On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Emma Preston and Maxwell Crowson bring honesty, courage, and compassion to a conversation about what it truly means to belong at work and beyond. From shaping culture at Manchester Airports Group to turning policy into practice through Fly with Pride, Emma and Max show how small, consistent actions create workplaces where everyone can be their authentic selves.

You’ll hear:
 ➡️ Emma’s journey from surviving trauma to living authentically
 ➡️ Max’s perspective as an adoptive dad and how confidence at work and home impacts identity
 ➡️ Why inclusion isn’t about grand gestures, but the small signals that make a real difference
 ➡️ How Fly with Pride translates policy into everyday practice
 ➡️ The role of leaders in listening, learning, and making space for others to thrive

This episode is deeply human and inspiring, offering insights for leaders, colleagues, and anyone who wants to help workplaces move from promises of belonging to lived experiences of respect, safety, and authenticity.

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

LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means

Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People

Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action

 Watch on YouTube: 

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means

Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People 

Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

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

LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means

Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People

Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action

 Watch on YouTube: 

Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work

LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means

Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People 

Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

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.  💫

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

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.  💫

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.  💫

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.  💫

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 

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

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

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

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!

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Join us for a heart-to-heart with Lyndsay Geraghty, who recently won our 2023 Mentor of the Year Award, and is the Senior Early Careers Manager at the BBC. Lyndsay shares her inspiring journey, from uncovering her passion for mentorship, to spearheading an Early Careers programme and sculpting young talent in the North. 

Lyndsay discusses the wealth of young people with untapped talent in the UK and how we can create opportunities for them. She also tells us the powerful story of her own mentee, who is now a thriving mentor himself, underscoring the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth.

🎙the transformative power of mentorship
🎙how to recognise your own successes and how these can help others
🎙 ways you can be involved in mentoring
🎙that mentorship is a journey carved out by individual experiences 

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

#NPWPodcast #ListenNow #Podcast #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Are you ready to stretch your perspective on careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership? This week we're thrilled to bring you a conversation with Lee Chambers, founder of Essentialise and GB Entrepreneur of the Year 2021. Lee's diverse career journey is a lesson in adaptability.

Listen to Lee elaborate on his path, sharing the courage it takes to experiment and make bold transitions. Lee's journey is not only defined by his professional transitions but also his personal development. Through his work, he aims to challenge systems and societal norms, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Lee also reminds us that progress, rather than perfection, is key to making a meaningful impact.

Listen to Learn: 
🎙️The vital role of self-reflection in forging your own path
🎙️Lee's experiences through his diverse career journey 
🎙️The importance of listening to lived experiences 
🎙️How to be an effective male advocate 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Ever wondered what your role in gender equality might be? Listen to this week's podcast with Andy Coyne, IT Director at Barclays, to find out. Together, we're rewriting the narrative on gender equality, placing the spotlight on the critical role male allies play. 

Andy shares his insights on the need to champion diversity and how every individual can contribute. Embarking on this exciting journey towards true gender equality isn't a solo venture - it calls for a collective effort where every action counts. This episode emphasises how we can collectively challenge our biases, create opportunities, and foster an environment of inclusivity. Listening, understanding, and resonating with the lived experiences of others is key to driving this change. 

Listen to learn:
🎙 Why we need to advocate for gender equality in the workplace 
🎙 The vital role that allies play
🎙 The importance of listening to lived experiences
🎙How you can advocate for gender equality!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

The brilliant Adrian Jones joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing reflections on leadership, representation, and creating trusted spaces for people to thrive.

As Senior Director, Anglia & South Midlands Superstores at ASDA and a 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Advocate, Adrian looks after 31 stores and thousands of colleagues – but his focus goes far beyond retail. From mentoring female leaders to co-chairing the Women in ASDA network, he is committed to driving diversity, amplifying unheard voices, and building teams that perform by being truly inclusive.

Adrian shares why filling in his own award nomination was such a powerful moment, why listening before acting is the most underrated leadership skill, and how acknowledging the “quiet people in the room” can change outcomes for the better. He also opens up about family, sport, and the importance of helping his children – and the next generation – find confidence to stand up for what they believe in.

