Learie Gonsalves, the Director of Blackbird Property Surveyors, shares his journey armed with his one CSE in art to owning a successful property surveying firm for over 10 years. He shares the challenges of not seeing people like him in work, but talks about the role of great managers in helping you dream big. Hear about why running is so important to him now and why he runs to support Prostrate Cancer. Learie's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of balance in work and life.

Takeaways

• Resilience and determination in the face of challenges
• The importance of balance in work and life

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Blackbird Property Surveyors
• 10:03 Early Career Challenges
• 13:57 Setting Up a Business
• 29:49 Overcoming Challenges
• 40:03 Personal Journey and Health

If you are curious to connect with Learie I am sure he would love to hear from you via Linked In

If you are at a crossroads or feel that you need more control do reach out

FREE Resource - If you feel overwhelmed download Glee's 5 Step Guide to Leading Decisively.

Rate and Review the Podcast

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Renee Preston, doesn't just do nice chats - she wants change and she is happy to role her sleeves up and be a leading force in creating change. A reluctant CEO of Gallaway Construction, in this episode we dive into everything from representation of women on site, to mentoring and imposter syndrome.

It explores the importance of leadership, male allies, and support for women in construction, as well as the need for representation and change in the industry culture. Renee shares her personal journey, lessons learned, and her vision for the future of women in construction.

Takeaways

• Leadership in Construction
• Mentoring and Support for Women in Construction

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find even more support at Glee Coaching. I’m Barbra Carlisle, helping leaders who never expected to be in charge lead with clarity, confidence and impact. If you’re enjoying The Unlikely Executive, please follow, like and share the podcast -it helps more leaders find the tools and honesty they need.

And if you’re ready for deeper support, resources and ways to work with me, visit www.gleecoaching.co.uk - your next step in stronger, more courageous leadership starts there.

Reach Renee on LInked In (10) Renee Preston | LinkedIn and visit her website at Gallaway Construction - Building For Better

Access the National Site Standards Here The National Site Standard | Construction For Women

Sophie joined Little Village as CEO in February 2021 after spending over twenty years in the social sector including as the founding CEO of City Year UK, a charity enabling young people to tackle inequality through doing a year of voluntary service in schools and as Deputy CEO of the Private Equity Foundation (now Impetus-PEF).

Most recently she was Managing Director of Trustees Unlimited, a B-Corporation focused on strengthening and diversifying charity boards.

Sophie was the Chair of Trustees at Little Village from 2018 until September 2020 and was previously Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Generation Change, and a Trustee of the Royal Voluntary Service. She was awarded an MBE for services to charity in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours!

For more information, please visit:

LinkedIn: sophielivingstone

Website: https://littlevillagehq.org/

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at barbra@gleecoaching.com

If you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Trisha is the CE of CRASH, The UK’s construction industry charity supporting Adult Homelessness and Adult and Children’s hospices with vital construction projects. She joined CRASH on 1st May 2024 after 19 years in the hospice sector having held various management roles but most recently as Director of Business Development, Operations and Performance. Trisha has a wealth of experience across a vast number of business disciplines including Income generation, commissioning, governance, risk management and has the experience of two charity mergers. With a background and qualification in Finance she has the ability to understand and explain numbers to people at all levels.

Prior to working in the charitable sector Trisha worked in the corporate sector in varying management positions including Financial Controller.

For more information, please visit:

Crash Company Website: http://www.crash.org.uk/

Crash Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/CRASH-Charity-100084249190718/

Trisha Pickersgill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crash-charity/

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

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Michele Afif pivoted her career- From being a full-on consultant paediatrician with a Medical Law Masters, to being the CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity. 

What made her switch in mid-life? Hear how Michele is deeply committed to driving groundbreaking research and advocating for the brain tumour community. Her personal experience caring for children with brain tumours ignited a lifelong passion for improving outcomes and addressing inequalities in care. 

Michele joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey and vision for creating lasting change in this vital field.

