We Are PoWEr Podcast

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Watch on YouTube:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Sarah Lewis and Emma Cooper bring insight, honesty, and encouragement to a conversation about finding your place in technology. As leaders within MagTech, the technology team at Manchester Airports Group, they show that building the world’s most intelligent airports takes more than code – it takes communication, curiosity, and courage.

You’ll hear:
➡️ How transferable skills—from law to public service—can open doors in tech
➡️ The critical role of “translation” in connecting technology with business outcomes
➡️ How airports operate like cities, offering opportunities for project managers, designers, and problem-solvers of every kind
➡️ How inclusion, mentoring, and curiosity drive innovation
➡️ Why stepping outside your comfort zone—whether skydiving or tackling a new career challenge—can spark growth

This conversation is both practical and inspiring, offering advice for anyone looking to upskill, switch careers, or gain confidence in a changing world of work. Sarah and Emma’s stories show that technology is for everyone—and that courage and curiosity are just as important as coding.

Listen/Watch the full We Are PoWEr x Manchester Airports Group series via the links below ⬇️

Listen on audio platforms:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Watch on YouTube:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Emma Preston and Maxwell Crowson bring honesty, courage, and compassion to a conversation about what it truly means to belong at work and beyond. From shaping culture at Manchester Airports Group to turning policy into practice through Fly with Pride, Emma and Max show how small, consistent actions create workplaces where everyone can be their authentic selves.

You’ll hear:
➡️ Emma’s journey from surviving trauma to living authentically
➡️ Max’s perspective as an adoptive dad and how confidence at work and home impacts identity
➡️ Why inclusion isn’t about grand gestures, but the small signals that make a real difference
➡️ How Fly with Pride translates policy into everyday practice
➡️ The role of leaders in listening, learning, and making space for others to thrive

This episode is deeply human and inspiring, offering insights for leaders, colleagues, and anyone who wants to help workplaces move from promises of belonging to lived experiences of respect, safety, and authenticity.

Listen/Watch the full We Are PoWEr x Manchester Airports Group series via the links below ⬇️

Listen on audio platforms:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Watch on YouTube:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to truly belong at work? For Victoria Tobin, Senior People Partner at Manchester Airports Group, the answer is shaped by nearly 20 years of HR leadership across the UK and internationally.

From steering complex transformations to shaping cultures where people feel seen and valued, Victoria brings a wealth of insight into how representation and authenticity drive lasting change. Her journey offers a powerful perspective on building workplaces where every voice matters and talent can thrive.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:
➡️ The barriers that still hold back minority ethnic professionals
➡️ Why visible role models can inspire whole organisations
➡️ The different factors that shape people’s career experiences
➡️ Why “bringing your whole self” is more than a slogan
➡️ Why diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise, it’s daily action

This episode is both personal and practical. A must-listen for leaders and employees alike, offering inspiration and tools to help create workplaces where everyone can truly thrive.

Listen/Watch the full We Are PoWEr x Manchester Airports Group series via the links below ⬇️

Listen on audio platforms:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Watch on YouTube:

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Power of Showing Up with Sophie Milliken MBE

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The brilliant Sophie Milliken MBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing a conversation about the power of visibility, storytelling, and taking bold action to create lasting impact.

As an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and founder of Mojo, Sophie helps leaders and professionals communicate their value and build authentic personal brands that drive opportunity. From running writing retreats in the Yorkshire Dales to chairing Smart Works Newcastle – a charity transforming unemployed women’s lives through interview clothing and coaching – Sophie’s journey proves that visibility isn’t about showing off, it’s about showing up.

She shares her insights on building a brand with purpose, why consistent communication can set you apart, and how life’s toughest decisions – including starting her first business and navigating divorce while raising her daughter – shaped her success. Sophie also reveals how she balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and mentorship with intention and grace, always guided by her belief in taking action and connecting with purpose.

In this episode:

Building confidence and visibility through storytelling
Why personal branding is about communication, not ego
How Smart Works Newcastle empowers women through confidence and coaching
Making life-changing decisions with courage and intention
The power of consistency – and why one LinkedIn post a week can change everything
Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and self-belief
Superpower: connecting with purpose and authenticity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How Ngozi Weller & Wayne Bennett Are Changing Manchester Forever

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Ngozi Weller and Wayne Bennett join the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and vision to a powerful conversation about racial equity, authentic leadership, and creating real change in Manchester and beyond.

Their partnership began on a train journey – a chance meeting that sparked a movement. Wayne, a visionary entrepreneur, and Ngozi, a fearless strategist and advocate, combined their complementary strengths to co-found The Racial Equity Group (REG) within Pro Manchester. What started as a shared conversation has evolved into RegConnect – a groundbreaking event that’s redefining how inclusion, business, and opportunity intersect.

Driven by the sobering reality that while Manchester’s ethnic minority population exceeds 18%, representation in leadership sits at just 5%, Ngozi and Wayne are confronting inequity head-on. Their work is about turning awareness into action – bringing corporate leaders and underrepresented professionals into the same room to connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact.

In this episode:

How a train journey sparked a movement for racial equity in Manchester
Building the Racial Equity Group and RegConnect: collaboration over confrontation
The reality of representation: 18% of the population, 5% of leadership
Why courage, not comfort, drives meaningful inclusion
Turning diversity into business impact – and the data that proves it
How authenticity builds movements that last
The legacy Wayne and Ngozi are creating for the next generation

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How Emma Green’s Curiosity Built a Career She Never Planned

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Emma Green joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing creativity, courage, and a passion for storytelling that’s transforming communities across the North and beyond. As Communications Lead for Peel Waters, Emma combines her love of connection and communication to shape places where people truly belong.

From a film studies degree to leading communications for one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, Emma’s story proves that career paths don’t have to be linear to be impactful. What started as a fascination with Media City evolved into working for the very organization that created it – a full-circle moment powered by curiosity, authenticity, and the willingness to raise her hand and challenge convention.

With genuine warmth and insight, Emma shares how she’s turned her superpower for connection into tangible impact – from linking local independents with major waterfront developments to turning complex planning projects into national stories. Her mantra, inspired by her late aunt – “There’s value in every experience” – shapes both her career and her approach to life, reminding us that every moment has purpose.

Emma also opens up about the importance of community, crediting the Northern PoWEr Women network for providing support and opportunity during challenging times like the pandemic. Her story is proof that powerful storytelling, when rooted in authenticity and connection, can reshape not just brands or places, but people’s lives.

In this episode:

From film studies to regeneration: finding purpose through storytelling
How curiosity and connection created a career she never planned
Communicating complex projects in ways that engage and inspire
The power of challenging authority and speaking truth to power
Why there’s “value in every experience” – personally and professionally
How authentic communication builds thriving communities

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Why Your Accent Should Never Limit Your Dreams - Holly Ellis Explains

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Holly Ellis joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, resilience, and a fierce commitment to breaking barriers in science. Known to her growing online community as The Scouse Scientist, Holly is redefining what it means to belong in STEM while balancing the realities of motherhood, identity, and advocacy.

From Liverpool to Oxford University, Holly’s story is one of challenging perceptions and proving that background and accent should never be barriers to opportunity. She opens up about navigating motherhood after a traumatic birth, her experience with postnatal depression, and why caring for her daughter Ada tested her in ways academia never could.

With trademark candor, Holly tackles accent bias head-on, sharing how her Liverpool voice has become both her superpower and a source of prejudice. She reflects on once believing Oxford “wasn’t for people like me,” and how stepping into those spaces gave her the confidence to show others that they can belong too.

What began as a handful of social media videos has grown into a movement, as Holly uses her platforms to make science accessible and inclusive for everyone. Now signed with a talent agency, her ambition is to take STEM into mainstream media – showing the next generation that scientists can come from anywhere, sound like anyone, and look like everyone.

In this episode:

From Liverpool to Oxford: proving she belonged in elite spaces
Navigating motherhood and postnatal depression with honesty
Breaking down accent bias and why it still matters
Making STEM accessible through social media and beyond
Turning trolls into proof of why her work matters
The dream of hosting a science TV show that changes perceptions

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Bradford Roots to Global Recognition: Saeeda Ahmed’s Story

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Saeeda Ahmed joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing faith, resilience, and a bold vision for building sustainable cities that put people first. As Founder and President of Sustainable Cities Global and a trailblazer named on the global stage, Saeeda is transforming how communities are designed, governed, and grown.

From the inner cities of Bradford to international contracts across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, Saeeda’s story is one of breaking barriers and rewriting the rules. She shares how missing parts of her early education didn’t stop her from thriving at Cambridge, why her father’s wisdom still guides her today, and how her innovative model rejects “copy-and-paste” development in favour of solutions rooted in healthcare, education, and enterprise.

With honesty and conviction, Saeeda opens up about facing condescension and ridicule in male-dominated spaces, how she reframes failure as the “nuances of life,” and why she believes every single person is a living miracle. Her work is not just about sustainability—it’s about dignity, inclusion, and creating pathways so others never have to face the same barriers she did.

In this episode:
From Bradford to Cambridge: defying expectations and embracing faith
Why no city should ever be “copy-and-paste”
Building tailored, sustainable communities across three continents
Facing ridicule and turning hardship into strength
Reframing failure as life’s nuances, not setbacks
Why “you are already a success today” is Saeeda’s message to the world

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

"If It’s Difficult, It’s Worth Doing" - Nazir Afzal OBE

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Nazir Afzal OBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and a lifetime of fighting for justice and inclusion. Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Chair of the Lowry, and tireless advocate for equity, Nazir refuses to let diversity become a tick-box exercise – instead, he challenges leaders to make allyship active, authentic, and accountable.

From calling out institutional misogyny to championing gender equality, Nazir shares why the retreat from diversity initiatives is not only harmful but deeply damaging to employees who are told, in effect, "we don’t believe in you anymore." He reminds us that while men are often part of the problem, they are also essential to the solution – and must step up, not out, when the work feels difficult.

In a conversation rich with challenge and hope, Nazir and Simone explore what real leadership looks like when values are tested, why measuring social impact matters, and how storytelling and community are vital tools for lasting change. For Nazir, the bottom line is clear: courage in leadership isn’t about following trends, but about standing firm when it matters most.

00:00 Welcome to the We Are Power Podcast
00:46 Introduction to Nazir Afzal OBE
02:06 Achievements and Roles
05:01 Advocacy and Leadership
08:23 Challenges and Pushbacks
12:29 The Importance of Inclusion
16:21 Celebrating Achievements
18:23 The Role of Male Leaders in Gender Equality
18:53 The Power of Advocacy and Support
20:06 Challenges Faced by Women in Male-Dominated Fields
21:37 Institutional Misogyny and Safety Measures
24:12 The Importance of Genuine Leadership Engagement
27:44 Measuring Social Impact and Value
29:44 Encouraging Community and Storytelling
32:18 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Catherine Millan: ADHD, Young Carer, and Becoming an Award-Winning CEO

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Catherine Millan joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - bringing resilience, empathy, and a mission to change workplaces for the better. Founder of Be What You See Consultancy and winner of the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards Person with Purpose Organisation Award, Catherine is dedicated to creating psychologically safe environments through innovative active bystander training.

From becoming a young carer at just 14 when her mum faced mental health struggles after cancer treatment, to finding structure and leadership in the Army Cadets, Catherine’s early life shaped her determination to become the role model she never had growing up. A late ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis during lockdown gave her new self-understanding, helping her sharpen her focus and grow her award-winning business.

Catherine shares how the Manchester Arena attack sparked her to develop training at a time when hate crimes had surged 500%, why compassionate leadership is her greatest strength, and how she’s turning corporate investment into free programs for schools. With a book in the works and her eyes set on scaling her impact, Catherine proves that lived experience, empathy, and courage can drive lasting change.

In this episode:
From young carer to entrepreneur with purpose
The Army Cadets and the leadership lessons that lasted a lifetime
How the Manchester Arena attack inspired active bystander training
ADHD, dyslexia, and the power of late diagnosis
Winning a Northern PoWEr Women Award and what it means to her
Why compassionate leadership is her superpower
Plans to scale her business and inspire future generations

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Abuse to OBE: Alison Lowe’s Story of Resilience and Power

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Alison Lowe OBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - bringing energy, honesty, and a lifetime of serving others with courage and compassion. Based in Leeds and named on the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards PoWEr List, Alison has spent her career challenging injustice, leading with heart, and showing that authenticity is a strength, not something to dial down.

From growing up in a political household to becoming Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire, Alison has always refused to be a bystander. She shares how her mum’s confidence inspired her to embrace her true self, why living your values matters more than titles, and what receiving her OBE meant as both a daughter and a proud Black woman.

Alison also opens up about the pain of childhood abuse, her journey through healing, and how honesty and openness helped her turn wounds into light – for herself and for others. Whether through her leadership at mental health charity Touchstone, her advocacy for inclusivity, or her belief in kindness above all, Alison reminds us that poWEr is not about status, but about creating spaces where people can thrive.

In this episode:
From political roots to Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
Why bringing your whole self to work is a superpower
Living your values, not just talking about them
Healing, honesty, and transforming wounds into wisdom
The day she received her OBE and why it mattered so deeply
Building thriving communities through openness and kindness
What she’s learned as a mum, nanna, and leader

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Why Inclusivity Matters More Than Ever in Hiring

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Liz Kingston and Alexandra Ahmet join the We Are PoWEr Podcast - bringing a conversation about making recruitment more inclusive, removing the fear from interviews, and building confidence for anyone chasing their next opportunity.

As part of BT’s talent team, Liz and Alexandra aren’t just hiring people - they’re rethinking how the process works. From making interviews transparent and prep-friendly to encouraging candidates to always ask questions, they share how curiosity and authenticity can set you apart. They open up about the moments they’re most proud of, the lessons that reshaped their own careers, and why inclusivity is everyone’s responsibility - not just leadership’s.

Balancing ambition with real life, they reveal how they juggle work, family, and even the fast-changing world of AI recruitment, all while staying true to themselves. Their message is simple: don’t dim your ambition, and remember there’s more than one way to get where you want to go.

In this episode:
Why asking questions is the most underrated career skill
How BT is making recruitment less intimidating and more transparent
Personal lessons on authenticity, ambition, and self-belief
Why inclusivity is everyone’s job – not just leadership’s
The role of AI in recruitment and what it means for future talent
Superpowers: juggling & compartmentalisation
Trusting your gut and taking different routes to success

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Creating Trusted Spaces and Driving Change at ASDA

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Adrian Jones joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing reflections on leadership, representation, and creating trusted spaces for people to thrive.

As Senior Director, Anglia & South Midlands Superstores at ASDA and a 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Advocate, Adrian looks after 31 stores and thousands of colleagues – but his focus goes far beyond retail. From mentoring female leaders to co-chairing the Women in ASDA network, he is committed to driving diversity, amplifying unheard voices, and building teams that perform by being truly inclusive.

Adrian shares why filling in his own award nomination was such a powerful moment, why listening before acting is the most underrated leadership skill, and how acknowledging the “quiet people in the room” can change outcomes for the better. He also opens up about family, sport, and the importance of helping his children – and the next generation – find confidence to stand up for what they believe in.

In this episode:

Why the Northern PoWEr Women Awards matter to him
Championing diversity and inclusion in leadership at ASDA
How creating trusted spaces leads to real change
The importance of spotting unconscious bias and acting on it
Mentoring 5–10 female leaders every year
Family life, rugby, motor racing, and the wine aisle as a metaphor for leadership
What he hopes the world looks like for the next generation

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From History Degree to Cybersecurity at One of the Biggest Football Clubs in the World

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Hannah McLean joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing a story of bold career moves, northern pride, and learning to back yourself even when self-doubt kicks in.

From a history degree to becoming Information Security Officer at Manchester United Football Club, Hannah proves that breaking into male-dominated industries isn’t always about being the most technical person in the room – it’s about problem-solving, communicating, and negotiating with confidence. She shares how she lifted herself up to apply for her dream role, why she believes education is key to breaking barriers, and how celebrating your wins through the Northern PoWEr Women Awards is about so much more than the ceremony itself.

A proud Mancunian and new mum, Hannah opens up about the reality of motherhood versus expectations, her hopes for her daughter’s future, and the moments that make her most grateful to be from the North. From Barry’s Bootcamp to brunch in the Northern Quarter, she champions her city while working to make the online world a safer place.

In this episode:

From history graduate to cybersecurity at Manchester United Football Club
Why you don’t need to be “tech-minded” to thrive in tech
Breaking barriers in male-dominated industries
Motherhood, reality vs expectations, and learning to love deeper than ever
Celebrating yourself and your achievements with the Northern PoWEr Women Awards
Pride in Manchester and its world-changing innovations
The role of education in breaking barriers and creating opportunity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Wild Child to CEO: The Making of an Entrepreneur

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Gillian joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - entrepreneur, risk-taker, and now PoWEr Lister 2025. From flatlining during childbirth to launching tech for social change, Gillian’s story is one of raw resilience, reinvention, and refusing to stay quiet.

In this emotional and unfiltered episode, Gillian reflects on going from “wild” child, surviving wrongful arrest in front of her kids, and becoming the youngest-ever responsible individual in the care sector. She opens up about being driven by adrenaline, haunted by self-doubt, and guided by deep connection - with others, with herself, and with something much bigger.

From crashing her dad’s Ford at 14 to building a charity-backed app launching in Dubai, Gillian is redefining what business and impact can look like - especially when poWEred by purpose and personal healing.

In this episode:
Why being “wild” was really early entrepreneurship in disguise
Facing arrest in front of her children and walking free with no charges
The spiritual moment during childbirth that changed everything
Leaving hospitality for social care after a customer complained about cheese
Becoming the youngest Responsible Individual in the care sector
Building tech that changes lives and launching it globally
Healing from childhood pressure and embracing her self-worth
How connection became her greatest superpoWEr

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of traumatic medical experiences and arrest.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The PoWEr of Persistence: How Siwan Reclaimed Her Story

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Siwan Smith joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - this time as a 2024 Northern PoWEr Women Future List star, 2025 Awards judge, and an unstoppable voice for inclusion, courage, and creativity.

In this episode, Siwan opens up about surviving sexual assault and two brain tumours, and how therapy, family support, and fierce inner strength helped her rebuild not just her health, but her identity. Now Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Princes, she’s on a mission to make workplaces better - for colleagues, customers, and communities alike.

Siwan shares the emotional impact of physical changes, how she developed an eating disorder during recovery, and why her greatest healing came from small steps, honesty, and showing up for herself. She also reveals the unlikely joy she finds in Just Dance battles (which she always wins), and why her super PoWEr is thinking outside the box, especially when life refuses to play fair.

From pain to purpose, this is a story of perseverance, perspective, and the quiet power of not giving up.

In this episode:
Being named to the 2024 Northern PoWEr Women Future List
Judging the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards
Surviving sexual assault and reclaiming identity
The healing power of therapy and small steps
Being diagnosed with a brain tumour on graduation day
Body image, weight stigma, and eating disorder recovery
Staying positive when life isn’t fair
Winning at Just Dance (and why her goddaughters won’t play anymore)
Her super PoWEr: thinking outside the box

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. Please take care while listening.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Coronation Street to the King’s Coronation

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Ella Grace Gregoire and Elaine Gregoire join the We Are PoWEr Podcast - a mother-daughter duo with a shared mission to uplift, include, and never leave anyone behind.

Elaine, founder of Streetwise and a foster carer, shares how she turned a church youth club into a thriving support hub for young people - all while navigating burnout and dancing through recovery (literally, with a Strictly Come Dancing charity challenge). Ella, a performance and wellbeing consultant, reflects on starting her own business at 17, advocating for Northern voices, and why in-person connection matters now more than ever.

From CITV to King Charles, ice baths to authenticity, this episode is packed with passion, perspective, and two fierce women who always think they’re right and might just be.

In this episode:
How Streetwise grew from church youth clubs to a thriving centre
Foster care, family sessions, and community-driven work
Burnout, boundaries, and dancing through recovery
Performing on Coronation Street and CITV
Starting a business at 17 to give young people more opportunities
Attending the King’s coronation and a royal visit to Buckingham Palace
The power of lived experience and advocating for mental health
Embracing neurodivergence and showing up as your full self
Why in-person connection still matters in a digital world
Magic wand moments: chronic pain, phone-free futures & radical self-care

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

"I Am Still Learning About Being An Entrepreneur" - James Carss

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant James Carss joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – this time sharing a story of trauma, transformation, and finding poWEr through purpose, discipline, and inclusion.

In this episode, James opens up about training daily as a teenager to moving to Hong Kong with just a suitcase, James’s journey is packed with resilience, humour, and heart. He shares the life-changing mentorship he found with a Chinese martial arts master, his unexpected stint in the movie industry, and how those experiences now guide his work as Chief Exec of Castle Peak Group.

From the dojo to the boardroom, James brings a poWErful message of mindfulness, integrity, and the impact of creating space for others to thrive.

In this episode:
Turning childhood trauma into a lifelong mission
Why martial arts became his anchor
Life in Hong Kong and mentorship that transcended language
From martial arts films to Geordie “Russian” lines
Founding Castle Peak Group and leading with fairness
Building inclusive workplaces that value difference
The importance of staying present

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Not Every Table Feeds You: What Leadership Has Taught Steph Edusei

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Steph Edusei returns to the We Are PoWEr Podcast - this time as a PoWEr Lister, published author, and still dancing her way through leadership, life, and impact.

In this episode, Steph shares the leadership lessons that shaped her writing, the moments that tested her optimism, and the poWEr of creating collaborative spaces where people flourish - not just follow. She opens up about why not every table feeds you, the importance of saying no, and how her book was written with 10-minute loo breaks in mind (yes, really).

From practical wisdom to purposeful reflection, Steph reminds us that poWErful leadership isn’t about status - it’s about showing up, listening deeply, and knowing you are enough.

In this episode:
Life as a CEO, dance teacher, and author
Why her book is written in loo-length chapters
Building inclusive leadership by listening to every voice
The mindset shift: not every opportunity is the right one
Using optimism as a super PoWEr and knowing when to pause
Creating the Black All Year platform
Reimagining what modern leadership really looks like

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

“Growing Up Adopted Is Like Being the Cocoon in the Nest” - Juliet Sanders

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Juliet Sanders, CEO and Founder of Feeding Families, joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast to explore how purpose, persistence, and community can become a truly PoWErful force for change.

From growing up as an adopted only child to discovering a family of siblings later in life, Juliet shares the deeply personal story behind her drive to build a charity that now supports thousands. She opens up about surviving domestic violence, founding Feeding Families, and the emotional journey of preparing to step down as CEO this December. “I might not be the CEO,” she says, “but I’ll always be the Founder.”

Juliet talks about what it felt like to win the 2025 Person with Purpose award at the Northern PoWEr Women Awards - glamorous, connected, and inspired. With honesty and humour, she reflects on discovering her birth family, her love of mime, and why her greatest super PoWEr is persistence.

Discover how one woman’s determination created a movement and how even the scariest transitions can lead to something beautiful.

In this episode:
Growing up adopted: “Like being the cocoon in the nest”
Surviving domestic violence and finding her voice
Starting Feeding Families from scratch
Winning a Northern PoWEr Women Award and feeling seen
The emotional journey of preparing for retirement
Finding her siblings
Life lessons from mime and moving on
Why persistence is her super PoWEr

TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of domestic violence in this episode

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Shattering Glass Ceilings: The First Female Red Arrows Pilot

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Kirsty Murphy MBE — trailblazing pilot, proud daughter, and people-first innovator. From growing up on an RAF squadron to becoming the first and only female Red Arrows pilot, Kirsty shares how she carved out her own path in a world where few women had gone before.

She speaks openly about building a career that’s more like a climbing wall than a ladder — full of bold moves, challenges, and powerful pivots. From the RAF to Connected Places Catapult, Kirsty continues to break barriers, now leading innovation that puts people and purpose at the heart of technology.

We also hear about receiving her MBE from King Charles, inspiring young girls at air shows, and why visibility matters more than ever.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Kirsty Murphy MBE
02:40 – Becoming a Fighter Pilot
05:32 – First Female Red Arrows Pilot
08:57 – Representation and Responsibility
11:12 – Life After the Air Force
17:40 – Innovation and Tech for Good
20:02 – Career Lessons and Royal Recognition
24:12 – Making Human-Centered Impact Through Tech

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Finding Your Voice: Women Leaders at Royal London

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Gail Hall, Director of Operational Excellence, and Emma Griffin, Group Chief Security Officer at Royal London - two powerhouse leaders with stories that move from bars to boardrooms, and everything in between.