In this episode:

• Why the Northern PoWEr Women Awards matter to him
• Championing diversity and inclusion in leadership at ASDA
• How creating trusted spaces leads to real change
• The importance of spotting unconscious bias and acting on it
• Mentoring 5–10 female leaders every year
• Family life, rugby, motor racing, and the wine aisle as a metaphor for leadership
• What he hopes the world looks like for the next generation

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Prepare to have your perceptions of menopause challenged as we sit down with Heather Jackson, co-founder of Gen M and proud Disruptor for Good at the Northern Power Women Awards. We dive into the amazing work she's doing with Gen M, a platform empowering women to take charge of their menopause journey instead of feeling overlooked and underserved.  

Tune in to listen to Heather's powerful insights on how she’s flipping the script, encouraging brands to better serve this demographic, and ultimately, creating a safe space for women to make informed decisions about their health. This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone going through menopause, those who know someone who is, or simply those interested in creating a more inclusive society.

Listen to Learn:
🎙 The importance of shifting the media narrative surrounding menopause 
🎙 How to live life to the fullest in spite of societal pressures 
🎙 Heather's approach to winning business support for menopause-friendly products  
🎙 How to take charge of your own menopause journey

Listen now through the link in our bio 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Ever wanted to step outside your comfort zone and make a difference in society? You do not want to miss this episode. Join Simone Roche MBE as she chats with Lauren Rosegreen, a policy and influence manager at MAC, trustee of Greater Manchester Merge Charity, and a young professional juggling numerous roles, who believes in the power of an equal society.

Lauren's unconventional career path is a testament to her burning passion for social justice, and today, she invites us into her fascinating world. She shares the highs and lows of her journey, her unique coping mechanisms, and the rewarding experiences she's acquired in her numerous roles.

Listen to learn:
🎙 How to find your voice in intimidating spaces
🎙 The need for self-understanding 
🎙 Her experience  as the youngest trustee of Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity,
🎙 How she navigates life in her twenties and her perspective on current social issues

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Ever wondered what makes a leader truly inspiring? Tune into our enlightening conversation with Rosina Murdoch, a distinguished director at Deloitte, and recent recipient of the Large Organisation of the Year Award at the 2023 Northern Power Women Awards. We delve into the essence of effective leadership, focusing on the principle of the 'People Factor'. 

Rosina passionately talks about the importance of human connections, vulnerability, and empathy in the workplace. She candidly shares how prioritising family time has organically cultivated a greater sense of appreciation and understanding within her team.

Listen to learn:
🎙 How to transform toxic work cultures
🎙 The importance of human connections and empathy
🎙 Deloittes distinctive culture
🎙 The importance of human connections, vulnerability and empathy 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Who doesn't want to learn the inside secrets of building a high-performing team and navigating the challenges of diversity in the tech world? Buckle up, because Zoe Gill, Vice President for CGI UK Safeguarding and Identity subsector, is here to tell all. The secret to success is often found on the path less travelled - and Zoe is here to guide you.

With over two decades of experience spearheading initiatives in the technology industry, Zoe will give you a peek behind the curtain, revealing the trials and triumphs that come with fostering diversity, leadership, and top-tier team dynamics. Whether you've been in the industry for years or you're just starting out, you won't want to miss out on this enlightening discussion. 

Listen to learn: 
🎙 Zoe's experience with mentoring and the importance of role models
🎙 Trials and triumphs of fostering diversity 
🎙 How to build a high-performing team

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Have you ever wondered about the power of diversity and inclusion to create change? This episode has all the answers!

 Our phenomenal guest is none other than Rebecca Loy, the Diversity and Inclusion Partner at National Museums Liverpool. Rebecca's journey is brimming with resilience, from growing up in an encouraging environment to losing her sister to sickle cell disease, an experience that fuels her mission to make the disease curable. Join us, as she unveils her inspiring journey and how she uses adversity to empower and help people reach their potential.

