Latest news with #HighPerformance
Metro
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
James Blunt slams Damon Albarn and 'sad human being' Noel Gallagher
James Blunt has made his feelings clear towards two fellow British music icons—Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn. The You're Beautiful hitmaker, 51, is famous for his sarcastic clapbacks on social media and putting haters in their place, as well as his lovey-dovey lyrics, of course. But this time, it's two celebs from his industry being shut down. Speaking to Jake Humphrey on the latest episode of High Performance, James recalled past comments from Oasis star Noel, 58, but revealed they've always been made behind his back, having already made it known he reckons Noel is 'two-faced'. 'Noel Gallagher's never said anything unkind to my face; he just always does it to your back when he's trying to flog music,' he told the podcast. 'And Noel Gallagher saying he can't live in Ibiza because I live down the road? Well, what a sad human being he is,' James blasted. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'It's a big enough island! You know? I'm not asking you to come and see me. 'And weirdly, house prices went through the roof the moment he left, actually, and I don't know whether the house prices went up because he had left or because I'd arrived, but there's gotta be some connection.' Wonderwall singer Noel began splitting his time between the UK and the party island in 1999 when he purchased a home there for £2.5million from Mike Oldfield. It's believed he even had a nightclub named Blunty's at the bottom of his garden, which featured a neon sign reading 'Where everyone is beautiful' in a nod to James's chart-topping tune. However, things turned sour when the High Flying Birds frontman said he was 'fed up of hearing James Blunt bang on about Ibiza like he owns the place'. A source added previously: 'He can't stand the thought of Blunt writing crap tunes up the road.' Consequently, Noel felt James's presence had 'taken the charm out' of the Spanish island, and he put his villa on the market for a whopping £5.5m in 2008. As for Damon, 57, songwriter James isn't his biggest fan either. 'There I was on Jools Holland, and at the end of the Jools Holland show, they take a picture of all the musicians, and Damon Albarn refused to be in that photo because I was on the episode with him,' James shared. 'He said that in front of you?', host Jake asked. 'No, his management went and spoke to the producers of the show, and he's a big deal, so they went along with that, which is bizarre too because they should've just told him not to be such a p***k,' James replied. 'And so I was then held back in my dressing room … while all the musicians were lined up around Jools Holland for the photo with Damon, and then he was led out to his car and off he went home, and I was brought out for the second photo, and only one of those makes the Wall of Fame, but it's very petty stuff.' On why his name has come up so often in these conversations, James had an articulate response. 'It's very easy for us as musicians, or people in the public eye, to fall for the trap when we're trying to flog our own music, when someone says, 'Which album don't you like?' or 'Which musician don't you like?' We just fall for that,' he explained. 'And it's too easy for us to start saying, 'I don't like this person, I don't like that person…' and we say whoever's the easiest whipping boy or girl at the time, and I happen to be that person.' Thankfully, though, there has been one person who had James's back… and it might not be someone you'd expect it from. More Trending 'There I am at the Q Awards, and I'm up for one of the awards, and I guess the Gorillaz were up for the same award,' he recalled. 'I was lucky enough that day to get it, so maybe Damon was…,' James began, not finishing his sentence but seemingly suggesting Gorillaz star Damon might have resented his triumph. 'But there, Keith Flint of The Prodigy, what a rock star, what a punk rock star, a guy you'd think would be the most unfriendly, he just came up, grabbed me, put his arms around me, and said, 'Good for you, mate, I'm so thrilled for your success,' and it was a hug that meant a lot to me at the time. 'He was an amazing, gentle, kind human being.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Oasis have let down UK music with their choice of support act MORE: Bob Vylan singer slams Damon Albarn as 'out of touch' after Glastonbury criticism MORE: Glastonbury headliner rocks out at Oasis gig despite Noel Gallagher beef
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How To Create A More Client-Centric Culture
Suresh Rajapakse, Chief Client Officer at Wheels – Driving Client Experience, Innovation & Results. In global organizations, complexity is a given. Different regions, departments and time zones all come with their own systems and priorities. It's easy to let structure take the driver's seat. But in my experience, high-performing companies don't start with org charts or KPIs. They start with values. Culture isn't what's written on the wall. It's how decisions get made when no one's watching. It shows up in the questions your teams ask, how you handle conflict and whether your clients feel heard or just handled. I've learned over the years that performance and people aren't competing priorities. When culture is rooted in values and truly centers on client impact and team ownership, you create conditions where both excellence and empathy can thrive. Here are five things to know to help you get there. 1. Ask the hard questions, then actually listen. One of the most important habits our team has built is regularly asking, 'If I were a client, what does a good experience feel like?' That one question cuts through the noise and brings focus. It encourages us to look beyond processes and timelines and instead focus on the real people behind every interaction. When we ask that question with genuine curiosity, it shifts the conversation from reactive problem-solving to proactive care. We stop thinking in terms of transactions and start thinking in terms of trust. That kind of reframing reinforces a sense of shared ownership. When we stay attuned to how our clients experience our work, we show up with greater intention, clarity and care. It becomes less about meeting expectations and more about exceeding them, together. And each time we do, we build trust, strengthen connections and create momentum. 