Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:In this episode, my guest is Claire Bowden-Hughes, CEO and Founder at En2End, a leading sports fan engagement agency, founded on trust, respect, and reciprocity in relationships and leadership. In our conversation Claire shares valuable insights into: The Balancing Act of thriving as a mother and as an entrepreneur: The real life challenges and triumphs of juggling these 2 demanding but extremely rewarding roles. Excelling in a male dominated industry: The journey of being a female entrepreneur in the sports events world.The art of making lasting connections and exceeding expectations: The importance of building and nurturing a professional network in the sports event industry, how to make lasting connections and how relationships have been pivotal is driving business success.Claire's three Key Encouragements for life, entrepreneurship and leadership: Define the direction and hold the vision, but invite others into the journey: You have to take space for others to be able to be part of your journey. You won't be able to get there on your own.Stay curious and adaptable because nothing ever stays the same: The landscape is always shifting. Technologies are always evolving, behaviors are always changing. Your attitude sets the tone: The way that you come across, and the energy that you bring is something that can really inspire others and create momentum. Connect with Claire and find out more about her, and her amazing work:LinkedIn: Claire Bowden HughesWebsite: www.en2end.com Instagram: @en2endltdAbout Claire Bowden-Hughes:Early Life and Education: A sheep farmer's daughter from Mid Wales, Claire Hughes has always been ambitious and adventurous. Her journey began at the University of Central Lancashire, where she pursued a BA in languages ( French, German and Spanish with Tourism), laying the foundation for her career.World Traveller: After university, she embarked on a 9-month world tour, absorbing cultures across Singapore, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and America. This global exposure honed her adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and language skills, particularly French, which would become invaluable in her career.Luxury Retail in London: Claire's first foray into the professional world was in London's prestigious New Bond Street, where she leveraged her fluency in French to excel in sales and account management for a high-end luxury brand, Lalique. Here, she mastered the art of client relations and high-stakes negotiation.Sports Event Management: Moving to Manchester, Claire joined a small sports events agency, diving into the world of sportsman's lunches and dinners with notable sporting legends such as Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gareth Edwards, Shane Warne, Frank Bruno and more! This role expanded her network significantly and introduced her to the intricacies of event management and sports marketing.TSMGI and Liverpool FC: Her career took a significant turn when she joined TSMGI, an American agency, where she was integral in the Aon-Man Utd shirt deal delivery. Subsequently, at Liverpool FC as Head of Partner Experience, she managed VIP match days, sponsor relations & international event programmes, further honing her skills in stakeholder management and sports...

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; weaving together the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the pleasure of meeting Nick through a mutual colleague, Thurstine Basset. Together they were writing a book entitled ‘Trauma, Abandonment and Privilege' and invited me to contribute something of my own experience. I was delighted to be asked by Nick to review his most recent book, edited by him, and released in April 2025, The Un-Making Of Them - Clinical Reflections on the Boarding School Syndrome.In our conversation Nick offers valuable insights into:Why understanding our emotions is so important in our lives and leadership; The existential dynamics of power and vulnerability, and their relevance and importance to leadership; How dissociation disconnecting from ourselves and our environment - has become the engine of the modern world;The importance of learning about what transference is and group dynamics in leading, coaching, mentoring and facilitation.Nick's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders - taken from three principles given to Nick by the NHS to help with managing osteoarthritis: Understand your feelings: who you are, so your emotions can guide you rather than your feelings govern you;Exercise: practise new ways of being and behaviour;‘Lose weight': notice and let go of those things that are no longer serving you in order to be lighter, and to lighten what you are carrying.To Contact Nick:Woundedleadersco.ukBoardingschoolsurvivors.co.ukGenderpsychology.comAbout NickNick Duffell has a degree in Sanskrit from Oxford and is a psychotherapist, psychohistorian and author. His first book, 'The Making of Them: the British Attitude to Children and the Boarding School System' received wide critical acclaim, including endorsements by the British Medical Journal and John Le Carré. Here he set out his pioneering research in group therapy with ‘boarding school survivors,' as he provocatively named adult ex-boarders. Nick co-founded the Centre for Gender Psychology and co-authored 'Sex, Love and the Danger of Intimacy.' A contributor to the University of Surrey Human Potential Group's 'Dictionary of Personal Development' and to many psychological journals, Nick is committed to the development of psychohistory as a tool for understanding current world problems. He is particularly interested in promoting a Depth-Psychology perspective of issues which affect our public life very deeply, such as identity and emotions, fear and vulnerability, but about which political commentators currently lack the means to properly address. His books include ‘Wounded Leaders: British Elitism and the Entitlement Illusion - a Psychohistory,' 2014, and ‘The SIMPOL Solution: solving global problems could be easier than we think' with John Bunzl. He contributed chapters to ‘The Political Self,' (Karnac 2016) and to ‘Humanistic Psychology: Current Trends, Future Prospects', (Routledge 2017). He has recently worked on an experimental project at UCL to use VR technology in the treatment of developmental trauma, and his latest book 'The Un-Making of Them: Clinical Reflections on Boarding School Syndrome' is published by Routledge in April...

ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the joy of meeting Cal in person at the Women in Business Golf event that she hosted in September, 2024 and where my colleague Natalie Shering and I led an experiential workshop on leading with confidence. I was inspired before the event and even more so during and after by Cal's unswerving commitment and passion to enable women to connect and network with each other through playing golf. Cal has created a community of women, who enable, inspire and support each other personally and professionally - on and off the golf course. Cal is on a mission to change the face of women's golf. In our conversation Cal offers valuable insights into:How women can feel empowered if they play golf - on and off the golf course;The importance of social connection to Cal personally and within the community that she has created;How authenticity is integral to her personal life and to her business Cal's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders: We can always be learning and it's essential to stay open-minded - to acknowledge and consider the value in other peoples opinions and suggestions - no one knows everything!Make sure you're a strong communicator. Don't over complicate things, be direct and concise, but it's essential to be kind in your delivery. Create a vision that people are excited by and willing to follow.How to connect with Cal:LinkedIn: Caroline Shukla Website: www.skratchwomen.comInstagram: @skratchwomenTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which leaders weave together the threads of their life, sharing their leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped them, their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODE:I had the joy of being introduced to Gail through a previous podcast guest, Karen Dobres who told me what a wonderful guest Gail would be, and that she had written a book, a memoir about her life and leadership called Made in Whittingham StreetIn our conversation Gail shares her story of leading with courage and gratitude, and offers insights into:The importance of not only finding your cause, your purpose, but of always being true to it, and to yourself.How staying true to your dreams, your hopes and aspirations really matters and that it is this which gives courage to and inspires others to follow their dreams and to stay true to them.Knowing what you believe in and having faith can give you the courage to keep going, and gratitude for what you have, and help reconcile challenges.GAIL'S THREE ENCOURAGEMENTS TO LEADERS:Be sincere and honest. Always be true to your cause.Never give up on your dreams. Inspire others.Have faith in what you believe inConnect with Gail:X: x.com/GailNewshamWebsite: www.dickkerrladies.comTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.ABOUT GAIL:I left school at fifteen and went to work in a shoe factory. I have no formal qualifications to speak of but I think I've done ok. I'm just an ordinary lass who has been fortunate to do some extraordinary things. I suppose I have a strong belief and a tenacity to get things done.Saving and recording the history of women's football and of the Dick, Kerr Ladies became her mission - highlighting the courage of the women to play and to challenge the injustice of the ban on women in football.Passionate about saving the legacy of DKL, and keeping true to their story. In their Centenary year we achieved the First Blue Plaque in the World for women's football 2017. Memorial to DKL at PNE 2017. First ever National Women's Walking Football Tournament 2017. Plaque on Ashton Park in Preston in 2021, where DKL played their first match after the FA Ban of 1921.Always been proactive in helping the game grow when nobody gave tuppence for us. I served 12 years on the Management Committee of North West Women's Regional Football League from 1981-1993. Chief fundraiser for my own club, organising Fancy Dress Treasure Hunts and many other initiatives. Founder and organiser of the Lancashire Trophy in 1986, an International Women's Football Tournament with teams from Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Eire, Scotland and England, all taking part over the years.Proud to have served in the Women's Royal Army Corps. Took part in the Remembrance Day Parade in London in 2016, honouring family who took part in/lost in WW1, and my dad in WW2. Proud to wear his...