We also explore Royal London’s commitment to empowering others, including their brilliant partnership with our Mentor of the Year category at the 2025 #NPWAwards.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Meet This Week's Guests: The Royal London Massive
01:49 Career Journeys: From Bars to Boardrooms
02:59 Understanding Roles at Royal London
08:33 Leadership and Diversity in the Workplace
14:26 Personal Stories and Career Advice
18:27 Empowering Women in Tech and Beyond
21:54 Fun Facts and Final Thoughts

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Creating an Environment of Curiosity: Inside Bank of America’s Culture of Growth & Mentorship

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0100

What does it mean to work at a company that encourages growth, mentorship, and innovation? This episode, we chat with Richard and Amy from Bank of America, our Co-Headline Partners for the NPWAwards, about exactly that.

🌟 Richard (25 years at Bank of America) shares why he’s changed roles every 20 months and how curiosity has shaped his career.
🌟 Amy (celebrating 10 years) reflects on why she never wanted to leave the North—and how finding Bank of America in Chester was a perfect fit.

Plus, we talk about:
🔹 How mentorship has evolved to be more strategic and impactful.
🔹 Why job descriptions need a refresh to attract diverse talent.
🔹 How advocacy and inclusion are at the heart of Bank of America’s culture.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

More Than a Stage: Theatre, Healing & Community at Shakespeare North

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The brilliant Lisa Allen and Jen Hardy from Shakespeare North join the We Are PoWEr Podcast to explore how theatre can be a poWErful force for healing, inclusion, and community.

From growing up in youth theatre to building careers rooted in creativity and connection, Lisa and Jen share how early role models, big dreams, and bold networking led them to where they are today. They open up about the imposter syndrome they’ve faced, the magic of mentorship, and why a chatty café or a board game can be just as poWErful as a play.

Discover how Shakespeare North is engaging with young people who’ve never set foot in a theatre and creating a safe, joyful space where confidence grows and voices are heard.

Chapters:
0:00 Welcome to We Are Power Podcast
0:48 Introducing Shakespeare North Theatre
5:36 Career Paths in Theatre Arts
12:02 Theatre as Community Catalyst
19:16 Audience Diversity and Access
23:14 Inclusive Productions and Future Vision
28:18 Training as a Clown and Closing Thoughts

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The PoWEr of Being Nominated: Ann Stonehouse on Visibility & Voice

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Empowerment champion and four-time finalist, Ann Stonehouse, joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast to share the journey behind her well-earned recognition at the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards.

From starting a podcast club in lockdown to launching a book club to hold herself accountable, Ann reveals how community, creativity, and connection fuel her drive. She opens up about what it meant to be nominated, how mentoring through Northern PoWEr Women helped her grow, and — yes — the time she met the Queen (who was taller than expected!).

In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 – Welcome to the We Are PoWEr Podcast
01:02 – Ann Stonehouse: NPWAwards finalist
06:22 – Creating the Assist Network
10:49 – The Sisterwood: Honouring women's achievements
13:35 – Walk and Talk: Accountability in motion
17:33 – Project Visibility: Stepping out of comfort
24:40 – The value of being nominated

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

"Surround yourself with people who are better than you" Nicola Gleave

Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we're joined by Nicola Gleave founder of Worn by Us, entrepreneur, and unstoppable force for good, as she shares the moment her life pivoted forever.

Nicola’s story is more than inspiring - it’s a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, there’s space to create, connect, and lead.

Chapters:
0:00 – Introducing Worn by Us
1:44 – Breast Cancer Diagnosis
5:37 – Finding Purpose Through Adversity
9:02 – Building a Business Through Networks
14:16 – The Power of Networking
20:14 – Wayne Rooney's Makeup Story
23:45 – The Future of Worn by Us

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

"The time of unity with Ukrainian and British people" How Marianna Is Helping Displaced Ukrainians

Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we speak with Marianna Vaszilyiv, the driving force behind United for Ukraine an organisation that supports displaced Ukrainians with employment opportunities, courses, and essential services since the 2022 Russian invasion.

Marianna shares how what started as a two-week support initiative quickly evolved into a long-term, high-impact operation. Drawing on her multicultural heritage Ukrainian, Hungarian, Polish, and Jewish, as well as her academic background Marianna has become a powerful advocate for Ukrainian culture and humanitarian support.

Chapters:
How United for Ukraine grew beyond a two-week pilot to a full-scale support organisation
The employment success rate of Ukrainians in the UK under sponsorship schemes
Insights into the 2023 Game Changer Award and being named on the 2025 Future List at the #NPWAwards
Why businesses and individuals must continue to support displaced professionals
The lasting power of cultural exchange and unity

To find out more or offer you support for United for Ukraine follow the link: https://www.unitedforukraine.org.uk/

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

"You don't need to know everything, and that's okay because neither does anyone else."

Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Dr. Chrissi McCarthy's candid conversation takes us through her story of growing up in a council house in Bracknell to holding a PhD and founding the Centre of Behavioural Equality.

Dr Chrissi opens up about mental health struggles that doctors dismissed because she 'was smiling' and an alcohol dependency that society refused to recognise because it didn't fit the stereotypical image of alcoholism.

Listen to learn:

👷‍♀️ Taking a break during her PhD after experiencing miscarriages, business challenges, and mental health struggles
💪 How Dr Chrissi reframed her relationship with alcohol
🎓 Completing a nine-year PhD and being from a background where such achievements were rare
💫 Founding the Centre of Behavioural Equality to develop research-backed, context-driven EDI strategies
🔋 The poWEr of resilience

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

This Is What No One Tells You About Being An Entrepreneur

Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Donna Scully, Joint Owner and Director at Carpenters Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of insurance and legal services.

Donna shares her experience of moving from London to Liverpool for a fresh start, and how she built a successful career as a lawyer and entrepreneur. She reflects on key moments along the way including being once called a “Scally” at school which have stuck with her and shaped her perspective. Donna speaks openly about imposter syndrome, building credibility in new spaces, and what it means to lead with authenticity.

We also explore her powerful belief that kindness is one of the greatest tools for leadership and impact—free, meaningful, and available to everyone.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Jo Milne’s Fight to Change the Future of Usher Syndrome

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Jo Milne, founder of Cure Usher Syndrome, to talk about her mission to find a cure and amplify the voices of those living with Usher syndrome.

Jo shares her personal experience of being misdiagnosed, only to learn at 29 that she had been living with the condition all along. As someone who grew up partially sighted without a role model to look up to, she is now determined to be that person for others—empowering more people to speak up and embrace their identity.

Beyond her work as a mother and advocate, Jo discusses the power of support, from the people who helped her build confidence to her partner, who encouraged her to fully embrace who she is.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact of community, resilience, and using your voice to drive change.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Tragedy to Triumph: How Loud Speaker Is Helping Thousands of Young People To Speak Up

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Calvin Eden, founder and brand director of Loud Speaker, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through confidence-building workshops.

Calvin shares how Loud Speaker grew from an idea during lockdown to reaching over 200,000 students, creating life-changing opportunities along the way. He opens up about his personal journey, including the tragic loss of a friend to knife crime at just 15 years old, and how that experience fuels his mission to inspire and uplift the next generation.

We also explore Loud Speaker’s international growth, collaborations, and Calvin’s vision for the future of education—plus, what he would change if he had a magic wand.

If you’re looking for motivation, a fresh perspective on leadership, or a reminder that speaking up can change lives, this episode is for you. 🎙✨

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Truth Behind The Apprentice: Would She Give Lord Sugar a Seat at the Table?

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

🎙️ In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Foluso Falade — last years candidate on The Apprentice UK and founder/CEO of Brandin’ It, the first-ever social enterprise to feature on the show.

Foluso shares the story behind her pioneering organisation, which helps young people across the UK create and launch their own brands — a mission that’s rapidly building a platform set to reach 9 million teens.

She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her time on The Apprentice — from being cut off from friends and family, to competing in a high-pressure environment with people she was up against. Throughout it all, she developed incredible resilience and proved the power of staying authentic under pressure.

Foluso also reflects on her early curiosity — including how she built a robot as a child, and why she’s always been passionate about challenging stereotypes and doing things differently.

Winner of the "One To Watch" award at the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards, Foluso gives an inspiring insight as to why this category meant the most to her.

And if she had a few seats at the table to invite anyone she liked… would Lord Sugar get one? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Driving Change: Bentley's Vision for a Sustainable Future

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Bentley Motors, our #NPWAwards PoWEr List partner, to explore their commitment to innovation, from electrification by 2026 to a £2 billion investment in sustainability.

We also discuss:
🚘 The importance of skills in transforming industries
⚡ The challenges and opportunities of going all-electric
🎓 Bentley’s role in developing future talent through education and apprenticeships

Plus, an unexpected twist—Harry discovered during his second job interview that his grandfather once worked at Bentley! Proof that while skills evolve, passion stands the test of time.

💡 And to close, Aimee shares her biggest lesson: learning what she stands for and what she wants to be known for. So, we ask you—what’s the one thing YOU want to be known for?

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Intern to Leader: Tarifa Simpson The Hidden Truth About Career Growth

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Tarifa Simpson from Forvis Mazars, who shares the story of how she built her career and the lessons she learned along the way.

Tarifa opens up about how she explored different internships to find her true career path, leading to a graduate role in transactional services. What started as an opportunity turned into a 17-year journey at KPMG, shaping her expertise and leadership skills.

She reflects on the mentorship, coaching, and training that helped her develop confidence, embrace not having all the answers, and become an effective leader. Tarifa also highlights the importance of guiding and advising others, whether it’s leading a team or helping clients navigate critical decisions.

She also shares why she recommends reading The Psychology of Money, a book that goes beyond finance to explore what drives individuals to take their next leap in life and work.

This episode is packed with insights on career progression, leadership, and the value of lifelong learning—a must-listen for anyone looking to grow in their field.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Dr. Penny Trayner: The Unexpected Link Between DJing and Brain Rehabilitation

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Dr Penny Trayner, a neuropsychologist who has discovered a fascinating connection between DJing and brain recovery.

Penny shares how her work in neuropsychology led her to explore the impact of music on rehabilitation and why she believes that the only real barrier is what we tell ourselves. She also reflects on her childhood in Abu Dhabi, how her parents’ careers and support shaped her, and the drive to help people that guides her work today.

Beyond her groundbreaking research, Penny has also taken to the decks, DJing at the Northern PoWEr Women Awards—Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality—for two years in a row. She also discusses the significance of receiving a purple plaque in recognition of her award-winning innovation.

If you’re looking for inspiration, proof that music can heal, or a reminder that you can achieve anything, this episode is not to be missed.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The 2025 NPWAwards Debrief

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The #NPWAwards isn’t just one night—it’s a movement that keeps growing, inspiring, and driving change every single day.

In this special episode, we catch up with some of our incredible 2025 winners and commended to hear what the awards have meant to them, their organisations, and the communities they support.

Joined by Natalie from Nuvo Wellbeing, Kirsty from DWF Law, Afra from Savera UK, Julie from Digital Voice for Communities, Susan Mulholland, Catherine Millan, Juliet Sanders, Jo Clarke, and Kayleigh Laverick from Mamma Social Co, we explore:

💡 How they described the #NPWAwards experience
🏆 The meaning of winning—for them, their teams, and the causes they champion
🎉 The emotions of the night—tears, shock, and even screaming in the car on the way home!
🕺 Dancing around the trophy bag to keep it safe (priorities, right?)
🚗 The unexpected trophy tour—because when you win, everyone wants to celebrate!
🚽 The moment of realisation… even if they were in the toilet when their name was announced!
🌍 The awareness the awards have brought to their work, making an even bigger impact
✨ The reminder that you never know where that first step will take you

This episode is packed with powerful stories, unforgettable moments, and proof that the #NPWAwards is more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of real people making real change.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Navigating Leadership with Empathy: Joe Dent’s Journey to Transforming Corporate Culture at Princes

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we are joined by Joe Dent, Chief People Officer at Princes, as he shares his inspiring journey in corporate leadership, mental health advocacy, and fostering inclusion within organisations. With 14 years of experience at Princes, Joe has risen through the ranks from HR Controller to Group HR Director and now Chief People Officer, shaping the company's People Excellence strategy.

Joe discusses his role in advocating for inclusion and the importance of creating mental health strategies in the workplace. He opens up about his own 20-year battle with anxiety and how sharing his personal story has helped others, highlighting the power of vulnerability and empathy in professional settings. Joe also explores why it’s vital for organisations to implement strategies that prioritise people and lead to sustainable success.

Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership, mental health, and the role of strategic thinking in shaping corporate culture. Joe's journey serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have when they champion inclusivity and advocate for well-being.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards Special with Bank of America and Barclays

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Join us on the We Are PoWEr podcast as Amy Williams, Managing Director at Barclays and Iwona Schmidt, Managing Director at Bank of America talk about their roles as co-headline partners for the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women’s Awards. 🌟

Amy and Iwona share...
✨ Their excitement for the night
✨ The power of role models
✨ Why the partnership is important to them personally and professionally
✨ Their companies' commitment to diversity and inclusion

The 2025 #NPWAwards is on 6th March, don’t miss this episode as we build up to the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe!

Chapters:
0:00 Celebrating Gender Diversity and Inclusion
8:43 Recognising Excellence and Community Impact
18:54 Empowering Northern Leaders

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering Young Minds: Natalie Reeves-Billing’s Journey in Education & Innovation

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we are joined by Natalie Reeves-Billing DL, a remarkable woman with an inspiring journey in education, innovation, and leadership. Natalie, a mum of three and co-founder of Builder Book UK, shares her passion for empowering young minds and creating equitable educational opportunities. As an award-winning author, Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, and creator of The Animates Project, Natalie discusses her mission to bring educational resources to vulnerable families and inspire children towards fulfilling careers.

In this episode, we explore the power of storytelling, personal growth, resilience, and the importance of community. Natalie also shares insights into her many roles and how she successfully juggles multiple projects, from co-founding Builder Book UK to serving as a Governor at Everton Free School. We dive deep into her passion for educational equity, women’s leadership, and the impact of her work in underprivileged communities.

Chapters: 00:00 Empowering Stories and Superpowers
08:54 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges
17:46 Finding Purpose and Building Community
24:58 Innovation and Pranks
30:07 Adapting With Multiple Roles

Natalie’s career and dedication to creating pathways for future careers truly embody resilience, creativity, and impact. Join us for a conversation full of inspiration and practical advice!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

No One’s Coming to Save Us: Cat Wildman’s Mission for Diversity

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Cat Wildman, the founder of Powered by Diversity, talks about her experience of being named Commended Winner of the Agent of Change at the #NPWAwards. Despite the recognition, Cat shares how it triggered imposter syndrome and made her question her own success. As a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Cat explains the mission behind Powered by Diversity and how its GEC app helps identify and track imbalances in the workplace.

Cat also reflects on how her career took unexpected turns—from wanting to become a doctor to working at a national newspaper. She discovered that technology, much like science, is about solving problems, but with computers instead of cells. Cat shares the turning point when, at a conference, she realised that “no one was coming to save us,” which led her to set up Powered by Diversity. She talks about the framework she created to bring real change to workplaces and how recent news around diversity and inclusion has been affecting her.

This episode is full of insightful thoughts on diversity, career changes, and the challenges of setting up a business for change.

Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to the Powered by Diversity Podcast
00:46 - Meet Cat Wildman
01:24 - Cat’s Achievements and Experiences
02:46 - Starting Powered by Diversity
04:21 - Cat’s Career Path and Insights
07:33 - Overcoming Challenges
17:58 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
20:55 - Final Thoughts and Goodbye

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Wigs, Wins & Resilience: Nicola Wood’s Bold Business Battle

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we chat with Nicola Wood, founder of the Wonderful Wig Company. Nicola shares her incredible story of building a successful business while battling cancer, highlighting the personal and financial challenges she faced along the way.

From overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship to expanding her reach through franchising and advocacy, Nicola talks about her resilience and dedication to making a difference. She discusses the impact of receiving awards, the importance of community, and how her TEDx Talk has shaped her future plans.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Building a Career in International Trade and Business: Paul Kallee-Grover MBE's Inspiring Story

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Join us as Paul Kallee-Grover MBE shares his extraordinary journey, revealing the unexpected honour of receiving an MBE during the tumultuous times of 2021. From his initial spark of interest in urban regeneration and geography to launching his own venture, Key Partnership, Paul opens up about his evolution from a connector of ideas in international real estate to a trailblazing entrepreneur. Discover how a chance encounter with a former CEO set him on a new path, emphasising the excitement of projects over people management, and how this has shaped his professional adventure.

Explore the world of international markets alongside an export champion who has been at the forefront of promoting UK trade overseas. Paul's story unfolds from a pivotal moment at the 2010 World Expo in China to his impactful roles, including those at Arup. As an export champion since 2013, he has dedicated himself to nurturing startups, providing invaluable cultural and licensing advice. Hear how his experiences, bolstered by a prestigious education at MIT and overcoming personal challenges like ADHD and dyslexia, have fuelled his passion for mentoring businesses and individuals alike, earning him accolades such as a Board of Trade Award.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Building a Business and Balancing Life with Ruth Hartnoll

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the We Are Power Podcast, we delve into the world of entrepreneurship with Ruth Hartnoll, co-founder of Matchstick. Join us as we explore personal stories of growth, overcoming challenges, and the significance of community. Ruth discusses the origins of her business, the valuable lessons learned, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. We also touch on balancing personal and professional life, as well as the impact of side projects and board roles.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the We Are Power Podcast
01:33 The Journey of Matchstick
02:36 Challenges and Lessons Learned
06:31 The Importance of Culture
12:41 Side Hustles and Board Roles
16:50 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
19:12 The Power of Community
25:20 Reflections and Advice for Entrepreneurs
28:14 Conclusion

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How Simone Roche MBE Became the CEO Behind Europe’s Largest Gender Equality Celebration

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this special episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE steps into the hot seat, being interviewed for the first time by Anna Davey. Known for her dedication to championing gender equality and leading the Northern PoWEr Women Awards movement, Simone shares insights into her path from receiving an MBE from the Queen to building a movement that now unites over 120,000 people.

Simone opens up about how her upbringing in Liverpool and experiences as an honorary captain in the Royal Navy shaped her advocacy. Her story is all about seizing opportunities and pushing forward, a mindset that continues to drive her passion for inclusivity and support for all.

In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 Welcome to the We Are PoWEr Podcast
10:53 Building the Northern PoWEr Women Awards
21:13 Celebrating Achievements and Balancing Life
29:57 Behind the Podcast: Simone's Shift from Interviewer to Interviewee

Simone’s story highlights the power of community and how her expertise in event management and networking has empowered women across the country. We Are PoWEr also encompasses the Northern PoWEr Women Awards and PoWEr Collective CIC, two key initiatives that continue to make a lasting impact.

Tune in for a candid conversation as Simone discusses balancing responsibilities, making connections, and the humour that has always been part of her leadership style. This episode celebrates the essence of the Northern PoWEr Women Awards and Simone’s ongoing commitment to shaping an inclusive future.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Unlocking the Power of Positivity: Ammar Mirza CBE Journey to Transform Communities

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode, Ammar Mirza CBE, entrepreneur and community advocate, shares his remarkable journey from his roots in shipbuilding in Newcastle and Liverpool to his dedication to supporting the armed forces community. Ammar talks about his drive to create positive change, living by the mantra of "fixing things and adding value."

He also reflects on the importance of giving back and cherishing small moments, like taking a selfie, to spread positivity in a world often filled with negativity. Ammar offers insights on balancing charity work with personal life, as well as the power of resilience, global networking, and gratitude. Tune in to hear how Ammar’s experiences continue to shape his mission to improve health, wealth, and happiness worldwide.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:46 Introducing Our Guest: Ammar Mirza CBE
01:16 Ammar's Journey: From Shipbuilding to Advocacy
02:22 Advocacy and Giving Back: Spreading Positivity
03:53 Balancing Charity Work and Personal Life
06:37 Global Networking and Growth
10:51 Resilience and Gratitude
17:02 Advice for Aspiring Advocates
21:08 Vision for the Future: Improving Lives
22:45 Final Thoughts and Farewell.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How Kim McGuinness is Changing The North East, Her Inspiring Story Revealed

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this powerful episode, Kim McGuinness, the first Mayor of the North East, takes us on an inspiring journey from her working-class roots in Newcastle to becoming a trailblazer for the region. Kim shares how her upbringing, shaped by her father’s work in the shipyards and her mother’s dedication to family, fuelled her passion for social change. Encouraged by local MP Catherine McKinnell, Kim defied stereotypes and launched a career in politics, rising through the ranks from council member to Police and Crime Commissioner, all driven by her mission to create social mobility.

Throughout the conversation, Kim reflects on the North East as a land of opportunity, despite challenges like child poverty and the North-South divide. We delve into her transformative vision for the region, including investments in start-ups, public transport reforms, and strategies for empowering youth. Kim also opens up about the gender imbalance in politics, sharing candid insights into the misogyny and online harassment she has faced, while celebrating the progress towards equality and the importance of women in leadership roles.

This episode is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. Kim highlights the collective efforts of northern mayors to tackle local issues, and offers a glimpse into balancing a demanding political career with family life, especially in a political-military household. With aspirations to elevate the voices of northern women and celebrate everyday heroes, Kim’s story is an inspiring call to action for all. Tune in to hear how the North East’s resilience and passion are shaping the future.

Chapters:
00:11 Welcome to the Podcast
01:03 Role Models in the North East
10:28 Empowering North East Youth Through Politics
18:16 Northern Mayors, Military Life, Podcast Dreams
26:19 Northern Role Models and the Sparkle Celebration

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Embrace Your Worth, Let Go of Perfection, and Rise into 2025

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr podcast, we explore the transformative power of prioritising self-worth and the impact of saying no to things that no longer serve us. Join hosts Michelle Eagleton and Rupinder Ashworth as they dive into personal stories of growth, empowerment, and collaboration. Michelle shares how mentorship from Ria Hebden reshaped her career, while Ru reflects on her journey towards self-discovery after leaving a toxic work environment and embracing life as an empty nester. Together, they discuss the profound shift that happens when we align our choices with personal well-being and the liberation found in letting go of perfection.

In this episode, we also celebrate the growing movement from competition to collaboration among women, united under the mantra "together we rise." Rupinder shares her decision to prioritise family over career and her involvement with the Esprit Foundation, emphasising the importance of pursuing genuine passions and setting clear intentions for growth. We talk about the small joys, like festive tunes and vision boards, that can enhance our journey towards success and well-being.

The conversation also touches on the courage of asking for opportunities and support, especially for women in leadership roles. We discuss the power of assertive communication, mentorship, and the strength of community support in achieving our goals. As we look ahead to the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards, we celebrate those who champion gender equality and resilience.

Chapters:

0:00 Empowering Women in 2025
8:16 Embracing Self-Worth and Empowerment
16:06 Setting Intentions for the Future
26:01 Festive Song Favourites and Time Management
34:56 Asking for Opportunities and Support
39:45 Celebrating Support and Empowerment

Tune in to discover how these choices can transform your life and how the collective strength of community support can inspire you to thrive.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Aerospace to Entrepreneurship with Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Curious about how an aerospace engineer made the leap into entrepreneurship? In this episode, Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee, a trailblazer in both engineering and small business ownership, shares her inspiring journey. From challenging stereotypes with her unique "This is what an engineer looks like" pin badges to becoming a powerful role model for young women in male-dominated fields, Krystina is proof that representation matters in STEM.

Krystina also opens up about balancing professional ambition with motherhood and her commitment to being a mentor. She shares insights on stepping beyond comfort zones, bringing her baby to work events, and how she’s used her voice to inspire others.

In this conversation, we dive into Krystina’s journey of personal and professional growth, including her experiences at prestigious events like the Woman of the Year lunch in London. Her story is a reminder that embracing the unknown can lead to limitless possibilities.

Tune in for an episode that celebrates breaking conventions, personal evolution, and the courage to pursue your unique path.

They also talk about…

The art of planning and tips from a serial planner
Krystina’s passion for supporting small businesses
How Krystina’s business grew from lockdown to success
Her journey as a role model and mentor
Balancing career, motherhood, and personal growth
Krystina’s future plans and excitement for what’s next

Join us for an inspiring discussion on embracing change and creating your own opportunities!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Finding Peace in the Chaos: Ngunan Adamu's Story

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Imagine the version of you who has overcome every challenge, embraced resilience, and is living her fullest life. What does she look like? How does she carry herself each day? Tune into today’s episode to unlock the mindset and habits that will help you step into the empowered version of yourself.

Join us as Simone Roche MBE sits down with broadcaster and entrepreneur, Ngunan Adamu, as she shares her inspiring journey of resilience, strength, and self-discovery. In this episode, Ngunan opens up about her personal battle with breast cancer and how she found courage in the face of adversity. She also discusses the importance of financial preparedness, self-care, and embracing life’s blessings.

