Explore every episode of the podcast Spotlight On Podcast

James Hadley, Senior Partner at Bain & Company and current UK Managing Partner, shares insights from his nearly 30-year career on how corporate strategy functions are evolving to meet today's business challenges. 

Whether you are a corporate strategist, consultant, or executive navigating strategic decisions, this conversation offers invaluable perspective on how the practice of strategy is evolving, and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly complex business landscape.

In this episode of Spotlight On, TBP's Founder, Nicholas Barton, sits down with Carl Evander, OC&C's Global Head of Private Equity, who offers an insider's view off the back of a trip to Superreturn Berlin. Carl discusses how private equity is navigating today's tough economic climate, including rising interest rates and tech disruption.

Carl visits PE at a turning point, moving from a boom to a cautious period. Despite this, Carl also notes that long-term PE returns still beat public markets. He notes that firms must transform businesses, not just buy and hold, driving the rise of value creation teams and investment in sectors like energy transition and AI data centers.

He also provides a nuanced take on AI: great for productivity, but not a replacement for human judgment. Join this insightful conversation on PE's evolution in uncertain times.

In this episode of Spotlight On, we sit down with Bridget Walsh, EY's Global Head of Private Equity (PE), who takes us through PE's remarkable journey, drawing on her vast experience leading PE professionals across 45 countries.

Bridget reveals insights about the current state of private equity, highlighting that 78% of firms are holding assets beyond their typical investment horizons, creating what she describes as "a pent-up wall of exits" awaiting the reopening of IPO markets. We talk about the heightened focus on strategic exit preparation, with firms increasingly investing in data readiness, management team preparation, and clear exit roadmaps.

The conversation explores technological disruption, particularly Generative AI. Bridget presents a thought-provoking hypothesis on private equity's technology adoption, also talking about regional investment and vividly depicts the increasingly interconnected global capital ecosystem. Certainly not one to miss!

In this episode of Spotlight On, Nicholas Barton, Founder of The Barton Partnership, is joined by Hugh MacArthur, Chairman of Bain & Company's Global Private Equity Practice. 

We dive into the evolution of private equity from its humble beginnings to a trillion-dollar powerhouse, with Hugh's 30-year career at Bain providing unparalleled insights. Hugh also touches upon the surprising shift in value creation, moving from multiple expansions to operational excellence, and the rise of the Chief Transformation Officer.

 We also discuss how generative AI revolutionises deal sourcing, portfolio analysis, and internal operations. Plus, Hugh forecasts the future of private equity: consolidation, new wealth products, and even daily asset valuations. Tune in to understand how firms can craft winning talent, investment, and capital strategies in this rapidly changing landscape.

On this episode of Spotlight On, Elaine Bermudez sits down with Ari Labell, an independent consultant and strategic advisor to the consumer goods industry and former President of North America for Hain Celestial. Ari shares valuable insights from his illustrious career, revealing the essence of building authentic brands that resonate with consumers. 

We also discuss how forward-thinking brands can balance purpose and profitability,  strategies for enhancing supply chain resilience, and  how AI could revolutionise data usage in FMCG. 

In this episode of Spotlight On we are joined by Marco Van Kalleveen, CEO at DKV Mobility, who shares his transformative journey from consulting to leading DKV Mobility, offering insights into the dynamics between private equity investors and operational teams. Marco discusses the importance of purposeful leadership, M&A strategies, and the role of digitalisation and AI in driving business success while emphasising stakeholder engagement for sustainable growth.

• Marco's career path and motivations from McKinsey to CEO  
• The significance of building strong relationships with private equity investors  
• Evolution of operating teams within the private equity landscape  
• Insights for transitioning from consulting to operational roles  
• The role of purpose-driven leadership in organisational success  
• Strategic approaches to M&A and integration practices  
• The impact of digital transformation and AI on business growth  
• Aligning individual contributions with company objectives for enhanced engagement

In this episode of Spotlight On, Nicholas Barton sits down with Luke Jensen, Executive Chairman at Hana Group. Luke shares his extensive career journey, from banking to leading transformative roles in the global food industry and retail, including as CEO of Ocado Solutions and Group Director of Strategy at Sainsbury's.