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their leadership story, weaving together the threads of their life; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEToday's guest is Jason Webber Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability Manager Football Association Wales (FAW). I had the joy of meeting Jason at the Diversity and Inclusion Global Forum in 2024 where Lucy Kidd and I were exhibiting our Collaboration Equation™.Jason and I had a conversation about leadership, about football and collaboration which led me to inviting him to be a podcast guest on Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend.In our conversation Jason offers valuable insights into:Creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environmentDiversity/Representation at all levels especially in senior leadership.Education & AwarenessTaking meaningful action and sustainable progress.Jason's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Lead by example, be authentic and be an ally.Listen to people's lived experiences and proactively educate yourself.Take action and make a difference to someone's life.Contact and to connect with Jason:LinkedIn - Webber T Jason Website - jasontwebber.myportfolio.comInstagram - @jasontwebber X - WebberTJason To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. About JASONJason is an expert and leader in Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability currently working at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) as a Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability Manager.He has been integral in advancing the FAW's EDI and Sustainability Programmes towards being a global leader in sport and has extensive experience as an educator, public speaker and advisor to a wide range of stakeholders for more than a decade.He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with others and is committed to making football and society a better place for everyone.

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.About this episode:I had the joy of being in conversation with Febronia in a previous episode of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. Since then Feb has qualified as a coach and much more, and contacted me to say she would like to share more of her leadership story and journey. In our conversation Feb offers valuable insights into:Going back to Business School.Fantastic support from new peers and the marketing industry.The push towards and importance of accreditations from the Coaching Bodies.Building a business and launching exciting new services in 2025.Feb's three Key Encouragements to Leaders:Just do it. Try not to convince yourself of all the reasons why you shouldn't go. Instead, convince yourself of the reasons why you should, because you stand to gain so much more and learn so much more and meet so many new people. It's a fantastic experience.Be patient with yourself. Any career transition takes time. Give yourself time to enjoy the transition, the growth and the development. Be aware that the results are going to come in their own time at their own pace.Surround yourself with people who want you to win. Connect with Febronia:LinkedIn: Febronia RuoccoAbout Febronia:Febronia Ruocco is a multilingual, commercially impactful Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director, with a proven track record of inspiring transformation & delivering winning insight; successful marketing strategy & commercial growth for iconic £1bn global brand portfolios in FMCG & OTC.She is a certified Executive Leadership Coach (Henley Business School, end 2023) & accredited at Senior Practitioner Level EMCC and ACC ICF. In addition to her insight career, Febronia has coached over 150 hours, supporting senior global directors from the marketing/advertising/insight & MRX sectors.Febronia is also a professional mentor, supporting WIRe; the Durham University Student Leadership Framework; Lancaster University & Henley Business School.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.How we metI have had the joy of knowing Howard for many, many years as a friend, and as a colleague with whom I have worked alongside as well as supported in his leadership of teams, and companies. I have long admired him as a passionate, and committed leader who is on a mission to make a difference in how we live and lead our lives through driving the energy transition with purpose and hope.About this episodeIn our conversation Howard offers valuable insights intoHow trusting your purpose and having a vision in vitalHow he lives and leads through success and failure with commitmentHow stepping into the uncomfortable can lead to authentic connectionHoward's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders looking to lead with energy, purpose and hopeBe bold and stand up for what you believe Honesty and humility can be the strongest form of leadershipHelp people understand the larger narrative and empower them to connect with their own purposeConnect, follow and find out more about Howard:LinkedIn: Howard JohnsWebsite: www.onezero.energyInstagram: @howardsolarTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Today's guest is Ed Corbett "The Brand Plan Man", Head of Consulting, AI evangelist, Lover of marketing and Mentor to emerging businesses.Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the joy of meeting Ed over ten years ago when he was working at the pharmaceutical company MSD here in the UK. Ed had been to an event and heard my colleague, and mentor, Steve Radcliffe speaking about Future Engage Deliver, and being at your best. Ed invited Steve to MSD to do a session on being at your best, following which MSD asked for a proposal for a Leadership Development Programme. This FED programme was a huge success over many, many years and transformed peoples lives and leadership at MSD.In this conversation Ed offers valuable insights into:How success is built on big relationshipsThe importance of seeking out and really listening to feedback to growWhy being comfortable not knowing everything is keyHow we can inspire others to be the best they can beEd's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Acknowledge and accept that you are not and cannot be perfectYou can only really grow with and through the help of othersRelax into ‘you' - Be comfortable in who you are and what you care aboutTo contact Ed:LinkedIn: Ed CorbettTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo find out more about Future-Engage-Deliver do get in touch with me, read the book ‘Leadership Plain and Simple' by Steve Radcliffe. And to hear Steve sharing his personal leadership story do listen to my podcast episode with him.A big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