We get a glimpse of Rebecca's role as a diversity and inclusion consultant and the shift she's noticed in people's attitudes over the years. She underscores the potency of language and the critical role of open hearts in embracing diversity. Hear about her future plans and how she aims to nurture a culture of acceptance. This episode is sure to leave you inspired, stirred, and armed with a fresh perspective on diversity and inclusion. Tune in and get ready to be transformed!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Martina opens up about the immense value of harnessing resilience as a shield against stress, anxiety, and depression, a lesson painstakingly learned in navigating her own life's volatility.

As a renowned cognitive behavior therapist, speaker, author, trainer, and health and wellbeing consultant, Martina's insights have been instrumental in promoting mental health and resilience. We navigate the tumultuous journey of her life marked by personal loss, and discover how she managed to build resilience amidst adversity. 

Martina brings her practical tips on mastering challenges and preparing to excel in public speaking. We take a deep look at the importance of maintaining connections in these times. Don't miss this enlightening exploration of professional and personal development. 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Maddie Birtwistle’s story is a powerful reminder to us all that taking risks and having confidence in our abilities can lead to unexpected places. Maddie, who is the Internal Communications Manager at the boohoo group,  explores her extraordinary career journey. From beginning in customer service to now being part of the legal department. She boldly breaks down the stigma around not having a university degree, proving that practical life skills and experience can lead to great success. 

Our conversation with Maddie is also a masterclass on overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Maddie pulls back the curtain on her own struggles, sharing how admiration from friends and guidance from managers helped fuel her success. She also touches on the crucial value of making a social impact, a key element of her role at boohoo. Join us as we engage in this empowering dialogue with Maddie Birtwistle, a true testament to the power of perseverance and a positive mindset.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Ever wondered how having a mentor can change your career trajectory? Sophia's experience answers that, highlighting the incredible value of mentorship.

The dynamic Sophia Iqbal joins us, sharing her fascinating journey through the tech industry, with all its victories and challenges. She's a beacon of resilience, having faced and surmounted many barriers common to early professionals, especially ethnically diverse women. 

Sophia's journey will inspire and motivate you, shedding light on the importance of challenging barriers and advocating for diversity in the professional world. So, are you ready for an enlightening and inspiring conversation?

Listen to learn:
🎙 The barriers that early professionals face
🎙 The pivotal moment of meeting her mentor
🎙 How to make the most of opportunities
🎙 The importance of advocating for diversity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Meet Gemma Sparks, the digital marketing executive who overcame obstacles and adversity to end up inspiring others in the realms of aviation. Drawn to the industry for its diversity and representation, Gemma's journey is one of resilience, hard work, and the impactful role of strong role models.

Join us as Gemma transports us through her experience with the Fantasy Wings program, a pioneering initiative designed to introduce aviation to black and ethnic minority individuals and women. Recounting her transition from being labelled 'too quiet' to co-hosting a climate change conference, Gemma exemplifies true tenacity and determination. Her future plans? To inspire the future generation of leaders through a blog.

Listen to learn:

🎙 How she fought against the odds
🎙 Her passion for aviation
🎙 About the unwavering support that emerged as a strong pillar of her success story
🎙 The power of role models and the ripple effect of encouragement and opportunity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

The brilliant Hannah McLean joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing a story of bold career moves, northern pride, and learning to back yourself even when self-doubt kicks in.

From a history degree to becoming Information Security Officer at Manchester United Football Club, Hannah proves that breaking into male-dominated industries isn’t always about being the most technical person in the room – it’s about problem-solving, communicating, and negotiating with confidence. She shares how she lifted herself up to apply for her dream role, why she believes education is key to breaking barriers, and how celebrating your wins through the Northern PoWEr Women Awards is about so much more than the ceremony itself.

A proud Mancunian and new mum, Hannah opens up about the reality of motherhood versus expectations, her hopes for her daughter’s future, and the moments that make her most grateful to be from the North. From Barry’s Bootcamp to brunch in the Northern Quarter, she champions her city while working to make the online world a safer place.