Here, Luke reflects on his experiences driving innovation, particularly in grocery retail and technology, and the challenges of moving from strategy to operational leadership. Luke shares insights into the future of retail, highlighting the increasing role of AI, customer data, and personalised promotions in shaping the industry.

In this episode, Nicholas Barton sits down with Suvir Varma, Advisory Partner to Bain's Global Private Equity Business, to explore the evolving landscape of Private Equity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Here, Suvir shares insights on how AI is shaping private equity strategies, from deal sourcing to portfolio management. He highlights the increasing focus on sustainable investments, particularly in energy transition, and the emerging opportunities amidst China's economic slowdown. 

The conversation covers Japan's rise as a critical player in the PE market and the strategic importance of value creation in today's fragmented environment. Looking ahead, Suvir offers his optimistic view on what lies ahead for APAC private equity in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of Spotlight On, Alex Dyke sits down with Mike Essex, Senior Partner at Wipro, to discuss how effective leadership can thrive in the face of complex, global digital transformation challenges and the fast-evolving dynamics of today’s workforce.

Mike shares his experience leading digital transformation programs across global teams, emphasising adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience as essential qualities for modern leaders. He discusses the challenges of managing multi-generational and hybrid workforces, and the importance of balancing well-being with high performance.

The episode highlights Wipro’s AI-driven leadership development initiatives, showcasing how personalised upskilling and strategic talent investment foster innovation, enhance retention, and position leaders for long-term success.

https://www.wipro.com/

In this episode of Spotlight On, Josh White, Co-Founder & CEO of Cano Water discusses his mission to combat plastic pollution. Inspired by a trip to Thailand, Josh and his friends created a sustainable water brand using aluminium cans.

The discussion explores the rewards of building a business with a strong environmental focus and how Cano Water has sold over 40 million cans while staying true to its values. Josh highlights the importance of team building, mentorship, and setting boundaries in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, along with the resilience needed to navigate a competitive market. 

Here, Josh shares the transformative impact of setting boundaries and believing in your vision, and we hear how Cano Water navigates the complexities of balancing profit with purpose. 

In this episode, Emily Farrow sits down with Oliver Lang, former Management Consultant turned serial entrepreneur with special expertise in Insurance and Insurtech.

The discussion explores the transition from consulting to entrepreneurship, highlighting practical advice for leveraging consulting skills in a startup environment. Oliver shares insights on positioning businesses for private equity sales, stressing the importance of understanding the buyer's business model and maintaining stable, recurring income. He also discusses the value of engaging board members effectively and the critical role they play in business growth and strategy, advocating for a strategic approach to business growth and balancing immediate operational improvements with a long-term vision for sustainable success.

In this episode of Spotlight On, Michael Fritz welcomes Oliver Mitchell, Partner at ff Venture Capital, as he explores the future of deep tech and robotics. With his experience as a Founder and investor, Oliver discusses the shift in robotics towards a more sales-driven approach, along with the challenges startups face in 'pilot purgatory.' He discusses the resurgence of smart-manufacturing and how robotics are reshaping workforce dynamics. 

The conversation spans the impact of technology on society, touching on the potential of humanoids and the importance of cross-industry collaborations for progress.

In this episode of Spotlight On, Kaitlin Bedford sits down with Sviat Dulianinov, Bright Machines's Chief Strategy Officer. We dive into Sviat's career journey, from consulting with Bain to SPAR and now leading strategy at Bright Machines.

The conversation unpacks how Bright Machines transitioned from consumer products to pioneering AI infrastructure, revolutionising manufacturing processes. Sviat sheds light on the groundbreaking AI-based solutions that drive efficiency and quality in assembly lines, and the pivotal role of machine learning in optimising automation and quality control.

In this episode, Alex Dyke is joined by Christine Rupp, Managing Director of IBM for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, to discuss the pivotal role of female leadership in the era of AI. Here, they explore the strategic imperative for this leadership, highlighting the significant gap between the demand for women's leadership to counter gender bias and their representation in strategic AI-focussed roles. Christine shares insights into IBM's concerted efforts to bridge this gap, focusing on targeted upskilling programs and events to boost female leadership and participation.