ABOUT THIS EPISODEToday's guest is Delia Lazaroiu, Senior Data Analyst and the title of our conversation is Kind leadership and diverse voices rising. I had the joy of meeting Delia when she was working at the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Delia engaged with the leadership development work, and with myself and Emily Court. Since then we have kept in touch via LInkedIn, and as always Delia is immensely supportive and passionate about all she does. I am looking forward to hearing her story, and to getting to know her through this episode.In our conversation Delia offers valuable insights into: Making progress by aspiring to be the least knowledgeable person in that roomFinding your tribe and thriving Living in and leading with gratitude Living a meaningful life as a leader and human by helping others and offering kindness Delia's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Lead by lifting each other upStay true to your valuesVisit places not visited by all your peersContact Delia:LinkedIn - Delia Lazaroiu  Instagram - @delialazaroiuTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing, sound production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.About This EpisodeToday's guest is David Dand, Managing Director of Coreus, the Brighton based Talent Acquisition agency. I had the pleasure of being introduced to David through a mutual friend, previous podcast guest, Dougal Fleming. If you haven't already listened to that episode I highly recommend it. Dougal encouraged David and I to have a conversation, and that David has a wonderful story to share.In our conversation, David offers valuable insights into:The five-step framework he uses when leading a candidate search to understand fit and motivation; What you need to know about changing career and recruitment;Navigating career changes and your next big step;Hiring tips for leaders to ensure you have the right people in the right roles.David's three top tips for leaders looking to either make their next big move and, or ensuring that they make the right hire1. Use the 5-step framework: Consider salary and benefitsConvenienceCulture and brand reputationThe day-to-day jobTraining and career progression 2. Remember the stakes are high: There are Soft & hard turnover costs, replacement & job hopping.3.  Embrace individuality through knowing:What your key skills and strengths areWhat the conditions are for you to thrive What Great looks and feels like, just because something is great doesn't mean it is great for you!To connect, follow and find out more about David and the The Five Step Framework go to:LinkedIn: David DandWebsite: www.coreus.co.ukInstagram: @coreus_talentacquisition About The 5 Step Career Change Framework A framework to help you understand career change and motivation, either for yourself or when you are hiring others to understand best fit.  The five essentials are:1. Salary & benefits There is more to life than money. And we have bills to pay. Responsibilities. Wants & needs. Benefits: I work with an investment firm that offers a 20% pension contribution. 2. ConvenienceWork-life balanceAbility to manage work around your caring commitments, for example picking up children from school. Work/life/harmony: Why, just because I am an accountant should I not have a weekend? 3. Culture & Brand ReputationI work with Accountancy / FS institutions. ‘Much the same.' What is unique about this institution? What do I want?  AutonomyChallengeSustainability4. Day to day jobOperational vs strategic 5. Training and career progressionWhere is your career going, ideallyWhat in an ideal world would you like to be true To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your own leadership.If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About this Episode:Today's guest is Sue Cockell, Solo Traveller on a mission to help women in their mid-lives to enjoy the transformative power of travelling alone.I had the joy of first meeting Sue when she was working at a pharmaceutical company where I was leading a leadership development programme. Sue was one of a small group of leaders with whom I worked over a period of time, supporting them in leading others.  As a group we got to know each other well, and during that time, some ten years ago, Sue lost her beloved husband. I remember Sue getting into solo travel, and helping me to feel confident about my youngest daughter travelling solo aged 18.In our conversation Sue offers valuable insights into: The transformative power of travelSolo travel for women in mid-lifeEmbracing the power of “Yes!”Sue's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders :It's not what happens to you in life, but how you respond that makes you who you areYou grow the most outside your comfort zone. Embrace those opportunities to stretch it, even if it scares youYour life experiences are what makes you unique, relatable & interesting. Never be afraid to share them as you never know where it may lead.The best way to connect, follow and find out more about Sue:LinkedIn: Sue Cockell Website: www.suewherewhywhat.comYouTube: @SueWhereWhyWhat Instagram: @suewherewhywhat About Sue Cockell:Sue Cockell is a Transformative Travel Coach, Solo Female Travel Expert, Blogger and YouTuber. She began her solo travel journey after tragically losing her husband back in 2014. Travel allowed her to breathe, grieve, heal and finally find herself again. She has now visited over 80 countries, across 6 continents and through her work she aims to inspire other women over 40 to embrace the power of travelling alone too. If you have a deep desire to explore the world but feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of planning and preparation involved. Sue has designed a new course specifically for you: Find Your Way: Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. If you would like to learn more, then contact her now at sue@suewherewhywhat.com. To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing, sound production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Today's guest is Andrew Edwards, former BBC broadcaster, and now an Event Host, Trainer, Teacher and Mentor. The title of our conversation is ‘You Don't Need to Be a Boss to Be a Leader'.Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your own leadership.If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!ABOUT THIS EPISODE I had the joy of being introduced to Andrew through his brother John Edwards. If you haven't already listened to John and I in conversation, it is a great episode on Understanding Ourselves, and Understanding Others. John suggested that Andrew would make an excellent guest, and that he had produced, whilst at the BBC a podcast about their late Mum's experience of living - and dying - with dementia, ‘Mum and Me: The Dementia Diary' Andrew offers valuable insights into: Leading by example through your leadership behaviour in an ‘on and off air' frontline role.Looking down, up and out - remembering to consult your team, using the expertise around you, and never losing track of your real bosses - your audience, customers and the public.Swimming against the tide of expectation - your own and others' expectations while looking after your own mental health.Differentiating the personal from the private, and the power of opening up in the right way to others and getting the balance right. Andrew's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Be true to yourself and your values Listen more than you talkInspire others through your leadership behaviours Connect, follow and find out more about Andrew:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/thebeardedbroadcasterAndrew's website: www.theandrewedwards.comX / Twitter: @RadioAndrewEInstagram: @andrewedwardsleeds Email: beardedbroadcaster@icloud.comTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. About  Andrew EdwardsAndrew is a broadcaster, teacher, trainer and event host. He began broadcasting on hospital radio in his hometown, Hull, making his professional debut as a sports reporter on Viking Radio. He started his career in journalism at the Hull Daily Mail newspaper, before joining the BBC as a trainee in 1989. Andrew moved to BBC Radio Leeds in 1993 where he stayed, very happily, for the next thirty years. For many years he combined his on-air career with teaching radio journalism and spent seven years at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and Leeds Trinity University. He still mentors students and radio colleagues and is now doing freelance work at the University of Leeds.Until 2022 he spent part of each week looking after his Mum, who died from dementia. He gives talks about, and hosts events linked to, dementia and hopes to write a book about his mother. He recorded a weekly audio diary called ‘Mum and Me: The Dementia Diary', for which he was named a Dementia Hero at the Alzheimer's Society's awards 2021.

