We’ve just released Episode 2 of the Hargreaves Marketing Podcast — and this one is all about standards.

There’s an old story about a market leading confectionary firm in the 1980s. Sales managers were said to run a white glove across the inside of a rep’s car windscreen. Any trace of dirt, and the rep was in trouble.

True or not, the story highlights a vital lesson: when you hold yourself to higher standards, performance rises.

In this episode, I explore how applying a “white-glove standard” to your meetings, presentations, and events can make the difference between being forgettable and being trusted.

You’ll discover:
Why preparation is the hidden foundation of professionalism
How first impressions shape the room before you even start
The discipline needed to deliver with clarity and confidence
Why follow-up often decides whether opportunities move forward or stall

This isn’t about perfectionism — it’s about professionalism. And professionalism builds trust.

Listen now: Spotify link to Episode 2

Be ready when it matters most — and apply the white-glove test to your next big moment.

Many board meetings are played out like films: power, ego, deception, blame, and lots of other negative vibes. The board room can indeed be a frightening place to be on a bad day.

Sometimes, of course, things go badly wrong, and in those cases, there has to be a bad day. Uncomfortable, but necessary to put things right.

Unfortunately, for some companies, every board room meeting is a bad day for everyone. Even if someone thinks they’ve won, actually everyone has lost by pushing others or being pushed into a wrong decision.

In such companies, not only is there no intention to reach an agreement, very often there is actual intent not to reach an agreement. When power and politics take over the board room, the result is either paralysis or bad decision making.

On the other side of the coin, boards which agree on everything too quickly could benefit from some positive and constructive discussion. There needs to be some tension, some debate. People around the board room table need to think they have considered the options and come to the right decision.

Getting the right balance is essential and often comes down to having and living the correct cultural values.

If your board meetings are more like a Hollywood epic, then maybe its time for a rethink.

Board rooms are the places to discuss, debate and make the right decisions on strategy. Negative thoughts, behaviours and actions prevent open, honest and insightful discussions.

Successful strategy starts in the meeting rooms and boardroom room. If there is unnecessary conflict at these early stages, the chances of a successful implementation are low.

‘Winning’ board room battles based on overpowering and ego is unlikely to result in a winning strategy. Negativity and big egos strangle strategy.