The episode discusses effective strategies to enhance women's confidence in their AI leadership capabilities, underlining the importance of mentorship, role modeling, and allyship. Christine emphasises the critical need for ethical considerations, trust, and transparency in AI's development and implementation, in line with IBM's 5 Pillars and the EU AI Act.

https://www.ibm.com/

In this episode, Nicholas Barton, Founder & CEO of The Barton Partnership, is joined by Graham Elton, Partner in the London office of Bain & Company and Chairman of the EMEA Private Equity business. The discussion explores how cutting-edge AI technologies, including bespoke tools like Helix and Dialog AI, are revolutionising deal sourcing, due diligence, and knowledge management across the deal lifecycle.

The conversation delves into the growing imperative of ESG in shaping investment strategies, highlighting its ascension to a key component of value creation and risk management. Here, Graham emphasises the critical role of ESG in aligning private equity investments with broader societal and environmental objectives, marking a shift towards sustainable and responsible investing, whilst exploring the transformative trends shaping the future of the private equity industry. 

In this episode, The Barton Partnership's Dylan Rodwell is joined by Andrew Bud, Founder & CEO of iProov. Here, Andrew discusses the evolving landscape of biometric security, tracing his journey from the early days of the microprocessor revolution to the founding of iProov. 

The conversation highlights the significant strides iProov has made in biometric authentication, marking a shift from traditional signal processing to advanced AI-driven identity verification. Andrew also sheds light on the critical importance of robust biometric verification technology in protecting against identity theft.

In this episode of Spotlight On, Alex Dyke sits down with Dave McCann, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting Europe, Middle East and Africa & President, IBM Canada, to discuss the transformative effects of Generative AI across European enterprises.

The discussion emphasises the importance of integrating talent management with generative AI initiatives to gain a competitive advantage. McCann highlights how the value of AI extends well beyond technological advancements, enhancing customer experiences, operational efficiency, and security protocols. He underscores the importance of fostering a culture rooted in trust and transparency for the successful integration of AI, alongside ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards. McCann advocates for a strategic approach to AI investment, balancing immediate benefits with a long-term vision for sustainable growth and innovation.

https://www.ibm.com/

In this special International Women's Day episode of Spotlight On, The Barton Partnership’s Alex Dyke is joined by Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership and Professor of Politics at King's College London, and Nitesh Prakash, a Partner at Bain & Company and Race Equality Board Member for Business in the Community. Together, they delve into the transformative potential of shared parental leave, discussing its benefits for gender equality and its impact on workplace culture.

Here, Rosie highlights the importance of shared parental leave in promoting involved fatherhood and breaking gender stereotypes. Nitesh discusses its corporate advantages, from driving gender equity to talent retention, while acknowledging the challenges in implementation. The discussion explores the positive societal and organisational impacts of shared parental leave and offers advice for companies considering these policies, underscoring the importance of leadership support and a culture that celebrates gender equality. 

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Charlotte Pairé is joined by Managing Director and Partner at L.E.K. Consulting Sheila Shah.

Sheila shares her extensive career journey and her shift from finance into the med tech sector. She emphasises the importance of digital integration in the healthcare industry and the need for med tech companies to create supportive partnerships with healthcare providers. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Sheila elaborates on the importance of seeking mentorship, fostering a growth-orientated environment and overcoming imposter syndrome. 

In this episode, Nicholas Barton, Founder & CEO of The Barton Partnership, sits down with Ted Bililies, Global Head of Transformative Leadership practice at AlixPartners and author of the article 'Private Equity Needs a New Talent Strategy,' published in Harvard Business Review. An expert in leadership and organisation development, Ted discusses the evolving landscape of Private Equity, emphasising the increasing importance of leadership and talent management.

During the discussion, Ted delves into the challenges faced by the Private Equity sector in adapting to economic changes, examines the pivotal contribution of human capital partners in driving value creation, and addresses the critical role of culture in maintaining talent retention. Additionally, he offers valuable perspectives on succession planning and adapting to the shifting needs of today's diverse workforce. 