In this episode:

• From history graduate to cybersecurity at Manchester United Football Club
• Why you don’t need to be “tech-minded” to thrive in tech
• Breaking barriers in male-dominated industries
• Motherhood, reality vs expectations, and learning to love deeper than ever
• Celebrating yourself and your achievements with the Northern PoWEr Women Awards
• Pride in Manchester and its world-changing innovations
• The role of education in breaking barriers and creating opportunity

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Have you ever wondered about the impact young people can have on our society's future? Get ready to be inspired by our guest, the award-winning young changemaker Lella Violet Halloum. Lella's insights into the importance of youth voices, empathy, and inclusivity are not only thought-provoking, but a call to action for us all. 

We take a look at the world through the eyes of the youth, discussing the effects of the pandemic, the financial hurdles faced in accessing opportunities, and the potential of youth democracy and social media.

Key Takeaways: 
🎙 The importance of equity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic
🎙 Why we need 'real' models
🎙 How we can all do our part in truly listening to and uplifting the voices of youth
🎙 Why we need to stay informed with decisions impacting the future of work

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Picture a world where AI propels us towards a future of gender equality - sounds compelling, right? With Laura, Georgina, and Hannah, we dissect the potential and pitfalls when it comes to AI and gender equality. Together, we brainstorm ways to rewrite the narrative for girls in tech, from harnessing the power of mentorship to challenging stereotypes with a simple pin badge. Our discussion navigates us through AI complexities, but it's not all doom and gloom, as we also uncover the silver lining: AI’s potential to create a fairer world with the right regulations.

Key Takeaways:
🎙 Understand the concerns about the impact of AI on gender equality
🎙 How we can personally feel empowered and rid ourselves of those self-limiting beliefs
🎙 The importance of diversity in STEM
🎙 What we can implement to help tackle underrepresentation in boardrooms

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

"We've got this responsibility to almost create the leaders of the future that will set that workplace culture and and create a place where everyone feels like they're accepted at work and they want to show up to work and hopefully are a little bit like me, where they feel like, okay, I'm working in a dream now and I'm in this organization that really helps me to succeed."

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Anastasia Womack, UK Head of Early & Emerging Talent at Capgemini, explores the challenges people in their early careers face and how we can combat those.

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡ What Anastasia's role at Capgemini comprises of
• ⚡️️️ What are the key ways in which we can support early careers
• ⚡️Why making connections and mentorship is crucial for boosting your career
• ⚡️ What advice Anastasia would give young people at the very start of their career

Find Anastasia  here. 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“Maybe there's still a little bit of stigma around what the tech industry is and what that involves. And a bit of publicity around what roles there are and the diverse skill set that you need to be in tech, I think is probably gonna help us in the long term to get more women into the industry.” 

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Jo Larby, Tech Architecture specialist at Accenture, explores the challenges woman face in the tech sector and how we can encourage more women to get involved.  

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡ Why is the percentage of women working in tech still so low in 2023? 
• ⚡️️️ What can we do to increase this number 
• ⚡️What attracted Jo to the Tech sector 
• ⚡How Jo uses her recent successes to help others 

Find Jo here. 

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Remember... "Being human is about not being perfect"

On this week's podcast conversation Simone Roche chats to the woman of wisdom Professor Laura Serrant OBE, who is global multi award-winning Leadership Development and Inclusive Practice Specialist, professional Speaking and Experience Coach and also a director of her own consultancy coaching business Laura Sarah Limited. Covering a wide range of topics from imposter syndrome to social justice this is an episode not to be missed.

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡ What is Laura's theory around Imposter Syndrome 
• ⚡️️️ How we 'ditch' Imposter Syndrome
• ⚡️Why it is ok to be 'perfectly imperfect'
• ⚡Silence Speaks: A concept created by Laura

Find Laura here. 

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“I don't really think about the fact that I'm a woman in football. What I think about is that I'm someone who works in the industry and I happen to be a woman. I appreciate that I have a huge responsibility as a role model for other women out there and for girls that want to think about a career and maybe aren't considering football because they see that it's not accessible.” 

