Leaders in Business – Details, episodes & analysis

In this heartfelt episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe sits down with Sarah Heward, founder of The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, a small village with a population of just 140. Sarah shares her incredible journey of transforming a derelict Little Chef into a thriving business in the remote Highlands. From her start in high-end London hospitality to facing personal tragedy and battling business challenges, Sarah’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to community.

We delve into the difficulties of recruiting and retaining talent in a rural location where secondary school children face a 100-mile daily commute, putting the remoteness of Tyndrum into stark perspective. Sarah shares her unique approach to building a strong workplace culture, her relentless focus on being the best employer in Scottish hospitality, and how her café became one of the top 30 best places to work in UK hospitality.

Through personal loss, overcoming betrayal, and weathering storms like the pandemic, Sarah’s story is not just about business survival but about fostering a community. She speaks candidly about her challenges with grief, addiction, and the role of community support in pulling her through.

This episode is an inspiring look into how resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose can turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. Sarah’s passion for her people, her community, and using business as a force for good is nothing short of contagious.

Join us as we explore the lessons Sarah has learned about leadership, building a team, and creating a lasting impact in the most unexpected of places. Whether you’re a business owner or an aspiring leader, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights.

In this engaging episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe sits down with Stephen Westwood, a businessman, consultant, trainer, and author, to explore his fascinating journey from financial director to business consultant. Stephen shares insights on the importance of leadership, people, and strategic decision-making in business, drawing from his extensive experience across multiple industries.

Together, they dive into the highs and lows of Stephen’s career, the critical role of teamwork, and the lessons learned through both successes and failures. Stephen reflects on the value of mentorship, the necessity of having the right people in the right roles, and the importance of fostering strong relationships. He also touches on his passion for teaching, his love for sport, and how these experiences have shaped his leadership style.

This episode offers practical takeaways on leadership, motivation, and the significance of lifelong learning. Whether you’re an established leader or just starting your business journey, Stephen’s wisdom and humour will inspire and guide you.

Key Themes:

• The importance of people in driving business success

• Learning from both victories and setbacks in leadership

• The role of mentorship and delegation

• Maintaining motivation and fostering team spirit

• The value of continuous learning and teaching

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you reflecting on the true essence of leadership and the power of human connection in business.

Join Marlene Lowe on the "Leaders in Business" podcast as she explores the transformative world of charity and social impact with Elaine Crichton, a seasoned fund manager turned philanthropic leader at Inspiring Scotland. In this enlightening episode, Elaine shares her unique journey from the high-stakes world of financial fund management to spearheading innovative charity initiatives. Discover how Inspiring Scotland harnesses the power of professional volunteering to address diverse disadvantages across the country, providing strategic support to over 700 charities. Elaine discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges and rewards of managing a vast volunteer network, and how strategic thinking and empathy can lead to significant social change. Tune in to learn about the crucial role of business acumen in running successful charities and how organizations like Inspiring Scotland are not just funding but actively shaping a better future.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

Join Marlene Lowe on "Leaders in Business" as she engages with Simon Hewitt, the transformative Principal of Dundee and Angus College. In this inspiring episode, Simon shares his unexpected journey from student to principal, illustrating the powerful role of education in driving societal change. Discover how Simon's innovative leadership style, rooted in openness and data-driven strategies, has navigated the college through challenges like budget cuts and cyber attacks, positioning it for a future of growth and influence. Whether discussing the importance of transparency in leadership or the potential of young leaders, Simon's passion for education and community impact shines through, offering valuable insights for educators and business leaders alike. Don't miss this deep dive into the philosophy that drives one of Scotland's most dynamic educational leaders.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

In this uplifting episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe delves into the remarkable journey of Enoch Adeyemi, from his beginnings in Lagos to becoming a pivotal figure in Scotland's professional and Black communities.

Enoch shares his passion for creating opportunities and fostering diversity through initiatives like Black Professionals Scotland and Black Scottish Adventurers. His story is a testament to the power of community, the importance of representation, and the impact of taking actionable steps toward inclusivity.

Join us for a conversation that explores the intersections of identity, career, and the great outdoors.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

In this compelling episode of Leaders in Business, Marlene Lowe engages with Laura Davidson, co-founder of Tag Digital, in a captivating dialogue that spans personal anecdotes, professional triumphs, and the visionary foresight driving Tag Digital's success.

Laura shares her journey from a diverse background into the heart of digital marketing, her passionate approach to leadership, work-life balance, and the innovative strategies propelling her company to the forefront of global event marketing.

Explore the fusion of ambition, technology, and human connection that defines Laura's entrepreneurial spirit.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

Join Marlene Lowe and Heather Pownall in an enlightening episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, featuring John Keogh, the heart behind The Ootsider.

Dive into Keogh's journey from retirement to revolutionising aid for the homeless with his innovative changing robes that double as sleeping bags. Discover how this unique initiative is not just offering warmth and protection but is also breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about homelessness.

This episode is a profound look at compassion, innovation, and the power of community support in making a tangible difference in the lives of those living on the streets.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

Dive into the transformative world of Gill Erskine, co-founder of WildStrong, in this energising episode of the Leaders in Business podcast.

Discover how Erskine's personal journey from outdoor play in childhood to addressing post-pregnancy body challenges led to the creation of WildStrong.

This movement seeks to reconnect people with the joy of outdoor activity through non-competitive, community-building exercises. Explore the challenges and triumphs of building a business rooted in sustainability, community, and the simple pleasure of movement, offering a fresh perspective on fitness and well-being.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

In this inspiring episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, host Marlene Lowe sits down with Michael Golding, CEO of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.

Golding shares his unconventional path from aspiring car designer to a prominent figure in Scottish tourism, illustrating the power of resilience, adaptability, and passion for local development. From personal trainer to leading Scottish tourism into a sustainable future, Golding's story is a testament to the impact of visionary leadership and the importance of embracing change.

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of driving Scotland's tourism industry forward, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable practices for a brighter future.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.

Join us in this captivating episode of the Leaders in Business Podcast as we welcome Brian Williamson, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in business management and development. Hosted by Marlene Lowe, founder of the Emerald Agency and chair for the Fife and Tayside branch, this episode delves deep into the essence of entrepreneurship and business acumen.

Brian takes us on a journey through his early entrepreneurial ventures, starting in his youth in Stirling, and evolves into a fascinating discussion about his career trajectory. From an aspiring PE teacher to an engineer sponsored through university, and eventually becoming a managing director at just 26, Brian's story is a testament to ambition and adaptability.

The episode explores various themes, including the challenges of entrepreneurship, the role of progression in business, and the impact of personal experiences on professional life. Brian candidly shares pivotal moments in his career, offering invaluable insights into the complexities of business operations, risk management, and the importance of people-centric leadership.

Brian's unique perspective on business as a passionate pursuit rather than a means to an end is both inspiring and enlightening. His reflections on personal growth, facing adversities, and the evolving nature of leadership are particularly resonant. This conversation is not just about business strategies; it's about the human experiences behind entrepreneurial success.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned businessperson, or simply intrigued by the dynamics of business and leadership, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge, experience, and inspiration. Tune in for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the multifaceted world of business and entrepreneurship through the lens of one of Scotland's experienced business leaders.

If you aspire to be a part of the IoD, visit www.iod.com for more information. Engage with us on X and connect on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode.

🎵 Music: 'Downtown Delight' and 'Cinematic Emotion' by Joystock.

🕴️ This podcast is managed by The Emerald Agency.