In this episode of our Women in Leadership podcast, The Barton Partnership’s Charlotte Pairé welcomes Katie McCarthy, Chief Innovation Officer at Halloran Consulting Group. 

Here, Katie discusses her extensive career in life sciences consulting, sharing her journey from clinical research to leading innovation at Halloran. She reflects on the critical experiences and challenges that have shaped her approach, emphasising the importance of adaptability and embracing change in the industry. The conversation delves into the role of disruptive innovation in clinical studies, the profound impact of mentorship on career development, and the significance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the life sciences sector.

In this episode, Kiran Rasoda, Director of The Barton Partnership's Transformation & Change practice, is joined by EOS Deal Advisory Founders Maggie Brereton and Ina Kjaer. 

Here, they delve into a number of critical topics, including the power of purposeful diversity and inclusion in shaping innovative solutions for clients, the significance of effective time management for maintaining a work-life balance, the importance of women supporting one another in the business world, and EOS Deal Advisory's ambitious mission to revolutionise their industry.

https://www.eos-dealadvisory.com/

In this episode, The Barton Partnership's Founder and CEO, Nicholas Barton, sits down with Dave Allen, Founder of Brandpie, an independent consultancy specialising in purpose-driven transformation. 

Here, he shares his career journey and experience working alongside Sir Martin Sorrell and emphasises the crucial role of corporate purpose and employee engagement, advocating for the seamless integration of purpose across all aspects of a business.

He also reflects on contemporary leadership challenges, underscoring the importance of adaptability in today's ever-evolving business landscape. Furthermore, he highlights the critical value of placing trust in your team as a catalyst for inspiration and increased employee engagement.

About Brandpie: Brandpie works with complex, multinational corporations, ambitious, fast-growth entrepreneurs and leading NGOs looking to build a purpose-led future. We work with every sector and have in-depth experience in healthcare, pharma, technology, financial services, consulting, professional services, energy, automotive, aerospace and engineering. 

Brandpie was named one of the Financial Times' leading Management Consultancies every year since 2018 and B2B Agency of the Year in North America by the Drum in 2019.

https://www.brandpie.com

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Ashley Gordon is joined by Managing Director, Practices and Impact at dss+, Melissa Barrett.

With extensive expertise in scientific research and sustainability consulting, Melissa shares her insights  into the essential role of leadership alignment and organisational readiness in embedding sustainability at the core of business operations. Here, she discusses the intricacies of decision-making and the growing complexities of sustainability expectations, highlighting the strategic steps leaders must take to navigate and overcome these challenges for a successful sustainable transformation.

 www.consultdss.com

In this episode, Mike Fritz, Private Equity Consultant at The Barton Partnership, is joined by Andrew Wesbecher, Global VP of Sales at Traceable. Here, they delve into the world of cybersecurity and the changing landscape of sales leadership. Andrew, a highly technical leader, provides valuable insights into navigating the ever-changing cybersecurity market, tailoring leadership approaches to diverse demographics, and the significance of addressing pressing customer pain points in building successful tech companies. 

In this episode,  Ben Glitherow, Director of The Barton Partnership's Public Sector Practice is joined by Lieutenant General (Retd) Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE. 

Here, they discuss adaptable leadership, change management, and the urgent need for a dedicated climate security centre. Richard emphasises integrating eco-conscious practices for competitive advantages and cost savings while navigating legacy structures and promoting sustainability-aligned financial benefits.

General Richard Nugee has earned international recognition for bringing the implications of Climate Change and Sustainability to the Defence and National Security sectors.  After a full operational career in the British Army, as his final role he wrote a Review of Defence's approach to Climate Change and Sustainability. He is now the Non-Executive Director for Climate Change and Net Zero for the Ministry of Defence.  He has expanded this policy interest into delivery, as the Chair, Director and Advisor of a number of renewable energy and environmental sustainability start-ups. He is CEO of a medical research charity, The Scar Free Foundation, Chair of the Royal NAAFI Board, Director of his own Strategic Advisory Company, a strategic advisor to a number of consultancies and organisations, including the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, Oxford University’s Climate Change (In)Security Project and a climate-focused venture capitalist group. 