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Carol Stewart, Chief Executive of Grimsby Town Football Club, explores the challenges woman face in the football sector and how we can make a positive change for the greater good. 

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡ What it is like being a woman in football in 2023 
• ⚡️️️ How Debbie dealt with malicious comments directed at her on social media 
• ⚡️Why Debbie joined Grimsby Town Football Club 
• ⚡How do we influence and encourage more females to work in football  

Find Debbie here. 

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

 “I accepted that I was introvert and I became introvert and proud, as I like to say.” 

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Carol Stewart, Founder of Abounding Solutions and Author of Quietly Visible, explores the ways in which we can demystify being an introvert and how we can lift each other up. 

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡ How she embraces being an Introvert 
• ⚡️️️ How to define an Introvert and an Extrovert 
• ⚡️What led Carol to write her book: Quietly Visible 
• ⚡Why she founded Black Northern Women International Women’s Day conference 

Find Carol here.
Find Quietly Visible here.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“You don't have to have entrepreneurialism in your blood. You don't have to come from a long line of people that have done business. The support is out there and you can do it yourself. It doesn't matter your background or your influences.”  

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Georgia Halston, also known as Serial Entrepreneur in the Digital Marketing and Media Space, explores her passion for becoming a female entrepreneur and getting rid of the stigmatized term “imposter syndrome” 

Listen to learn:   

⚡ How Georgia became a successful business owner  

⚡️Why Georgia dislikes the term Imposter Syndrome and how to rebrand it

⚡️️️ What is the No Code lab 

⚡What are the common values Georgia works with

Find Georgia here. 

Find out more about Halston Group here.  

Find out about No Code Lab here.  

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

If Sarah McLean could give any advice to her 16 year old self it would be “Don't pigeonhole myself into one sector, one skillset. Everything is transferrable. And if you just open up your mind to the possibilities anything is possible and you can go anywhere”  
 

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Project Manager, also known as Scrum Manager at Barclays, Sarah Mclean, explores her passion for helping people in their early careers and her commitment to offering support, guidance and awareness for those affected by ASD.  

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡ What we can do to create a greater understanding & safer environment for those with ASD 
• ⚡️Fan girl Sarah’s favourite quote that she lives by from Game Of Thrones 
• ⚡️️️ How young Sarah met the late Monarch Her Majesty The Queen  
• ⚡️What Scrum Manager means & how Sarah uses that role at Barclays 

Find Sarah here. 

Find out more about Witherslack group here.  

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

This week Simone Roche MBE recorded live as the warm up to Eurovision onboard HMS Mersey. She is joined by Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv, who were awarded the Special Honour Award at this year's Northern Power Women Awards for their work for United for Ukraine since the Russian conflict.

Join us for this incredibly insightful conversation about their journey from Ukraine to Liverpool.

Listen to learn about:  
⚡Their journey
⚡️The highlights and successes that they have seen this year
⚡The United for Ukraine coalition.

United for Ukraine – how employers can help 

As a business and an employer, the United for Ukraine initiative provides an easy and direct way to communicate job opportunities to Ukrainian nationals coming to the UK. 

Go to the website to find out how your organisations can support with single or multiple job opportunities: https://www.unitedforukraine.org.uk/for-businesses/

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

The brilliant Gillian joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - entrepreneur, risk-taker, and now PoWEr Lister 2025. From flatlining during childbirth to launching tech for social change, Gillian’s story is one of raw resilience, reinvention, and refusing to stay quiet.

In this emotional and unfiltered episode, Gillian reflects on going from “wild” child, surviving wrongful arrest in front of her kids, and becoming the youngest-ever responsible individual in the care sector. She opens up about being driven by adrenaline, haunted by self-doubt, and guided by deep connection - with others, with herself, and with something much bigger.

From crashing her dad’s Ford at 14 to building a charity-backed app launching in Dubai, Gillian is redefining what business and impact can look like - especially when poWEred by purpose and personal healing.