They also talk about…

Ngunan’s emotional journey through her breast cancer diagnosis
How she found strength and vulnerability during her toughest moments
The critical role of financial security and insurance for entrepreneurs
The therapeutic benefits of travel for mental health
How Ngunan became a godparent to the Queen Anne liner and embraced her cultural identity as a Nigerian Scouser
Her advice on resilience, facing fears, and navigating life’s challenges with grace

Join us for a powerful conversation on embracing resilience, prioritising self-care, and stepping into your inner warrior.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Journey of Dance Syndrome: How Dance Can Unite People from All Walks of Life

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode, Julie Nicholson, Managing Director of Dance Syndrome, and Becky Rich, volunteer dance lead, share the incredible journey of Dance Syndrome — an organisation empowering individuals with and without learning disabilities through the transformative power of dance. They discuss how dance breaks barriers, fosters confidence, and builds a supportive community. Julie also reveals their innovative co-leadership model, celebrated at the Northern Power Women Awards, while Becky reflects on her personal journey from participant to spokesperson.

From unforgettable moments with Sue Perkins and a prestigious event at Buckingham Palace to performing at the Edinburgh Fringe and carrying the Queen's baton, Julie and Becky highlight the essence of Dance Syndrome: inclusivity, teamwork, and family. Tune in to hear their advice for aspiring changemakers and learn about their vision for the future, including plans to expand Dance Syndrome's reach by 2030.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the We Are Power Podcast
00:46 Introducing Our Guests: Julie Nicholson and Becky Rich
01:16 The Impact of Dance Syndrome
02:22 Inclusive Innovation and Awards
03:53 Becky Rich's Personal Journey
06:37 Global Recognition and Future Plans
10:51 Travel Adventures and Memorable Moments
17:02 Advice for Aspiring Community Builders
21:08 Vision 2030: Expanding Dance Syndrome's Reach
22:45 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Click here to find out more: https://dancesyndrome.co.uk/

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Transforming Trauma into Empowerment: Insights from a Podcast Host and Author on Empowering Change

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What if confronting life’s toughest conversations could lead to healing and empowerment? In this powerful episode of the We Are Power Podcast, we sit down with Jenny Guay, host of the Why Are We Whispering? podcast, author of Howie Blend, and a passionate advocate for open dialogue around sensitive topics. Jenny shares her transformative journey, where she turned personal adversity into a mission to amplify voices often silenced by shame. Driven by her experiences, she’s created safe spaces for her stepchildren and others to openly discuss challenging issues like sexual abuse and domestic violence, emphasising the importance of courage and transparency in overcoming trauma.

But Jenny’s work doesn’t stop there. She’s also the author of Howie Blend, a children’s book that reflects diverse family dynamics, aiming to promote acceptance and understanding from an early age. As a parent, partner, and professional, Jenny shares how she navigates the delicate balance between her personal and professional life, how she overcame perfectionism, and the power of forming authentic connections.

In this episode, Jenny takes us through her journey of creating and maintaining her podcast, and why it’s so crucial to encourage open conversations around difficult topics—especially with children. She discusses the need for children to understand and appreciate diversity, and why these conversations are so important for personal and societal growth.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

00:00 – Welcome to the We Are Power Podcast
00:46 – Introducing Jenny Guay
01:14 – The Why Are We Whispering? Podcast
03:59 – The Catalyst for Change
06:56 – Creating a Safe Space
08:32 – Defining Healing
12:49 – Challenges and Triumphs
17:54 – How We Blend: A Journey of Diversity
22:06 – Balancing Life and Work
24:28 – Looking Ahead: Future Projects
26:11 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

Tune in to hear Jenny’s inspiring insights on how facing tough conversations can spark personal and collective change. Learn how her work is helping to break the silence on difficult issues, promote diversity, and empower others to speak their truth. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this transformative conversation.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Why Prioritising Mental Health and Inclusivity is Key to Workplace Success with Eloise Lenacross

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What if you could transform your workplace into a hub of innovation, well-being, and inclusivity? In this powerful episode of the We Are Power Podcast, we’re joined by Eloise Leonard-Cross, the Group Head of People at Northumbrian Water and winner of this year’s Northern Power Women Awards in the Large Organisation category. Eloise takes us on an inspiring journey, sharing her insights on why prioritising mental health, individuality, and well-being is essential for a thriving workplace.

Discover how side hustles, like mentoring and serving as a school governor, help Eloise stay creative and bring fresh ideas into her professional life. She also introduces the concept of the "wellness reservoir," a tool that helps balance what replenishes your mental health versus what drains it, offering a roadmap to integrate wellness into daily life for a more productive and harmonious work environment.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Eloise also dives into the critical importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and open communication in the workplace. Learn about her innovative approach to creating "safe spaces" for employees to share ideas, and how winning prestigious awards has expanded her mindset and inspired global change. From exciting innovation festivals in Australia and Iceland to driving diversity and culture shifts at Northumbrian Water, Eloise’s experience offers fresh perspectives on workplace transformation.

Tune in to hear how prioritising mental health and individuality, fostering inclusivity, and embracing side hustles can drive both personal and organisational success.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

00:00 – Welcome to the We Are Power Podcast
00:46 – Introducing Eloise Lenacross
01:18 – The Importance of Side Hustles
02:20 – Prioritising Mental Health and Wellness
06:31 – Creating Inclusive Work Environments
13:36 – The Power of Mentoring
16:44 – Exciting Initiatives at Northumbrian Water
17:59 – Join the Innovation Festival
19:21 – Closing Remarks

Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights on how to create a workplace where everyone can thrive. Stay connected on our social channels for more transformational updates and conversations.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Inspiring Inclusivity and Advocacy with Dr. Deborah Lawson

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Meet Dr. Deborah Lawson, a powerhouse in disability advocacy. Her story is not just about personal achievements but about fuelling a greater passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Deborah shares the experiences that shaped her path, from battling for accessible housing to helping others navigate a system that can be slow to change. Her stories are a reminder of the everyday courage that pushes society forward, bit by bit.

Deborah’s mission to raise awareness also led her to create Damson’s Friendship Wish, a children’s book that gently teaches kids about acceptance and the beauty of inclusion.

Listen to learn:
- Why creating inclusive communities benefits us all

- How compassionate leadership can challenge unconscious bias

- The quiet impact of helping others without seeking recognition

- The importance of small acts of kindness

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Aligning Passion and Purpose with Raina Heverin

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Raina Heverin, founder of Reculture and co-founder of Supplywell.

Raina's journey goes far beyond business—it’s a powerful story about aligning passion with purpose.

From heartfelt insights to actionable strategies, our chat is filled with life lessons about how personal growth drives professional impact.

Raina also shares:

Practical steps for employers and employees to support mental well-being
Stories from her volunteering experience in Costa Rica
Her dedication to empowering young female entrepreneurs through mentorship at the Women of Colour Global Network
The triumphs and challenges she’s faced as an entrepreneur

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation, guidance, and a fresh perspective on balancing personal and professional growth.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation with Kelly Whitfield

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Join us for an episode with Kelly Whitfield, founder and CEO of KLIK UK, who launched her entrepreneurial journey with just a £500 overdraft and built it into a powerhouse career.

In this episode, Kelly shares her game-changing insights on standing out, staying true to your vision, and why focusing on personal growth is everything.

From the legendary inspiration of Coco Chanel, Daniel Priestley, and Simon Sinek to a life-changing battle over maternity leave, Kelly’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and integrity.

Listen to learn:

The key traits that fuel entrepreneurial success
Why embracing fearlessness, adaptability, and learning from setbacks are non-negotiables
The power of knowing your "why" in business
Essential advice for women stepping into (or back into) industries where they’re often underestimated.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering Women and Transforming Leadership with Stevie Mclaren

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week we are joined by Stevie Mclaren, Employability Partner at Newcastle Building Society and chair of the Women in Leadership Network.

Stevie shares how her career was shaped by powerful female role models and a drive to uplift women and boost social mobility.

We tackle the pressing barriers women encounter today, including gender bias and the struggle for work-life balance. Plus, Stevie reveals innovative solutions that are paving the way for change!

Listen to learn:
- The key barriers to women’s progression in the workplace.

- The importance of showcasing women’s achievements to inspire others.

- Stevie's top tips on how to advocate for yourself.

- Insights into the impactful work of the Women in Leadership Network.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Claire O'Connor's Journey of Resilience and Dance Innovation

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Join us as we sit down with Claire O'Connor, founder of Baby Ballet, who has revolutionised how children experience dance.

Growing up around ballet, Claire often felt she didn’t measure up to the high standards around her. But her journey is all about overcoming challenges, and defying expectations.

With Baby Ballet now reaching over 22,000 children each week, Claire's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person's vision can have.

Listen to learn:
How community and support networks can make all the difference

Why inclusivity matters in dance and the arts

How believing in your vision helps you overcome challenges

The power of education and representation in breaking ballet stereotypes

Claire's journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to one's mission.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering Creativity and Careers with Jade Parkinson-Hill

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Join us as we chat with Jade Parkinson-Hill, Canva's Education and Community Manager, about her incredible career journey and how she found her way into the world of Canva.

Jade talks about how Canva’s innovative features, like AI tools and website creation, are empowering freelancers, small business owners, and educators to unlock their creativity.

She also highlights the importance of self-belief and resilience when navigating a non-linear career path.

In this episode, Jade also discusses:

The supportive gaming scene in Liverpool
The crucial role of digital literacy
How key mentors have shaped her career
The challenge of staying connected in a fast-paced, tech-driven world

If you're interested in technology, education, or career growth, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Resilience and Representation in Women's Sports with Jamie Mittelman

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

What drives an Olympic Story Teller to become an advocate for gender equality in sports?

Meet Jamie Mittelman, the driving force behind Flamebearers, who’s on a mission to spotlight Olympians and Paralympians from all corners of the world.

But that’s not all—Jamie also tells us about the progress and setbacks in the push for equal media coverage, pay, and recognition for women and para-athletes.

Listen to learn:
- How media can be used as a tool for empowerment and education
- Stories of trailblazing female athletes
- The ongoing battle for equality in sports
- Why diverse role models are key to inspiring the next generation of athletes!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowerment Through Pageantry and Entrepreneurship with Jessica Page

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Jessica Page's journey from beauty queen to entrepreneur will give you a never seen before insight into the world of pageantry! 👑💪

Instead of letting obstacles slow her down, she turned them into stepping stones on her way to becoming Miss Universe Great Britain in 2023.

Now, she's sharing her wisdom on building an authentic personal brand, staying true to yourself, and pushing through the tough times.

Listen to learn:

How her dad’s deli and her mom’s pageant history shaped her unstoppable drive.
The unique challenges women face in the entrepreneurial world—and how Jessica tackles them head-on!
The story behind her passion project, Take Care Lead
Jess' surprising love for scuba diving!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Mindset, Mentorship and Unlocking Bravery with Sophie Storm Roberts

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

"A ship is safe in the harbour, but that's not what ships are made for." Meet Sophie Storm Roberts, an extraordinary adventurer who shares her story on how a powerful mindset, mental resilience, and psychological tools helped her overcome both physical and emotional hurdles.

You'll learn how she built confidence by confronting challenges head-on, proving that bravery is a skill anyone can develop.

In this episode, Sophie also shares the gripping tale of her Alpine coast-to-coast expedition, where she climbed the highest mountains in eight Alpine countries and cycled between them—all in just 32 days. Her narrative is a testament to how pushing beyond conventional limits can lead to remarkable personal growth and deeper fulfilment.

Sophie also discusses:
✨ Her inspiring youth empowerment project aimed at uplifting teenage girls from underprivileged backgrounds
✨ Free diving in the Bahamas
✨ The profound impact of mentorship
✨ The transformative power of daily actions

Sophie’s experiences highlight the importance of connection and the extraordinary potential within all of us.

Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and heartfelt stories that will motivate you to take your own leap of faith.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Transforming Healthcare Through Inclusive Innovation with Joanne Henry

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0100

This week, we're joined by Joanne Henry from NIHR, winners of the 2024 Northern Power Women Inclusive Innovation Award.

Joanne shares how winning boosted their mission to transform healthcare and ensure fair access to health research for underserved communities in Greater Manchester.

From the joy of winning to a celebration that involved everyone from finance to communications, Joanne’s story highlights the power of teamwork and community.

Listen to learn:

Joanne’s journey from children’s nurse to leader in health research
How the NIHR team is changing the face of healthcare and research for underserved groups
Why innovation is essential in tackling health inequalities
The importance of celebrating success as a team

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Creating Confident Role Models in STEM with Alex Knight

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0100

This week we are joined by Alex Knight, founder and CEO of STEMazing, about her mission to empower women in STEM and inspire the next generation.

Alex dives into the power of mentoring, smashing gender stereotypes, and why everyone, no matter their position, can be a role model.

And she reveals the book that reshaped her mindset on lifting others up while pursuing success.

Listen to learn:
- The power of STEM education and mentorship

- Why harmony is more important than balance

- Alex’s inspiration for starting STEMazing

- How even the smallest actions can create lasting, positive change

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Squiggly Paths and Happy Accidents with Iwona Szmidt and Michael Howard

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Unlock the secrets of successful leadership and career growth with Iwona Szmidt and Michael Howard from Bank of America.

Discover how resilience and transferable skills can transform your professional journey.

Tune in to hear insightful stories about the role of employee networks in creating inclusive workplaces, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

Listen to Learn:
- How embracing diversity boosts leadership and drives success.

- The transformative power of active listening.

- Navigating a dynamic career path with confidence.

- The role of being an ally in inclusive workplaces.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering Entrepreneurs through Mentorship and Community with Julie Baker

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0100

This week, we sit down with Julie Baker, Head of Strategic Partnerships at NatWest Group.

Julie shares her inspiring 42-year journey from aspiring PE teacher to a leading role at NatWest, and her dedication to empowering women in business.

Discover the power of sponsorship, the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how building the right networks can lead to success.

Listen to learn:
-The importance of investing in women-led businesses
-The collective efforts needed to empower female entrepreneurs.
-The life-changing impact of mentorship, peer support, and community-driven efforts
-How Julie creatively balanced her career with motherhood

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Making Small Changes with Big Impact with Alison Dunn

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered how a four-day workweek could revolutionise your workplace?

This week, we’re joined by Alison Dunn, our 2024 Levelling Up Leader and CEO of Citizens Advice Gateshead, who’s done just that.

She takes us through her incredible career journey and shares how the Northern Power Women Awards supercharged her organisation’s mission.

Alison’s passion shines through as she encourages leaders to stand up for their communities and always think about the real people behind their decisions.

Listen to learn:

How Alison is fighting poverty and driving economic growth in Gateshead.
The urgent need to tackle staff burnout.
Why support services should be available to everyone, no matter their situation.
How introducing a four-day workweek turned sceptics into believers.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Embracing Authenticity in Business Hayley Roberts

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Join us this week as we chat with Hayley Roberts, CEO of Distology and our 2024 Outstanding Entrepreneur Winner!

Hayley shares the emotional story behind winning the award and what it means to her.

Discover the importance of staying true to yourself how being authentic has led to Hayley's achievements.

And she shares her nostalgic love for perms and why she’s still proud of her hair days gone by!

Listen to learn:
- The challenges and rewards of building a tech business in the North
- The power of being yourself
- Why it's essential to keep pushing boundaries
- How to celebrate your achievements and not be afraid to share your wins

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Inspiring Change Through Action with Jayne Little

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Join us as we sit down with Jayne Little, the founder and CEO of Skills4, and our 2024 Agent of Change!

Jayne opens up about her incredible journey from leaving school with limited qualifications to overcoming personal losses and setting up her own business.

Facing bias and microaggressions in male-dominated fields? Janye shares her experiences of confronting gender inequality, particularly within STEM.

Listen to learn:
- how Jayne has impacted the lives of over 10,000 women
- the role of allies and advocates in creating supportive networks
- the impact of small, bold actions in growing your confidence
- how to make STEM more inclusive and accessible

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Balancing Purpose and Profit with Gill Hunter

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what it takes to balance purpose and profit? Gill Hunter takes us behind the scenes of Square One Law's two-year journey to achieve B Corp certification.

She shares candid insights into building an inclusive workplace, why cultural change is crucial for any organisation.

Discover how she and her team are not just aiming for financial success, but also making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Listen to Learn:
- What winning at the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards meant to Gill
- How Square One Law became a B-Corp
- The hurdles women face in the legal profession
- The importance of recognising unsung heroes

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Changing Lives through Mentoring with Chloe Fletcher

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0100

This week on the We Are Power podcast, we chat with Chloe Fletcher, co-founder of the Job Share Revolution and 2024 Northern Power Women Awards' Mentor of the Year commended winner.

Chloe shares how her award nomination came at a pivotal moment in her career, and the moving testimonials from her mentees.

Join us to explore the power of mentorship and advocacy through the inspiring story of a finance director turned passionate mentor.

Listen to learn;
- about the Northern Power Women Awards' mentoring programme
- the multiplier effect of mentorship
- the benefits of job sharing
- where Chloe keeps her trophy!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Putting Women at the Wheel of a Male-Dominated Industry with Nicola Johnson

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Join us as we chat with Nicola Johnson, Director of the HR Centre of Excellence at Bentley , as she opens up about balancing a high-powered career and being a mum.

From her return to work after maternity leave to the thrill of driving a Continental GT Speed at Silverstone, Nicola's stories are all about breaking boundaries.

And find out about Nicola's role models, like Michelle Obama and Katie Piper, and key figures in the automotive world who have paved the way.

Listen to learn:

🎙️the importance of authenticity
🎙️how to address subconscious biases
🎙️the impact of strong female role models
🎙️how Bentley creates a inclusive workplace culture

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

AI, Gender Roles, and the Future of Equality with Eleonore Fournier-Tombs

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Get ready for a captivating episode with Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, the brilliant mind behind 'Gender Reboot: Reprogramming Gender Rights in the Age of AI'.

Eleonore shares her path from a shy teenager in Model UN to a trailblazing data scientist at the UN.

Listen as she dives deep into the motherhood penalty and the urgent need to challenge stereotypical gender roles in caregiving.

Listen to learn:
- Why women’s participation in AI development is essential
- How AI tools often reinforce traditional gender roles
- Ways that AI can be used for the greater good.
- How we can all fight gender biases and promote equality

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Listening to Understand with Simon Calderbank

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0100

This week we are joined by Simon Calderbank, Positive Leadership Mindset Coach and 2024 Northern Power Women Awards Advocacy Lister.

Listen as Simon shares how a cancer scare led to him finding a passion-driven career.

Learn about Simons work in coaching, with everyone from corporate leaders to troubled teenagers.

And hear the inspiring story of a woman who overcame a toxic work environment to land her dream job with the help of Simon's coaching.

Listen to learn:

How to use your privilege for good
The importance of self-reflection in allyship
The role of empathy in leadership
How Simon earned the nickname 'The Mindset Magician'

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Influencing, Nudging and Advocating with Angela Owen OBE

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Meet Angela Owen OBE, the founder of Women in Defence UK and a 2024 Northern Power Women Awards finalist!

Discover how Angela transitioned from a military career to founding an organisation advocating for gender equality in the defence sector.

And hear Angela's story of being the second ever mother to re-join the military...

Listen to learn:
- The evolving policies and attitudes towards women in the military
- About the Women in Defence UK mentoring programme
- Angela's experience competing at the Commonwealth Games
- How a small LinkedIn group grew into an organisation for gender equality

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Being Scared and Doing it Anyway with Dr Beth Barnes

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0100

2024 Northern Power Women Awards Future Lister, Dr Beth Barnes shares her journey into the world of engineering.

From her accidental discovery of civil engineering to her dedication to building inclusive spaces, Dr. Barnes provides valuable insights for listeners from all walks of life.

And find out how she founded the Durham Women's Engineering Society to create a safe space for women to discuss challenges and support each other.

Listen to learn:
- How we can create inclusive spaces within engineering
- The role of representation and mentorship in retaining women in engineering
- How to cope with feelings of 'mum guilt'
- Dr Beth's advice to her younger self

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Advocacy, Empowerment and Self-Reflection with Seb Randle

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Join us as Seb Randle, Founder of The Helpful Space and a UN Women UK Delegate, shares his journey from a 20-year career in media to a fulfilling role in coaching and advocacy.

Discover how a pivotal moment just before the pandemic inspired Seb to empower young professionals in a tech-driven world.

And hear Seb's passionate insights on advocacy, allyship, and creating a positive future through inclusive conversations.

Listen to learn:
- Seb's ongoing journey of learning and self-reflection.
- The impact of external voices and social media on young people.
- Why men's involvement is crucial in addressing gender disparities.
- The importance of understanding privilege.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Setback to Success: Mastering Resilience and Bouncing Back

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Discover the true meaning of resilience as we bring you an insightful episode of the Northern Power Women podcast, live from EY HQ in Manchester.

Our panelists Lauren, Rebecca, and Kerry share their unique stories and wisdom about overcoming setbacks. .

Join us to hear inspiring anecdotes about learning from challenges, embracing progress over perfection, and the importance of making everyone in the room feel included and valued.

Listen to Learn:
- common misconceptions about resilience
- how tiny changes can lead to monumental growth
- the critical role of allyship and mentorship
- how to keep dancing when the music stops

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Light at the End of the Tunnel with Paul Sesay

Mon, 27 May 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Paul Sesay, the driving force behind Inclusive Companies Limited, joins us to share his awe-inspiring story of resilience.

Paul shares how his early years forged a path of activism which led to his recognition as a 2024 Northern Power Women Advocate.

He candidly discusses his own struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking help.

And find out which Liverpool legend inspired him...

Listen to Learn:
- how we can better promote diversity and inclusion
- the value in viewing setbacks as lessons
- how to take risks and follow your dreams
- how to find light at the end of the tunnel

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Reimagining Education and Empowering Young Voices with Olivia Clarke

Mon, 20 May 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Meet Olivia Clarke, a leading advocate for educational reform from our 2024 Future List.

Hear Olivia’s story as the first in her family to graduate from university and her eye-opening experience stepping into the shoes of the mayor.

And her advice for aspiring activists? Move forward fearlessly, collaborate widely, and boldly stand out from the crowd.

Listen to learn:
- the influence of working-class perspectives
- how we can all champion change
- about the grassroots organisation Reclaim
- the importance of youth representation

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Shaping the Future of Film with Rizwan Wadan and Nina Karwalska

Mon, 13 May 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Step into the heart of cinematic innovation with our latest episode featuring not one, but two incredible guests: Rizwan Wadan and Nina Karwalska.

Together, they're leading the charge for diversity and inclusion in film.

Join us as we discuss how they're breaking down barriers in the industry and creating opportunities for everyone through projects like Futures in Film.

And find out what joining our 2024 Advocacy List meant to Rizwan.

Listen to learn:
- The importance of accurate representation and combating stereotypes
- The evolution of the film industry
- Challenges women face in balancing work and family in filmmaking
- Why we need initiatives like Futures in Film

Want to get involved with Futures in Film?

Contact: info@futuresinfilm.com or 01753785637

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Defying the Odds and Embracing Inner Strength with Kavita Basi

Mon, 06 May 2024 03:00:00 +0100

When Kavita Basi experienced a life-altering brain hemorrhage, she didn't just survive—she thrived.

Our latest episode features this remarkable Chief Exec of Jardin Living, author, and ambassador for neurocharities, as she shares her shift from the world of high fashion to the forefront of ethical and sustainable living.

Kavita's reflections on resilience, adaptation, and the strategies that helped her navigate memory loss will give you a new perspective on overcoming obstacles

Don't miss this episode to find out how success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

Listen to learn:

The power of self-belief in overcoming obstacles
Strategies for persevering when life throws unexpected challenges
The vital role of support systems in times of adversity
How personal experiences can be used to make a positive impact on others in need

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Resilience, Adaptability and Innovation with Michelle Eagleton

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0100

This week we hear from our Northern Power Women Awards Purple Carpet host, Michelle Eagleton 💜🎤

From interviewing icons like David Attenborough to the legendary Dame Joan Collins, Michelle takes us behind the scenes of her incredible career.

Reflecting on her story, Michelle offers advice and messages of wisdom to her younger self, inspiring listeners with her resilience and determination.

Michelle delves into her passion for live events and television, and her mantra that "anything can happen."

Listen to learn:

🎙️ The importance of continuous learning

🎙️ Practical advice on building resilience and embracing adaptability when facing challenges.

🎙️ The evolving landscape of the industry

🎙️ Her meaningful work with the Bad Mums Club (and even some Bad Grannies!)