2. Culture is built in the gaps. Internal silos don't just slow teams down. They erode trust. Clients don't see your internal org structure. They only see what gets delivered. A values-driven culture encourages clarity over control. It's not about rigid roles; it's about shared responsibility. When product, engineering, operations and sales are aligned on why we're doing the work (and not just what needs to get done), gaps close faster. One way to do that is to create one shared success metric across departments tied to client outcomes and not just departmental outputs. I often remind my team that taking the wheel doesn't mean owning everything. It means guiding things in the right direction. If something's off course, we speak up and steer together. 3. Leadership means showing up and following through. At its core, leadership is about presence, especially when no one's watching. It's easy to show up for the big pitch or the major milestone, but real leaders stay close even when the spotlight fades. They ask the right questions, make space for honest conversations and feedback and turn insight into action. When leaders model that consistency, it sets the tone for the entire team. It signals that every stage of the client journey matters, not just the start. That kind of follow-through doesn't just build credibility; it builds trust. And in any long-term partnership, it's a key differentiator. 4. Bring humanity into the metrics. Metrics matter, but they don't tell the whole story. CSAT and NPS can point to trends, but it's the conversations behind the numbers that reveal what truly drives trust. That's why we look for moments that show character—where someone stepped up, brought clarity or turned a challenge into an opportunity to connect. For example, in your next team review, don't just share the metrics dashboard. Spotlight stories that highlight your values in action. When teams are encouraged to lead with transparency and empathy, clients feel it. They see a culture that values accountability and progress, not perfection. 5. Build together, win together. The real test of a high-performance culture is consistency in how we treat one another and how we treat our clients across every touchpoint and region. No one does this alone. That's why we share the ride and the results. When values are more than words on a slide, they become a compass. Teams know when to press forward and when to pause. They anticipate instead of react. And they take pride not just in what they accomplish but in how they accomplish it. Driving Forward With Purpose Culture isn't a campaign, it's a commitment. You see it in the small decisions, the tough conversations and the day-to-day follow-through. If you're leading a global team or even just building one, don't start by asking how to hit the next number. Ask what kind of company you want to be while doing it. Then, build the systems, habits and relationships that reflect that answer. Clients will notice. So will your people. That's how you take the wheel—with values, purpose and teamwork. Start today by asking yourself what signals you're sending through the choices you make as a leader and if they reflect the culture you want to build. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AI could create world's first trillionaire, and it might be just 'a dude in a basement': Shark Tank's Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban believes artificial intelligence can generate immense wealth. He says AI has the potential to create the world's first trillionaire. This person will harness AI in a novel way. Cuban compares AI's potential to the early days of PCs and the internet. He predicts AI will significantly improve lives. People will wonder how they ever lived without it. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Artificial intelligence isn't just transforming industries — it could also make someone the richest person in history. Billionaire investor Mark Cuban believes that AI holds the key to creating the world's first trillionaire, thanks to its immense wealth-generating speaking during a recent episode of 'High Performance," Cuban said that person will be someone who is able to harness AI in a yet-to-be-discovered way, he added.'We haven't seen the best, or the craziest, of what [AI] is going to be able to do,' said the 66-year-old former 'Shark Tank' star. 'Not only do I think it'll create a trillionaire, but it could be just one dude in the basement. That's how crazy it could be.''Remember the early days of PCs and people were like, 'I don't need that. ... What's this internet thing? Why do we need it?' Then it was smartphones,' said Cuban. 'We'll find something equivalent for AI and then, five years [later] ... people will be like, 'How did I live without it?' People will make a lot of money.''I'm not saying we're going to get the Terminator,' he added. 'I'm not saying that all of a sudden, there are going to be robots that are smarter than people ... But we'll find ways to make our lives better.'Tech giants are in a fierce battle for top-tier AI talent, with companies like Meta and OpenAI offering eye-popping compensation packages to secure the brightest minds in the has significantly ramped up its AI investments, focusing on generative AI and its Reality Labs division. In 2023, CEO Mark Zuckerberg called advanced AI development the company's 'single largest investment area.' Senior AI researchers at Meta are reportedly being offered total compensation packages ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million, including stock and bonuses, according to several media backed by Microsoft, has also become a major player in the race. Senior research engineers there receive base salaries between $200,000 and $370,000, with total compensation — including equity — often reaching $800,000 to $1 million ( The Information). Many of these roles come with profit-sharing and early equity options, especially enticing as OpenAI's valuation continues to sharp surge in pay underscores a broader scramble among Big Tech firms to secure the talent driving advances in large language models, generative AI, and other emerging technologies. Analysts say these aggressive offers are not just about recruitment, but also about retaining key talent amid escalating poaching efforts across the industry.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Michael Schumacher's son Mick in talks over ‘incredible' F1 return after three years
