helping other people make decisions than helping yourself make the right decisions. Investments. Friends. Colleagues. We all make the wrong decisions. Because we’re influenced by our emotions and biases. Want to make better decisions? Next time you face this kind of situation, ask yourself: what would I suggest to

Want to become a better negotiator? Better salesperson? Better manager? It’s easier than you think. Understand what the other side wants, desires or values Shape the conversation in such a way that it aligns with number 1 Emotional connection established? Then lay out the steps the other side needs to take. This covers the logical side. Want

How to make employees feel irrelevant. Unhappy learning just one way? No worries, I teach you two methods. And for the kind-hearted: I also say what you can do to avoid it. Don’t worry. It’s not so difficult. To make employees feel (ir)relevant. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short

I love meetings. Or do I? If done right maybe. Which doesn’t happen all too often. Sounds familiar? Worry not. I got you covered. I can’t make them fun. But I can tell you how to make them more effective. And efficient. Give it a try. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll start loving them. If

Shiny resume or outstanding skills? Tough choice isn’t it? Or is it? You probably say that skills are all that matter in the end. They let you climb up the ladder and switch jobs. But you first have to get a foot in the door. Get that interview opportunity. So having shiny resume syndrome might

Is an MBA worth it? Generally, I’d say no. The return on investment is not very good. Not only the money. But also time. After all, the skills can be learned for a fraction of the time and costs elsewhere. That is if you look at things from a Western point of view. Because for