Hello, welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend. Today's guest is Meg Farren, General Manager, Chief Customer Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and much more! I had the joy of meeting Meg for the first time on the Marketing Leaders Programme, in early 2024. Meg opened the programme for us, and did a wonderful job of sharing her story and setting the context and the ambition of the programme.Together Meg and I delve into the people, places and experiences that have made Meg the person and leader she is today. Meg's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Be Curious in Everything, make your first response a curious one, about yourself and about others - ask Why all the timeLean into your Fear, build resilience through daring to ask - don't hold yourself backHave Fun, find and do what you love and gives you JoyTo connect, follow and find out more about Meg:LinkedIn: Meghan FarrenTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comLeaders in Conversation is the podcast in which I talk with leaders about their own life and leadership stories, to encourage you to reflect on your values, beliefs, passion and purpose, and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership. A big thank you to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production and promotion of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Hello, and welcome to the second Collaboration Equation™ episode in Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd. Today's guest is Somya Agrawal, Leader, Collaborator and Motivator and the title of our conversation is Finding your Collaborative Edge™.Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories, and in our Collaboration Equation™ episodes their experience of collaborating and how they find their Collaborative Edge™ to encourage you to bring even more curiosity, care and courage to your leadership.  If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!ABOUT THIS EPISODEIn our conversation we talk about the application of Collaboration Equation™ and Somya shares her experience of collaboration and offers valuable insights into:1. Bringing two teams together to get to know each other, to be able to have an open conversation, and how  this fast tracks success.2. Connecting through being vulnerable in sharing her experience of hearing loss and how this has created meaningful connection  with others. 3. Creating psychological safety that invites people to give and ask for help, getting what we need from each other and caring about each other.4. Building trust through being human and authentic with colleagues.5. Meeting people where they are at, and making time for everyone to have a voice, and for different thoughts and feelings to be heard.6. Creating a culture of care and connection whether working online or in person.To connect, follow and find out more about Somya:LinkedIn: Somya AgrawalInstagram: @somyaagrTo listen to more Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend visit my website www.annitownend.comA big thank you to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design and marketing of the podcast and to Tom at Brown Bear Studios for the excellent production of this episode.To contact Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd do email us on anni@annitownend.com and lucy@lucykidd.com, or via our dedicated email address connect@collaborationequation.comTo explore more about how to find your Collaborative Edge™,  visit our website www.collaborationequation.com, subscribe to our fortnightly Leadership Conversations and follow us on LinkedIn Collaboration Equation™.  We look forward to connecting and collaborating with you, thank you for listening.

Today's guest is Somya Agrawal, Leader, Collaborator and Motivator. I had the joy of meeting Somya in June 2024, when she joined us for a Walking Partnerships day in Surrey, in the UK.Somya offers valuable insights into: Being the conductor and not the trumpet player - The difficult transition between manager and leader, how the role changes and the importance of building a high-functioning team.The ripple effect - leading by example - The importance of watching and learning from leaders around you and how we are always being watched, even when we think nobody is watching! Dare to enter the arena - How we foster a culture of openness, transparency, honesty and collaboration. Ask questions and challenge with kindness and curiosity. It is not what you say, but how you say that it matters.We discuss the People, Places, and Experiences that have shaped Somya and made her the person and leader she is today: People - "My parents, sisters and my tribe" Places - "Around the world. My family's travelling style and how it reinforced the importance of teamwork"Experiences - "The loss of my father and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro"Somya's key encouragements to Leaders: ENGAGE - establish a rapport with your team and build trust which will allow you to be your authentic self. With passion for your purpose, you will be able to identify the best people for the job.ENABLE - use your energy to have an impact on those around you to bring people to the table who also understand your vision, as nothing is done without collaboration.EMPOWER - by engaging with energy and by enabling with empathy, you will lead a team that feels empowered. It's not about the destination, it's about the journey. So remember to enjoy it and take your team with you.Connect with Somya:LinkedIn - Somya AgrawalAbout Somya Agrawal:Somya's most recent leadership post as a Senior Civil Servant was as a Deputy Director for Product and Delivery at UK Health Security Agency. She became a DD after a very busy and demanding period as Product Introduction Lead during the COVID-19 pandemic where she was responsible for the design, development and launch of the COVID-19 lateral flow devices. Over 2.5bn LFDs were deployed during that time, so as you can imagine, it was a very high-profile and complex mission with a lot of ambiguity, unknowns and political sensitivities in play. However, Somya loved every second of it, because of the self-development it gave her but also the HUGE national impact that this job had.Prior to being a Senior Civil Servant, she worked at the Royal Marsden Hospital, a specialist Cancer Hospital in London, where she believes her passion for positive outcomes in healthcare really came from, as during her stint there in Research and Clinical trials, she saw many oncology drugs become licensed after seeing patients not only surviving but thriving when given the right care and treatment.Somya is one of 3 girls in her family (the middle one) who have been very fortunate to have been raised by parents who provided their daughters as much as they could within their means which did not come without sacrifices and we are all incredibly grateful for our childhoods and it making us who we are today. Though not yet married, she has a 6 year old niece who she absolutely dotes on and calls one of her best friends.Somya is incredibly passionate about positive outcomes in healthcare and states that her stakeholder engagement skills and energetic personality have now become her USP that have contributed to the successes she has had in her leadership journey so far.

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which I talk to leaders about their own life and leadership stories, to encourage you to reflect on your values, beliefs, passion and purpose, and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.About this episode: Today's guest is Carien Borst, Artist and Leadership Coach. In this episode we are talking about Creativity and Reflection in Leadership - how every job is a creative act, and how we all have a part to play in creating a workplace and environment in which there is harmony, diversity and contrast.Carien offers valuable insights into:How as human beings we are all creativeHow through being creative it can be an endless source of life energyKnowing and being yourself - how being authentic and vulnerable gives others permission to be authentic and vulnerableCreativity and how it's related to leadership Carien's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders:Know yourself, and be yourself - We serve the world by showing ourselves who we are! Explore, experiment, play and be creative - Let go of the outcome and experience joy! Remember to play and take time to simply enjoy creative activities. We create all day - By choosing our words and by our reaction towards others. Connect, follow and find out more about Carien:LinkedIn: Carien (Mooibroek) Borst Website: www.carienborst.nl Instagram: @carien_borst_artTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend: Email me on anni@annitownend.com Visit my website www.annitownend.com  Follow me on LinkedInAbout Carien Borst:Carien was born and raised in the Netherlands. She studied Art Therapy and Human Development. Carien worked for 15 years in mental healthcare, and for about 10 years in different leadership roles. She started as a team leader and the last years as a manager of the eleven sheltered living houses for people who suffered from all sorts of psychiatric diseases.Around 7 years ago Carien started to realise she was missing creativity in her life. Due to a busy job, two young children and simply not prioritising what she needed. After a weekend spent in a monastery, filled with silence and creativity she decided to change things in her life. She woke up early every day to create in silence. Writing, creating an art journal, sitting still and taking time to think and feel. She chose to follow art courses and slowly new ideas developed. How could she bring this creativity into her leadership role?She found the courage to bring three pillars together in her own business: creativity, leadership and reflection. Based on her experience as a leader in mental healthcare but also through her journey in opening up again for the power of creating and growing in being a painter and artist. 