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981646

#WeArePower #WeArePowerPodcast #Podcast #ListenNow

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Embrace the Uncomfortable with Jess Stevens

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Jess Stevens, after being recognised on the 2024 Future List, shares her journey of self-discovery and growth.

From teaching English in South Korea to helping students with additional needs and managing projects at CGI, Jess has had a diverse journey.

Jess doesn't just excel at her job; she also believes in nurturing creativity alongside her professional duties.

Listening to Jess's story reminds us to make time for the things that truly excite us, whilst also to contributing to diversity and inclusion efforts.

Listen to learn:
- How travel and exploration can be a catalyst for personal growth
- The importance and impact of mentoring relationships
- Strategies to conquer the fears surrounding public speaking,
- How to transform anxiety into an opportunity for growth

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Creating a Career with Purpose with Fiona Moss

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Ever questioned whether the career you're in truly reflects who you are or what you're passionate about?

Fiona Moss, director of the Natalie Kate Moss Trust, inspires us with her own story of transformation.

Listen now to discover how Fiona's story is shaping the future of healthcare and paving the way for positive change.

Listen to learn:
- Strategies for creating a career with purpose
- How to turn your experiences into helping others
- The life-saving mission of the Natalie Kate Moss Trust
- Ways to feel empowered to take control of your career

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Redefining Entrepreneurship for New Mothers with Carly Marie Phillips

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Say goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind, and hello to the exhilarating world of self-employment!

Carly Marie Phillips joins us to share her shift from a 9-to-5 to a successful self-employed entrepreneur.

Discover how becoming a parent unleashed Carly's superpower of intuition and helped her to make bold choices both in her personal and professional life.

Tune in and be inspired to find your path, where personal fulfillment and professional success are intertwined.

Listen to learn:
- The stark realities of maternity challenges
- How to be your authentic self
- How embracing motherhood within professional narratives is reshaping workplace cultures
- How to create a strong work-life balance

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Finding a Voice No One Can Ignore with Tami Kuboye

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0100

Co-chair of Women in Tech, Tami Kuboye, unpacks the resilience and determination it takes to carve out space in industries where women of colour's voices are often overlooked.

Tami brings to light the challenges and victories along her path, drawing from her eclectic experience in law, finance, and tech.

Hear how Tami battled "mum brain" and imposter syndrome after returning from maternity leave.

We spotlight the ground-breaking strides toward inclusivity in tech, shining a light on initiatives designed to bring diverse women into the field.

Listen to learn:
- About the thriving community of Women in Tech
- The power of mentorship
- How to open doors to new opportunities
- The importance of representation and amplifying voices

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

2024 Northern Power Women Awards

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Join us for an extra special episode as Simone Roche MBE sits down with the extraordinary winners and commended individuals of the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards 🏆

Tune in to hear first hand from our exceptional winners and commended as they share their inspiring stories and incredible journeys.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve into the triumphs and reflections of those who embody the spirit of empowerment and excellence in the Northern Power community!

Listen to learn:

🎙️All about the Northern Power Women Awards

🎙️ The stories behind the winners and commended

🎙️The personal and professional impact of winning their awards

🎙️ Unforgettable highlights from the night

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Championing Gender Equality: Insights with Award Judge Noam Handler

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Noam Handler, from our headline partner EY, joins us for a Northern Power Women Awards Special!

As EY sponsor our awards for the 4th consecutive year, Noam shares what this partnership means to him and EY as an organisation.

Noam explores the importance of allyship and advocacy in creating a more inclusive space in the male-dominated finance industry.

Listen to learn:
🎙️How EY promotes equality throughout their organisation
🎙️All about the NPW Awards
🎙️How we can make the finance industry more inclusive
🎙️The partnership between EY and We Are Power

Listen now via the link in our bio.

#NPWAwards #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Power of Budgeting: Strategies for Financial Success with Laura Pomfret

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:00:00 +0000

This week we are joined by Female Finance Power House, Laura Pomfret.

Join Simone and Laura, co-founder of Financielle, as we navigate the often-intimidating world of personal finance.

Laura's mission is to dismantle the barriers to financial literacy, offering the tools and insights necessary for women to confidently manage their money.

This episode is overflowing with actionable advice, from the significance of a 'money minute' routine to the art of crafting a realistic budget.

Listen to learn:
🎙️ How to rewrite the narrative of women's financial independence
🎙️ Barriers to financial independence for women
🎙️ How to approach money matters with vulnerability and confidence
🎙️ Ways to effectively manage your money

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Fighting for Future Generations with Natasha Jonas

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Join us as we step into the ring with Natasha Jonas, British professional boxer and world champion

Find out how she made history as the first female boxer to represent Team GB in the Olympics.

Her story is as much about shattering stereotypes as it is about delivering knockouts.

Tune in for an episode that goes beyond the sport, for inclusion, mentorship, and the power of self-belief.

Listen to learn:
- The role of strong community support
- How sports can illuminate a path for youth, especially young girls
- How to come back from rock bottom
- The importance of living in the present

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Finding Your Family Through Sports with Naomi Dattani

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Naomi Dattani, the cricket star breaking boundaries and stereotypes in sports, joins us in celebration of International Women's Day.

From playing backyard cricket to being a professional cricket player for England, Naomi opens up about the strength she found in her community.

Naomi shares how she pays it forward through coaching, with events of over 2000 South Asian Women.

Whether you're a cricket enthusiast or simply someone who believes in the power of sports to shape lives, this episode will uplift and inspire.

Listen to Learn:
- The barriers Naomi has faced in sports
- How to thrive when the odds are stacked against you
- The importance of cricket in South Asian communities
- How to take risks

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Sports, Representation, and the Power of Community with Grace Vella

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Grace Vella... The brains behind Miss Kick and a footballer and student, who became an entrepreneur. 👟

Starting from printing t-shirts on her mum's kitchen table, Grace turned her passion for football and her desire for better representation into the brand, Miss Kick.

From navigating the male-dominated world of football to championing inclusivity, Grace's story resonates with listeners aspiring to make their mark.

This conversation shines a light on how Miss Kick is all about empowering girls and giving back, both on and off the field.

Listen to learn:
- The lack of female representation in sports
- The driving force behind Miss Kick
- How to embrace lessons from mistakes
- How Grace empowers her community

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Reflecting on Diversity and Inclusion in Women's Sports with Miriam Walker-Khan

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Celebrate International Women's Day with us!

This week we are bringing you a conversation with Miriam Walker-Khan, Sky Sports News' trailblazing diversity and inclusion reporter.

An athlete turned journalist who has amplified underrepresented voices in sports media. Her story is as impactful as it is inspiring.

She opens up about the tough realities of combating imposter syndrome whilst dedicating her career to diversity and inclusion within the world of sports.

Join us as we explore the balance of diverse voices in journalism and find out the story of how she ended up interviewing Usain Bolt!

Listen to learn:
- The lack of diversity in women's sports
- The unique barriers faced by South Asian athletes
- The current state of women's sports
- How journalists maintain authenticity when narrating diverse stories

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Power of Female Representation in Sports with Yvonne Harrison

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Join us as Yvonne Harrison, the powerhouse behind Women in Football, shares her transformative journey and the strides toward gender equity in the sports world. Reflecting on her path, we unravel the essential life skills and career motivations that are often intertwined with a love for sports, and how these experiences have propelled her to advocate for diversity and foster inclusive cultures within businesses.

Together with Yvonne, we celebrate the triumphs that have reshaped the sporting industry, including the Lionesses' historic victories and Mary Epps' accolade as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, while acknowledging that the journey toward full equality continues. Join us as we peer into the future of women's football and sport, examining the positive ripple effects of increased female participation and leadership.

Listen to learn
- The rapidly evolving landscape of women's roles in sports
- The collective responsibility of individuals, organisations, and leaders to champion and empower women in sports
- The necessity of creating accessible pathways for women aiming for the top tiers of sports management
- The importance of support from male allies and the power of mentorship

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Mastering the Art of Being Heard with Sarah Perris

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Stepping into an industry where the odds are stacked against you requires a blend of resilience and tenacity—qualities Sarah Perris has in spades. Sarah joins us to narrate her extraordinary journey through the realm of business and sports. This conversation isn't just about breaking glass ceilings; it's about building a new foundation for future female leaders to stand on. Join us for a stirring episode that celebrates the strength and spirit of women forging their paths, against the odds, towards greatness.

Listen to learn:
- Skills to navigate the complexities of male-dominated spheres
- The importance of amplifying women's voices in leadership positions
- The power of staying true to your passion
- The importance of self-care and the significance of setting boundaries

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

A Guide to Thriving Personally and Professionally with Rita Collins

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how the high rollers of finance keep their lives in balance? Rita Collins, regional director for corporate banking at NatWest, joins us to unravel this mystery, shedding light on the work-life balance in the fast-paced financial sector. Rita shares how NatWest's compassionate culture supported her through family hardships like a loved one's autism diagnosis. Beyond the boardroom, Rita's passion for sports, from the football terraces to the discipline of bodybuilding, illustrates the power of personal passions in cultivating resilience and joy. This episode isn't just another career talk—it's a journey into nurturing a fulfilling life amidst the demands of an ambitious career.

Listen to learn:
- How Rita prioritises health and family
- Ways in which your values can amplify team performance and personal success
- The importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a fast-paced work environment
- How to seize opportunities that could redefine your career

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Fabric of Success in Technology with Lisa Eaton

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Embark on an empowering journey with Lisa Eaton, a trailblazing tech entrepreneur who's not only defied the odds but is also shaping the future for female founders. As Lisa unveils her brainchild, Fabric—an inventive online training platform—listeners get an insider's look at her transition from service-based businesses to spearheading a tech company. She shares her own candid experiences, highlighting the hurdles she faced as a woman in the tech investment arena, and presents invaluable advice for entrepreneurs weighing their options.

Listen to learn:
-Lisa's unique insights on identifying market opportunities, nailing product-market fit, and the indispensable role of strategic marketing
- The impact of aligning educational resources with industry demands
- How to remain authentic in a space with gender biases
- How Lisa has mastered the art of public speaking and storytelling to captivate investors

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Blazing Trails in Engineering and Raising a Family with Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Charting uncharted skies with both a baby on her hip and a business in her grasp, Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee joins us to talk about juggling the high-flying world of aerospace engineering and the grounded realities of motherhood. Krystina shares her experience on how to navigate a field where women are still pioneering their presence, all while nurturing new life and a burgeoning business, Aviate Her, that champions the often-unseen diversity within STEM.

Listen to learn:
🎙️The profound impact maternity leave has had on Krystina's personal development
🎙️The challenges of dispelling self-doubt in a male-dominated workplace
🎙️The power of networking
🎙️How Krystina harnesses her capabilities to advocate for herself and others

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Embracing New Beginnings with Sam Walker

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Join us for our first podcast of 2024 with the insightful Sam Walker in a celebration of growth, embracing the quirks of Northern England, and the subtle art of "potted plant parenting". We're not just reminiscing about the milestones crossed; we're setting the stage for the triumphs that await us in the year ahead.

Strap in for an episode brimming with both laughter and candid conversation as we confront the butterflies that accompany new beginnings and personal pursuits. Sam shares how these moments of bravery shape our journey. Here's to a 2024 filled with inspiration and the victories that come from venturing just beyond our comfort zones.

Listen to learn:
- Sam's proudest moments of 2023
- The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing fears
- The power of letting go of comparisons
- How to set goals for 2024

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Reflecting on A Powerful Year with the We Are Power Team

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +0000

This episode, we take a rollercoaster ride back into 2023. More than just a look back, we're sharing our visions for 2024, which include one of us becoming a Zumba instructor and a resolute commitment towards inclusivity and resilience. The journey doesn't end there, we also reflect on our favorite podcast episodes that spanned a range of topics from fashion design to self-belief and sustainability.

Join us in the conversation, as we navigate the intricacies of our past year with many delightful anecdotes and heartfelt goodbyes. We talk about the power of resilience and the importance of having a supportive circle. So, come along, let's celebrate the past and look forward to an exciting future together at Northern Power Women.

Listen to Learn:
- Our highlights from 2023
- Our goals for 2024
- Everyone's favourite podcast episode
- All about the new additions to our team!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Transforming Pain into Purpose with Shabana Khushi

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Today, we open our hearts to the journey of Shabana Khushi, an extraordinary woman who turned her painful loss into an inspiring purpose. As a recipient of the Person with Purpose award at the Northern Power Women Awards, Shabana has not only battled personal grief but also emerged as a beacon of hope for numerous domestic violence victims.

Together, we explore her incredible resilience, her journey of running a refuge, and how she channels her strength to transform lives. We also touch upon her beliefs in the power of support and positivity, and how she instills these very values in her children.

Listen to Learn:
- Shabana's experiences with grief
- The importance of support networks
- The impactful work of the HALO project
- Challenges faced by the BAME community

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Driving Change through Inclusive Leadership with Nikki Chance Thompson

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +0000

What happens when you combine a passion for music and a commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals? You get the incredible journey of Nicky Chance Thompson MBE DL, CEO of the Piece Hall Trust and our commended Levelling up Leader at the 2023 NPW Awards. Join us for an inspirational conversation with Nicky, as she takes us through her journey from London to Yorkshire, and how she transformed the Piece Hall into a thriving 21st-century visitor destination.

Don't miss this exciting episode, it's all about driving change and harnessing influence for the betterment of the community.

Listen to Learn:
🎙️The power and significance of female leadership
🎙️The importance of leading with understanding and collaboration
🎙️The major differences between the North and South
🎙️Nicky's dedication to creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Navigating the Intersections of Science, Business and Mental Health with Dr. Natalie Kenny

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Join us for an enlightening journey with our wonderful guest, Dr Natalie Kenny, the CEO of Biograd and the recent recipient of the Outstanding Entrepreneur and Inclusive Innovation awards at the Northern Power Women Awards. This episode reveals the riveting narrative of a girl with a dream of becoming a scientist, who found herself as the leader of a blossoming business.

Natalie lays bare the unexpected pathways life has taken her, underlining her unwavering commitment to her scientific roots while nurturing her business and personnel to fruition. Don't miss your chance to hear wisdom from Natalie's journey and her sage advice on striking a balance between work, life, and mental health.

Listen to Learn:
🎙️Natalie's experiences and lessons gained from establishing her own business
🎙️The impacts of toxic positivity
🎙️The importance of self-awareness and tuning into your body's needs
🎙️The significance of a work-life balance

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981646

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Leveling Up Leadership: A Conversation with Isobelle Panton

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how someone can transition from a team member to a leader? Well, strap in as we sit down with Isobelle Panton, our Northern Power Women Judges Special for Levelling Up Leader, and Director of Student Recruitment and International at University Academy 92.

Isobelle shares her remarkable journey, not just with her career but also her personal evolution. She speaks passionately about the significance of making an impact, and how she transitioned to a role that prioritised making a difference over profit. Hear her compelling insights on the power of leveling up and using one's abilities for the greater good.

Listen to Learn:
🎙️Isobelle's journey in leadership, community development, and higher education.
🎙️The importance of digital platforms in amplifying voices and creating inclusive communities
🎙️How to stay connected with role models and advocates
🎙️The key to finding the right community to lead

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981646

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

From Athlete to Business Owner: The Resilient Journey of Claire Buckle

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Prepare to be inspired as we sit down with Claire Buckle, an extraordinary woman who’s turned her struggles against discrimination into a positive force. A former GB Para-athlete and now an award-winning business owner, Claire shares the gripping tale of her journey, marked by her triumphant resolve against cerebral palsy and the harsh realities of bullying. She sheds light on her childhood, her love for sports and how she navigated through a male-dominated environment to an all-girls school, thus offering a unique perspective on the world she grew up in.

Today, she’s advocating for change through her workshops that address discrimination and her disability awareness app. Listen in as she passionately talks about her mission to inspire more young people to engage in sports and how her innovation won her the prestigious Inclusive Innovation Award.

Listen to Learn:
🎙️Claire's journey from para-athlete to entrepreneur
🎙️The power of resilience, determination, and self-belief
🎙️The importance of inclusivity and how we can contribute
🎙️How sport can be more inclusive

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981646

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Unveiling the Realities of Female Entrepreneurs with Zandra Moore

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to unlock the secrets behind successful female entrepreneurship? In this week's episode, we explore the inspiring world of Zandra Moore, an award-winning entrepreneur. Zandra reveals the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, the strength she draws from her supportive networks, and how she champions diversity in the tech industry. She lays bare the unique difficulties faced by women entrepreneurs, sharing how her mother's influence lit the spark of tech entrepreneurship within her.

As we delve deeper into Zandra's journey, she reveals how her experiences with motherhood and dyslexia have fine-tuned her business approach. She shares stories of her supportive female power tribe, their collective resilience during lockdown, and her motive behind establishing Lean in Leads. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to understand the entrepreneurial spirit from a unique perspective.

Listen to learn:
🎙️The experiences of women in entrepreneurship
🎙️Zandra's personal career journey
🎙️The power of having a strong support system
🎙️Why we need to embrace and advocate for diversity

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Fostering Resilience and Inspiring Women in Business with Sam White

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Strap yourself in for an incredible journey as we sit down with Sam White, founder of Stella Insurance, a trailblazing financial services venture that champions women. This episode is sure to leave you inspired as Sam takes us through her journey, filled with bumps, twists, and turns, yet undeniably worth the ride, reminding us that the success story is not without its share of setbacks.

Hear firsthand from Sam as she recounts her thrilling move to Australia and the birth of Stella Insurance. Dive deep into Sam's leadership growth and her fearless approach to taking risk. This is not just another success story - it's a testament to resilience, growth, and the sheer determination required to achieve greatness. Expect to be moved, empowered, and inspired to step out of your comfort zone and dare to dream. Then this episode is a must-listen!

Listen to Learn:
🎙️How to embrace your mistakes as opportunities
🎙️How to nurture resilience through challenging times
🎙️The power of having a united team
🎙️How to unlock the potential of women in entrepreneurship

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering Women's Resilience to Foster Social Change with Nickala Torkington

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Join us for a conversation with Nickala Torkington, the inspiring force behind Flourish Together CIC, and a celebrated champion of women empowerment. Nickala, who recently won two awards, wields her passion for social change to uplift women, even under the shadow of a pandemic. She warmly shares her excitement at receiving the Leveling Up Award and her dedication to spreading positivity in her community. With the ten-year celebration of Flourish Together CIC on the horizon, Nickala’s commitment to sparking societal transformation is stronger than ever.

As we delve deeper into Nickala’s work with Flourish Together CIC, we learn about their innovative programs, Time to Grow and their civic leadership program. These initiatives aim to develop women’s resilience to deal with societal problems, and partnerships and collaborations play a significant role in their success. Hear directly from Nickala how she and her team are empowering women, helping them to harness their potential and thrive in every aspect of life. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about fueling change, nurturing resilience, and empowering women.

Listen to Learn:
🎙️Nickala's personal journey and the challenges she has overcome
🎙️Barriers faced by women across society
🎙️The importance of empowering women
🎙️New initiatives from Nickala and how you can get involved!

How to get involved with RFL.

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Unlocking the Potential of Young Talent through Mentorship with Lyndsay Geraghty

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Join us for a heart-to-heart with Lyndsay Geraghty, who recently won our 2023 Mentor of the Year Award, and is the Senior Early Careers Manager at the BBC. Lyndsay shares her inspiring journey, from uncovering her passion for mentorship, to spearheading an Early Careers programme and sculpting young talent in the North.

Lyndsay discusses the wealth of young people with untapped talent in the UK and how we can create opportunities for them. She also tells us the powerful story of her own mentee, who is now a thriving mentor himself, underscoring the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth.

🎙the transformative power of mentorship
🎙how to recognise your own successes and how these can help others
🎙 ways you can be involved in mentoring
🎙that mentorship is a journey carved out by individual experiences

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981646

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Embracing Challenges, Championing Change and Leading Consciously with Lee Chambers

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Are you ready to stretch your perspective on careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership? This week we're thrilled to bring you a conversation with Lee Chambers, founder of Essentialise and GB Entrepreneur of the Year 2021. Lee's diverse career journey is a lesson in adaptability.

Listen to Lee elaborate on his path, sharing the courage it takes to experiment and make bold transitions. Lee's journey is not only defined by his professional transitions but also his personal development. Through his work, he aims to challenge systems and societal norms, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Lee also reminds us that progress, rather than perfection, is key to making a meaningful impact.

Listen to Learn:
🎙️The vital role of self-reflection in forging your own path
🎙️Lee's experiences through his diverse career journey
🎙️The importance of listening to lived experiences
🎙️How to be an effective male advocate

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Igniting Change: the Collective Journey towards Gender Equality with Andy Coyne

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what your role in gender equality might be? Listen to this week's podcast with Andy Coyne, IT Director at Barclays, to find out. Together, we're rewriting the narrative on gender equality, placing the spotlight on the critical role male allies play.

Andy shares his insights on the need to champion diversity and how every individual can contribute. Embarking on this exciting journey towards true gender equality isn't a solo venture - it calls for a collective effort where every action counts. This episode emphasises how we can collectively challenge our biases, create opportunities, and foster an environment of inclusivity. Listening, understanding, and resonating with the lived experiences of others is key to driving this change.

Listen to learn:
🎙 Why we need to advocate for gender equality in the workplace
🎙 The vital role that allies play
🎙 The importance of listening to lived experiences
🎙How you can advocate for gender equality!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Changing the Narrative: Empowering Women through Menopause with Heather Jackson

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Prepare to have your perceptions of menopause challenged as we sit down with Heather Jackson, co-founder of Gen M and proud Disruptor for Good at the Northern Power Women Awards. We dive into the amazing work she's doing with Gen M, a platform empowering women to take charge of their menopause journey instead of feeling overlooked and underserved.

Tune in to listen to Heather's powerful insights on how she’s flipping the script, encouraging brands to better serve this demographic, and ultimately, creating a safe space for women to make informed decisions about their health. This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone going through menopause, those who know someone who is, or simply those interested in creating a more inclusive society.

Listen to Learn:
🎙 The importance of shifting the media narrative surrounding menopause
🎙 How to live life to the fullest in spite of societal pressures
🎙 Heather's approach to winning business support for menopause-friendly products
🎙 How to take charge of your own menopause journey

Listen now through the link in our bio

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Lauren Rosegreen: From Trustee to Influencer, Championing Equality and Social Justice

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Ever wanted to step outside your comfort zone and make a difference in society? You do not want to miss this episode. Join Simone Roche MBE as she chats with Lauren Rosegreen, a policy and influence manager at MAC, trustee of Greater Manchester Merge Charity, and a young professional juggling numerous roles, who believes in the power of an equal society.

Lauren's unconventional career path is a testament to her burning passion for social justice, and today, she invites us into her fascinating world. She shares the highs and lows of her journey, her unique coping mechanisms, and the rewarding experiences she's acquired in her numerous roles.

Listen to learn:
🎙 How to find your voice in intimidating spaces
🎙 The need for self-understanding
🎙 Her experience as the youngest trustee of Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity,
🎙 How she navigates life in her twenties and her perspective on current social issues

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Harnessing the 'People Factor': Inspiring Leadership and Cultivating Workplace Culture with Rosina Murdoch

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what makes a leader truly inspiring? Tune into our enlightening conversation with Rosina Murdoch, a distinguished director at Deloitte, and recent recipient of the Large Organisation of the Year Award at the 2023 Northern Power Women Awards. We delve into the essence of effective leadership, focusing on the principle of the 'People Factor'.

Rosina passionately talks about the importance of human connections, vulnerability, and empathy in the workplace. She candidly shares how prioritising family time has organically cultivated a greater sense of appreciation and understanding within her team.

Listen to learn:
🎙 How to transform toxic work cultures
🎙 The importance of human connections and empathy
🎙 Deloittes distinctive culture
🎙 The importance of human connections, vulnerability and empathy

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Diversity and Leadership: Building High-Performing Teams with Zoe Gill

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Who doesn't want to learn the inside secrets of building a high-performing team and navigating the challenges of diversity in the tech world? Buckle up, because Zoe Gill, Vice President for CGI UK Safeguarding and Identity subsector, is here to tell all. The secret to success is often found on the path less travelled - and Zoe is here to guide you.

With over two decades of experience spearheading initiatives in the technology industry, Zoe will give you a peek behind the curtain, revealing the trials and triumphs that come with fostering diversity, leadership, and top-tier team dynamics. Whether you've been in the industry for years or you're just starting out, you won't want to miss out on this enlightening discussion.

