Episode 201: What really matters at work

Send us Fan MailThe Not So Breakfast ShowVisit our webiste www.notsobreakfastshow.comListen, laugh and learn with Sacha and Ish as they share their experience, thoughts and tips to build skills that are Not So average and a career that’s Not So Ordinary. Ish Cheyne is the Head of Fitness in New Zealand for global fitness juggernaut Les Mills.Sacha Coburn is the COO of Coffee Culture, a leading group of boutique coffee shopsEpisode OverviewSacha and Ish dive deep into six critical factors that truly matter in the workplace, offering insights for professionals looking to excel in their careers.Key Topics DiscussedDelivering Results Within BudgetUnderstand and track your allocated budgetBalance cost-saving with qualityAvoid penny-pinching that damages team moraleExample: Don't cut essential items like alternative milk options that support team diversityBuilding RelationshipsCultivate connections across all levels of the organizationInvest time in understanding colleaguesBuild genuine relationships without manipulationRecognize that getting to know people can increase mutual understanding and likabilityMeeting PreparationRespect others' time and communication preferencesCome prepared with clear objectivesProvide context and highlights in advanceBe mindful of different processing stylesProactive Problem SolvingDon't just bring problems, bring potential solutionsThink through issues before discussionsBe ready with alternative approachesShow initiative in addressing challengesMaintaining VisibilityStay connected, especially in remote work environmentsProactively check in with managersDemonstrate value beyond just completing assigned tasksShow interest in broader business objectivesEffective CommunicationDevelop strong written and verbal communication skillsBe concise and clearRecognize that communication abilities often correlate with career opportunitiesPro TipAsk your manager directly: "What are the key things you want to see me doing in this role?"Bonus InsightImagine your workplace as a boat. How essential are you to keeping it afloat? Continuously add value and align with the organization's current goals and needs.Memorable Quote"If you are away for a week and no one notices and nothing about the business changes, then you say, actually, what value am I adding?"Recommended ListeningPerfect for professionals looking to advance their careers, understand workplace dynamics, and become more valuable team members.If you haven’t come across it yet, Working Genius is one of the simplest, most practical models I’ve seen for helping teams understand how they actually get work done. Not personality. Not fluff. Just clarity on where people thrive — and where they get frustrated. If you’re planning your next team day, offsite, or work event, I’d love to bring this to your crew. Find out more at IshCheyne.com