Accomplishment: Sir Michael Barber delivers on his new book, government and how to achieve challenging things

Accomplishment: Sir Michael Barber delivers on his new book, government and how to achieve challenging things

Author: Canadian Government Executive November 9, 2021 Duration: 23:10

In this episode of CGE Radio, we catch up with Sir Michael Barber to discuss his new book, the state of politics, and the dynamics of tackling the tough stuff and getting it done. Hear about the complexities of identifying priorities in a context in which everything can seem urgent, the importance of leadership in politics and government, and the daunting task of setting long-terms goals despite short-term electoral cycles.

About Sir Michael Barber's new book - Accomplishment

Michael Barber has spent many years advising governments, businesses, and major sporting teams around the world on how to achieve ambitious goals on time. In this inspiring and practical guide, he applies the wisdom he has gained from dealing with large, complex organizations and elite athletes to help anyone tackle their most challenging goals.

Drawing on the stories of historic visionaries and modern heroes - from Galileo to Rosa Parks, Harold Macmillan to Paula Radcliffe - Barber uses personal anecdotes and proven strategy to map the route to success and navigate the difficulties that arise along the way.

Whatever it is that you aspire to do - run a marathon, transform a school or provide a business of public service to millions - this book will inspire you to get going and to bridge the gap between hope and reality.

You can find his book on Amazon - Accomplishment: How to Achieve Ambitious and Challenging Things: Barber, Michael: 9780241409916: Books - Amazon.ca.


For decades, Canadian Government Executive has been the essential print and digital publication for those navigating the complex machinery of the public service. Canadian Government Executive Radio extends that legacy into audio, creating a direct channel for conversation about the policies, technologies, and leadership shaping governance from town halls to Parliament Hill. This podcast moves beyond press releases and official statements to explore the real-world implementation of ideas. Each episode features candid discussions with deputy ministers, city managers, IT directors, and frontline innovators who are tasked with turning legislation into action. You’ll hear about the challenges of digital transformation, the intersection of cybersecurity and citizen services, and the evolving nature of public sector leadership in a time of rapid change. It’s a forum for the people who build, manage, and protect the programs that define Canadian society. By focusing on the practical expertise of senior officials and the technologists enabling modern government, this series provides context and clarity that you won’t find in daily news coverage. Tune in for a nuanced perspective on how decisions are made, how technology is adopted, and how public service executives are steering their organizations toward the future. This is where policy meets practice, offering listeners an insider’s understanding of the forces that govern.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Canadian Government Executive Radio
Podcast Episodes
CGE Radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:56
Welcome back to another episode of CGE Radio with host, J. Richard Jones. This week we talk to Kristen Leroux, General Manager, Public Sector, Canada, DXC Technology and Srijani Dey is Chief Data and Analytics Officer, D…
From Cloud First to Cloud Smart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:38
Join host J. Richard Jones for the latest episode of CGE Radio. He speaks with Craig McLellan, Chief Executive Officer of ThinkOn, about foreign cloud providers and the benefits of a Canadian-based solution. Mr. McLellan…
CGE Weekly – episode 10 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:17
Welcome back to another episode of CGE Weekly with host, J. Richard Jones. This week, CGE editor-in-chief, Dr. Lori Turnbull, weighs in on the new budget that came down on March 28th. As the cost of living rises and the…
CGE Weekly – episode 9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:32
Welcome back to CGE Weekly with host J. Richard Jones and CGE editor-in-chief, Dr. Lori Turnbull. Healthcare has long been quintessential to Canada. The topic of discussion this week digs into and dissects the healthcare…
CGE Weekly – episode 8 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
It's the first CGE Weekly show of 2023! Join host J. Richard Jones and CGE editor-in-chief, Dr. Lori Turnbull as they look into the crystal ball and hypothesize about what the year ahead in Canadian politics might look l…
CGE Weekly - Episode 7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:20
The summer is quickly coming to a close and the host J. Richard Jones is back with a new episode of CGE Weekly. He spends some time catching of up with CGE Editor-in-Chief, Lori Turnbull. Their conversation dives right i…
Empowering Agile Government Services [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:08
In this episode of CGE Radio, J. Richard Jones and co-host Lori Turnbull, deputy editor Canadian Government Executive discuss returning to work in public sector. They tackle the question of just what is the new normal? T…
CGE Weekly – Episode 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
In or latest exciting episode of CGE Weekly, host, J. Richard Jones and Lori Turnbull, Editor in Chief of Canadian Government Executive speak with Bob Conlin, Technology Managing Director Federal Government, IBM Canada.…
Futureproofing for the Strategic Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:23
Guest host, Lori Turnbull, Deputy Editor, Canadian Government Executive welcomes very special guest Michael Wernick, former clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, currently Senior Strategic Advisor at M…