Listen to learn:
🎙 Zoe's experience with mentoring and the importance of role models
🎙 Trials and triumphs of fostering diversity
🎙 How to build a high-performing team

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Redefining Office Culture: The Jump to Hybrid Working and Promoting Diversity with Amy Williams

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Ready to redefine your traditional office culture? This episode promises a fresh take on the hybrid work model with our esteemed guest, Amy Williams, Chief Information Officer for Business Banking at Barclays UK. We explore how to create a world-class work environment and find the sweet spot between office and virtual working, all while attracting top talent.

Key Takeaways:
🎙 How to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
🎙 Creating safe spaces for nuerodiverse colleagues
🎙 Why hybrid working is important for corporate productivity and employee satisfaction
🎙 Amy's personal path and barriers

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering Change and Embracing Diversity with Rebecca Loy

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Have you ever wondered about the power of diversity and inclusion to create change? This episode has all the answers!

Our phenomenal guest is none other than Rebecca Loy, the Diversity and Inclusion Partner at National Museums Liverpool. Rebecca's journey is brimming with resilience, from growing up in an encouraging environment to losing her sister to sickle cell disease, an experience that fuels her mission to make the disease curable. Join us, as she unveils her inspiring journey and how she uses adversity to empower and help people reach their potential.

We get a glimpse of Rebecca's role as a diversity and inclusion consultant and the shift she's noticed in people's attitudes over the years. She underscores the potency of language and the critical role of open hearts in embracing diversity. Hear about her future plans and how she aims to nurture a culture of acceptance. This episode is sure to leave you inspired, stirred, and armed with a fresh perspective on diversity and inclusion. Tune in and get ready to be transformed!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Building Resilience and Mastering Public Speaking with Martina Witter

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Martina opens up about the immense value of harnessing resilience as a shield against stress, anxiety, and depression, a lesson painstakingly learned in navigating her own life's volatility.

As a renowned cognitive behavior therapist, speaker, author, trainer, and health and wellbeing consultant, Martina's insights have been instrumental in promoting mental health and resilience. We navigate the tumultuous journey of her life marked by personal loss, and discover how she managed to build resilience amidst adversity.

Martina brings her practical tips on mastering challenges and preparing to excel in public speaking. We take a deep look at the importance of maintaining connections in these times. Don't miss this enlightening exploration of professional and personal development.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Overcoming Self-Doubt with Maddie Birtwistle from Boohoo Group

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Maddie Birtwistle’s story is a powerful reminder to us all that taking risks and having confidence in our abilities can lead to unexpected places. Maddie, who is the Internal Communications Manager at the boohoo group, explores her extraordinary career journey. From beginning in customer service to now being part of the legal department. She boldly breaks down the stigma around not having a university degree, proving that practical life skills and experience can lead to great success.

Our conversation with Maddie is also a masterclass on overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Maddie pulls back the curtain on her own struggles, sharing how admiration from friends and guidance from managers helped fuel her success. She also touches on the crucial value of making a social impact, a key element of her role at boohoo. Join us as we engage in this empowering dialogue with Maddie Birtwistle, a true testament to the power of perseverance and a positive mindset.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Power of Mentorship and Advocating for Diversity with Sophia Iqbal

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered how having a mentor can change your career trajectory? Sophia's experience answers that, highlighting the incredible value of mentorship.

The dynamic Sophia Iqbal joins us, sharing her fascinating journey through the tech industry, with all its victories and challenges. She's a beacon of resilience, having faced and surmounted many barriers common to early professionals, especially ethnically diverse women.

Sophia's journey will inspire and motivate you, shedding light on the importance of challenging barriers and advocating for diversity in the professional world. So, are you ready for an enlightening and inspiring conversation?

Listen to learn:
🎙 The barriers that early professionals face
🎙 The pivotal moment of meeting her mentor
🎙 How to make the most of opportunities
🎙 The importance of advocating for diversity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Turning Rejection into Aviation Inspiration with Gemma Sparks

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Meet Gemma Sparks, the digital marketing executive who overcame obstacles and adversity to end up inspiring others in the realms of aviation. Drawn to the industry for its diversity and representation, Gemma's journey is one of resilience, hard work, and the impactful role of strong role models.

Join us as Gemma transports us through her experience with the Fantasy Wings program, a pioneering initiative designed to introduce aviation to black and ethnic minority individuals and women. Recounting her transition from being labelled 'too quiet' to co-hosting a climate change conference, Gemma exemplifies true tenacity and determination. Her future plans? To inspire the future generation of leaders through a blog.

Listen to learn:

🎙 How she fought against the odds
🎙 Her passion for aviation
🎙 About the unwavering support that emerged as a strong pillar of her success story
🎙 The power of role models and the ripple effect of encouragement and opportunity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Empowering the Future: Youth Impact, Mentorship, and Equity with Lella Violet Halloum

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Have you ever wondered about the impact young people can have on our society's future? Get ready to be inspired by our guest, the award-winning young changemaker Lella Violet Halloum. Lella's insights into the importance of youth voices, empathy, and inclusivity are not only thought-provoking, but a call to action for us all.

We take a look at the world through the eyes of the youth, discussing the effects of the pandemic, the financial hurdles faced in accessing opportunities, and the potential of youth democracy and social media.

Key Takeaways:
🎙 The importance of equity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic
🎙 Why we need 'real' models
🎙 How we can all do our part in truly listening to and uplifting the voices of youth
🎙 Why we need to stay informed with decisions impacting the future of work

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How Will AI Effect Gender Equality?

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Picture a world where AI propels us towards a future of gender equality - sounds compelling, right? With Laura, Georgina, and Hannah, we dissect the potential and pitfalls when it comes to AI and gender equality. Together, we brainstorm ways to rewrite the narrative for girls in tech, from harnessing the power of mentorship to challenging stereotypes with a simple pin badge. Our discussion navigates us through AI complexities, but it's not all doom and gloom, as we also uncover the silver lining: AI’s potential to create a fairer world with the right regulations.

Key Takeaways:
🎙 Understand the concerns about the impact of AI on gender equality
🎙 How we can personally feel empowered and rid ourselves of those self-limiting beliefs
🎙 The importance of diversity in STEM
🎙 What we can implement to help tackle underrepresentation in boardrooms

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Champion People In Their Early Careers Anastasia Womack

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0100

"We've got this responsibility to almost create the leaders of the future that will set that workplace culture and and create a place where everyone feels like they're accepted at work and they want to show up to work and hopefully are a little bit like me, where they feel like, okay, I'm working in a dream now and I'm in this organization that really helps me to succeed."

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Anastasia Womack, UK Head of Early & Emerging Talent at Capgemini, explores the challenges people in their early careers face and how we can combat those.

Listen to learn:

⚡ What Anastasia's role at Capgemini comprises of
⚡️️️ What are the key ways in which we can support early careers
⚡️Why making connections and mentorship is crucial for boosting your career
⚡️ What advice Anastasia would give young people at the very start of their career

Find Anastasia here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Encourage More Women To Join The Tech Industry with Jo Larby

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“Maybe there's still a little bit of stigma around what the tech industry is and what that involves. And a bit of publicity around what roles there are and the diverse skill set that you need to be in tech, I think is probably gonna help us in the long term to get more women into the industry.”

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Jo Larby, Tech Architecture specialist at Accenture, explores the challenges woman face in the tech sector and how we can encourage more women to get involved.

Listen to learn:

⚡ Why is the percentage of women working in tech still so low in 2023?
⚡️️️ What can we do to increase this number
⚡️What attracted Jo to the Tech sector
⚡How Jo uses her recent successes to help others

Find Jo here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Ensure That 'Silence Speaks' with Prof Laura Serrant OBE

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Remember... "Being human is about not being perfect"

On this week's podcast conversation Simone Roche chats to the woman of wisdom Professor Laura Serrant OBE, who is global multi award-winning Leadership Development and Inclusive Practice Specialist, professional Speaking and Experience Coach and also a director of her own consultancy coaching business Laura Sarah Limited. Covering a wide range of topics from imposter syndrome to social justice this is an episode not to be missed.

Listen to learn:

⚡ What is Laura's theory around Imposter Syndrome
⚡️️️ How we 'ditch' Imposter Syndrome
⚡️Why it is ok to be 'perfectly imperfect'
⚡Silence Speaks: A concept created by Laura

Find Laura here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Be Greater Together with Debbie Cook

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“I don't really think about the fact that I'm a woman in football. What I think about is that I'm someone who works in the industry and I happen to be a woman. I appreciate that I have a huge responsibility as a role model for other women out there and for girls that want to think about a career and maybe aren't considering football because they see that it's not accessible.”

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Carol Stewart, Chief Executive of Grimsby Town Football Club, explores the challenges woman face in the football sector and how we can make a positive change for the greater good.

Listen to learn:

⚡ What it is like being a woman in football in 2023
⚡️️️ How Debbie dealt with malicious comments directed at her on social media
⚡️Why Debbie joined Grimsby Town Football Club
⚡How do we influence and encourage more females to work in football

Find Debbie here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Find Your Power In Your Introverted Nature Carol Stewart

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“I accepted that I was introvert and I became introvert and proud, as I like to say.”

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Carol Stewart, Founder of Abounding Solutions and Author of Quietly Visible, explores the ways in which we can demystify being an introvert and how we can lift each other up.

Listen to learn:

⚡ How she embraces being an Introvert
⚡️️️ How to define an Introvert and an Extrovert
⚡️What led Carol to write her book: Quietly Visible
⚡Why she founded Black Northern Women International Women’s Day conference

Find Carol here.
Find Quietly Visible here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Become An 'Edgy' Entrepreneur with Georgia Halston

Mon, 29 May 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“You don't have to have entrepreneurialism in your blood. You don't have to come from a long line of people that have done business. The support is out there and you can do it yourself. It doesn't matter your background or your influences.”

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Georgia Halston, also known as Serial Entrepreneur in the Digital Marketing and Media Space, explores her passion for becoming a female entrepreneur and getting rid of the stigmatized term “imposter syndrome”

Listen to learn:

⚡ How Georgia became a successful business owner

⚡️Why Georgia dislikes the term Imposter Syndrome and how to rebrand it

⚡️️️ What is the No Code lab

⚡What are the common values Georgia works with

Find Georgia here.

Find out more about Halston Group here.

Find out about No Code Lab here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Importance Of Educating Around Neurodiversity In The Workplace With Sarah Mclean

Mon, 22 May 2023 03:00:00 +0100

If Sarah McLean could give any advice to her 16 year old self it would be “Don't pigeonhole myself into one sector, one skillset. Everything is transferrable. And if you just open up your mind to the possibilities anything is possible and you can go anywhere”

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Project Manager, also known as Scrum Manager at Barclays, Sarah Mclean, explores her passion for helping people in their early careers and her commitment to offering support, guidance and awareness for those affected by ASD.

Listen to learn:

⚡ What we can do to create a greater understanding & safer environment for those with ASD
⚡️Fan girl Sarah’s favourite quote that she lives by from Game Of Thrones
⚡️️️ How young Sarah met the late Monarch Her Majesty The Queen
⚡️What Scrum Manager means & how Sarah uses that role at Barclays

Find Sarah here.

Find out more about Witherslack group here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

United by Collaboration - United for Ukraine

Mon, 15 May 2023 03:00:00 +0100

This week Simone Roche MBE recorded live as the warm up to Eurovision onboard HMS Mersey. She is joined by Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv, who were awarded the Special Honour Award at this year's Northern Power Women Awards for their work for United for Ukraine since the Russian conflict.

Join us for this incredibly insightful conversation about their journey from Ukraine to Liverpool.

Listen to learn about:
⚡Their journey
⚡️The highlights and successes that they have seen this year
⚡The United for Ukraine coalition.

United for Ukraine – how employers can help

As a business and an employer, the United for Ukraine initiative provides an easy and direct way to communicate job opportunities to Ukrainian nationals coming to the UK.

Go to the website to find out how your organisations can support with single or multiple job opportunities: https://www.unitedforukraine.org.uk/for-businesses/

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Share Stories That Will Drive Positive Change with Rebecca Ihiekwe

Mon, 08 May 2023 03:00:00 +0100

For Rebecca Ihiekwe, sharing stories are more than just recounting history. It's about giving people the platform to be their best and most authentic selves so they're able to shared their lived experiences.

Rebecca says: "It's about having that diversity of narrative and about celebrating that...it's about advocating for others when they can't advocate for themselves"

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Marketing Executive at CEL Solicitors, Rebecca Ihiekwe, explores her passion and commitment to empower the voices and narratives of those who are so often overlooked.

Listen to learn:

⚡️Rebecca's experience co-Curating The Colonial Legacies of the Liverpool Sandbach Family exhibition
⚡️Why it is important to give people the platform to be their best and most authentic selves and how we can do it well
⚡ Why storytelling is key to enabling positive change for a diverse culture
⚡️️️ “She is a woman who gets stuff done”: What’s next for Rebecca?

Find Rebecca here and on Linkedin
Listen to the CEL Solicitors podcast here

Check out more about the Sandbach research project here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Inspire Children Through Storytelling with Abigail Reid

Mon, 01 May 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“Yes, it's important to teach children how to write a coherent sentence, but when you start pulling apart that sentence and explaining it and dissecting it then becomes boring. It was boring for me, and it was boring for them. So in the very last term, I thought, right, we're going to write adventure stories, and I took them on a virtual tour of Jamaica and we wrote virtual stories about Jamaica.”

Join Simone Roche as she chats to founder of Rock Paper Write, Abigail Reid who has a mission to spark imaginations with meaningful extra-curricular experiences. They discuss all things about being inspired through storytelling.

Listen to learn:

⚡️What key skills Abigail brought forward with her in life from being a beauty therapist onboard a cruise

⚡️About her journey as an educator and how it led her to where she is today

⚡ Why she set up Rock Paper Write

⚡️️️ How to use nature to inspire storytelling

Find Abigail here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Take Small Steps To Create A More Sustainable Planet with Amy Kohl

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Amy Kohl, founder of sustainable and ethical fashion house KOHR, and the founder of KOHR studio, a creative marketing agency is aware that being sustainable often comes from a place of privilege.

Amy says: "Everyone has a duty to look after their planet and community. But not everyone can be Greta Thunberg".

Join Simone Roche MBE as she chats to Amy Kohl, about inclusive innovation, accessibility, and how we can all take small steps to create a more sustainable planet.

Listen to learn:

⚡️What piqued Amy’s interest in sustainability

⚡️What Amy does to overcome the challenges she faces as an entrepreneur

⚡ Why you should create a vision board

⚡️️️ How Amy believes it is important to be transparent within your business

Find Amy here.

Find out more about KOHR here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Power Of Culture: How To Transform Communities with Claire McColgan CBE

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“My whole thing was around how do you get people like me to express themselves in different ways?”

Join Simone Roche as she chats to Queen Of Culture: Director Of Culture at Liverpool City Council, Claire McColgan CBE in this episode of the Path To Power season. They discuss all things culture, community, bit of glitter and of course...Eurovision!

Listen to learn:

⚡️️Where Claire’s passion for the community of Liverpool began

⚡How Claire and the city of Liverpool are getting involved in Eurovision

⚡️️What is the secret to building an engaged community

⚡️How you can start your own project in your community

Find Claire here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Ensure That Young People Have A More Equitable Future with Gareth Davies

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“I think there's been a lot of positive change from organizations who were only having graduate schemes now to school lever programs, more apprenticeships thinking about the big professional services firms. I think there has been a lot of evolution in that already.”

Join Simone Roche as she chats to Regional Director for Michael Page Professional Services, Gareth Davies in this special episode with Power Partner Page Group. They discuss all things about being an ally towards gender equality.

Listen to learn:

⚡️Why Gareth is passionate about positively changing the narrative about working with young people

⚡️What advice Gareth would give to young people that are looking for a pathway into work

⚡ What other options Gareth advocates for that aren’t the traditional cv when applying for jobs

⚡️️️ How to be a good leader during your professional and personal life

Find Gareth here.

Find out more about Page Group here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Redefine Being An Introvert With Yulanda Duff

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0100

“There was talk of this concept of a social battery where you can enjoy other people's company, you're still introverted. You need time to energise and recharge by yourself. So, this is me. This is what I stand for I'm the millennial introvert.”

Join Simone Roche as she chats to CEO of TMI Lifestyle and self-confessed Millennial Introvert Yulanda Duff in this episode of the Path To Power season. They discuss all things Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Listen to learn:

⚡️Why Yulanda considers herself an introvert & what does it mean to her

⚡️How she came to specialise her workshops in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

⚡ What are the common challenges young entrepreneurs face in the early days of starting a business?

⚡️️️ Why is it so important to use your power for good and give back?

Find Yulanda here.

Find out more about TMI Lifestyle here.

#PathToPower #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Dyslexia: How To Be Empowered By Your Differences with Keisha Adair Swaby

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Dyslexia: How To Be Empowered By Your Differences

“I made it my mission to change the narrative from saying learning difficulty to learning difference because we all learn differently as humans.”

Join Simone Roche as she chats to influential Dyslexia speaker Keisha Adair Swaby in the first episode of the Path To Power season. They discuss all things about owning who you are and using your differences to empower yourself and others.

Listen to learn:

⚡️Why Keisha decided to write her own book: Empowering Dyslexics: Blessed & Gifted

⚡How building a supportive community around you is key for professional and personal growth

⚡How Kiesha diagnosis of Dyslexia &Dyspraxia made her woman she is today

⚡️Why Keisha gives people the opportunity to share their stories on her radio station: Radio Diamond

Find Keisha here.

Find out Keisha’s book here.

#PathToPower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Debrief: NPWAwards 2023 Winners and Commended

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +0100

Northern Power Women Awards Debrief

“We are not just for one night”⚡️

Join Simone Roche In this NPW Awards special as she continues to spotlight our winners and commended of the 2023 Northern Power Women awards 🏆

We highlight their experience of the night, what this award means to them and how it could open doors for the future.

Listen to hear from:

Outstanding Entrepreneur Commended: Zandra Moore

Inclusive Innovation Winner: Claire Buckle, Ability Consultancy

Small Organisation Commended: Sarah Priestly Turner, Freedom 4 Girls

Small Organisation Winner: Safer Date, Elaine Parker

Disruptor For Good Commended: Heather Jackson

Disruptor For Good Winner: Syima Aslam MBE

One To Watch Commended: Lauren Rosegreen

Person With Purpose Commended: Professor Diana Anderson MBE

Person With Purpose Winner: Shabana Khushi

Levelling Up Leader Judges Special: Isobelle Panton

Levelling Up Leader Commended: Nicky Chance Thompson

Levelling Up Leader Winner: Nickala Torkington

Mentor Of The Year Winner: Lyndsay Geraghty

Agent Of Change Winner: Lee Chambers

Large Organisation: Rosina Murdoch, Deloitte,

It is an episode you don’t want to miss 🏆

Find all of our winners here.

Find out more about our headline partner EY here.

#NPWAwards #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Finding your passion and purpose with Nicola Bamford

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +0000

How To Make Your Work Fit Into Your Life

Join Simone Roche as she chats to passionate northerner and Partner at EY Manchester, Nicola Bamford, about her unconventional route to working at one of the 'Big Four', and how flexibility is making it possible for her to be a successful working mum.

Listen to learn:

⚡️How Nicola's role in a large accounting firm like EY actually has nothing to do with numbers.

⚡How Nicola thinks the rest of the UK views the North

⚡About Nicola's life building both a career and family

⚡️Why she thinks the big organisations are doing more for flexible working than we realise.

Find Nicola here.

Find out more about our NPW partner EY here.

#BeMoreYou

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Network Your Way To Professional Success With Georgia Fitzgerald

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Georgia Fitzgerald networked her way to success. She says you can too.

“So I want to say I'm 'lucky', but the opportunities have been presented to me and I've grabbed them. The reason I shouldn't say lucky is because if I look at my network and my profile that I've built, that's why these opportunities come along. I've always done networking.”

Join Simone Simone Roche MBE where she chats to Director of The Juice Acadmey Georgia Fitzgerald about all things networking and following your career goals.

Listen to learn:
⚡Why networking has critical to career advancement
⚡️How Georgia gained her voluntary and board positions
⚡Why you’re never too young to be a board member
⚡How to listen to your ‘lazy’ side and switch off outside of work

Find Georgia here.

Find out more about The Juice Academy here.

#BeMoreYou

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to shift the dial through leadership with Leila Mckenzie

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Leila Mckenzie-Delis

How To Shift The Dial Through Leadership

“Diversity means different things to different people. And that's the beautiful thing about it. Diversity, inclusion, belonging, equity, culture, the whole intersection of everything means lots of different things to different people.”

Millennial, first time mum through the wonders of IVF, Chinese and adopted by a white British family Leila Mckenzie talks to Simone Roche MBE about her extreme passion about shifting the dial to create a more diverse and inclusive society.

Listen to learn:

⚡Where Leila’s passion for diversity and inclusion ignited
⚡Why there isn’t a one size fits all for success
⚡How businesses can use the not one size fits all to their advantage
⚡️How to step into your own skin and embrace it

Find Leila here.

Find out more about DIAL here.

#Inclusion #Diversity #BeMoreYou

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

IOP Ep3 How To Use Physics To Make A Difference

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

“Everyone is passionate about making a difference, and that's what we focus this episode on”

Join us for the last episode of our 3 part boxset series in partnership with Institute Of Physics where Simone Roche MBE chats to Nimrah Munir and Kal Grocott two incredible minds who took two different paths to get to where they are today.

Listen to learn:

⚡How Nimrah and Kal use physics within their careers
⚡Why Nimrah and Kal are so passionate about physics
⚡What ways physics is used in day to day lives and how they make that positive difference

Find Nimrah here.

Find Kal here.

Find out more about the Limit Less Campaign here.

Watch our IOP webinar here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

IOP Ep2 The Unlikely Career Routes Into Physics

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The Unlikely Career Roots Into Physics

“Diane Reid and Royal Navy Commander Nicola Cripps, whose careers have both taken an unusual turn from what is considered the normal following their physics degrees.”

Did you know there are so many different roots into various physics related careers? Some you wouldn’t even think of.

For the second episode of our 3 part boxset series in partnership with Institute Of Physics Simone Roche MBE chats to Diane and Nicola about their Un stereotypical careers in physics.

Listen to learn:

⚡How Diane and Nicola became physicists
⚡Why it is important to be curious
⚡What key skills you can gain by studying physics

Find Diane here.

Find Nicola here.

Find out more about the Limit Less Campaign here.

Watch our IOP webinar here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

IOP Ep 1 How To Challenge Stereotypical Views Of What A Physicist Looks Like

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +0000

How to Challenge Stereotypical Views Of What A Physicist Looks Like

“Limitless is the campaign to encourage and inspire young people from backgrounds underrepresented in. To continue with physics after the age of 16.”

This is the first episode of our 3 part boxset series in partnership with Institute Of Physics whose Limit Less campaign challenges all of those stereotypical views of what a Physicist looks like. Simone Roche MBE chats to Dawn Watson who is head of Strategy and Technical Infrastructure at Sellafield in Cumbria.

Listen to learn:

⚡How physics can be for everyone
⚡About Dawns journey into the realm of physics
⚡What Dawn has learnt about working in physics through initiatives and campaigns that she has been involved in

Find Dawn here.

Find Sellafield here.

Find out more about the Limit Less Campaign here.

Watch our IOP webinar here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Have The Confidence To Follow Your Career Dreams

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

For Sarah Black-Smith it was natural to follow in her engineering dad's footsteps and she worked hard to forge herself a career in manufacturing (although the dream to be an F1 Mechanical Engineer will never die). Despite having a male role model at home, the representation of women throughout Sarah's education was woefully lacking - just five of the 150 cohort identified as women. It was here that she realised just how critical it is to have more female role models in the industry.

Now, as General Manager for the Motion Control function at Siemens, Sarah credits a lot of her success to her mentors, both men and women, whom she says without their encouragement she would never be where she is today.

Listen to learn:

⚡The men and women who inspire Sarah

⚡Sarah's journey from GCSE to where she is now

⚡How you can become an advocate for females in the manufacturing industry

⚡️How Siemens are making changes to become more inclusive

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE - How To Level Up Your Organisation

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

For the second episode of our Allyship boxset series sponsored by Morson Group, Simone Roche MBE chats to the wonderful award winning serial entrepreneur, Marilyn Comrie OBE. Simone and Marilyn catch up and talk all things allyship in the workplace.

Listen to learn:

⚡How Marilyn is working with organizations to level up
⚡How to shift your organisations style
⚡How to be an active ally
⚡️Steps to becoming an ally

Find Marilyn here here.

Find out more about BURN here.

Check out The Blair Project here.

