Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Inspiring Working Lives

What happens when the career you planned isn’t the career you end up having? 

Ian Pryce never expected to work in further education. After starting out in finance, his career took him into college leadership, where he spent 26 years as Principal and Chief Executive of Bedford College and later the Bedford College Group. 

In the final episode of Season 3 of Inspiring Working Lives, Ian looks back on the twists and turns that shaped his career, from his working-class upbringing and first-generation university experience to his journey into leadership. 

He also shares why education and social mobility have remained such important parts of his work, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Dan Taylor sits down with Megan Karnes, founder of HoardingUK, to explore the realities of hoarding, mental health and the power of turning lived experience into meaningful change.

Megan shares her journey from volunteering in the mental health sector to establishing HoardingUK from her living room, building a national organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by hoarding behaviours and challenging common misconceptions along the way.

Tune in to hear:
•  How a career in mental health led Megan to found HoardingUK
•  Why hoarding is about far more than clutter
•  The challenges of changing perceptions and reducing stigma
•  The importance of compassion, understanding and support
•  Lessons from building an organisation with purpose and impact

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Hayden Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Unlock, about building a social enterprise dedicated to helping young people access opportunities, develop confidence, and achieve their potential. 

Hayden shares how a youth programme inspired him to launch Unlock at just 16, the lessons he's learned leading a growing organisation, and why mentorship, social mobility, and real-world experience are so important for the next generation.

What does it really take to make sure someone’s voice is heard? 

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Dan Taylor sits down with John Wheeler, CEO of Advocacy for All, for a conversation about leadership, but more importantly, people. 

John talks through his journey in a very down-to-earth way — from growing up in the Cotswolds, to travelling, working in community roles, and slowly finding his way into advocacy and leadership without ever really having a straight plan. Along the way, he shares the moments that shaped him, the mistakes he’s learned from, and why curiosity has played such a big part in how he leads today. 

They also get into what advocacy really means in practice — supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, navigating complex systems, and why listening properly is often harder (and more important) than it sounds. 

At the heart of it, this is a conversation about trust, responsibility, and the idea that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about making space for other people’s voices. 

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with David Sollis, Chief Executive Officer of South East and Central Essex Mind, about community-led approaches to mental health and what effective leadership looks like in the charity sector. David shares his career journey across the public and third sector, including senior leadership roles in health, youth services, and mental health organisations. 

He also discusses the challenges facing mental health services today, and why stronger community connections are key to improving support and outcomes for people. Tune in to hear a thoughtful and practical conversation on mental health services, leadership, and the power of community to change lives.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal of The Sheffield College, about her journey from Vice Principal to CEO and what stepping into senior leadership in further education really involves. Angela reflects on moving into the CEO role without certainty, and the realities of leading a large FE college through periods of change, inspection, and organisational challenge. She shares honest insights into the early pressures of the role, building the right leadership team, and the importance of creating a strong, student-focused culture. She also discusses the wider value of further education, from transforming student confidence and opportunity to working closely with employers to prepare young people for the world of work.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Acorns Children’s Hospice, about his route into hospice leadership and what the role involves. Trevor discusses the realities of running a children’s hospice, including financial pressure, complex decision-making, and the responsibility that comes with leading a large care organisation. 

He also talks about children’s hospice care in practice, from supporting families to creating meaningful moments for children and their loved ones. A straightforward, honest conversation about leadership, care, and the impact of doing work that really matters.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Pablo Lloyd OBE, author, entrepreneur, and ethical business leader, to explore the true meaning of purpose in business. Pablo shares his journey from finance to education and social impact, and how personal experiences led him to write The Financial Times Guide to Business Ethics.

We unpack why ethics should be operational, not aspirational, how trust has become the most valuable currency in modern organisations, and real‑world examples of leaders putting purpose into practice. Whether you’re stepping into leadership, building a business, or thinking about the impact you want to make, this conversation will challenge how you think about success and responsibility.

📘 Purchase Pablo’s book today, The Financial Times Guide to Business Ethics: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Financial-Times-Guide-Business-Ethics/dp/1292752513

In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, we sit down with Mark Smith, who went from being one of Ada College’s first students to now shaping its programs as part of the staff team. Mark shares his journey of growth, resilience, and the full-circle moments that define his story. 

We talk about Ada’s growth from a single sixth form to a multi-region college, the challenges of tech education, and how Mark approaches leadership, social purpose, and turning ideas into real opportunities.

From navigating the responsibility of CEO leadership to challenging inequality in access to dyslexia diagnosis, Ellen Broomé shares the lessons that have shaped her journey. She reflects on resilience, strong networks and backing yourself — and why ensuring every child has the right support is essential to building a fairer future. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or someone curious about how to make a difference, this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and stories that show why diverse minds make a stronger world.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Anna Feuchtwang reflects on leading the National Children’s Bureau through challenge and change. From rebuilding a demoralised organisation to amplifying children’s voices and confronting rising inequality, she shares what it means to lead with clarity, courage and hope. It’s an honest conversation about systems change, imposter syndrome, and why great leadership is built on relationships.