Hello, welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend. Today's guest is Guy Newey, Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, and the title of our conversation is ‘On Accelerating Net Zero Energy Innovation'.I have had the privilege of partnering with Guy and working with a group of Future Leaders at Energy Systems Catapult - a company committed to accelerating NET ZERO in the UK through supporting innovators to commercialise, and helping design and deliver the future energy system.Together Guy and I delve into the people, places and experiences that have made him the person and leader he is today. Guy offers valuable insights into :Communication and what he has learnt about communicating across the wider team.Resilience, how managing your own energy is key, along with helping to manage that of the team.Getting comfortable with not knowing everything, and how the more senior you become as a leader the less you know.Guy's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders looking to innovate and commercialise for Net Zero There is a huge market out there - net zero is an incredible opportunity (as well as an essential mission)It is not unusual to feel imposter syndrome - in fact it is super commonLearn fast - be prepared to pivot quickly if something you thought was going to work does not work.To connect, follow and find out more about Guy:LinkedIn: Guy NeweyWebsite: https://es.catapult.org.uk/Twitter/X: @guyneweyTo contact Anni Townend:Email me on anni@annitownend.com or visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.About Guy NeweyGuy was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, the innovation business, in June 2022. Guy joined the Catapult in 2018 as Director of Strategy after being an energy and political adviser to two UK Government Secretaries of State; Greg Clark and Amber Rudd. In Government, he was involved in many key decisions, including closing the UK's coal-fired power stations, greater independence for the electricity system operator, and as an architect of the Clean Growth Strategy.Before joining Government, he was Head of Policy at the challenger energy supplier, OVO Energy and Head of Environment and Energy at the influential think tank, Policy Exchange. He was previously a journalist, including three years as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the international newswire, AFP. He is a non-executive director with UK100, a charity campaigning for greater environmental action by local authorities. He lives in Enfield, with his wife and two children.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Emma Harris, Finance Director, M&S Food, Property and Retail. Together we delve into: How to bring alignment in corporate worldThe importance of amplifying your strengthsStaying authentic in more challenging environmentsEmma's three key encouragements to leaders:Stay true to yourself and your valuesFind an environment where you can thrive…doesn't have to be easy, but you can bring value through your leadershipAmplify your strengths, that's where you'll get the highest ROIAbout Emma HarrisEmma is a senior finance leader, balancing living in Yorkshire with her partner and 2 boys, and working her London-based finance director role. Spending over 20 years in retail, leading finance teams, Emma is passionate about driving shareholder value for the organisation through commercial curiosity, leading great teams and her own self development. To connect, follow and find out more about Emma:LinkedIn: Emma HarrisTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend:www.annitownend.com/podcastTo contact me Anni Townend: Email me on anni@annitownend.com Visit my website www.annitownend.com Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today.Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do.They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Chris Harte, Chief Executive and Commercial Real Estate Partner at Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP - a leading Scottish law firm committed to providing straightforward advice, clarity on cost and to building strong trusting relationships with clients ensuring that their evolving needs are met with focus and care. Together we delve into:What it means to "Serve to Lead" and that leadership is not about you.The importance of Being Curious  and to remember firstly that "the issue is never the issue", and secondly ‘not knowing' all of the answers is a feature not a bug!How focusing our energy - not dispersing it - is key to strategy and that limitations can be useful, and helpful rather than a hindrance.Chris's three key encouragements to leaders1. Help others to succeed - be a leader - focus more on asking questions than providing answers;2. Identify priorities - use limitations to help focus minds on conscious choices;3. Retain a sense of perspective - keep a sense of humour close at hand and don't take yourself too seriously - a wee bit of humility goes a long way.To contact Chris:LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harteTo find out more about Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP follow them on linkedin and do go to their website.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with my two guests, Susie Ballentyne an Independent Psychologist and Bob Judson, a fellow podcaster, facilitator, leadership coach, and keynote speaker.We delve together into: The importance of continually developing your skills as a leader, both individually and as part of a team.The value of both mentors and coaches to leaders.The challenges of building, leading and inspiring teams in today's complex and convoluted working environment.The really key requirements of a good leader.Susie and Bob's Three key encouragements for leaders looking to grow and develop their leadership:Always remember that others have been there before you.  Very few, if any, challenges are genuinely new and unique and people will always be prepared to help you be your best self if you seek the right support.One of the key challenges for developing leaders is learning to let go of tasks that can be done by the team and freeing up time to focus on the larger issues.  The great thing is that by delegating well and empowering your team members you build trust and capability in them that they will really appreciate as they develop themselves.Pay attention to your relationships and your personal brand as absolute priorities.  They are fundamental to your future success and deserve to be given very special treatment. Connect with Susie and Bob:LinkedIn: Bob Judson and Susie BallentyneWebsite: Leading4LifeTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Carolyn Youdell, Group eCommerce & Customer Engagement Director, Group Marketing Specsavers. I have known Carolyn for many years and am a huge fan, she is a regular speaker on the Marketing Leaders Programme, and herself a huge fan of developing marketing leadership.Together we delve into:Embracing challenge Becoming compellingDriving simplicity…  Carolyn's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Be a Skilled Sailor - Change your mindset about problems – see them as unique and amazing opportunities to make you better than you were yesterday. Be Compelling - What will make people follow you?  Jeff Bezos famously said ‘Your brand is what people say about you when no one is listening' - Do you know what that is for YOU? For your brand of leadership? Simplify - don't buy into the complexity. My Chief Marketing Officer talks about focusing on the OUTCOME and the simpler you make this for your team the better. Do the work to make it simple, NOT complex.  To contact Carolyn:LinkedIn – Carolyn Youdell (she is the only one!)Email: carolyn.youdell@specsavers.comAbout Carolyn:At work. I am a Marketer. I've spent over 20 years working agency and brand side. With and on world-famous brands.Across all Marketing, Communications & Digital disciplines. As Group Marketing Director for Specsavers I am working collaboratively across regions and teams to drive the synergies and value that can be derived from centrally led activity. I am passionate about well-run teams, well-rounded teams. At Life: I am a Mum. Partner. Sister. Daughter. Friend. Dog lover. Pilates poser. 5Ker. Book reader. Stuff Hoarder. Traveller. Chef. Wine drinker. Shoe fancier. To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com.A big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