Keep up to date on the latest news from Northern Power Women: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Najwa Jawahar - How To Become An Active Role Model

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

For the final episode of our allyship miniseries sponsored by Morson Group, Simone Roche MBE chats to the multi award winning chartered structural engineer, Najwa Jawahar. Simone and Najwa talk all things allyship in the workplace.

Listen to learn:

⚡How to celebrate your wins and highfive yourself
⚡Why Najwa considers herself as a role model
⚡How to create an environment in the workplace so everyone can be themselves
⚡️What Najwa would tell her younger self

Find Najwa here.

Find out more about WSP here.

Keep up to date on the latest news from Northern Power Women: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Adrian Adair - How to Implement Allyship in Recruitment

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

For the first episode of our Allyship boxset series sponsored by Morson Group, Simone Roche MBE chats to Morson Group COO, Adrian Adair. Morson Group has an outstanding reputation for delivering consultancy, design, technology, training, screening and people solutions around the world. Simone and Adrian chat about all things allyship in the workplace.

Listen to learn:

⚡How allyship plays an important part in recruitment
⚡About Morson’s journey with inclusivity
⚡Why the language you use in adverts is so important
⚡️How to communicate on multiple levels

Find Adrian Adair here.

Find Morson Group here. Check out their website here.

Keep up to date on the latest news from Northern Power Women: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Suit Up, Ladies: Laura Pitharas on Defying Gender Norms in Fashion

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Despite working hard at school, Laura Pitharas was rejected from Leeds College of Art being told that she was "not creative enough". She says it was the biggest test in life that she ever took.

Nevertheless Laura's resilience and willingness to listen meant that she eventually got a place to study Menswear Tailoring at the London College of Fashion. Since then Laura has set out to create a new space for sustainable womenswear luxury fashion, where the craft of design combined with the beauty of women could be celebrated. She now owns her own self-named fashion brand, which is about to be taken to London Fashion Week 2023.

Listen to learn:
⚡How Laura learned that working hard doesn't automatically equal success
⚡Why her brand is about defying gender norms in fashion
⚡Why Laura won't outsource her materials beyond Yorkshire
⚡How to stand out in a competitive industry
⚡Taking Laura Pitharas to London Fashion Week

#FashionForWomen #WomenInSuits #GenderEquality #FashionForward #BreakingBarriers #WomenInBusiness #FashionDesigner

Find Laura's brand here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Miriam Walker-Khan: How to step into a new career despite the odds

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Miriam Walker-Khan is a literal game changer. After starting out as a gifted sprinter from a young age, it was the race track where Miriam saw her career taking her until a serious sports injury cut short her aspirations of track and field. Instead, Miriam paid attention to her studies and found a passion for writing, which when coupled with her natural competitive edge meant she found herself enrolled on a BBC training scheme - she couldn't believe it. Now, Miriam works for Sky Sports as their Diversity and Inclusion Reporter, telling the stories of those underrepresented in sport.

Listen to learn:
- How Miriam changed her game and moved into media
- Why she wouldn't be where she is today without mentoring
- How she overcame sexist comments early in her career
- What the role of D&I Sports Reporter will do for inclusive media

Find Miriam here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Stacey Williams: How to create opportunities for everyone

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Stacey Williams celebrates the release of the 2023 Power List and Future List with Simone Roche MBE Stacey was on the 2022 NPW Awards Future List and is Global head of Treasury services and investigations in global payments and treasury services operations at BNY Mellon, who are the proud sponsors of the 2023 Future List.

Listen to learn:

⚡️ Stacey’s experience of being on the 2022 Future List and how it has increased her confidence

⚡️ The importance of bringing your personality to work

⚡️ Her passion for mentoring and creating opportunities

⚡️ Stacey’s advice for everyone on the NPWA 2023 Power List and Future List

Check out who is on the 2023 Power List and Future List here

Future List Sponsor: BNY Mellon

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Holly O'Dea: A Scouse Scientist's Take on Dispelling Stereotypes

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Holly O'Dea, a.k.a The Scouse Scientist has had to overcome assumptions about who she is since she started her studies at University of Oxford over ten years ago. Since then she's used her northern charm to challenge the traditional perception of scientists and promote diversity in the field. She does this in part by sharing a candid insight into her life as a Clinical Scientist in the NHS.

In this episode, Holly talks about her passion for inspiring others to follow in her career footsteps, and reflects on the challenges she's faced in her personal life.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the topic of miscarriage, which may be emotionally triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know has experienced a loss, please take care and consider avoiding this episode.

Listen to learn:

Holly's personal journey as a Scouse scientist and how she came to be involved in breaking down stereotypes.
The challenges faced by scientists from diverse backgrounds and how they can overcome them.
The responsibility Holly feels to be the right role model for young women and girls
Holly's take on the state of the science industry for women from working class backgrounds
Maintaining a healthy work life balance in the pursuit of your career goals

#ScienceAndDiversity #BreakingStereotypes #ScouseScientist #InclusiveScience #DiversityInSTEM #ScienceCommunication #ScienceEducation

Connect with Holly here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Lorna Rogers: How to be the Incomplete Leader

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Lorna Rogers' business career spans 20 years and across several industries, from recruitment, to charity sector, and project management in global corporate cultures. Even with all of this experience, Lorna knows she isn’t the finished article, nor will she ever be. Her own leadership development has been anchored on this awareness and it has meant she can take action with the support of the diverse teams and eclectic network that she’s built, to whom she credits a lot of her success.

Listen to learn:

· How to effectively show up as yourself at work

· Lorna's role models in open-minded, progressive leadership

· How Lorna made her voice heard

· The places you can go to build your own, collaborative network

Find Lorna here

Find out more about Liverpool City Region Combined Authority here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Archie Kalyana - How to beat your 'gymtimidation'

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Two things have always played a huge part in Archie's life: Cricket and Bollywood. In this conversation with Simone Roche MBE they discuss how cricket "has the power to change lives" but they also discuss something that came to Archie in adulthood - a passion for lifting weights and the internal hurdles she overcame by getting into fitness. As well as that, Archie shares her inspiring career journey and how getting sacked was "one of the best things that happened" to her.

Listen to learn:

⚡Why cricket needs more women
⚡How fitness and weightlifting became a big part of Archie’s life
⚡How Archie overcame the feeling of intimidation in the gym
⚡️ Archie's career highlights from getting sacked to becoming the Diversity Producer for BBC Sport Cricket

Find Archie here.

Find out more about the series 1 Billion To One here.

Listen to Rina Sowler's episode here

Keep up to date on the latest news from Northern Power Women: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to use creativity as a tool for disability equality in the Arts

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 03:00:00 +0000

In January 2018, Blue Monday to be precise, something happened to Melissa Johns that made getting through the day even harder than for most. Naked photos, hacked from her iPhone, were leaked to national newspapers across the UK. What was most striking in the reports for Melissa, who was born without her right arm below the elbow, was the way her body was negatively depicted. Even more significantly, it wasn’t the first time she’d experienced it but it was the last time she’d let it define her, and has since written and toured the UK with her one-woman show, Snatched.

Outside of acting, Melissa uses her platform to advocate for disabled artists and works as Co-Creative Lead for Bafta Award-winning organisation, TripleC (co-founded with Cherylee Houston) - a collective of disabled and non-disabled creative individuals which runs projects breaking down the barriers for people with disabilities in the arts.

Listen to learn:

How drama positively impacts disabled youth
What TripleC does to further the opportunities of disabled artists
How Melissa turned what could have been a devastating experience into one of hope and change
What you can expect from Melissa’s new stage show, Snatched.

⚡Find Melissa here: https://www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/elevate/melissa-johns

⚡Learn more about TripleC here: https://triplec.org.uk/

⚡Listen to Cherylee Houston’s podcast episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-work-better-together/id1250023032?i=1000550260034

💡Keep up to date on the latest news from Northern Power Women: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook

💡Sign up to the Northern Power Women newsletter.

❗Do you work in HR, or ED&I? Find out how you can join our full programme of events on International Women’s Day 2023 here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Build A Career You're Proud Of

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Charmaine Connors who is the education and skills manager at Sharp Futures. Simone and Charmaine chat about personal and professional journeys.

Listen to learn:

⚡ The importance of soft skills
⚡ What makes a good leader
⚡ Her journey of self-acceptance
⚡️ Why role models are essential, especially to the younger generation

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Find a Balance in Your Personal and Professional Life

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 03:00:00 +0000

For the first 2023 Northern Power Women Podcast, Simone Roche MBE chats to Katherine Fairclough, who is the lead advisor to the Metro Mayor and has been appointed the first ever female Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Simone and Katherine chat about her career, work life balance, and mind maps.

Listen to learn:

⚡How Katherine has found being appointed the first ever female Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
⚡How she handles pressure and expectation
⚡How she finds a balance and manages her wellbeing
⚡️ How Katherine is her authentic self in a male-dominated environment

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The Wrap Up

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +0000

The Wrap Up

Simone Roche MBE chats to the owner and our producer of What Goes On Media, Sam Walker for the final podcast of the year! Simone and Sam reflect on 2022 and look ahead to what they want to focus on in 2023.

Listen to learn:

Listen to learn:
⚡Their favourite episodes of the year and what they learned from them
⚡Their 2023 goals
⚡All about gaining control of your imposter syndrome
⚡The importance of self-care

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Be More You

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to her wonderful WeArePower Team of 2022! Emma Mason, Leah Middleton, Carla Pearce, Olivia Matlock, Anna Davey and Lydia Wong all join the annual Christmas team podcast to reflect on the year and chat about the ways to ‘Be More You’.

Listen to learn:

Listen to learn:
⚡Our favourite episodes of the year and how we learned from them
⚡Our goals to ‘Be More You’ in 2023
⚡All about our newest team members, Carla and Olivia
⚡Who achieved a distinction in their Masters' dissertation!📖 (as well as who moonlights as a Christmas Elf in their spare time!🧝‍♀️)

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Champion For Change

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats with Crystal Hicks, Chair of Women In Social Housing North East (WISH) and Final NPWAward Winner 2022 for the Innovation Category. Together Simone and Crystal chat about WISH and the 2023 Wishfest festival.

Listen to learn:

The purpose behind WISH (Women In Social Housing) and what it does
What is Wishlist
The Importance of Male Allies
Advice for people wanting a purpose-driven career

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Make Sport More Inclusive

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +0000

How To Make Sport More Inclusive

Simone Roche MBE chats to Rugby League Player Jodie Cunningham representing Small Organisation winner Rugby Football League. Jodie is also a part of our 2022 Future List. Together Simone and Jodie chat about all things Rugby and making sport inclusive.

Listen to learn:

What Jodie’s role of National Women and Girls Development Manager for the RFL entails
Why at this years Rugby World Cup it was important to combine the Men’s, Women’s AND wheelchair tournaments into one mega tournament
How Jodie got into Women's Rugby Football League
How can young girls watching Rugby League see themselves on the pitch??

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Transform Tragedy Into Positive Change

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000

To find out Simone Roche MBE chats to Person with Purpose NPW Award Winner Alison Madgin.

Together Simone and Alison chat about Samantha's tragic attack and Alison’s purpose to tackle knife crime

Please be aware this episode contains descriptions of knife violence

Listen to learn:

Samantha’s story
How Alison is tackling knife crime
Why it is important to educate young people, so they do not go down the wrong path
What’s next for Samantha’s legacy

To find out more about Samantha's story and the work undertaken by Samantha's Legacy please visit their website

Sign up to our Power Platform to check our out events calendar here.

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Take Care Of Yourself And Others

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Mentor Of The Year NPW Award Winner Ali McGrath, Top Mentor on Sabbatical.

Together Simone and Ali chat about all things mentoring and knowing when to take care of yourself.

Listen to learn:

Ali's on Sabbatical journey and why she did it
Why mentoring has been such a big part of Ali's life
Why it is important to take care of yourself
How being diagnosed with ADHD lifted a weight off Ali's shoulder

Sign up to our Power Platform to check our out events calendar here. Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Support Those Around Us and Recognise When They Need It

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to One To Watch NPW Award Winner Debbie Rogers, Founder and CEO of Seans Place.

Together Simone and Debbie chat about all things NPW Awards and Debbie's journey as founder of Sean's Place.

Listen to learn:

How the devastating death of Debbie's brother Sean led her to set up Sean's Place
What Sean's Place does to help support others who are also living with grief
How Sean's place improves men's mental health and well-being across Sefton and Liverpool City Region
What is Debbie's goal for the future

Find out more about Sean's Place here. International Men's Day. Hub Of Hope app. Sign up to our Power Platform to check our out events calendar here. Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Just Do It

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to One to Watch NPW Award Commended Claudia Bartholomew founder of Claudia and Caitlin Build A School.

Together Simone and Claudia chat about all things NPW Awards and Claudias amazing work building a school in Ghana.

Listen to learn:

How Claudia remained motivated during the pandemic
How Claudia came to build a school in Ghana
About Claudias extended family
What's next on Claudias list of challenges

Check out Claudias Twitter page here. Sign up to our Power Platform to check our out events calendar here. Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Prevent the Exploitation of Young People to County Lines

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +0000

How To Prevent The Exploitation Of Young People To County Lines

Simone Roche MBE chats to Person With A Purpose NPW Award Commended Collette Devlin-Smith CEO of EDGE NorthEast.

Together Simone and Collette chat about all things NPW Awards and Collette’s work in preventing the exploitation of young people in the County Line.

Listen to learn:

Why Collette set up EDGE NE
What County Lines are and why they pose such a threat
About Collette’s success stories at EDGE NE
How Collette copes with situations that she hears about

Find out how you can get involved with EDGE NE here.

How To Take Control of Imposter Syndrome

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +0100

How To Give Your Imposter Syndrome A Telling Off

Simone Roche MBE chats to Transformational Leader NPW Award winner Steph Edusei Chief Executive Officer at St Oswald's Hospice.

Together Simone and Steph chat about all things NPW Awards and Steph’s passion for the involvement of public and patients and how she is a strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion. Listen to learn:

• What is Black All Year

• How you can get involved in Black All Year

• How Steph beats imposter syndrome

• About the positive impact winning Transformational Leader had on Steph

Check out Black All Year here.

Check out St Oswald's Ebay here.

Download this episode’s Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How Can Business Leaders Engage Young People

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Sharon Davies Chief Executive at Young Enterprise and commended Transformational Leader of NPWAwards 2022. Young Enterprise is a leading employability and financial education charity empowering young people across the UK.

Together Simone and Sharon chat about all things NPW Awards and Sharon's career at Young Enterprise.

Listen to learn:

What makes a great leader
How business leaders invest in and engage young people
About Young Enterprise celebrating 60 years of transforming young peoples futures

Check out Young Enterprise here.
Sign up to our Power Platform to check our out events calendar here.
Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Create a Tech Career for Everyone

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Arlene Bulfin representing ANS Group, who won the Medium Organisation Award at the Northern Power Women Awards 2022. ANS Group provide digital transformation services including public & private cloud, managed hosting, security solutions, applications, DevOps & data services. Together Simone and Arlene chat about all things NPW Awards and ANS Group's diverse working culture.

Listen to learn:

What employees at ANS do to help younger generations in their area
How ANS has and continues to build a diverse work culture
About Arlene's personal passion for getting young people into tech
What barriers exist for people who are looking for a career in tech

Check out ANS Academy here. Sign up to our Power Platform to make your NPW Awards Nominations here. Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Become A Disruptor For Good

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Nazir Afzal OBE. Nazir is the first ever winner of the Disruptor for Good Award which was created in honour of the late Jane Turner OBE DL. Nazir was Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England and formerly Director in London. He was Chief Executive of the country's Police & Crime Commissioners and most recently, National Adviser to the Welsh Government.

Together Simone and Nazir chat about all things NPW Awards and what makes a great leader. Listen to learn:

What the Disruptor For Good Award meant to Nazir
How you begin to be a disruptor
About Nazir's book 'Race To The Top' which has been called one of the most anticipated books of the year
How we can overcome structural racism as a society
Check out Nazir's book here

Sign up to our Power Platform to make your NPW Awards Nominations here. Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Accelerate Social Mobility & Celebrate Allies

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Karen Campbell-Williams and Jenn Barnet representing Grant Thornton who won the Large Organisation Award at the 2022 NPWAwards. Grant Thornton is one of the world's largest professional service networks of independent assurance, tax and advisory businesses with member firms in over 135 countries. The UK member firm, Grant Thornton UK LLP is one of the largest UK accounting and business advisers.

Together Simone, Karen and Jenn chat about all things NPW Awards and promoting social mobility.

Listen to learn:

What winning the NPW Large Organisation award meant to Karen, Jenn and the team at Grant Thornton
Why Social Mobility is close to Karen's heart
How Grant Thornton celebrate male allies
What's next for Grant Thornton

Check out Grant Thornton here.
Sign up to our Power Platform to make your NPW Awards Nominations here.
Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Drive Positive Change Through Personal Experience

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Laura Wood, Northern Power Women Agent of Change award winner 2022 and Co-Founder and Director of Invisible Creations, an organisation that specialises in designing products that support people to live well and independently in their homes for longer. Together Simone and Laura chat about all things NPW Awards and creating a business that helps others.
Listen to learn:

What advice Laura would give to somebody who was looking to join a Board
Why Invisible Creations was a personal journey for Laura
How Invisible Creations can help people's physical and mental health
What's next for Laura on her journey to do even more good

Check out Invisible Creations here.
Sign up to our Power Platform to make your NPW Awards Nominations here.
Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Demystify the World of Entrepreneurship

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Maggie Chen , co-founder of Girls in Charge who were named Commended for the Innovation Award at the 2022 NPWAwards back. Girls In Charge is an international social enterprise using gamification to help women build confidence and entrepreneurial skills. Together Simone and Maggie chat about all things NPW Awards and entrepreneurship.
Listen to learn:

What doors have been opened for Girls In Charge after the NPWAwards 2022
Why it is important to make entrepreneurial skills development fun
How to take the 'scariness' away from the word entrepreneur
How Maggie is making progress on her mission to upskill 1 million women by 2030

Check out Girls In Charge here.
Sign up to our Power Platform to make your NPW Awards Nominations here.
Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Ride Through Turbulent Times

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Liz Ashall-Payne, Northern Power Women Outstanding Entrepreneur Award Winner and co-founder and CEO of ORCHA, the world's leading provider of digital health accreditation and distribution services. Together Simone and Liz chat about all things NPW Awards and...
Listen to Learn:

What Liz has been up to since being named Outstanding Entrepreneur 2022 and the doors it has opened for her
How failure can be looked at as a positive thing
How to recognise the key skills and attributes when expanding a team
How to reflect on hard work as an entrepreneur locally and globally

Sign up to our Power Platform to make your NPW Awards Nominations here.
Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: NPW Awards Special - How to Use the Power of Your Platform

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Emma Mason, Office Manager at Northern Power Women has chosen this episode featuring NPW Awards Winners and their conversations around using their platform for good.

"In this #NPWAwards special, Simone Roche MBE chats to some of the winners and commended from last week's Northern Power Women Awards 2022, sponsored by EY. Together they reflect on what winning a Northern Power Women Award means to them, and discuss how they plan to use their platform for good.

Listen to hear from:

Mentor of the Year Winner: Ali McGrath
Person with Purpose Winner: Alison Madgin
Agent of Change Winner: Laura Wood
Agent of Change Commended: Dianne Richardson
One to Watch Winner: Debbie Rogers
Large Organisation Winner: Grant Thornton, represented by Jenn Barnett
Outstanding Entrepreneur Winner: Liz Ashall-Payne
Transformational Leader Winner: Steph Edusei
Transformational Leader Commended: Sharon Davies
Innovation Winner: Women In Social Housing, represented by Crystal Hicks
Innovation Commended: Girls In Charge, represented by Maggie Chen
Disruptor for Good Winner: Nazir Afzal OBE

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram"

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: How To Build Forward From Working At Home

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Rob Monks, Operation Director at Northern Power Women has chosen this episode featuring Ranjana Bell and their experience of working from home.

"My takeaway is that leaders need to create a safe space for employees to ask difficult questions about language bias, without the fear of reprisals. Honest challenging conversations take real commitment from leaders."

Simone Roche MBE chats to Director of RBA Equality and Diversity with nearly 40 years of experience Ranjana Bell MBE. She reflects on her experience and views on why working from home is better for employees and business and the opportunity for safe places for individuals in the workplace.

Listen to Learn

Why continuing to work from home benefits employees
How to build forward better in our new world
What are the things we can all do to improve the landscape of diversity and equality across businesses and organisations
What is Ranjana’s safe space platform

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: How To Prioritise Progress Over Perfection

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Leah Middleton, Social Media Assitant at Northern Power Women has chosen this episode featuring Ravinder Shawe and their advice on how to be fearless.

"Simone Roche MBE chats to Ravinder Shawe, Senior Legal Counsel for Siemens in Manchester, and 2022 Northern Power Women Power List-er. Together Simone and Ravinder talk about the role models that have empowered them throughout their lives and the power of harnessing a growth mindset.

Listen to Learn:

Why asking for advice is more valuable than asking for feedback
How to let your fearlessness out (and be more like Princess Leia!)
Why we need to continue to pay it forward as role models
How celebrating diversity in film & TV positively impacts everyone

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram."

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: How To Harness The Power of Perspective

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Lydia Wong, Social Media Assistant at Northern Power Women has chosen this episode featuring Dr Joanna Berry and their advice on mentoring.

Simone Roche MBE chats to Dr Joanna Berry, mentor extraordinaire and Associate Professor and Director of Durham Energy Institute at Durham University, as they spotlight the PoWEr of mentoring.

Listen to Learn

What 3 things make a successful mentoring relationship
How redirected confidence can be just as useful as boosted confidence
Why you can learn just as much from being a mentor
How Northern Power Women harness the PoWEr of community

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram"

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: How to Work Better Together

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Simone Roche, CEO and Founder of Northern Power Women has chosen this episode featuring Cherylee Houston MBE.

My biggest takeaway from Cherylee is not to build a ramp because I'm in a wheelchair but other people will benefit from it. This manifests wider when we make decisions on how we can make small adjustments to support wider accessibility.

"Simone Roche MBE chats to Cherylee Houston MBE, Coronation Street star and co-founder of TripleC, a collective which increases access to the arts for disabled performers. Together they discuss how we can start conversations around disability and access, and the power the media has in changing perceptions.

Listen to Learn

How to work with, not against people when it comes to education and change
Why everyone benefits from greater accessibility
How to be an intentional ally to disabled people
Why disability should be on your agenda from the get-go

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram"

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: How To Level The Playing Field

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Philly Strahan, Operations and Partnerships Manager at Northern Power Women has chosen this episode featuring Rina Sowler.

"Rina's passion for getting girls into cricket shines through and it is amazing to hear about the positive impacts this sport can have on everyone's lives."

"Simone Roche MBE chats to Rina Sowler, Asia Investment Manager at The Leith Planning Group, Mandarin Tutor and Cricket Coach, about the importance of support and sponsorship, as well as the PoWEr of sport.

Listen to Learn

How sport can develop leadership and teamwork skills, particularly in young women
Why your uniqueness is your superPoWEr
How everyone can do something to advocate for others
Why seeking support from your network and communities is so important to your growth

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram"

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites: How To Accelerate Change Together

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Alex Cousins, part of the Liverpool Power Circle, member of Northern Power Women Steering Board has chosen this episode featuring Afiya Amesu.

My top takeaway was Afiya's top tips on being a good ally. As a white woman you want to support but are sometimes too scared in case you are seen to be taking over the conversation so her tips are invaluable in getting over the fear of upsetting people rather than supporting people."

"Simone Roche MBE chats to Afiya Amesu, future barrister and co-founder of She Leads For Legacy all about the importance of bringing different voices to the table, spotlighting diverse talent and the power of collaboration.

Listen to learn

Why setting short, medium and long term goals enables us to break down barriers
How supporting black owned business is a great way to be an ally
Why we should all undertake reverse mentoring and unconscious bias training
How important listening is in addressing racial and gender diversity

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram"

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Team Favourites : How to Show Up & Break Barriers

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +0100

As part of our summer look-back, here at Northern Power Women we're each choosing the one episode that has had the most impact on us from the last year of the podcast. This week Aby Ndiaye, Northern Power Women Intern has chosen this episode featuring Barbara Bray MBE, she says:

I really admire Barbara's statement on the importance of visibility and how it plays a crucial role in our generation. I also admire Barbara's statement on the importance of visibility and how it plays a crucial role in our generation.

"Simone Roche MBE chats to Barbara Bray MBE, who has joined the NPW Power List of 2022 and is a PhD researcher in healthy ageing nutrition. Together they discuss the importance of visibility when it comes to breaking barriers and building relationships.