For more information, you may find this via the links below:

Website- https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleafif/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/thebraintumourcharity

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thebraintumourcharity/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Jayne Hughes is the founder and driving force behind Amy and Friends, a UK based charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by Cockayne Syndrome and other DNA repair disorders.

Amy and Friends is inspired by Amy, Jayne’s daughter who courageously lived with the condition. Amy and Friends was formed in 2007 to provide desperately needed support, research and advocacy for families around the world navigating life with these rare, life-limiting conditions.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://www.harrogategroup.co.uk/

Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-wright-bb024516a/

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

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Tree joined Charity IT Leaders in March 2019 and was appointed as their first CEO in May 2020, bringing over 16 years’ experience of working in the charity and NFP sector as a fundraiser and marketer.

She is hugely proud of the work CITL does to support charities and NFPs to get the best outcomes from their investment in digital technology, to empower and enable current and emerging charity technology leaders, and increasingly, to advocate for and on behalf of the sector.

She is openly autistic and ADHD (AuDHD), and is passionate about supporting neurodivergence and inclusion in employment and increasing opportunities and accessibility in the workplace. Both her children are neurodivergent, and she is committed to making the world a more welcoming, accessible place that enables them and their peers to achieve their full potential.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Chelsea has dedicated her work to achieving gender equality within the tech sector. Her direct experiences of inequality within her previous roles inspired her to start InnovateHer, a social enterprise who are on a mission to get girls ready for the tech industry and the industry ready for girls. With her team, Chelsea plans for InnovateHer to become a pioneering industry-led STEAM education provider, inspiring teens to reach their potential and create a more inclusive future in tech, with a community of 1 million globally.

In other work, Chelsea has supported many organisations and government bodies on their digital strategies, as well as Inclusion, Social Enterprise, Digital Marketing, Brand and Business operations.

For more information, you may find this via the link below:

Organisation Website- https://www.innovateher.co.uk/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-slater-ab548131/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/innovateherUK/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/innovateheruk/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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All Nick ever wanted to do was to play football... he was half decent too, playing for Stockport County as a teenager. However, he didn't make the grade and moved through job roles and ending up being Head of Operations, a stressful full-on job.

This eventually took a toll on him, suffering a severe stroke in 2012. As a stroke survivor, Nick felt that there was a lack of support, information, guidance and HOPE for people like him, so he started a blog and set up a charity.

Driven by a passion to build a charity that employs stroke survivors, listen to Nick talk about motivation and challenges in this week's episode of The Unlikely Executive.

For more information, you may find this via the links below:

Website- https://www.strokeinformation.co.uk/home/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-clarke-%F0%9F%92%9A-a2b6371/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Jacqui Gavin BEM is an internationally recognised and award-winning leader in

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), celebrated for her transformative leadership across

both the public and private sectors. With a career marked by strategic roles in high

profile organisations, Jacqui has consistently delivered cultural change, advancing

inclusivity, equality, and wellbeing at all levels of business and government.

As an active author, Jacqui has recently focused her work on addressing one of

society’s most pressing challenges: finding a way out of the polarisation that

dominates today’s world. Her writings provide thought-provoking insights and

practical strategies for bridging divisions and fostering unity through empathy,

diplomacy, and collective progress. Alongside her authorship, Jacqui continues to

serve as a coach, trusted adviser, and judge for prestigious diversity awards such as

the Annual RIDI Awards.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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Marg Ollivier came back home to the North after carving a career out in HR and governance in London. She came back, to be closer to family, to be closer to her beloved Liverpool Football Club and to look for work.  

Six years later she is now CEO of Expect Ltd, whose mission is to help to deliver person-centred support to people with a disability, promoting and enabling their independent choice and integration into the community. A mission close to Marg’s heart. 

Did she plan this? No.

Find out how Marg became CEO and what she thinks about her success in the latest podcast of The Unlikely Executive. 