In this episode, Harry Chamberlain (VP of The Barton Partnership’s US Private Equity Practice) is joined by Geza Garai, an experienced Chief Transformation Officer who has worked across multiple Private Equity owned portfolio companies. 

Here, they discuss the pivotal role of the CTO, spanning execution, navigating transformative challenges and fostering organisational values. Drawing from experiences during the pandemic, Geza underscores key CTO qualities – curiosity, resilience and adaptability. The conversation explores the versatility of the CTO role across industries and investment scenarios, sharing valuable insights into the multifaceted responsibilities of the Chief Transformation Officer in Private Equity. 

In the third episode of our Spotlight On Sustainability series, The Barton Partnership’s Ashley Gordon is joined by Simon Wong, Tutor & Advisory Board Member at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and is a thought leader on the topic of governance. 

From integrating net-zero KPIs in executive remuneration to the strategic utilisation of sustainability-linked bonds and internal carbon pricing, Simon underscores the critical steps required to achieve sustainability objectives. The conversation highlights the significance of transparent reporting and external validation, reinforcing the principles of accountability and credibility in the journey toward Net-Zero. 

Governance to keep net zero transitions on track:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7041723421084286976/

In this episode, The Barton Partnership's Simran Panesar is joined by Paula Cousins, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at The Weir Group PLC.

As Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at The Weir Group, Paula is responsible for ensuring the company meets its sustainability targets across the mining industry. Paula started her career in engineering after graduating from the University of Strathclyde; she has since moved into corporate strategy, working with McKinsey and BP before moving to The Weir Group 8 years ago, where she now leads the business’ sustainability strategy. 

Here, Paula elaborates on the importance of integrating sustainability initiatives into your business strategy, upholding trust and transparency in the workplace, and breaking down gender stereotypes in the engineering industry.

'Banking as it was, is gone. It's a digital world now and Banks need to play in it.'

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Matt Capon is joined by Simon Puckering, Integration Director at HSBC Life Singapore. 

Here they discuss the unstoppable trend towards digitisation and the crucial need to prioritise security and innovation to maintain a leading position in the constantly evolving digital banking industry.

In this episode, recorded on International Women's Day, The Barton Partnership's Victoria Montagu sits down with Martine Broeders, Vice President, ESG Office at Estée Lauder Companies. 

With an impressive career background in business strategy and transformation, Martine currently focuses on spearheading ESG endeavours with a particular emphasis on purpose and social impact. In this episode, she underscores the criticality of collaboration and relationship-building while highlighting the strategic significance of prioritising gender equality within an organisation.

In this episode, Senior Board Member Susan Hooper joins Imogen Seear, Head of Consumer EMEA at The Barton Partnership. 

Here, Susan shares insights on her multifaceted career as a board member of several high-performing companies. In recent years Susan has directed her focus towards the climate crisis, acting as ESG Lead on the board at Tangle Teezer and as Founding Director of Chapter Zero - an organisation that educates board members on leading meaningful conversations around Climate Change. Susan discusses the importance of providing an equitable and just work environment and leveraging your influence to drive positive impact and change.

In the second episode of our Spotlight on Sustainability podcast, The Barton Partnership's Ashley Gordon is joined by Eva Thorne, Partner at Xynteo. 

Starting her career in academia with a PHD in Political Science, Eva worked on development projects in the Americas before concentrating her efforts on roles within both public and private sectors, working to mitigate some of the world's most pressing socio-ecological risks. At Xynteo, Eva leverages her diverse background to advise businesses on sustainable growth that benefits both people and the planet. 

During this episode, Eva discusses the significance of collaboration and circularity in fostering sustainable business practices and the importance of offering purpose-led-work and opportunities to employees.

Innovation in business isn't just your product, it's how you recruit, it's the culture you have in your organisation. 

In this episode, The Barton Partnership's Founder and CEO, Nicholas Barton sits down with Will Butler-Adams, the CEO of Brompton Bicycle, to discuss the critical elements of successful leadership in a rapidly changing business world.