Listen to Learn

Why the future is in the hands of those who show up
How celebrating your own achievements encourages others to do the same
Why finding the right mentor for the right stage you're at is so important
How Barbara found the courage to set up her own business in 2014

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram"

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to PoWEr On, together: NPW 5th Birthday Special

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Sam Walker, award-winning broadcaster, podcaster and NPW co-host extraordinaire. Together Simone and Sam reflect on the last 5 years of the Northern Power Women Podcast and all they've achieved, and their plans for the future.

Listen to Learn:

How Simone's career journey led her to found Northern Power Women
Why Northern Power Women focuses on taking action and making real change
How you can get involved in the Northern Power Women community
Why you should nominate someone for the Northern Power Women Awards 2023

Book your place at our next PoWEr Up Networking Event for Early Careers.

Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Be Intentional In Creating A Diverse Workforce

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Leyla Tindall, Managing Director at Robert Half Executive Search. Together with Simone, Leyla talks about her career in recruitment where she is helping people with their personal and career development, discusses what organisations should consider when attracting and retaining emerging talent and how organisations can be intentional with their actions.

Listen to Learn:

How every day is a learning day when working in recruitment and what has kept Leyla motivated throughout her 20 years of experience
How clarity is the key for a company to attract and retain emerging talent
Leyla's thoughts on a 4 day week
How companies need to proactively take actions towards the goal of diversifying their board

Book your place at our next PoWEr Up Networking Event for Early Careers.

Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Increase The Visibility Of Black Owned Businesses & Prioritise Your Mental Health

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Monique Kufuor, Founder of BOBExpo, Senior Associate at Grasp International and 2022 Northern Power Women Future List-er. Together Simone and Monique talk about the importance of investing in ethnic minority small businesses and prioritising mental health.

Listen to Learn:

How to enjoy the 'now' and learn to celebrate your wins
Why Monique decided to set up BOBExpo
How you can support Black owned and female led businesses
Why we should encourage employers to look beyond the traditional cv route

Find out more about BOBExpo here.

Book your place at our next PoWEr Up Networking Event for Early Careers.

Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Use Your Moral Compass & Find Your Direction

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Lindsay Garvey-Jones, National Retail Manger at Holiday Extras, Chairwoman for AWTE, gender and equality champion, Co-Founder of Travel Talks Menopause, Certified Life Coach and 2022 Northern Power Women Power List-er. Together Simone and Lindsay talk about the importance of using your power for good to destroy the "dark side".

Listen to Learn:

How Lindsay has used her personal experiences to create platforms for those without a voice
Why it was 'love at first flight' between Lindsay and the travel industry
How we can all be active allies
Why leaders need to set the example when it comes to personal wellbeing

Check out the tool that Lindsay uses to gauge the wellbeing of her employees, Culture Amp.

Book your place at our next PoWEr Up Networking Event for Early Careers.

Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Create Real Change with Kindness

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Michelle Jones, North East Entrepreneur, Charity Worker & Volunteer, Founder of Kind Currency and Michelle Jones Weddings, and 2022 Northern Power Women Future List-er. Together Simone and Michelle talk about how we can all use kindness to create real change, in our local communities and across the world.

Listen to Learn:

How we can all pay kindness forward
Why you should stand up, use your voice and share your story
How Kind Currency is tackling climate change and poverty with kindness
Why jumping into fear not only propels yourself forward, but also drives change forward

Find out more about how you can support Kind Currency by visiting their website.

Book your place at our next PoWEr Up Networking Event for Early Careers.

Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Pin-Point your Purpose & Create your Culture

Mon, 30 May 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Faye Dyer, Managing Director of ACC Liverpool Group and 2022 Northern Power Women Power List-er, and Kerry Mulloy, Director of Events & Operations at ACC Liverpool Group. Together Simone, Faye and Kerry talk about how having a clear purpose brings alignment to your culture and allows your people to bring their best to their role.

Listen to Learn:

How to have the emotional maturity to acknowledge your own limits
Why you need to be continuously willing to grow and improve as a leader
How concrete culture and purpose enables you to get the best out of your team
Why the events and hospitality sector is such an incredible industry to work in

Book your place at our next PoWEr Up Networking Event for Early Careers.

Download this episode's Cheat Sheet here.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Embrace the Fear & Grab Life by the Handlebars

Mon, 23 May 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Hayley Bell, Innovation & Growth Consultant at Innovate UK EDGE, founder of Women Riders World Relay (the world's largest motorcycle relay performed entirely by women) and 2022 Northern Power Women Future List-er. Together Simone and Hayley talk about their shared passion for adventure, and how motorcycling has changed Hayley's life for the better.

Listen to Learn:

How to face your fears head on
Why feeling the fear and doing it anyway is always better than wondering "what if"
How breaking away from the "life funnel" might be the right decision for you
Why the right teams and support networks are essential to success

Take a look Hayley's feature in Bikers Club Magazine.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Make the Change: for your Career and your Body

Mon, 16 May 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Rebecca Hirst, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for EY UK, TEDx speaker and Founder of Glorious Wellness, working with senior leaders on health and wellbeing. Together Simone and Rebecca talk about using nutrition to meet your body's needs, and how practice can help you find and use your voice.

Listen to Learn:

How to get over your fear of interjecting and speaking up during meetings
Why you're already the perfect person to stand up and create representation for others
How to change culture from the inside out
Why it's not one headline for everyone when it comes to health, wellbeing and nutrition

Take a look at Rebecca's book recommendation, I Quit Sugar by Sarah Wilson. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Problem Solve with Tech and Tunes

Mon, 09 May 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Dr Penny Trayner, award winning paediatric clinical neuropsychologist, honorary lecturer in clinical health and psychology, creator of Goal Manager®, DJ and 2022 Northern Power Women Future List-er. Together Simone and Penny talk about Penny's background as a neuropsychologist, and how these skills and experiences have enabled her to develop her side-hustles.

Listen to Learn:

Why neurodiverse employees need to be considered as we redesign hybrid working
How Goal Manager® helps to coordinate and communicate accurate patient information
Why accountability is such a valuable part of the rehabilitation process
How BPM Rehab Ltd helps participants on their road to recovery

If you want to pay it forward and support the next generation of young professionals, sign up to our PoWEr Up Networking Event on Monday 16th May as a mentor.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Prioritise Progress over Perfection

Mon, 02 May 2022 03:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Ravinder Shawe, Senior Legal Counsel for Siemens in Manchester, and 2022 Northern Power Women Power List-er. Together Simone and Ravinder talk about the role models that have empowered them throughout their lives and the power of harnessing a growth mindset.

Listen to Learn:

Why asking for advice is more valuable than asking for feedback
How to let your fearlessness out (and be more like Princess Leia!)
Why we need to continue to pay it forward as role models
How celebrating diversity in film & TV positively impacts everyone

If you want to pay it forward and be that role model for the next generation of young professionals, sign up to our PoWEr Up Networking Event on Monday 16th May as a mentor.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Go with your Gut & Lead the Change

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:00:03 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Linzi Boyd, Founder of One Earth, best-selling author, global speaker and 2022 Northern Power Women Power List-er. Together Simone and Linzi discuss why purpose and brand are such vital tools for entrepreneurs.

Listen to Learn:

- Why it's so important to remember who you are and where you're going throughout your business journey

- How to harness the power of collaboration

- Why vocational learning is so valuable

- How to let your purpose, vision and determination lead you

For information on how to complete Linzi’s Find Your Formula Audit, click here. By the end of the audit you will have a very high-level overview of where your business is Today and where you would like it to move to for the Future.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Silence the Voice of Imposter Syndrome

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:31 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Rachel Lee, who has joined the NPW Future List of 2022 and is the co-founder of Teleport London, which is a virtual reality travel company. Like the name suggests, the company literally teleports people to different locations around the world. Together Simone and Rachel share their top tips and advice for anyone who is starting their own business.

Listen to Learn:

Why having a strong support network is vital for innovation
How being a migrant founder can create invisible barriers when launching a start up
Why the metaverse is such an exciting place to be at the moment
How simply putting yourself out there on platforms like LinkedIn can benefit you and your business

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Find Your Own Path

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:00:34 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Michelle Barry, who has joined the NPW Power List of 2022 and is the Director of Product and Development at global cyber security expert NCC Group. Together they discuss the different definitions of success and progress, and how to see the value in a zigzagging career path.

Listen to Learn:

- Why tech is such an all-encompassing career opportunity

- How to identify your transferable skills during a career change

- Why Michelle loves working in cyber security

- How to pay it forward through mentoring and connecting the dots for others

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to turn Pressure into Passion

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Ann Cairns, who has joined the NPW Power List of 2022 and is the Executive Vice-Chair at Mastercard, global chair of the 30% Club and the chair of the Financial Alliance for Women. Together they discuss how we can accelerate the talent pipeline for young women in the financial industry.

Listen to Learn:

-Why we need to pay attention when it comes to eliminating bias

- How Financial Alliance for Women is combating gender inequalities in finance

- Why Ann loves the North so much

- How male allies make a real difference to furthering gender equality

If you want to expand your network and PoWEr Up your early career, sign up to our PoWEr UP networking session on Tuesday 26th of April.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Northern Power Women Awards Winners Special: How to Use the PoWEr of Your Platform

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:00:01 +0100

In this #NPWAwards special, Simone Roche MBE chats to some of the winners and commended from last week's Northern Power Women Awards 2022, sponsored by EY. Together they reflect on what winning a Northern Power Women Award means to them, and discuss how they plan to use their platform for good.

Listen to hear from:

Mentor of the Year Winner: Ali McGrath
Person with Purpose Winner: Alison Madgin
Agent of Change Winner: Laura Wood
Agent of Change Commended: Dianne Richardson
One to Watch Winner: Debbie Rogers
Large Organisation Winner: Grant Thornton, represented by Jenn Barnett
Outstanding Entrepreneur Winner: Liz Ashall-Payne
Transformational Leader Winner: Steph Edusei
Transformational Leader Commended: Sharon Davies
Innovation Winner: Women In Social Housing, represented by Crystal Hicks
Innovation Commended: Girls In Charge, represented by Maggie Chen
Disruptor for Good Winner: Nazir Afzal OBE

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to be an Authentic Leader

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 03:00:21 +0000

On the day of the Northern Power Women Awards 2022, sponsored by EY!

Simone Roche MBE chats to Helen Tonks, who has joined the NPW Power List of 2022 and is the Managing Director of Hydraulics Online Ltd and InspiresMe Consulting Ltd. Together they discuss the importance of supporting the next generation and approaching leadership with authenticity.

Listen to Learn:

Why it’s alright not to have all the answers
How enabling young people at the start of their career can help your business to stay relevant
Why you can’t pour from an empty jug
Why working with others is such a source of inspiration

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Show Up & Break Barriers

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 03:00:10 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Barbara Bray MBE, who has joined the NPW Power List of 2022 and is a PhD researcher in healthy ageing nutrition. Together they discuss the importance of visibility when it comes to breaking barriers and building relationships.

Listen to Learn

-Why the future is in the hands of those who show up

-How celebrating your own achievements encourages others to do the same

-Why finding the right mentor for the right stage you're at is so important

-How Barbara found the courage to set up her own business in 2014

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Celebrate our Achievements on International Women's Day

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:00:26 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to the Northern Power Women team, as they take a moment to celebrate each other and their achievements ahead of International Women's Day 2022. Together they answer the questions:

-Who is your Super Person?

-What are you most proud of?

Listen to hear from:

Social Media Assistants, Leah Middleton, Olivia Catlow, & Lydia Wong
Partnerships & Operations Executive, Philly Strahan
Office Manager, Emma Mason
Operations Director & Northern Power Man, Rob Monks
Freelance Writer, Gina Buckle

Catch up on last week’s Harnessing the Power of Neurodiversity Webinar, in partnership with BNY Mellon, here

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Harness the Power of 'What Happens Next?'

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 03:00:35 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Kellie Rixon MBE FIH, Founder of Rixon Associates and Chair of the Institute of Hospitality. Together they discuss what you can do to change the cards you’ve been dealt, by harnessing the PoWEr of Kellie’s mantra: ‘What happens next?’

Listen to Learn

Why you should always be open to new lessons and challenges
How to realise the you’ve already got what it takes to succeed
Why you shouldn’t listen to those who say you can't
How to take control over your outlook

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to PoWEr through The Great Resignation

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 03:00:54 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Anu Kaura, Head of Legal of Malhotra Group PLC. Together they discuss embracing change in our work-life since the pandemic and how employers can retain their staff within (in other words) The Great Realisation.

Listen to Learn

The benefits of mentoring
How we can help build forward better
Why we need to embrace change and the opportunities that come along with it
Why caring for your employees is valuable

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to be Fearless

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 03:00:27 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Gloria Hyatt MBE, Liverpool’s first Black Head Teacher, and recipient of an MBE for services to education. Together they discuss the impact that amazing teachers can have on our lives, and the power of paying it forward.

Listen to Learn

Why it’s so important to build strong relationships
How to find the power in being yourself
Why you are already a role model to someone
How to be fearless, and not fearful, when it comes to creating real change

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Work Better Together

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 03:00:22 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Cherylee Houston MBE, Coronation Street star and co-founder of TripleC, a collective which increases access to the arts for disabled performers. Together they discuss how we can start conversations around disability and access, and the power the media has in changing perceptions.

Listen to Learn

How to work with, not against people when it comes to education and change
Why everyone benefits from greater accessibility
How to be an intentional ally to disabled people
Why disability should be on your agenda from the get-go

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Make Tech Diverse & Equal

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 03:00:20 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Annette Joseph MBE, CEO and Founder of Diverse & Equal, which equips adults from under-represented groups with the necessary skills for careers in tech. Together they discuss who belongs within the tech industry and how can we encourage more people to see themselves in a career in tech.

Listen to Learn

Why role models and representation are so important when trying new things
How Diverse & Equal works to make tech more accessible to all
How tech and creativity intersect
How organisations can contribute to solving social mobility issues and eliminate the glass ceiling for minority groups

Find out more about what Diverse & Equal do and how you can support them.

If you’re interested in finding out more about a career in tech, take a look at Diverse & Equal’s taster sessions.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to PoWEr Up your Network

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 03:00:13 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Tami Kuboye, Digital Project Manager at Barclays, and Laura Smethurst, Barclays Financial Assistance CIO, as they reflect on last week’s PoWEr Up Networking session and how networking harnesses the power of perception.

Listen to Learn

Why everyday is a learning day, regardless of your seniority or experience
How Barclays are dismantling preconceptions about careers in tech through their partnership with the PoWEr Collective
Why speaking to individuals from different sectors is so valuable
How networking can help you plot the route from where you are to where you want to be

Connect and network with incredible role models like Tami and Laura by creating a profile on our PoWEr Platform.

Want to create networking and mentoring opportunities for those at the start of their career like Barclays have? Get in touch with our partnerships executive about joining the PoWEr Collective atphilly@northernpowerwomen.com

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Use Tech for Good

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Catriona Campbell, Senior Partner, Global Advisor and UK&I Client Technology & Innovation Officer at EY, as they discuss technology for good, spotlighting the PoWEr of role models, empathy and authenticity.

Listen to Learn

How to find the time for yourself as well as others
Why the human element of technology is so valuable
How the Northern Power Women Awards, sponsored by EY, engender ambition across the North
Why EY’s new Neuro-Diverse Center of Excellence in Manchester sets the standard for inclusive workplaces

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Harness the PoWEr of Perspective

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Dr Joanna Berry, mentor extraordinaire and Associate Professor and Director of Durham Energy Institute at Durham University, as they spotlight the PoWEr of mentoring.

Listen to Learn

What 3 things make a successful mentoring relationship
How redirected confidence can be just as useful as boosted confidence
Why you can learn just as much from being a mentor
How Northern Power Women harness the PoWEr of community

If you’re ready to feel the benefits of mentoring and networking, sign up to our one-hour PoWEr Up Networking Event, in partnership with Barclays.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Set Achievable Goals

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Sam Walker, award-winning broadcaster, podcaster and NPW co-host extraordinaire, as they discuss their goals for 2022 and how they plan to achieve them.

Listen to Learn

How asking for an outsider's perspective can bring you closer to achieving your aims
Why you should invest in yourself in 2022
How to set concrete and measurable parameters around your goals
Why it’s important to be kind to yourself when it comes to setting targets

Get in touch on social media and share your 2022 goals with us!

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Reflect Back & PoWEr On

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +0000

In the final episode of 2021, Simone Roche MBE is joined by the team at NPW as they reflect on what they have achieved over the last year, as well as each sharing one thing that they have learnt that they will be carrying on into the new year.

Listen to Hear from our

Social Media Assistants, Leah Middleton, Olivia Catlow, Lydia Wong & Cam Barr
Partnerships & Operations Executive, Philly Strahan
Office Manager, Emma Mason Emma Mason
Operations Director & Northern Power Man, Rob Monks
Content Executive, Gina Buckle

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Crack On with Authenticity

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to the CEO of Young Enterprise, Sharon Davies, as they reflect on the last twelve months and what lessons they’ll be taking with them into 2022.

Listen to Learn

Why smart business means investing in and listening to your people
How opportunities and support are the keys to place based social mobility
Why we need to harness the diverse thinking of future talent
How Sharon is bringing financial education to the next generation

Find out how you can support Young Enterprise in their mission of helping young people everywhere succeed.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How To Build Forward From Working At Home

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Director of RBA Equality and Diversity with nearly 40 years of experience Ranjana Bell MBE. She reflects on her experience and views on why working from home is better for employees and business and the opportunity for safe places for individuals in the workplace.

Listen to Learn

Why continuing to work from home benefits employees
How to build forward better in our new world
What are the things we can all do to improve the landscape of diversity and equality across businesses and organisations
What is Ranjana’s safe space platform

Make sure to read our Levelling Up By Powering On Progress Report to see how the NPW community has levelled up:
https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/NPW-level-up-doc-Launch-Version.pdf

AND catch up with NPW Webinar 'Amplifying Voices Series' with Ranjana Bell MBE

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Level Up Together

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Alex Cousins, Founder and Managing Director at Alex Cousins Consulting and Non-Executive Director at ACC Liverpool, as they reflect together on how we have delivered on the 3 asks in our 2020 Levelling Up by Powering On Report.

Listen to Learn

Why Levelling Up is about people
How we’re going to get the nation mentoring
Why you are already a mentor
Why we’re writing to Michael Gove with the answer to Levelling Up

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Level the Playing Field

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Rina Sowler, Asia Investment Manager at The Leith Planning Group, Mandarin Tutor and Cricket Coach, about the importance of support and sponsorship, as well as the PoWEr of sport.

Listen to Learn

How sport can develop leadership and teamwork skills, particularly in young women
Why your uniqueness is your superPoWEr
How everyone can do something to advocate for others
Why seeking support from your network and communities is so important to your growth

Help us measure how much the NPW community has levelled up over the past year by completing our quick Levelling Up survey, and join us at our Levelling Up Progress Report Briefing on 7th December.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Pay it Forward with Purpose

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Jan Brown, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Liverpool John Moores University about the PoWEr of mentoring and the real impact it can have on the confidence and careers of young people.

Listen to Learn

How mentoring can boost confidence and raise aspirations
Why mentoring relationships benefit mentors as well as mentees
How to be both passionate and purposeful
Why bringing every aspect of yourself to work is the way forward

Help us measure how much the NPW community has levelled up over the past year by completing our quick Levelling Up survey, and join us at our Levelling Up Progress Report Briefing on 7th December.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Use your PoWEr for Good

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Sharon Watson MBE, CEO and Principal at Northern School of Contemporary Dance about the importance of role models and investing in the arts.

Listen to Learn

How real role models can make a difference
Why having passion for what you do is essential to levelling up
How we can overcome barriers to careers in the arts
Why the North is full of opportunities in the dance industry

Help us measure how much the NPW community has levelled up over the past year by completing our quick Levelling Up survey.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Accelerate Change Together

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 02:35:23 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to Afiya Amesu, future barrister and co-founder of She Leads For Legacy all about the importance of bringing different voices to the table, spotlighting diverse talent and the power of collaboration.

Listen to learn

Why setting short, medium and long term goals enables us to break down barriers
How supporting black owned business is a great way to be an ally
Why we should all undertake reverse mentoring and unconscious bias training
How important listening is in addressing racial and gender diversity

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Get your Seat at the Table

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Simone Roche MBE chats to multiple non-executive and trustee role holder and founder of Ripple Effect Development Ltd Debbie Francis OBE about the importance of shouting about your achievements, as well as how you can find your seat at the tables where decisions are being made.

Listen to Learn

How to take those first steps towards claiming a seat at the table
What organisations and boards can do to increase their diversity
How to bring the ‘human factor’ to your confidence
How you can make valuable change by influencing from the bottom-up

Help us measure how much the NPW community has levelled up over the past year by completing our quick Levelling Up survey.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Speak Up and Be Heard

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Sam Walker, award-winning broadcaster, podcaster and NPW co-host extraordinaire all about finding your voice, taking the leap to say ‘yes’ and why we all need to #BeHeard

Listen to Learn

How important visibility is in the media and events industries
How speaking up is all our responsibilities and producers are not looking to trip you up
Why asking the question ‘If not you, then who?’ can give you the confidence to say yes!
Why sharing your expertise and knowledge with the world means you are a role model

Sign up to be-heard.io to join the movement in levelling up the media and events industries and get your voice out there today!

Help us measure how much the NPW community has levelled up over the past year by completing our quick Levelling Up survey.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Talk about Money in Business

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone Roche MBE chats to Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE, Director of the Black United Representation Network (BURN), about the importance of paying up, knowing your value and not just expecting things for free in business!

Listen to learn:

Why women in particular shouldn’t be afraid to talk about money
How everyone stands to gain from diverse and inclusive spaces
Why you should pay your female, black, asian and minority ethnic talent
How to set clear boundaries when it comes to the cost of your services

Help us measure how much the NPW community has levelled up over the past year by completing our quick Levelling Up survey.

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Why the NPWAwards is never just for one night with Jyoti Chhiba

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone chats to Jyoti Chhiba Deputy Head of Corporate Banking at HSBC all about her own role models growing up, the values that we can all live by and why the NPWAwards continues to celebrate role models long after the last trophy is collected!

Listen to Learn

How influential role models can be for us from a young age
How far a can-do attitude gets you and having a strong work ethic
How recognising role models can be so impactful
Why you should never underestimate your influence and using your power for good

The NPWAwards 2022 nominations are open until 18th October and are free to nominate!

Take a look at all of our awards categories here, and get nominating today!

The Northern Power Women Awards is for all sectors, levels and genders and most definitely never just for one night. We want to keep telling the amazing stories of people in and from the North who are doing inspiring and purposeful things and we can only do this with your nominations!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Northern Region MD of NPWAward winning Michael Page, Graham Lucas

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone chats to Graham Lucas all about how important it is to recognise that work on inclusion is never done and though we may be further on than 3 years ago, there is still a way to go!

Michael Page won the Large Organisation Award at NPWAwards 2020 for their commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace whilst demonstrating a forward thinking approach to recruitment, development and retention of talent.

Listen to Learn

Why committing to tangible actions publicly & internally can make a difference
How encouraging shared responsibility can empower people to bring ideas to the table and keep momentum going
Why collaborating externally, listening to ideas and implementing them can enable a pay-it-forward culture
Why diversity of thought & the team is always better for innovation, decision-making and of course profits!

The NPWAwards 2022 nominations are open until 18th October and are free to nominate!

Take a look at all of our awards categories here, and get nominating today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Future List & NPWAwards Longest standing Judge, Murryam Anwar

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone chats to Murryam Anwar, the longest standing judge of the NPWAwards all about her experience as a senior public policy professional and her passion for making real change.

Listen to Learn

How the NPWAwards nomination and judging process works
The importance of showcasing women of colour and being purposeful
How being nominated can change someone’s life
Why amplifying opportunities for people who may not usually access them is vital

The NPWAwards 2022 nominations are open until 18th October and are free to nominate here!

Take a look at all of our awards categories here, and get nominating today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

6 x Gold medallist, Special Olympian, Kiera Byland BEM: Judges Award winner

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone chats to Kiera Byland BEM all about how her work in the community is changing the lives of so many as well as reflecting on receiving the Judges Award at the fifth NPWAwards!

Listen to Learn

How to stay motivated through setting goals
The importance of taking a leap of faith
How to break down barriers and be a positive role model
What it’s like to win gold for your country!

The NPWAwards 2022 nominations are open 13th September - 18th October and are free to nominate!

Take a look at all of our awards categories here, and get nominating today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Dragon’s Den and Strictly’s Sara Davies MBE: Outstanding Entrepreneur Award

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone chats to Sara Davies MBE six months on since she won the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award and the NPWAwards 2020.