For more information, you may find this via the links below:

Website- https://expect.org.uk/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/marg-ollivier-20b228281/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ExpectLimited

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/expectltd/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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Tim Walder shares his journey in the aviation industry, emphasizing the importance of career purpose and emotional intelligence. He discusses career progression, leadership, mentorship, challenges, resilience, and retirement, highlighting the need for a sense of purpose in life after retirement.

Takeaways

• Career purpose
• Emotional intelligence

Chapters

• 00:00 Passion for Aviation
• 05:55 Leadership and Mentorship
• 24:29 Challenges and Resilience
• 30:12 Retirement and Purpose

For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://careerready.org.uk/

Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-spackman-3bb19a82/?originalSubdomain=uk

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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"This is a new journey that has taken me on a wild ride", just one of, Founder of Supersmith, Tom Morgan's reflections on trying to change the disability market. Tom started his career in automotive manufacturing, which in itself is an interesting tie back to what he finds himself doing today. Operational improvement and supply chain management gave Tom a breadth of skills and space to develop his naturally acute problem solving talents. In recent years Tom has worked with a global design and consultancy business, Arcadis, holding roles in the UK and the US. Tom left the safety and security of the large corporate to commit to his passion: creating a revolutionary new type of mobility scooter.

For more information, please visit:

Website- https://supersmith.co/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-morgan-online/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Leah Godfrey is a distinguished leader with 30 years of international commercial and community-building expertise across multiple sectors. As Chief Operating Officer of Neurodiverse Sport, founder of L2 Foundry and Alt Elle, and Head of Events and Campaigns at BAMREF, she leads transformative approaches in women's sports and organisational development.

Her strategic consulting spans diverse sectors, leveraging her ability to drive innovation across Fortune 100 and FTSE 100 companies, academic institutions, governmental bodies, sporting clubs and communities and non-profit organisations. Alongside her entrepreneurial focus she applies her industry-agnostic experience to empowering young female founders, demonstrating her commitment to holistic cross-sector transformation and systemic change. Beyond the game itself, it is her belief that the rise of female sports is a sociocultural revolution that can activate wider societal gender, racial and neurodiverse equity.

A multi-award-winning professional, she infuses commercial strategy with social impact, particularly in women's sports and extensive equality work. Her leadership transcends traditional boundaries, leveraging her neuro-spicy approach to challenge institutional paradigms and generate innovative solutions prioritising equality, sustainability, and holistic organisational growth.

For more information, you may find this via the link below:

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahagodfrey/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/youandmebothmate?igsh=c2xxZXUwcjFseDFv&utm_source=qr

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Mark is the founder and Director of Shared Assets, a community interest company that works with communities, landowners, researchers and activists to create a more just land system. He works to create a socially just future by supporting practical projects that build new relationships between people and the land.

For more information, please visit:

Shared Assets: https://linktr.ee/sharedassets?fbclid=IwY2xjawMdjzRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0b2hQSTQxNlhYOUd1a2NQAR55FCwVeShf2G1mI3CCZDUoFPX6tuxAhdRxdpLkfNp7dF4V-xvlAlS5vZQ8tQ_aem_vVwv0HKlMueEFqmxp6PV1g

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at barbra@gleecoaching.com

If you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released.

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Appointed as Chief Executive, Liz Mayes brings dynamic leadership and a forward-thinking perspective to Connect Northumberland. Her extensive experience in industry and regional development positions her well to drive the organisation's strategic vision. Liz's passion for diversity and equality of opportunity is set to elevate Connect Northumberland's impact, ensuring it continues to address the evolving needs of the county.

For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://www.connectnorthumberland.org/

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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A great job, a great life, a life partner. Then things changed. Hear how Natasha moved from one of the Big 4 Accountancy Consultancies into following her passion to help people and contribute to international equity. Now an experienced not for profit leader with a proven track record of ambitious strategic development and transformational change.

Passionately and ambitiously creating a more sustainable, people focussed world directly and through people whose lives she touches.

After an early career as an auditor, Natasha (she/her) moved into the charity sector to work towards a more sustainable people focused world. Twenty years on and she’s held a variety of Executive and Trustee roles in a range of mid-sized charities including Farm Africa, Forum for the Future, Transparency International UK, The Institute of Development Streets and most recently at Living Streets. She has not regretted the move for a single moment since.

