We Are PoWEr Podcast – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

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Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

lundi 3 novembre 2025 • Duration 23:52

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

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

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

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

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

Listen on audio platforms:

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

Watch on YouTube:

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Why Inclusivity Matters More Than Ever in Hiring

lundi 1 septembre 2025 • Duration 30:04

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

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

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

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

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Driving Change through Inclusive Leadership with Nikki Chance Thompson

Season 15 · Episode 13

lundi 4 décembre 2023 • Duration 23:09

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

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

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

Season 15 · Episode 12

lundi 27 novembre 2023 • Duration 20:33

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

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

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Leveling Up Leadership: A Conversation with Isobelle Panton

Season 15 · Episode 11

lundi 20 novembre 2023 • Duration 19:22

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

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

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

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

Season 15 · Episode 10

lundi 13 novembre 2023 • Duration 22:49

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

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

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Unveiling the Realities of Female Entrepreneurs with Zandra Moore

Season 15 · Episode 9

lundi 6 novembre 2023 • Duration 23:13

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

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Fostering Resilience and Inspiring Women in Business with Sam White

Season 15 · Episode 8

lundi 30 octobre 2023 • Duration 32:26

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

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

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

Season 15 · Episode 7

lundi 23 octobre 2023 • Duration 21:20

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

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

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