Having been with the company for two decades and serving as CEO for the last 14 years, Will draws on his extensive experience, sharing valuable insights on what it takes to lead with humility and passion, the importance of trusting and empowering your team, and Brompton's mission to redefine urban transportation. 

‘Women often don’t want to lean into a culture that isn’t human.’
 
In this episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership’s Kiran Rasoda is joined by Jean Oelwang, CEO & Founder of Virgin Unite. 
 
Virgin Unite is the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group that works in partnership with global organisations to find solutions to some of the world’s most complex issues. From human rights to criminal justice and climate action, Virgin Unite’s agenda is driven by the desire to create opportunities for a better world.
 
Here, Jean discussed the importance of establishing a work environment that values diversity. She emphasises the impact of purpose-driven work, collaboration and partnerships and creating a workspace that collectively celebrates success. 

In this episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership’s  Victoria Montagu is joined by ESG Leader and Private Equity Partner at e2p, Amy Silverstein.

Here, Amy reflects on her career journey and move into Private Equity after 20 years at Deloitte, how purpose and ESG have always been integrated into her career, and the importance of being curious, resilient and brave enough to question the status quo.

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Founder and CEO Nicholas Barton is joined by Greg Marsh, Founder & CEO of the cost-of-living tool Nous. 

Greg previously founded the accommodation marketplace onefinestay, which he sold in 2016, and is an experienced venture capital investor. Greg has also served on the board of several organisations, including Amnesty International, and teaches at Harvard Business School. Through a passion for driving social impact, Greg founded his newest business venture Nous.co, in 2021, a tool to help users navigate rising household bills in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. 

In this episode, Victoria Montagu (Executive Vice President of The Barton Partnership's North American Business) is joined by Honeywell's Amanda Copperthite (VP Global Head of Strategy) and Yashika Sharma (Global Strategic Planning Leader). 

Amanda and Yashika elaborate on Honeywell’s innovative sustainability initiatives. They emphasise the importance of being inquisitive and adaptable as they share the benefits of creating a diverse network and working collaboratively with organisations to make a lasting impact in the face of sustainability challenges.

In this episode, Imogen Seear, Head of The Barton Partnership’s EMEA Consumer Practice is joined by Joanne Bennett, Chief Business Officer at PizzaExpress. 

Prior to joining PizzaExpress, Joanne was the Group CFO at Hilding Anders Group. Before this, she was a Director of KKR Capstone, CFO of retailer Jacques Vert Group and worked in the Operations Group of TPG Capital.

Here she expands on her career journey, the importance of building a diverse and flexible working environment and leadership that exhibits credibility, trust and humility. 

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Thomas Rodwell is joined by Kieran West MBE. 

Currently Bupa Global and UK Strategy Director, Kieran was previously an Associate Partner at McKinsey. Before moving into Consulting, he had an international sporting career spanning 10+ years and is an Olympic Gold Medallist, winning the Rowing Men’s eights at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.  

Here, Kieran draws on some of the key parallels between sports and business, the importance of setting yourself up for success, pushing the boundaries, and developing a results-focused mindset.

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Ashley Gordon is joined by Andy Churr, the Global Sustainable Business Strategy Lead at Baringa. 

Here, Andy expands on his career journey in consulting, providing an insight into the systemic nature of sustainability, authentic approaches to ESG initiatives, and the importance of integrating sustainability into your core business values.

Putting people first. Creating impact that lasts.
https://www.baringa.com/en/join-us/

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Patrick Blakeney is joined by Abhay Jain, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at A+E Networks. Here, they discuss what the metaverse means for the media industry, how streaming services are adapting to the changing entertainment landscape, and what streaming might look like by 2030! 

In this episode, The Barton Partnership’s Founder and CEO Nicholas Barton is joined by Senior Advisor at McKinsey, Dennis Layton.

Dennis has had an extensive career in consultancy, working with McKinsey, Oliver Wyman and EY. Prior to this, Dennis spent seven years in the U.S Navy, before taking on a role within the Executive Office of the White House. 

In 2016 Dennis was listed in the Financial Times OUTstanding rankings of LGBTQ+ Executives. During his time at McKinsey he was the global Co-Leader of McKinsey’s Diversity Matters research initiative, and played a central role in McKinsey’s GLAM network, where he has been influential in ensuring both representation and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community within consulting. 