For more information, please visit:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaclaytonnfp/?originalSubdomain=uk

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at barbra@gleecoaching.com

If you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Patrick Fox (he/him), youngest in the family, only one interested in art from a young age. He is Chief Executive and founding Director of Heart of Glass - a northwest based community arts organisation. He is a producer, commissioner and senior arts leader who supports artists to engage with communities of place/ interest to create contemporary work that reflects the politics of our times. He is former director of Create, Ireland’s national development agency for Collaborative Arts and the former Head of Collaborations and Engagement at FACT Liverpool, leading the acclaimed arts and older people project tenantspin as part of his portfolio.

Useful links:

https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-fox-707739333/

barbra@gleecoaching.com

www.gleecoaching.co.uk

(17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at barbra@gleecoaching.com

If you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Chief Arcadian. People Champion. Passionate about sustainable transformation and finding solutions to global challenges. Playing his part in helping to preserve the planet and improve quality of life.

Alan was born in Chester in the United Kingdom. He has lived and worked abroad in Asia, but home now is in Warrington, just over half an hour away from where he grew up. He’s married to Tracy and has four children – who are now (young) adults – and is a ‘retired’ amateur singer and lover of all kinds of music.

Alan was appointed Chief Executive Officer in May 2023, and leads Arcadis with a clear vision: to create a blueprint for a sustainable future. Under Alan’s leadership, Arcadis has positioned itself at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change, accelerate clean energy transition and build resilient, livable cities. Today he works with and leads more than 36,000 talented and gifted Arcadians in over 30 countries, all dedicated to improving quality of life.

For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://www.arcadis.com/en-gb

Guest's LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/alan-brookes-703a3114

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Eric is a man on a mission. Having lived in the UK since 2011 he has seen the effects of 'left behind towns' those places once celebrated now forgotten. An academic and a place maker Eric is committed to making universities and places better through research, engagement and teaching. Specialist knowledge in left-behind places, civic engagement, 'third mission', impact, and academia as a profession linked to a wider system of professions.

• Founder and editor-in-chief of the open-access journal, Civic Sociology, applying sociological insights within policy, higher education and public engagement contexts.
• Winner of the 2019 Bennett Prospect Policy Prize for proposal to 'move the knowledge economy' to left-behind regions.
• Currently researching relationships between different 'civic ecologies' - place-based systems of business, government, learning and other fields - and how to make these more socially generative.
• Established the social enterprise CivED CIC to pursue this work through business and policy engagement, including an exciting project to redevelop an historic arcade in Southport for hybrid working.

For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://www.arcade-project.com/

Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-lybeck/

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Along with his wife, Rob Lapsley set up Love, Jasmine in 2016 to provide peer support to families bereaved by the loss of a child. This was due to their own experiences following the loss of their daughter Jasmine who was just 6 years old when she died.

Before the loss of Jasmine, being a charity leader was the last thing on Rob’s to do list – in this podcast episode Rob shares his thoughts on the journey to being an authentic leader in a charity that is very personal to him.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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The conversation covers Kathleen Abbott's career journey, challenges in the construction industry, work-life balance, and societal impact in the construction sector. It also delves into the transition into a new role, starting a new job, and career planning. Kathleen shares insights on navigating career growth, expectations, and the importance of balancing work and personal life.