In this episode:
Why being “wild” was really early entrepreneurship in disguise
Facing arrest in front of her children and walking free with no charges
The spiritual moment during childbirth that changed everything
Leaving hospitality for social care after a customer complained about cheese
Becoming the youngest Responsible Individual in the care sector
Building tech that changes lives and launching it globally
Healing from childhood pressure and embracing her self-worth
How connection became her greatest superpoWEr

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of traumatic medical experiences and arrest.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

For Rebecca Ihiekwe, sharing stories are more than just recounting history. It's about giving people the platform to be their best and most authentic selves so they're able to shared their lived experiences.  

Rebecca says: "It's about having that diversity of narrative and about celebrating that...it's about advocating for others when they can't advocate for themselves" 

This week's podcast conversation with Simone Roche and Marketing Executive at CEL Solicitors, Rebecca Ihiekwe, explores her passion and commitment to empower the voices and narratives of those who are so often overlooked.  

Listen to learn:   

• ⚡️Rebecca's experience co-Curating The Colonial Legacies of the Liverpool Sandbach Family exhibition   
• ⚡️Why it is important to give people the platform to be their best and most authentic selves and how we can do it well 
• ⚡ Why storytelling is key to enabling positive change for a diverse culture  
• ⚡️️️ “She is a woman who gets stuff done”: What’s next for Rebecca?  

Find Rebecca here and on Linkedin
Listen to the CEL Solicitors podcast here

Check out more about the Sandbach research project here.  

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“Yes, it's important to teach children how to write a coherent sentence, but when you start pulling apart that sentence and explaining it and dissecting it then becomes boring. It was boring for me, and it was boring for them. So in the very last term, I thought, right, we're going to write adventure stories, and I took them on a virtual tour of Jamaica and we wrote virtual stories about Jamaica.” 

Join Simone Roche as she chats to founder of Rock Paper Write, Abigail Reid who has a mission to spark imaginations with meaningful extra-curricular experiences. They discuss all things about being inspired through storytelling.  

Listen to learn:  

⚡️What key skills Abigail brought forward with her in life from being a beauty therapist onboard a cruise 

⚡️About her journey as an educator and how it led her to where she is today 

⚡ Why she set up Rock Paper Write  

⚡️️️ How to use nature to inspire storytelling 

Find Abigail here. 

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Amy Kohl, founder of sustainable and ethical fashion house KOHR, and the founder of KOHR studio, a creative marketing agency is aware that being sustainable often comes from a place of privilege. 

Amy says: "Everyone has a duty to look after their planet and community. But not everyone can be Greta Thunberg".

Join Simone Roche MBE as she chats to Amy Kohl, about inclusive innovation, accessibility, and how we can all take small steps to create a more sustainable planet.

Listen to learn:  

⚡️What piqued Amy’s interest in sustainability  

⚡️What Amy does to overcome the challenges she faces as an entrepreneur  

⚡ Why you should create a vision board 

⚡️️️ How Amy believes it is important to be transparent within your business  

Find Amy here. 

Find out more about KOHR here.  

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“My whole thing was around how do you get people like me to express themselves in different ways?” 

Join Simone Roche as she chats to Queen Of Culture: Director Of Culture at Liverpool City Council, Claire McColgan CBE in this episode of the Path To Power season. They discuss all things culture, community, bit of glitter and of course...Eurovision!  

Listen to learn:  

⚡️️Where Claire’s passion for the community of Liverpool began 

⚡How Claire and the city of Liverpool are getting involved in Eurovision 

⚡️️What is the secret to building an engaged community  

⚡️How you can start your own project in your community 

Find Claire here. 

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“I think there's been a lot of positive change from organizations who were only having graduate schemes now to school lever programs, more apprenticeships thinking about the big professional services firms. I think there has been a lot of evolution in that already.” 

Join Simone Roche as she chats to Regional Director for Michael Page Professional Services, Gareth Davies in this special episode with Power Partner Page Group. They discuss all things about being an ally towards gender equality. 

Listen to learn:  

⚡️Why Gareth is passionate about positively changing the narrative about working with young people  

⚡️What advice Gareth would give to young people that are looking for a pathway into work 

⚡ What other options Gareth advocates for that aren’t the traditional cv when applying for jobs 

⚡️️️ How to be a good leader during your professional and personal life 

Find Gareth here. 