 In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Janet Curtis-Broni, Group Chief People Officer at Elevare Civic Education Group, she shares how mentors, managers, and the teams she’s worked with helped uncover potential she didn’t even know she had, and how she’s now using that experience to shape organisational culture and support others. 

From mediation and coaching to guiding leaders through change, she shares the skills and approaches that make a real difference for people and organisations alike. 

Packed with practical advice and inspiring insights, this episode is perfect for anyone in HR—or anyone who wants to grow as a leader by putting people first.

In this episode, Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, shares her journey into leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to expanding opportunities for talent across the UK, she reflects on the people, values, and experiences that have shaped her career.

Geneviene talks openly about stepping out of her comfort zone, the importance of asking for support, and how resilience and determination can drive meaningful change.

The Isle of Wight may look idyllic, but for Ashley Whittaker, leadership in children’s services is about navigating complexity with purpose. He shares what it really takes to lead, adapt, and work within the realities of Island life and children’s services.

Along the way, Ashley also reflects on his career path, the skills required to lead and adapt, and how opening doors for young people can create lasting change in a community full of unique challenges.

From the classroom to the boardroom, Shelagh Legrave, Further Education Commissioner, has navigated education with vision, resilience, and a human touch. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and joys of leading in complex institutions, the value of listening and collaboration, and how investing in people can transform communities. 

Her story shows that leadership is less about authority and more about inspiring change and supporting others to thrive. 

From leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to leading Newham College London, Jamie Purser’ journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and the power of encouragement. In this episode, Jamie shares how a bricklaying job set him on a path to leadership, why authentic identity matters in senior roles, and how further education can transform lives. 

His story is a reminder that ambition and opportunity can come from unexpected places — and that anyone, with the right support, can achieve more than they imagined. 

 In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, Dan Taylor sits down with Angela Joyce, CEO of Capital City College, London’s largest further education provider. 

Angela shares her journey from teaching English to becoming the UK’s youngest female college CEO, leading with resilience, authenticity and a passion for helping others succeed. She reflects on her early ambitions, how sport shaped her mindset, the challenges of leading through Covid, and why she believes further education is one of the most powerful forces for change in the UK. 

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an educator, or simply someone who loves hearing stories of determination and impact, this episode offers insight, inspiration and practical advice on being courageous, staying authentic and always striving to be your best. 

 In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Julie Kapsalis, Principal and Chief Executive of North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot). Julie shares her journey in leadership and the experiences that shaped her approach to education. 

Throughout the conversation, the theme is clear: dream bigger. Julie talks about aiming high, taking on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, and creating opportunities for students and staff to grow. She reflects on the importance of building supportive, inclusive environments where people feel empowered to innovate and succeed. 

Whether you’re in further education or looking to grow as a leader, Julie’s insights show how curiosity, ambition, and persistence can help you make a real difference. 

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Gerry McDonald, Group Principal and Chief Executive Officer of New City College (NCC), to explore his journey of transformation, leadership, and organisational impact. From navigating complex college mergers to achieving outstanding Ofsted recognition, Gerry shares the challenges, lessons, and strategies that shaped his career. 

Gerry talks honestly about the importance of understanding problems properly before jumping to solutions, balancing day-to-day operations with big-picture thinking, and taking on projects that push you outside your comfort zone. He shares practical advice on mentorship, building support networks, and creating systems that help staff thrive while giving students the best possible opportunities. 

This conversation is full of insight and encouragement for anyone in FE—or anyone hoping to grow as a leader—showing how curiosity, persistence, and smart thinking can make a real difference. 

 In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Liz Bromley, Chief Executive of Newcastle College Group (NCG), to explore the pivotal role of education, mentorship, and opportunity in shaping careers. From her unexpected path from a Cheshire farm to Oxford, to leading one of the UK’s largest college groups, Liz shares the transformative moments and influential mentors who opened doors along the way. 

With honesty and humour, she reflects on resilience, leadership, and the importance of creating “parity of esteem” between further and higher education. Liz also reveals how she fosters a culture of growth at NCG, building pathways for the next generation of leaders. 

If you’re interested in leadership, social mobility, or the power of mentorship, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration. 

 In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, we sit down with Denise Brown, Group Chief Executive of South Essex College Group. From her childhood in a children’s home to leading one of the largest FE colleges in the country, Denise shares her remarkable journey of resilience, determination and the life-changing power of education. 

We explore how further education offers second chances, why lifelong learning matters more than ever, and the importance of mentors who help shape careers. Denise also reflects on the challenges facing the FE sector today, the need to raise its profile, and her responsibility to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. 

This conversation is both deeply personal and inspiring – a powerful reminder of how education can transform lives and communities.