Takeaways

• Career journey and growth
• Balancing work and personal life

Chapters

• 00:00 Navigating Career Growth and Expectations
• 08:46 Early Career and Professional Development
• 15:16 Challenges and Progress in the Construction Industry
• 22:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 28:43 Supporting Societal Benefit in the Construction Sector

To find our more about Kathleen connect with her on Linked In

or visit www.shawmut.com

Barbra the host is an executive coach and experienced facilitator helping people navigate their own leadership journey with spirit and authenticity. To find our more email barbra@gleecoaching.com or www.gleecoaching.com

Sabiene didn't need to have left her financially rewarding job in Private Banking, and Financial Analysis: but she did. After spending time raising money on behalf of Huntingdon Disease charity she reflected on where she was at and what she could offer the world. This saw her leave her secure job and start to have a small role fundraising for Be Free Young Carers. Listen to the podcast to find out how she became CEO. What she brings to the role and what her challenges are. Maybe something in what she says will resonate for you. With at least 3 children in every classroom in Oxfordshire identified as young carers we need to do more to support and nurture their happiness and talent. Be Free Young Carers not only allows them a space to be children, but also equips them with life-changing skills such as first aid training, cookery, and mindfulness. The aim is to provide peace of mind and wellbeing skills to help them maintain a positive outlook on their lives and achieve in their education and future careers.

For more information, please visit: https://befreeyc.org.uk/

barbra@gleecoaching.com

www.gleecoaching.co.uk

(17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at barbra@gleecoaching.com

If you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Cohan follows his purpose with a very clear passion. A passion to increase diversity within the Tech sector.  Cohan had experienced the sector and knew that there was more diverse talent that could be tapped into to accelerate the tech sector as well as the careers of highly talented individuals. After being made redundant he bit the bullet and set up Equity in Tech, to support others to excel. 

In our latest podcast Cohan talks to us about how mental wellness impacted his decisions, and how, as a start-up, there are lots of arrows to be throwing all at the same time and in different directions! 

For more information, you may find this via the link below:

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohanleondaleyuk/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

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Alan Adams was told that he wouldn't amount to much by his teachers. He is now leading a charitable organisations that delivers the UK's largest flower show - Southport Flower Show every year, as well as managing one of the North West's premier outdoor event spaces - Victoria Park. Listen to him talk about his journey and what he thinks makes a good leader.

For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://southportflowershow.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthportFlowerShow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southportflowershow/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-adams-2a93068a/

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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Emma is radical - in the way she sees the world and the spirit she brings into what she does. With two start up organisations to lead, Emma is a strong story teller with a purpose.

The first organisation is Radical Recruit which is the UK's only charitable recruitment, CSR, ESG and Social Value partner for businesses that want to level the playing field for Radical people and communities. Founded by Emma and Jude (Em's mum) in October 2019, the Radical team has placed over 750 people who are furthest from the labour market ‘Super Radicals’ - into good jobs, that offer fair pay in exchange for meaningful work. B Radical, the second organisation helps businesses - big and small - to turn their diversity, Corporate Social Responsibility and 'Environmental Social and Governance' rhetoric into meaningful action by levelling the playing field for Radical people and communities.

For more information, please visit:

B-Radical Website: https://www.b-radical.co.uk/

Radical Recruit Website: https://radicalrecruit.co.uk/

barbra@gleecoaching.com

www.gleecoaching.co.uk

(17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at barbra@gleecoaching.com

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Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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With over 35 years of experience in Financial Services including Fintech, Pensions and Investment, Steve is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people maximise their retirement. He is the Managing Director of Pension Potential, a digital at-retirement guidance and advice solution that empowers members and employees to make informed decisions about their retirement. He is a regular writer and speaker on intergenerational working, retirement, and older worker business management issues, and has published several business books about intergenerational managment and inclusive culture. He is committed to developing an inclusive culture in the workplace, where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive and contribute.

For more information, please visit:

Company Website: https://www.puntersouthall.com/

Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbutler/?originalSubdomain=uk

barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean died in 2019. He wanted help, he wanted to get better. The type of support he needed didn't exist. There was nowhere men could go to to feel good about themselves. His sister Debbie, felt a fire in her to create change, so that men, like her brother, didn't take their own liives. Five years later, Debbie - who previously worked in school administration, has ensured that Sean's Place is a thriving mental health service for men. 

Debbie shares her leadership journey, and gives insight into how to be a leader in a new and growing non-profit organisation which supports over 400 people a week.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

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Matt Cliff is transforming lives by teaching vital living and mobility skills to people navigating sight loss. But this isn’t just about support—it’s about empowerment. As Director of Bradbury Fields, Matt has turned his own challenges into fuel, building a vibrant community hub where others with similar barriers can live boldly and confidently.