Scroll down to see who the other candidates are TAKING THE MICK Michael Schumacher's son Mick in talks over 'incredible' F1 return after three years MICK SCHUMACHER has confirmed he is in talks to return to F1 with newcomers Cadillac. The son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher could make a comeback next season having not raced in the sport since leaving Haas in 2022. 1 Mick Schumacher could return to F1 with Cadillac next season Credit: Getty He has also been a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren - but was replaced by Valtteri Bottas as Merc driver at the end of last season. New General Motors-backed team Cadillac will be on the grid for the first time from 2026 and are finalising their line-up. The 26-year-old said: "Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far. "They've already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project]. It's an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in." Ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and Bottas are thought to be the favourites for the two Cadillac seats. But team boss Graeme Lowdon remains a huge admirer of Schumacher - who currently drives in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. During him time in F1, Schumacher started 43 races. His best placing was a sixth place finish, while he only finished in the points twice. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Lowdon has also confirmed that "positive" discussions with Schumacher had taken place while on the High Performance podcast. He said: "Yeah, we're talking to Mick." Comedian given death stare after bodychecking Lewis Hamilton at F1 He also added on Sky Deutschland: "Mick is great. He's a very nice guy, I like him a lot. I've got to know him better now. "He's still young, but he already has F1 experience. Of course, that was a while ago, but he's kept himself up to date. "We really like that. We really like that. He is no stranger to the team. He knows where we stand. There are some positive things to say about Mick. "He is clearly one of the drivers on the list. But I should also say that the list is quite long." Lowdon has also previously confirmed that talks with Bottas have taken place. The Cadillac boss wants the team to make a statement in their first year and not just make up the numbers. He said: "Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator. "Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like. "For someone to prove what they can do for sure, but it's not the vehicle to show the world, prove a point, or whatever. "The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I'm less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point." When asked about the prospect of Perez joining the cause, Lowdon did not rule it out. He added: "Every single person, every name that you're going to read out, we're talking to everyone because everyone wants the drive."
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Michael Schumacher's son Mick in talks over ‘incredible' F1 return after three years
MICK SCHUMACHER has confirmed he is in talks to return to F1 with newcomers Cadillac. The son of legendary F1 driver 1 Mick Schumacher could return to F1 with Cadillac next season Credit: Getty He has also been a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren - but was replaced by Valtteri Bottas as Merc driver at the end of last season. New The 26-year-old said: "Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far. "They've already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project]. It's an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in." READ MORE IN F1 But team boss Graeme Lowdon remains a huge admirer of Schumacher - who currently drives in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. During him time in F1, Schumacher started 43 races. His best placing was a sixth place finish, while he only finished in the points twice. Most read in Motorsport BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Lowdon has also confirmed that "positive" discussions with Schumacher had taken place while on the High Performance podcast. He said: "Yeah, we're talking to Mick." Comedian given death stare after bodychecking Lewis Hamilton at F1 He also added on Sky Deutschland: "Mick is great. He's a very nice guy, I like him a lot. I've got to know him better now. "He's still young, but he already has F1 experience. Of course, that was a while ago, but he's kept himself up to date. "We really like that. We really like that. He is no stranger to the team. He knows where we stand. There are some positive things to say about Mick. "He is clearly one of the drivers on the list. But I should also say that the list is quite long." Lowdon has also previously confirmed that talks with Bottas have taken place. The Cadillac boss wants the team to make a statement in their first year and not just make up the numbers. He said: "Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator. "Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like. "For someone to prove what they can do for sure, but it's not the vehicle to show the world, prove a point, or whatever. "The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I'm less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point." When asked about the prospect of Perez joining the cause, Lowdon did not rule it out. He added: "Every single person, every name that you're going to read out, we're talking to everyone because everyone wants the drive."