Listen to Learn

What makes a great entrepreneur
The importance of storytelling your product or service
How to exude confidence even when you don’t feel it
How to be memorable

The NPWAwards 2022 nominations are open until 18th October and are free to nominate here!

Take a look at all of our awards categories here, and get nominating today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to adopt self-belief & achieve your goals

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Irene Afful MSc all about drive, determination and self-belief as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people who have your back.

Listen to Learn…

How forming a network to share experiences and have a collective voice can make huge impact
How overcoming barriers only makes you more resilient
How to own your abilities and skills, give yourself praise and hold your ground
Why those in positions of privilege must learn from barriers faced by others and take responsibility to impact cultural and organisational change

Download the cheat sheet here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to go from passive to active Allyship

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Rishi Jain all about being an advocate and an agent of change and how we can all lift people up

Listen to Learn

Why men must be part of the gender equality conversation
Why putting people forward for opportunities is important
Why embedding advocates all across an organisation is vital to diversity
The importance of instilling a culture where people can debate, disrupt and innovate

Download the Cheat Sheet here!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to ace mentoring: for mentors and mentees

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Michelle Forward all about the power of mentoring and how it can transform your career, mindset and life.

Listen to Learn…

The impact that a mentor can have on your life and career
How mentoring can provide a safe space for frustrations and hurdles
How to reach out to a mentor: what are your goals, questions or needs
How to set boundaries in a mentoring relationship

Download the cheat sheet here!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Level Up & Grab Opportunities

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Louise Beardmore all about overcoming challenges (or ‘gifts’ as she called them) and seizing opportunity

Listen to learn….

How applying self-belief can help you achieve your goals
Why you should focus on the things you can change
Why a team’s strengths lie in their differences not their similarities
The importance of supporting young people

Download the Cheat Sheet here!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to Champion the North

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Armoghan Mohammed all about his passion for the north

Listen to learn…

How to build a career in the North
What the future of work in the North looks like
The benefits of representing the communities you operate in
The opportunity for the North to lead the way

Download the Cheat Sheet here!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to build your profile and stand out

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Shelina Begum all about profile building and where to start

Listen to learn…

Why it is important to be your own cheerleader
How to go from a corporate job to a portfolio career
How important the act of listening can be
The importance of having confidence and conviction in what you are saying

Download the Power Up cheat sheet Summary

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

How to gain Board and Trustee positions

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone speaks to Maya Ellis all about what it takes to hold board and trustee positions

Listen to learn…

The difference between a trustee and a NED
The responsibilities required to be a board member
Why you should become a board member
How to start looking for a Board position

Download the Power Up cheat sheet Summary

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Make Levelling Up a reality

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Sam and Simone discuss the challenges facing employers in the hospitality industry and the need for investment in digital skills and devices.

Life Lessons this week are from Alveena Malik, CEO and Co-founder of One Million Mentors who talks about finding her purpose in life and sharing her vulnerable side with her team as a leader.

Get ready for our Power Up Season of the podcast coming to you on 26th July!

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard – register today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

In memory of Professor Jane Turner

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0100

A very special episode of the Northern Power Women podcast, in tribute to the incredible Professor Jane Turner; business leader, pioneer, and Pro-Vice chancellor of Teesside University.

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

It takes a village

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone gives an update on the latest Be Heard event in which Marnie Millard OBE shared her top tips on building confidence and stepping outside your comfort zone, the 30 minute event was recorded at UA92 in Manchester, you can catch up on the Be Heard You Tube channel .

Simone and Sam discuss an article about how the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority are speeding up the progress that’s being made in making the City of London more diverse and also a sneak preview of the forthcoming Power Up season of the NPW Podcast starting in 2 weeks!

Life Lessons this week are from Ameena Ahmed, serial Chief Exec who has worked across 3 sectors. Ameena has a passion about creating environments that encourage people to develop their greatest potential. She talks about being a practicing Buddhist and to never stop growing.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Take that slice of the cake and go for it!

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone talks about the success of last week’s Carousel Networking session (supported by BNY Mellon) and her guest appearance at a She Leads for Legacy event talking about how to be an effective ally.

Sam talks about the nerves of doing a 45-minute speaking gig in the autumn, and highly recommends a new podcast she’s been listening to called Your Black Friend.

Life Lessons this week are from Gillian Charlton, Serving Warrant Officer with the British Army. Gillian is also a cancer survivor and uses her experience to support others as an executive member of the Armed Forces Chronic Conditions and Disabilities in Defence Network. She speaks about the career changes she made within the army, as well as the importance of a psychological contract with an organisation.

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard – register today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

We've got our capes on

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Sam is back from NYC and is reflecting on how you can reset company culture with some jaw-dropping statistics.

Simone discusses KPMG’s recent policy of camera free Fridays and hints at the nexts developments of the Power Platform.

Life Lessons this week are from Michelle Partington, the first female frontline paramedic with the RAF Regiment and Invictus Games Competitor. She speaks about learning from those who make mistakes and don’t correct them as well as the importance of stating your achievements upfront on your CV.

Register for the next Be Heard event all about taking the next steps: Build your confidence & Grow your profile on 5th July

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard – register today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Be courageous, Be vulnerable

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0100

This week Simone is joined by Award winning founder of The Career Mum and Senior Manager at Accenture, Amanda Newman

Amanda talks about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and the value of openly discussing this with her family, team and employer. The NPW community are here to support and cheer Amanda on!

Life Lessons this week are from Jayoti Dutta-Genner, Associate Manager at Accenture’s Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) who talks about the importance of knowing you have tried your best and how to handle workplace bullying.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Amanda Newman

Sponsored by Be Heard – register today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

What’s new about leadership?

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone is buzzing from the latest Power Circle discussing the new traits of leadership research NPW are undertaking with Teesside University

Sam talks about setting boundaries in the freelance world and shares an interesting article on burnout

Life Lessons this week are from UK Global Talent Visa recipient & Coach, Founder Made With Glove, Michelle Hua, who talks the freedom of being an entrepreneur and the importance of being armed with knowledge when asking for a pay rise

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard – register today!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Travel Gods… come on!

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone shares how she got on wild camping in her Campervan with Northern Power Man and the kindness of people rallying around them.

Sam talks about the latest WhatsApp scam going around.

Life Lessons this week are from founder & CEO of Lingotot, Angela Sterling who talks about appearing on Dragon’s Den, rejecting the need to be super corporate and empowering over 50 women to establish their own Lingotot language business.

Have your say in our poll about leadership by voting here.

Get involved with virtual carousel networking in partnership with BNY Mellon on 30th June - register here.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Trains, Planes & Automobiles

Mon, 31 May 2021 04:00:00 +0100

In this week’s travel special episode Simone reflects on her trip to Manchester to meet up with real life Northern Power Women!

Sam flew to LA to reunite with old friends with just a slight bump in the road…

Life Lessons this week are from Anu Kaura, an experienced, professional In-House Lawyer and Head of Legal for Malhotra Group PLC. She talks about honing her leadership skills as well as encouraging everyone to step out of their comfort zone.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Live from Liverpool

Mon, 24 May 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone talks about her excitement about the NPW team coming together physically for the first time in over a year.

Sam celebrates her daughter’s first vaccine in Arizona and what is coming up for Be Heard…

Join us for the official launch of the Be Heard platform here for your one-way ticket out of your comfort zone.

Life Lessons this week are from the co-founder of InnovateHer, Chelsea Slater who talks about the practicalities of changing careers, giving presentations, and the strength in just being yourself!

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

To hug or not to hug?

Mon, 17 May 2021 04:00:00 +0100

On this week’s episode Simone is joined by Director of Comms Rebel and Co-founder of A Leader Like Me, Advita Patel.

Advita discusses her decision to set up her own business and reaching out to a mentor. She has created a powerful community to empower women and non-binary people of colour.

Simone wishes Sam a very Happy Birthday, as do all the NPW team!

This week’s Life Lessons are from Nafisa Shafiq, a Higher Education Communications Manager and founding member of A Leader Like Me. She explains how her goals, and dreams changed, and the importance in storytelling and understanding your audience.

Join us for the Official Be Heard Launch at 12:30pm on Monday, 24th May - register for the event here.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Advita Patel.

Sponsored by Be Heard

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

No scorpions in the Baltic Triangle

Mon, 10 May 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Sam talks about new hybrid working styles being embraced by many businesses as well as the changing role of the office as a space to collaborate.

Simone discusses that Blah feeling a lot of us are experiencing which is called ‘languishing’ - you can read more about it here

This week’s Life Lessons are from Partner and Solicitor-Advocate at BHP Law, Amanda Oluwapelumi Adeola who speaks about accepting that her best is enough and the importance of presenting from the heart.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Sponsored by Be Heard

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Badges, Be Heard & Business Cards

Mon, 03 May 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone is still buzzing after attending and speaking at the Good Business Festival and tells all about the first IRL event since the pandemic began!

Sam congratulates the Power Platform for being honoured for Best Community Website in the 25th Webby Awards - read more here

This week’s Life Lessons are from Chair of Women in Social Housing North East and Assistant Director at Your Homes Newcastle, Crystal Hicks who urges us to be brave as we step into the future and talks about the importance of bringing our whole selves to work as a passionate advocate for minority and under-represented group.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0100

This week Sam and Simone discuss zoom mishaps, the American vaccine roll out as well as the logistics of using a typewriter.

Simone will be at the Good Business Festival on Wednesday, 28th April - the first non-socially distanced event in the UK as part of the Government’s Event research programme.

Life Lessons are from Cynthia Ajayi, Media and Engagement Executive at The Women’s Organisation and freelance event host, podcaster and YouTuber. She talks about the importance of feeling valued and seen as well as how to prepare for a presentation.

A huge High-5 to Professor Jane Turner OBE who has launched The Power of Women campaign telling the stories of role models for young girls.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Northern Power Plumber

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0100

It’s Stress Awareness month and we put out a poll asking how often you felt stressed.

Simone explains the Stress Bucket visualisation technique which can help you think about your own wellbeing.

Sam discusses Mary Ibiyemi’s article about how having a ‘hard sounding’ name results in fewer job interviews for Black, Asian and Minority ethnic young people.

There was also a poll about WFH work compensation and you can find the results here.

Life Lessons this week are from Catherine Millan, Student Recruitment & Widening Participation Officer at The University of Manchester. She speaks about creating equal access and student success in Higher Education as well as confidently knowing your own worth.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Sourdough starters and jigsaws

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone shares some recent research from Accuracast, which suggests that Britons could have saved nearly £20k after one year of working from home.

Sam talks about work from home pods that have been rolled out in Japan and Singapore to help create some much-needed distance between work and home life.

Life Lessons this week are from Michelle Jones, Founder of Kind Currency CIC and Michelle Jones Weddings. She shares her top tips for overcoming rejection, learning to live with mum-guilt, and the importance of finding passion for your work.

We want to know what or who is your High-5! Let us know using #NPWHigh5 and we’ll share it on the podcast! @NorthPowerWomen

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons with brand new questions… email us podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Mr Blobby in a box

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Simone discusses the findings from the latest NPW poll and the amazing Power Circle in partnership with BNY Mellon discussing what the future of work looks like.

Sam talks about how work perks like gift packages are helping boost employee productivity with some rather extravagant examples!

Life Lessons this week are from Group CEO of Moneypenny, Joanna Swash who makes it a priority to walk away from meetings with no actions in order to make sure she can fully support her team and let them go innovate!

We want to know what or who is your High-5. Let us know using #NPWHigh5 and we’ll share it on the podcast! @NorthPowerWomen

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons with brand new questions… email us podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Give it a go & start somewhere

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0100

On this special edition podcast, we hear from all the amazing women involved in the Boost Lancashire Peer to Peer Network programme delivered by Simone Roche MBE (Northern Power Women), Alex Cousins (Alex Cousins Consulting) and Jane Dalton (Groundswell Innovation).

The cohort reflect on the advice, guidance and support they have received (and given!) over the last 6 months as they have seized opportunities and grown their businesses.

Uplifting, honest and open - you won’t want to miss this one!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Everyone’s on a learning journey

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0100

Sam and Simone reflect a year on from the first lockdown as the end is in sight!

Shout out to the Youthquake edition of the Northern Power Futures podcast to hear from future leaders on their traineeship programme

Life Lessons this week are from Jen Drabble, Director of Data in Financial Services who speaks about the importance of asking yourself ‘what did I learn?’ and reframing situations.

We want to know what or who is your High-5. Let us know using #NPWHigh5 and we’ll share it on the podcast!

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Failure is a part of success

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Season 3 of the podcast supported by the BeHeard Platform: Amplifying voices, unearthing talent and levelling up the media & events. Sign up here

Sam and Simone reflect on the record breaking NPWAwards last week reaching 25 million impressions on social media and rising! If you missed it, you can watch it back here.

The two discuss the caring responsibilities felt predominantly by women over lockdown and what might happen as restrictions lift.

With brand new questions Life Lessons this week are from Ngunan Adamu, producer, presenter, social entrepreneur and founder of iWoman Academy CIC. She speaks about feeling the fear and dispelling accepted 'rules' of business!

We introduce a new High 5 segment to the podcast and ask you to let us know who or what your high 5 of the week is on social media @NorthPowerWomen

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons with brand new questions... email us podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Northern Power Women Awards Special

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Straight after the NPWAwards, Sam spoke to all the winners, commended and judge’s award winners to find out how they were feeling and hear more about the good work they are doing.

Take a listen to hear from these truly amazing role models - sit back, relax and prepare to be awestruck!

Winners

Mentor of the Year – Zandra Moore, CEO, Panintelligence
Agent of Change – Michelle Hands, Engineer at Nut Job Ltd
Outstanding Entrepreneur - Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director at Crafter's Companion
Person with Purpose – Freema Chambers, CO and Founder of Community School Clothing Scheme
Innovation – Halo Project Charity
One to Watch – Joint Winners, Elicia Curtis, Director at The REIGN Collective CIC and Bianca Robinson, CEO at CEO Sleepout UK
Transformational Leader – Beckie Taylor, CEO at Tech Returners
Small Organisation – InnovateHer
Medium Organisation – Informed Solutions Ltd
Large Organisation – Page Group

Commended

Rachel Fitzsimmons – Mentor of the Year
The Women’s Organisation – Small Organisation
Louise Clarkson – Agent of Change
Dr Jun Zhang – Outstanding Entrepreneur
Flourish Together CIC - Innovation
Alison Fisher – Transformational Leader
Vicky Ringer – Person with Purpose

Judges’ Special Acknowledgement Awards

Sally Orange
Gina Martin
Electric Bazaar
Hema Radhakrishnan
Kiera Byland

You can watch the NPWAwards here and find out more about the winners here

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Happy International Women’s Day!

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +0000

In the 50th episode of this season’s NPW podcast we welcome our newest partner the British Army and the Force Atlantic team.

We launch our BeHeard Portal, all about encouraging better representation in the media & at events and ultimately to making sure your voice is heard. Sign up here to be heard!

We hear from just 5 of the amazing voices on NPWLive Talks - you can find more inspiring voices here.

Catherine Millan tells us about how a tragic event in Liverpool changed her outlook on life forever.

Jade Hanley shares what she has learnt from the challenges of cold-water swimming and translating this into her everyday life.

Cynthia Ajayi talks about how we can support women (just like you!) and remove historic gender barriers.

Amina Atiq, Yemeni-Scouse poet, treats us to some amazing spoken word poetry.

Dr Joanna Berry speaks about the different masks she wears and how she is learning to be her true self.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

It worked for Elizabeth Hurley

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +0000

The final countdown to the NPWAwards and NPWLive is on and you can still sign up to be a mentor here for carousel networking or mentoring

Watch the NPWLive Talks on 8th March at 12pm as we continue to amplify voices was part of our BeHeard Campaign

Sam talks about how the pandemic is like an extended maternity leave and getting excited about margarine

Simone discussed the importance of random acts of kindness and the success of Coffee and Connect in partnership with BNY Mellon

Continuing from last week, Sam & Simone discuss a recent survey on the topic of after-hours business communication.

Danie French, Responsible Business Advisor at Taylor Wessing and Future First advocate talks all things Princess Di and the importance of making mistakes

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Leave behind your fears!

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +0000

It is just 2 weeks until NPWLive and NPWAwards - and you can still get involved!

Simone discusses the pandemic of loneliness and stresses the importance of reaching out - whether through a call, a text or a letter it can mean the world. Just do it!

Sam talks about the etiquette of communicating out of office-hours and the power of a forgiving email footer.

NPWLive’s keynote conversation will be looking at what the new rules of work look like and you can register here to attend. Please also get in touch about what you think about the new rules of working by emailing us at connect@northernpowerwomen.com

Life Lessons this week are from trailblazer Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE FRSA, founder of the Black United Representation Network (BURN), Business Development Director of The Blair Project, CEO of Manchester Innovation Activities Hub and Director of Formula Girl Ltd. Her encouragement to be adaptable, go with the flow and embrace the unknown could not be more apt!

Book a cookalong for you team with Susie Flory - get in touch with susie@susieflory.com

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

I'm a big fan of The Gut

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +0000

With less than a month until NPWLive and the NPWAwards on 8th March there is still time to get involved!

You can use your voice by sending in a 3-minute NPWLive Talk using the theme of choose, challenge or change. Conversational, performance, poetry - we want to see them so email your video to connect@northernpowerwomen.com

Sam talks about a Harvard Business School study showing we are working longer hours than before the pandemic and her own difficulties in switching off when the office is only up the stairs!

Simone talks about the appointment of A&E doctor and Love Island alumni Dr Alex George as a youth mental health ambassador and the Army’s TimeToTalk campaign. The importance of role models as well as appropriate mental health infrastructure has never been more important.

This week’s Life Lessons are from Becki Smith, Commercial Sales Director at TalkTalk who knows the importance of trusting your instincts and passion.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Bring on the Spring!

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +0000

On this week’s episode Sam talks about how her first EVER mentoring session went and how it enabled her to look at the bigger picture, something she hasn’t done in a while!

Simone emphasises the power of mentoring, describing it as ‘you own personal Board’.

If you would like a mentor sign up to coffee break mentoring or the next 12 week mentoring programme on the Power Platform.

NPWLive is happening on 8th March and we want you to take part!

Sign up to early careers carousel networking to get advice or to impart your wisdom.

Don’t forget to send us your NPWLive Talks - a 3-minute video using the theme of choose, challenge or change.

Life Lessons this week are from Gemma McCall, CEO and Co-founder of tech-for-good business, Culture Shift who works to tackle harassment and bullying in the workplace whilst creating positive change in organisational cultures!

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Be more Irene!

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +0000

On this week’s episode Simone reflects on the success of Virtual Carousel Networking at LJMU and the importance of keeping connected.

Sam notes the rise in the number of businesses set up in 2020 compared to 2019, highlighting the spirit of entrepreneurship in the face of adversity.

A callout to listeners to use their voice and be heard by submitting 3-minute videos for NPWLive Talks to inspire, motivate, and amplify voices from the north. Fight the imposter syndrome and do it any way! Find the instructions here. Deadline: 22nd February

You can find out more about NPWLive here and register as an official supporter here.

This week’s Life Lessons are from Irene Afful, Founder & Director of Ametrine Coaching & Consultancy. and also the first ever black, female inspector in the history of Merseyside Police!

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Coming for the Chair

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:00:00 +0000

This week Sam and Simone discuss victories including Sam becoming a published author!! Read her book 'Coming Out Stories' born from her podcast with Emma Goswell, it’s available to buy now in “proper shops” as well as Sam’s driveway!

Last week we celebrated Mr President Biden and Madam Vice President Harris, what a woman! We loved the power purple outfits at the inauguration and Amanda Gorman’s powerful poem!

Superwoman Joeli Brearley is also discussed, founder of Pregnant then screwed who is fighting mothers’ battles when it comes to self-employment income support and maternity leave.

Join us for NPWLive on IWD, we are hosting carousel networking and mentoring. Send us your 3-minute videos, we will be streaming some on the day & creating an online directory. We also want to know who your favourite local female-led food/drink businesses are! Send your business suggestions and 3 min videos to connect@northernpowerwomen.com.

This week’s Life Lessons are from Chartered Marketer Mercè Cozens, who co-owns the Think Beyond marketing consultancy in Cheshire. Mercè offers some great quick fire life lessons, covering work/life balance, taking risks and networking!

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Picking the right Zoom calls

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 03:00:00 +0000

On this week’s episode Simone discusses the people who are checking in on the checkers following on from last week’s episode she received floods of support from her network!

Last week Simone led a webinar as part of the 12-week mentoring programme which was truly uplifting, and calls for a mentor for Sam as we find out she has never been mentored!

In a recent NPW poll about employers supporting mental health Sam and Simone found the results were quite surprising, bringing up some interesting conversations about nightmare landlords.

Sam talks about Stefan Thomas, a man who is a walking reminder to keep your passwords safe!!

This week’s Life Lessons are from Nutrition Coach, Jackie Wilkinson. She discusses being flexible with opportunities that come your way and how tackling imposter syndrome is a matter of confidence not competence.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Get your Crampons On

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 03:00:00 +0000

On this week’s episode Simone opens up about the pressures of running a small business and shows us there is strength in showing weakness.

Sam is on hand to stress the importance of not beating ourselves up over how we are coping and delves into our latest NPW twitter poll on what you are taking up in 2021.

You can sign up to NPF’s Carousel Networking on Monday, 25th January at 1pm, 2pm or 3pm and support 3rd year University students at such a critical time.

Join us for #NPWLive on International Women’s day and see how you and your organisation can get involved by heading over to www.northernpowerwomen.com/IWD-2021/

This week’s Life Lessons are from Lisa Maynard-Atem, Managing Director of the Black United Representation Network

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Virtually Together Part 2

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Sam and Simone are joined again this week by the NPW team who discuss what they will be taking up this year for the #TakeUp21 campaign, what will you be taking up?

This week’s Life Lessons are from our very own Simone Roche who urges you to say yes and work it out later, discusses the importance of building your network early and how having a mentor impacted her career!

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Virtually Together Part 1

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 03:00:00 +0000

In this week’s special festive episode, Simone and Sam are joined by the NPW team as they reflect on 2020. The team discuss what they have learnt about themselves during this year.

This week’s Life Lessons are by our very own Sam Walker, she opens up about a time she had to be resilient, the risks she took to be where she is now and why you should trust your gut.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Use Your Titles!

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:40:25 +0000

This week Sam and Simone wonder how on earth it’s only a few days to Christmas! This year has been the shortest and longest year in existence. Have you written your Christmas cards yet?

Adele recently got married to her wonderful fiancée Andy, a massive congratulations to the newlywed couple from the NPW family!

Simone discusses the NPW Awards extravaganza which will be held on Monday, 8th March 2021. This is also International Women’s Day and NPW want you to join in our celebration and collaborate on the chosen theme of #ChooseToChallenge. Email connect@northernpowerwomen.com to get involved in NPW’s IWD next year.

Sam talks about a poisonous column written in the Wall Street Journal about Dr Jill Biden. Recent research from the Mayo Clinic found that female medical doctors were significantly less likely to be introduced by their formal title when talking at academic medical conferences. We urge all women to use their titles, you’ve earned them!

This week’s life lessons come from

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Lists, Lists & More Lists

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 03:00:00 +0000

This week Sam and Simone discuss the success of the #NPWcheers twitter chat and the new date for the 2020 Northern Power Women Awards as well as how the NPWA will be different from any virtual awards you’ve been to yet, we all know NPW don’t do boring!

As Forbes release their list of the Most Powerful Women of 2020, Simone and Sam discuss what makes a great leader.

Simone and the NPW team have created a 2020 Spotify playlist, a collection of the NPW community’s songs that got them through this year, have a listen and lift your spirits!

And Google have shared the most searched words and phrases in 2020. How many can you guess? Sourdough and toilet roll anyone?!

This week’s Life Lessons come from freelance journalist and teacher Abigail Reid who talks about failure, resilience and refusing to be pigeon-holed.

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com

Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

The challenge of supporting local

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:00:00 +0000

This week Sam and Simone discuss the changing face of the high street in the UK, reminisce about meals out in Debenhams café and talk about the challenges of shopping local and supporting smaller businesses.

Please do support the wonderful Tiffany if you can! https://www.renesfashion.co.uk/

The #NPW poll this week was all about community and how connected we feel to those around us? Have you seen your community divide or pull together? We’d love to hear what your experiences are.

Please do come and join in with the #NPWCheers if you can! And if you’re mindful to share your wardrobe malfunction, after hearing Simone’s story – then get in touch with us using the email below!

This week’s Life Lessons come from Claire Gallery-Strong Head of Programme - Integrated Waste Management, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! podcast@northernpowerwomen.com