“If I’m honest, I didn’t want to be disabled. I didn’t want to live with sight loss. I didn’t want to try blind sports,” Matt shares.

Yet, through embracing the unpredictable nature of life, he’s carved out a path full of purpose and impact.

Tune in for a raw, inspiring, and unexpected journey—one that proves physical limitations don’t have to limit how loud, proud, and full your life can be.

Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. 

Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like if you start on the tools, literally sweeping the floors and doing the brews, to years later being the owner of the business?

Find out whether Colin McEllin, Operations Director and Coowner for Clan Contracting and co-owner of Smart Hire Tools always knew what he wanted or whether he worked hard, took opportunities and navigated his way to success.

He discusses the success of Clan Contracting, the challenges of a management buyout, and his leadership style. Colin's advice for newcomers emphasizes the value of training, education, and finding one's passion within the construction sector.

Takeaways

• Hard work and dedication
• Adapting to change
• Accepting you are the leader
• The desire to still be one of the lads
• The need to recognise change is needed
• The power of embracing the next generation in the workplace

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Business Overview
• 09:58 Clan Contracting and Smart Hire Tools
• 18:45 Management Buyout and Leadership Style
• 25:42 Self-Perception and Advice for Newcomers to Construction

Get in touch with Colin on Linked in (4) Colin McEllin MCIOB | LinkedIn

Find out more about Clan (4) Clan Contracting: Posts | LinkedIn or Clan Contracting | Leading structural repair specialist North West

If you want to know more about how Glee coaching can support your growth as a leader email barbra@gleecoaching.com and arrange a chat

FREE Resource - If you are a leader working under pressure download my free resource here 5 Steps to Leading Decisively Under Pressure

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you.

You can also connect with Barbra on Linked In (4) Barbra Carlisle FCIPD | LinkedIn

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In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle is joined by Nike Folayan, Technical Director at WSP and Chair of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE UK).

Nike shares her journey through engineering and leadership from an early fascination with how televisions work, through a PhD in antenna design, to leading a global technical team while navigating an industry that still struggles with gender and racial inclusion.

This conversation goes beyond career milestones. It explores belonging, burnout, boundaries, leadership pressure, and what it really takes to stay technically credible and human at the same time in male‑dominated sectors like construction, infrastructure, and engineering.

• What it’s like to build a senior technical career without being pushed into project management
• The hidden cost of being seen as “helpful” rather than “technical”
• Why clarity about what you want matters more than confidence
• How leadership expectations differ for women and especially women of colour
• The emotional reality of still feeling like you don’t belong after 20+ years
• Burnout warning signs, including what happens when your body says “no”
• Learning to say no without fear of missing out
• Returning to work after having a child and reassessing ambition, pace and legacy
• Nike’s leadership style: trust, accountability, and human connection
• How AFBE UK was founded and why representation, role models and transition support matter

• Technical excellence is a valid leadership path : you don’t have to abandon it to progress
• Belonging isn’t automatic, even at the top and that’s not a personal failure
• Burnout often arrives before you realise you’re struggling
• Boundaries are uncomfortable, but clarity builds trust
• Leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing what matters

Nike Folayan is a Technical Director at WSP, leading complex telecommunications projects and managing global technical competencies across the UK and India. She is also the Chair and co‑founder of AFBE UK, an organisation established in 2007 to support Black and minority ethnic engineers through outreach, mentoring, membership and corporate partnerships.

AFBE UK has supported over 30,000 beneficiaries and continues to bridge the gap between education and industry through advocacy, role modelling and professional development.

🔗 Connect with Nike on LinkedIn
🌐 Learn more about AFBE UK via their website

Barbra Carlisle is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer working across the construction, housing and engineering sectors.

If you’d like to explore working together:
👉 Book a clarity call or visit www.gleecoaching.co.uk

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