ABOUT THIS EPISODECo-Founders Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd in conversation with Natalie Shering for a special episode of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend podcast. Here they explore why Curiosity, Care and Courage are the mindset and behaviours that underpin their Collaboration Equation™ to:Build Psychological SafetyPractise Inclusive DialogueInvite Diversity of Thought & Feeling andDrive Collaborative EdgePsychological SafetyTogether they share how they met some 18 years ago and realised very early on in their working relationship that starting with and building psychological safety underpins creating cultures of care and connection in which people enjoy connecting, contributing and collaborating.Curiosity, Care and CourageThey discuss how they partner with senior leaders and their teams helping them to bring the mindset and behaviours of Curiosity, Care and Courage to develop people and drive performance and how these underpin each of the building blocks of their Collaboration  Equation™.Meeting People where they are at, and moving from ‘me to we'They specialise in meeting people where they are at, on having people well met, and supporting them in leading and driving Collaborative Edge through Inclusive Dialogue, Diversity of Thought and Feeling. And why for them inclusivity comes before diversity, the importance of Inclusive Dialogue, and how language can have a huge impact on how people think, feel and behave.Open Conversations to get to Collaborative EdgeTheir approach is one of helping leaders do their best thinking together, to think differently, to have open conversations in which people feel confident and safe, enjoy Inclusive Dialogue, and can bring Diversity of Thought and Feeling in order to get to Collaborative Edge. The conversations are always in service of enabling performance and driving results through people working together.CONNECT WITH USCollaboration Workshops, We are all Culture Creators:How to Find Your Collaborative Edge workshops.Fortnightly Coaching Conversations Series:A series of questions to prompt conversations that will help you to lead with Curiosity, Care and Courage. Subscribe here.WHO WE ARELucy Kidd is a leadership team and culture coach, and describes how culture is the wrapping that feeds change and, or stifles it. Lucy's passion is to help people find meaning and connection in their lives and work.Anni Townend is a leadership partner to senior leaders and their teams. Anni's passion is to help leaders create a culture in which people feel safe and able to have open conversations and do their best work. Anni is the author of Assertiveness and Diversity, published in 2007.Natalie Shering is a leadership coach specialising in creative leadership and using nature in leadership. She is a collaborator with Collaboration Equation™.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Akin Thomas, CEO and Founder of AKD Solutions - an international learning and development consultancy - built upon an ethos of stimulating brilliance through providing the space for people to engage in transformative and disruptive, and impactful fun learning experiences. Together we delve into:How do we create a learning environment that stimulates brilliance and the right to be your very best person, the very best version of yourself.How the quality of conversations that we have today has a direct correlation to who you will be in the next 5 - 10 years and beyond. The importance of disruption, and asking What happens if we do something differently, what is possible?Being intentional about our impact, and conscious of how the decisions we make now have a massive impact beyond what we are conscious of now.Akin's encouragements to leaders looking to create a learning environment which stimulates brilliance:We each have a key role to play in expressing our humanity and raising our organisational and social consciousness.Believe in yourself, you are brilliant, practise looking in the mirror and saying ‘I am brilliant' and share your gift that will bring warmth and light.About Akin ThomasI first met Akin at the Diversity and Inclusion Global Forum in May 2023. We, my colleagues and I, were blessed to have Akin and his team as our neighbours in the exhibitors hall. An experienced exhibitor used to sharing his wisdom and knowledge he readily shared with us. We spoke in passing about his being a guest on the podcast. Since then I have followed Akin on LinkedIn, and the prompt to ask him was a post in which he shared how he had been back to see his sister in Lagos and spent time researching his own history, including rediscovering his original name, Okukenu, which means ambition, independence, strength, reliability and determination.AKD Solutions is all about brilliance, helping people to develop their unique potential and is fuelled by these beliefs:Brilliance is in every person and organisationIn the uniqueness of every person and organisationIn the power of conversation to stimulate new thinking and changeIn developing meaningful and genuine relationshipsThat everything should be funAKD Solutions has a special sports division dedicated to helping people and organisations develop their full potential in physical activity.The AKD Team challenge a lot, laugh a lot, eat a lot - they have fun and are intentional in making a lasting impact in all that they do.Contact:LinkedIn: Akin ThomasWebsite: AKD Solutions

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Karen Wilkinson, inspiring and award winning Marketing Director. We delve together into: The power of connecting with your Values & PurposeHow knowing your Strengths and not sweating your weaknesses is the best way to Focus and FlyWhy Courage & Belief and Stepping out of your comfort zone is all part of being BraveAdventure Seeking - On seizing the day and going for it!Karen's three key encouragements to leaders looking to Be Brave, Fly and Focus Unlock the power of maximising your strengths - Acknowledge what support you need to be at your best - people who compliment you, your support team. And be mindful of overusing your strengths! Feel the fear and do it anyway - The immense power in self belief, power of possible, managed risks, seeking growth opportunities, believing in others.  Accept not everything will go to plan...that's ok! Adapt, pivot, change if you need to…. That's all part of a Marketing Leaders toolkit.Stay curious, embrace adventure.. And smile - The world, our teams, our customers (next gen!)technology is all changing. Stay curious, we'll never ‘know it all', seek adventure and find enjoyment in all you do . After all, we work, love, live to find fulfilment, growth and connect with our values .. whilst having fun along the way! About KarenKaren is a passionate marketing leader - with over 25 years of experience working in consumer products and financial services & banking. Most recently Marketing Director for AkzoNobel, parent of Dulux for 9 years. Adding colour to lives and creating beautiful living spaces. Currently with Evergreen Garden Care as Marketing Director UK&I, where she continues to connect with her passions for colour, growth and being outdoors. She graduated from Dublin City University with BA in international marketing and languages, and has worked, lived and studied in Ireland, Spain, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. Karen lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and is a parent to two teens. Their 19yr old son is on a solo adventure in Japan, and 18yr old daughter is preparing for A levels. Together they teach Karen to have fun, be brave and practise what I preach (to them!).  She loves being outdoors and being active… running, cycling, hiking, swimming, skiing, walking! And never says no to a challenge with friends. She is always seeking new learning, travel and adventures.. Ice skating, painting, and has climbed 2000m mountains, cycled through the Alps and Dolomites, enjoys kayaking and cold water swimming.Connect with KarenLinkedIn: Karen Wilkinson To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com A big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production. To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Helen Stephenson, CEO of the Charity Commission for England and WalesWe delve together into: How as a leader the main tool in your leadership is yourself, which means you need to understand how you work - your strengths and weaknessesWhy getting the right team is crucial and making sure you recruit people who are different from you, and who have the right skills and personality to fit with the organisation and its needs.Why leadership is All about relationshipsAnd how there is no perfect leader, and the importance of knowing when good is good enough rather than aspiring to be everything all at once!Helen's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Know when you need to dive into the detail on an issue (you can't/shouldn't be across everything) and signal to your team that's what you're doingBeing a leader is seeking to be a better version of yourselfIt can be lonely, have some support networksTo connect, follow and find out more about Helen:LinkedIn: Helen StephensonWebsite: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commissionTo find out more about Future Engage Deliver, www.futureengagedeliver.comBuy the book by Steve Radcliffe ‘Leadership Plain and Simple'https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/subject-catalog/p/leadership-plain-and-simple/To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend do go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About Helen StephensonI was first introduced to Helen Stephenson by Steve Radcliffe, who thought we would partner well together in some Executive Team Coaching for Helen's team.  He was right! Helen and I have worked together with her leadership team over the past few years. We have introduced them to Future Engage Deliver, a leadership approach developed by Steve Radcliffe and wonderfully written about in his book Leadership Plain and Simple. And have gone on to share with my colleague Emily Court the Future Engage Deliver approach with the wider organisation of leaders, and their teams. It has been a privilege to work with Helen, and to be trusted by her to lead this programme - her commitment to developing people, and their leadership in particular has never wavered. On many occasions she has joined a development day, and been part of the welcoming and opening of the day sharing her leadership story, her values and beliefs, her passion and purpose. So I was thrilled when we agreed she would be a guest on my podcast, enabling listeners to learn from Helen, to be inspired and motivated in their leadership.