The 10 Podcasts Field-Based Organizations Should be Following

"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen."
--Ernest Hemingway

Podcasts have been around for quite some time now, and though many thought that they were a passing fad, like so many other great sources of information and entertainment they have continued to be successful. This week, take a look at the 10 Podcasts that are perfect for managers, their teams, and for anyone looking to better themselves at work and in their personal life.

1. One-on-One

A weekly interview series with host Brent Leary, One-on-One gives listeners the opportunity to hear interviews with some of the biggest thought leaders in the business world. CEO’s and VP’s from big companies such as Constant Contact, Travelocity, and Microsoft chime in, as do thought leaders from smaller businesses on the rise. Covering a wide variety of topics from marketing to sales, One-on-One is definitely worth a listen.

2. HBR IdeaCast

With hundreds of episodes in their easily accessible archive, finding resources valuable to you should be no problem with HBR’s IdeaCast. IdeaCast is, according to their website, "… our weekly audio podcast, bringing you the analysis and advice of the leading minds in management." And they’re not joking—with case studies on managerial successes and failures, interviews with thought leaders, and a plethora of information on how to make yourself a better leader and a better team member, HBR’s Podcast is a real gem.

3. The $100 MBA

Former university professors Omar and Nicole deliver a succinct 10-minute podcast series which focuses on providing a serious business education in easily digestible lessons. Topics include management, technology, and much more. Even the busiest of managers can find 10 minutes in their day to give the duo a listen—and they won’t regret it. 

4. Social Triggers

If your business deals at all in sales, then Social Triggers should be on your to-listen-list. Straying from the common theme of business and managerial topics, Social Triggers instead focuses on human psychology and behavior. What’s great about this kind of information is that it can be applied across an organization: field reps can use it when selling to clients, and managers can use it to build stronger field teams. However you use it, Social Triggers is sure to change the way you operate. 

5. Help, My Business Sucks!

Irreverent and humorous, Andrew Lock’s podcast has become wildly popular among small business owners and entrepreneurs, and for good reason. Marketing tips, case studies on big brands, and directions to access a bevy of resources, Andrew delivers his podcast in a way that makes work stress-free.

6. Dose of Leadership

Perfect for managers, Dose of Leadership is a former marine’s effort to motivate and educate individuals on how to better lead at work ad in their personal lives. Interviews with the likes of David Allen, Steve Forbes, and Ken Blanchard give even more value to an already phenomenal podcast. Managers can certainly use this for themselves, but exposing the rest of their team to the podcast is not a bad idea either.

7. Manager-Tools

Quick and simple, Manager Tools offers over 500 podcasts which start with the basis, and walk managers all the way through to becoming an expert leader. There is so much content available that it would be impossible to cover it here, but some of the topics include speaking with employees about promotions and raises, setting clear goals for yourself and your team, and email security.       

8. Quick and Dirty Tips

Stever Robbins’ podcast is a breath of fresh air for those looking to better the small things they do at work. Basic tasks like taking notes and writing good subject lines in your emails may seem like common sense, but Robbins breaks these things down and explains to listeners how exactly they can optimize their workday.

9. BBC Radio's Bottom Line

Stay educated on the bigger business picture with BBC Radio’s Bottom Line Podcast. It covers recent events in the business world and then goes beyond the story at hand to talk about the topic in a more general way. Things such as The Price of Time or Going Global are worthwhile listens, even if they don’t directly apply to your business.

10. Foundation

Last but certainly not least, Foundation is a series which interviews business founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the Technology industry. Chad Hurley, Elon Musk, and others sit down and explain how they got to where they are today, what is changing in the tech sector, and what impact it will have on the business world going forward. Staying up-to-date is half the battle with bettering an organization, and Kevin Rose makes it enjoyable with his impressive Podcast.

For more information and resources, check out our previous posts "The 10 YouTube Channels Every Field-Based Organization Should be Subscribed To" and "The 10 Blogs Every Field Based Organization Should be Following"