Find out more about Page Group here.  

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“There was talk of this concept of a social battery where you can enjoy other people's company, you're still introverted. You need time to energise and recharge by yourself. So, this is me. This is what I stand for I'm the millennial introvert.” 

Join Simone Roche as she chats to CEO of TMI Lifestyle and self-confessed Millennial Introvert Yulanda Duff in this episode of the Path To Power season. They discuss all things Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.  

Listen to learn:  

⚡️Why Yulanda considers herself an introvert & what does it mean to her  

⚡️How she came to specialise her workshops in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

⚡ What are the common challenges young entrepreneurs face in the early days of starting a business? 

⚡️️️ Why is it so important to use your power for good and give back? 

Find Yulanda here. 

Find out more about TMI Lifestyle here.  

#PathToPower #WeArePower

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Dyslexia: How To Be Empowered By Your Differences 

“I made it my mission to change the narrative from saying learning difficulty to learning difference because we all learn differently as humans.”  

Join Simone Roche as she chats to influential Dyslexia speaker Keisha Adair Swaby in the first episode of the Path To Power season. They discuss all things about owning who you are and using your differences to empower yourself and others.   

Listen to learn:  

⚡️Why Keisha decided to write her own book: Empowering Dyslexics: Blessed & Gifted 

⚡How building a supportive community around you is key for professional and personal growth  

⚡How Kiesha diagnosis of Dyslexia &Dyspraxia made her woman she is today  

⚡️Why Keisha gives people the opportunity to share their stories on her radio station: Radio Diamond 

Find Keisha here. 

Find out Keisha’s book here.  

#PathToPower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Northern Power Women Awards Debrief 

“We are not just for one night”⚡️ 

Join Simone Roche In this NPW Awards special as she continues to spotlight our winners and commended of the 2023 Northern Power Women awards 🏆  

We highlight their experience of the night, what this award means to them and how it could open doors for the future. 

Listen to hear from: 

Outstanding Entrepreneur Commended: Zandra Moore  

Inclusive Innovation Winner: Claire Buckle, Ability Consultancy 

Small Organisation Commended: Sarah Priestly Turner, Freedom 4 Girls 

Small Organisation Winner: Safer Date, Elaine Parker  

 
 Disruptor For Good Commended: Heather Jackson 

Disruptor For Good Winner: Syima Aslam MBE 

One To Watch Commended: Lauren Rosegreen 

 Person With Purpose Commended: Professor Diana Anderson MBE 

Person With Purpose Winner: Shabana Khushi 

Levelling Up Leader Judges Special: Isobelle Panton 

Levelling Up Leader Commended: Nicky Chance Thompson 

Levelling Up Leader Winner: Nickala Torkington 

Mentor Of The Year Winner: Lyndsay Geraghty 

Agent Of Change Winner: Lee Chambers
 

Large Organisation: Rosina Murdoch, Deloitte, 

It is an episode you don’t want to miss 🏆 

Find all of our winners here. 

Find out more about our headline partner EY here.  

#NPWAwards #WeArePower 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

How To Make Your Work Fit Into Your Life 

Join Simone Roche as she chats to passionate northerner and Partner at EY Manchester, Nicola Bamford, about her unconventional route to working at one of the 'Big Four', and how flexibility is making it possible for her to be a successful working mum.   

Listen to learn:  

⚡️How Nicola's role in a large accounting firm like EY actually has nothing to do with numbers. 

⚡How Nicola thinks the rest of the UK views the North 

⚡About Nicola's life building both a career and family 

⚡️Why she thinks the big organisations are doing more for flexible working than we realise. 

Find Nicola here. 

Find out more about our NPW partner EY here.  

#BeMoreYou  

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Georgia Fitzgerald networked her way to success. She says you can too.

“So I want to say I'm 'lucky', but the opportunities have been presented to me and I've grabbed them. The reason I shouldn't say lucky is because if I look at my network and my profile that I've built, that's why these opportunities come along. I've always done networking.” 