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Julian Roberts, Executive Business Coach, Podcast Host of Helping Organisations ThriveWe delve together into: Why the need for resilience in leadership in today's workplace is greater than ever.How to create a resilient mindset to lead your team and organisation.And how to create resilient teams that are better equipped to navigate challenges and thrive in an ever-changing environment.Julian's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Lead by example, through developing a resilient mindset and behaviours that inspire confidence in others, helping them to adapt to change; and as part of that foster a supportive work environment, one in which people are helped to navigate challenges and uncertainties effectively.  Create daily habits that build resilience as a leader all embedded within your purpose.Focus on the 3 P's of Purpose, Psychological Safety and Processes - Reduce, Regulate and RepairContact Julian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesroberts/Website: https://www.julianrobertsconsulting.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesroberts45/To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About Julian RobertsJulian Roberts, an Executive Business Coach with a background in commercial and sales, is passionate about people, resiliency, and business. He has held a number of senior strategic commercial positions for multinational corporations such as Heinz, Yoplait, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as for family-owned businesses.In 2017, he launched his coaching practice, working with individuals and teams from various industries, including food, FMCG, retail, media, engineering, financial services, legal, construction, and medical.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with John Edwards, Director General, Regions Group, at the Department for Education, UK. John and I were invited to be in conversation by and for the annual Transform Applied Leadership Summit, held virtually this year on 8th March 2024. The title of our conversation Understanding Ourselves and Understanding Others - a leadership perspective is the title of the summit.(For listeners who don't know about Transform Applied Leadership I share their details at the end of the podcast, along with ways in which you can connect with John.)John and I delve together into: How becoming a leader is all about finding your own leadership The alignment between who we are, how we lead and why we lead, and what it means to be an authentic leaderThe importance of being aware of individual and collective leadership behaviour and the impact that it has on others 360 degree leadership and measuring our leadership achievements through the successes of othersJohn's three key encouragements for leaders looking to grow their leadership identity, build greater confidence and understanding in their leadership behaviours.We never need to create our leadership approach, or copy it from others - we just need to find it, observe it and look after itWe don't need to worry about making time for DOING leadership, only for THINKING ABOUT leadership - it's not an extra job, it's how we do the job we haveListen to others but trust your instincts - there is no right answerHow to connect with John Edwards on LinkedInThe Transform Applied Leadership Summit happens annually and is designed to stimulate new ways of thinking and behaving in our leadership. Delegates come from education and reflect upon their own leadership, have conversations with other leaders, and to hear speakers from different backgrounds.To find out more about the Summit, and Leadership Applied the leadership study and research; the leadership experts and about the Future Engage Deliver approach to leadership developed by Steve Radcliffe do go to the website:https://www.transformapplied.co.uk/leadership-appliedContact Anni Townend  anni@annitownend.com www.annitownend.comAbout John EdwardsHaving started out as a secondary school maths teacher, I've had the privilege to work in schools, local government and now central government - but still, when asked what I do, the word ‘teacher' is the first word that comes to mind.  11 years in three schools was followed by 14 years working in three different local authorities, responsible for the full range of education and skills functions in largely urban settings.  I now head up the Department for Education's Regions Group, covering improvement, intervention and capacity-building for schools, children's social care and SEND through 9 regional teams.I am proud to have grown up and lived all my life in the north - for more than 20 years in Sheffield where my wife and I both work and where my kids have grown up.  We have one rule in our house: there's always time for a hug.  When neither working nor hugging, I love watching cricket, riding my bike and walking on the beach or in the hills.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Tanya Shadrick - author of The Cure for Sleep: her memoir of a late waking life, a story of breaking free, and making a more creative life; Tanya is founder of the Selkie Press; editor of the Wainwright Prize-listed Wild Woman Swimming.  She is a community builder of writers and storytellers through Substack where she writes, and invites you to share your stories.We delve together into: What it takes - and costs - to build an authentic life of one's own, while continuing to honour our roles within families, workplaces, and communities.And explore four key themes:The voices around us - and the beliefs that we form about ourselves and our abilities because of what is praised or punished.Our Size and Shape - and how related to beliefs about ourselves, and our abilities, we (perhaps) make ourselves smallerWork - and how writing about work is central to Tanya's storytellingThe importance of service, of finding the best in ourselves, and each other, for the good of others, and to deliver use and meaning to othersThree key encouragementsLook how far you've come… We can forget how hard we once found things that are now a core part of our senior roles - public speaking, say, or preparing a visual presentation for stakeholders or investors. Write 500 words from the you of now to the twenty-something you once were, starting out. Be in dialogue. Remember the vivid details. It releases a kind of energy that helps us be better mentors and encouragers to our graduate staff and our career returners. A list of what you love…  spend an hour making a list of 100 things you love about your work life. It will seem impossible to get anywhere near that number. Your first few items might seem so simple, so insufficient - just a list of obvious things: the salary, the pension, the status, the holiday allowance. But as you persist, the process starts to yield surprising results - by the time you get to around sixty, or eighty, most people find themselves remembering their deepest values, their fiercest ambitions and so on.How do you talk about your job to those you don't work with?  This is a very different exercise from crafting ‘an elevator pitch' and its purpose is deeper, broader. Having a simple, authentic way to speak with quiet pride about what you do is one of the most useful ways to connect with other people - it extends to them the possibility of sharing what matters to them too: whether that's their paid work, their passion, or an unpaid voluntary role.Contact Tanya via her website, for writing resources, and podcasts:www.thecureforsleep.comhttps://tanyashadrick.substack.com/To contact Anni Townend anni@annitownend.com www.annitownend.comAbout Tanya ShadrickI first heard of Tanya through a friend that I met some years ago via Instagram. Knowing my love of life writing, and of memoir, she asked me if I had read, and did I know Tanya Shadrick.  I didn't. However the title of her book excited me, I wanted to know more about her, and about her writing. I read the book over a matter of days, snatching moments in my day to read, and was inspired by her openness and generosity of spirit. More recently she has shared via Substack and Instagram her experience of being with her mother at the end of her life, and her death. Tanya writes beautifully, poetically and is an inspiration to us to wake up, to make time to find and be creative, and to share our stories. 

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Moses Tai Founder and CEO African Development Choices (ADC), Author of ‘There Is Shade' and Speaker.We delve together into the working culture of African Development Choices, in particular how they encourage community and reflect who they are in what they do: Seeking and giving input, raising awareness of choiceShowing and taking initiative as part of sustainable changeCommitment to the organisation and its purpose through building belief and hope, and working togetherMoses' Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Develop a strong vision Recruit and retain talented people Build well structured teamsConnect with Moses Tai, and find out more about African Development Choiceswww.linkedin.com/in/mosestaihttps://mybook.to/TISHADEhttps://africandevelopmentchoices.org/To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About MosesMy mission with the podcast is to be in conversation with people who have a passion and purpose (no matter how small or large), and, who want to make a difference through their leadership, and to give them a way of sharing their story to inspire, confidence, care and courage in you the  listener - far and wide. So when Taryn Weeks of Sparks Marketing suggested that Moses would be a great guest I contacted him, and bought a copy of his book ‘There Is Shade'. Moses is an inspiring leader, a passionate voice for sustainable change. 