Here, he expands on his journey as only one of two openly gay male Partners in McKinsey’s London office and discusses the importance of providing LGBTQ+ employees with safety, support and the means to succeed.

'Understanding that a better world for women is a better world for all'.

In the twelfth episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership's Kiran Rasoda is joined by Angela Cretu, CEO of Avon.

Prior to her appointment as CEO in January 2020, Angela was General Manager of Avon Central Europe, where she led a mix of 19 mature and emerging countries.

In 2021 Angela was recognised as a Leader for Change in the Women's Empowerment category by INNOCOS and commended by Management Today as CEO of the Year. She also won Management Today's Champions of Change award, commended for driving the equality agenda globally and leading Avon in delivering real societal impact through its purpose programmes.

Here, she shares her career story, rising to the position of CEO at AVON and promoting inclusivity, humility and a purpose-led business model to improve the well-being of women worldwide. 

'The key to a successful team is the diversity of experience and thought'.

In the eleventh episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership’s  Simran Panesar is joined by Amy Ruddock. Amy is VP Europe and Middle East at Carbon Engineering, where her regional accountabilities include strategy, government affairs and business development. Prior to Carbon Engineering, Amy was VP of Corporate Development and Sustainability at Virgin Atlantic. Amy previously spent 10 years at BCG in the Consumer Practice Area, leading projects on topics ranging from strategy to transformation; operations to commercial, working across Europe and the USA.  

Here, she shares her career journey, the importance of introspection, the imperative of finding a positive work/life balance and the value of prioritising diversity of thought and experience. 

In the tenth episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership’s  Kiran Rasoda is joined by Sasha Watson, People Director at Moonpig. 

Sasha sits on the Group leadership team at Moonpig and is responsible for all HR/workplace and most recently has taken co-ownership of Sustainability. Prior to Moonpig, she worked with Cambridge technology company, Arm as VP, Employee Experience. Before joining ARM, Sasha was Head of Internal Communications in the retail business at Barclays Bank and previously Director of Internal and External Communications for Europe, Middle East & Africa at SAP. Other previous roles include corporate responsibility, internal and external communications for technology and financial services organisations including Dell, AXA UK, Canon, Panasonic, Apple and McAfee.

In the ninth episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership’s Founder and CEO Nicholas Barton is joined by Tanvi Davda. Tanvi is the co-founder and former Managing Partner of Saranac Partners. Tanvi has over 25 years of experience across Financial Services. Prior to starting Saranac Partners, she was Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Global Investment & Solutions division of Barclays Wealth and a member of the Barclays Wealth Operating Committee. 

She is a Trustee at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, her alma mater and was a Non-Executive Director for the Student Loans Company and a Board Member of Ofqual. 

Tanvi holds a Masters in Finance from the London Business School and a BSc in Chemistry from the University of London. 

In the eighth episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, The Barton Partnership’s Founder and CEO Nicholas Barton is joined by Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith - CBE, the life peer and President of the British Chambers of Commerce.  

Baroness McGregor-Smith was the former CEO of Mitie Group PLC, and the first Asian female Chief Executive of a FTSE 250 company. In 2012, she was awarded a CBE for services to business and promoting diversity. 

In the seventh episode of our Women in Leadership podcast series, Kiran Rasoda is joined by Kiran Sinharoy, Executive Director at IQ-EQ. Kiran was previously Head of Procurement and Business Change at Intertrust Group and has over ~15 years of experience in general management, value creation, management consulting, M&A integration, greenfield operations, and driving revenue growth.

In this episode, our Senior Consultant and Consumer Practice Lead Imogen Seear is joined by Anne Laure Renoux, former Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at SSP Group.  

Anne Laure began her career in Finance at L’Oréal before moving into Consulting at Bain & Company, then transitioning back into industry as Strategic Project Director at KFC France and Spain.    

Here, she shares her career story, reflecting on the shift from Consulting to industry, the benefits of employee empowerment, and the importance of being your authentic self.