Join Simone Simone Roche MBE where she chats to Director of The Juice Acadmey Georgia Fitzgerald about all things networking and following your career goals. 

Listen to learn: 
⚡Why networking has critical to career advancement 
⚡️How Georgia gained her voluntary and board positions
⚡Why you’re never too young to be a board member
⚡How to listen to your ‘lazy’ side and switch off outside of work 

Find Georgia here. 

Find out more about The Juice Academy here.  

#BeMoreYou  

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

The brilliant Siwan Smith joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - this time as a 2024 Northern PoWEr Women Future List star, 2025 Awards judge, and an unstoppable voice for inclusion, courage, and creativity.

In this episode, Siwan opens up about surviving sexual assault and two brain tumours, and how therapy, family support, and fierce inner strength helped her rebuild not just her health, but her identity. Now Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Princes, she’s on a mission to make workplaces better - for colleagues, customers, and communities alike.

Siwan shares the emotional impact of physical changes, how she developed an eating disorder during recovery, and why her greatest healing came from small steps, honesty, and showing up for herself. She also reveals the unlikely joy she finds in Just Dance battles (which she always wins), and why her super PoWEr is thinking outside the box, especially when life refuses to play fair.

From pain to purpose, this is a story of perseverance, perspective, and the quiet power of not giving up.

In this episode:
Being named to the 2024 Northern PoWEr Women Future List
Judging the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards
Surviving sexual assault and reclaiming identity
The healing power of therapy and small steps
Being diagnosed with a brain tumour on graduation day
Body image, weight stigma, and eating disorder recovery
Staying positive when life isn’t fair
Winning at Just Dance (and why her goddaughters won’t play anymore)
Her super PoWEr: thinking outside the box

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. Please take care while listening.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Leila Mckenzie-Delis 

How To Shift The Dial Through Leadership

“Diversity means different things to different people. And that's the beautiful thing about it. Diversity, inclusion, belonging, equity, culture, the whole intersection of everything means lots of different things to different people.”  

Millennial,  first time mum through the wonders of IVF, Chinese and adopted by a white British family Leila Mckenzie talks to Simone Roche MBE about her extreme passion about shifting the dial to create a more diverse and inclusive society. 

 Listen to learn: 

• ⚡Where Leila’s passion for diversity and inclusion ignited 
• ⚡Why there isn’t a one size fits all for success 
• ⚡How businesses can use the not one size fits all to their advantage 
• ⚡️How to step into your own skin and embrace it 

Find Leila here. 

Find out more about DIAL here.  

#Inclusion #Diversity #BeMoreYou 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

“Everyone is passionate about making a difference, and that's what we focus this episode on” 

 Join us for the last episode of our 3 part boxset series in partnership with Institute Of Physics where Simone Roche MBE chats to Nimrah Munir and Kal Grocott two incredible minds who took two different paths to get to where they are today. 

Listen to learn: 

• ⚡How Nimrah and Kal use physics within their careers 
• ⚡Why Nimrah and Kal are so passionate about physics 
• ⚡What ways physics is used in day to day lives and how they make that positive difference 

Find Nimrah here. 

Find Kal here.  

Find out more about the Limit Less Campaign here.  

Watch our IOP webinar here. 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

The Unlikely Career Roots Into Physics 

“Diane Reid and Royal Navy Commander Nicola Cripps, whose careers have both taken an unusual turn from what is considered the normal following their physics degrees.” 

Did you know there are so many different roots into various physics related careers? Some you wouldn’t even think of.  

For the second episode of our 3 part boxset series in partnership with Institute Of Physics Simone Roche MBE chats to Diane and Nicola about their Un stereotypical careers in physics. 

Listen to learn: 

• ⚡How Diane and Nicola became physicists 
• ⚡Why it is important to be curious 
• ⚡What key skills you can gain by studying physics 

Find Diane here. 

Find Nicola here.  

Find out more about the Limit Less Campaign here.  

Watch our IOP webinar here. 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