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today.They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive Officer, CPRE, the countryside charity. Together we delve into what it means to lead:A heritage organisation, being openIn a federated structure, being humbleA campaigning organisation, being braveROGER'S THREE ENCOURAGEMENTS TO LEADERSDo it your way - learn from the leaders who help you grow as a person as well as a leaderFind and honour that which gives you joy at work, what you love - give yourself space to flourish as well as face into the challengeKeep making the time and space to imagine the futureTo contact RogerLinkedIn: Roger MortlockWebsite:  www.cpre.org.ukAbout Roger MortlockI first met Roger some twenty years ago and have had the privilege of partnering with him, and the teams he has led and been part of over the years.  To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Febronia Ruocco, Strategic Insights Professional, Executive Coach and MentorWe delve and explore together leadership values and skills, and the importance of these in Febronia's life, leadership, insights and mentoring work. In particular the values of:IntegrityCollaborationHonestyEmpathyFebronia's three encouragement to leaders:Bear in mind that people have gone through very difficult times: the pandemic, the economic crisis. Be kind with your feedback, with your encouragement, with your guidance, be supportive, have empathy for your teams, and try to instil in them a sense of safety so that they can come and they can share their views and perceptions freely. And also, if you have time, please do some mentoring. There are lots of young people out there at universities and schools, at the beginning of their jobs, who really could do with a guiding hand.How to contact FebroniaLinkedIn: Febronia RuoccoAbout FebroniaI first met Febronia through LinkedIn - she not only liked my podcast, but also commented, and messaged me personally. Febronia has her own podcast weekly roundup of the best listens, and it is a huge honour to have been chosen by her more than once! She is a Strategic Insights Professional and Executive Coach. And she is also a Leadership and Career Mentor for Undergraduates at Durham and Lancaster University. After several exchanges via LinkedIn we arranged a call and discovered that we shared similar passions, and had some shared experiences. I am delighted that she agreed to be my guest, and to share her leadership story.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website: www.annitownend.com/podcastA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow your confidence and courage as a leader.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already, please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Meera Craston, a highly experienced senior leader and executive coach; and co-founder of Next Brave Move. Meera is committed to supporting individuals, teams and organisations to thrive, demonstrate their impact and bring about positive change.Together we delve into:How understanding and embracing your heritage can enable you to more fully connect with your passion and purpose; How tuning into your strengths and into what comes naturally to you can open up new possibilities for exploring your leadership;The beauty of the ‘reset', and how discovering and using your ‘reset function' can help you in re-evaluating and ‘course correcting' your leadership as you go along.The importance of having a support network who act as ‘thinking partners' to help you stay ‘on course'. Meera's three key encouragements for leaders:1.  At times when you feel stuck, there's something very valuable about taking stock and weighing up whether you are holding onto an old narrative that was once very valuable but over time has become less relevant and is no longer serving you well 2.  Be true to yourself and recognise that careers do not need to be linear and that it's never too late to change direction and build new dreams3.  Creating space and being brave and exploratory can often lead to the most amazing opportunities.A huge thanks to Meera for sharing so much of herself, her  thoughts, insights and experiences.To find out more about Meera and Next Brave Move, find, follow and contact her at: LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/meeracraston/WEBSITEwww.nextbravemove.com EMAILmeera@nextbravemove.com To contact me Anni Townend, do email me on anni@annitownend.comABOUT MEERAMeera is a deeply purpose-driven senior leader and executive coach, and co-founder of Next Brave Move. She is committed to supporting individuals, teams and organisations to thrive, demonstrate their impact and bring about positive change. Having worked as an evaluation, impact and policy design specialist for two decades, she is a strong advocate of evidence-based (and pragmatic) decision making, who understands the challenges of leadership, consultancy and making sense of complexity.Her recent experience includes leading the UK Evaluation Society as its inaugural Executive Director, and prior to this, co-leading Ipsos UK's Policy and Evaluation Unit. This involved strategic, operational & commercial responsibilities, and leading the people, talent development, and cultural aspects of the Unit.Looking forwards, her evolving portfolio of work brings together her leadership, consulting, and evaluation experience, and her longstanding interest in re-imagining the dynamics of work-life, effectively navigating transitions, and exploring the intricate evolution of mission and identity.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their personal inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Martin Glover, HR Director for Morton Fraser - Martin is an advocate for fairness, equity and leadership development…..Together we delve into:What he really cares about, his values and beliefs, his passion and purpose - who, what and where have shaped him -  and how he lives these through his leadership : Why as leaders of organisations we should be prioritising Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging;Why targets in Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging aren't helping us get to where we need to be in organisationsAnd ask - Does improving diversity mean that inclusion and belonging will follow?Martin's three key encouragements for people looking to develop their leadership, and to lead intentionally and deliberately for diversity, inclusion and belonging.Think about the experience you are trying to create in your organisation - what do you want people to think and feel about your business Hire for the why (the Vision) this ensures people are aligned to what your organisation is trying to achieve Develop your own curiosity for difference in people and think about the value broadened outlooks like this can add to what you are trying to achieveTo find out about more about Martin, about the firm, find and follow him on: www.morton-fraser.comLinkedIn: Martin GloverTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, anni@annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About MartinI first met Martin when he worked for a different organisation, and was thrilled when he contacted me at his next company to talk about leadership, and then when he moved to Morton-Fraser I moved with him! I think of myself very much as a Leadership Partner, and Martin is a true partner, a fantastic builder of relationships, he is passionate about inclusivity and diversity, and about community.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Justin Russell, Former Chief Inspector of Probation, a role that he finished in the Autumn of 2023 on the challenges and satisfactions of leading in the public sector.Together we delve into:His experience of Senior leadership in the Civil Service – the challenges and satisfactions of sharing the vision setting space with politicians and other parts of governmentOperational versus Policy leadership in the Public Sector - why most top civil service jobs go to policy specialists and why intellectual leadership is prioritised over emotional leadership in Whitehall.Justin's personal career challenge - as someone who loves policy detail and evidence - of getting the balance right between being ‘Hands off and hands on', of being on the balcony versus being on the dance floor. The challenge of engaging colleagues in an era of hybrid working – and how does remote working make leadership more or less easy / more or less satisfying? Justin's three key encouragements for leaders, whatever the sector they are working and leading in:Pay attention to your impact! Don't underestimate the shadow you cast  - or the difference it can make…………Say yes when people ask for help with career advice or mentoring – and don't be afraid to ask the people you admire for their help too. What goes around always comes around.Always keep yourself anchored by asking yourself first what is the right - fair and just -  thing to do when faced with a leadership or policy challenge – but don't beat yourself up too much if that can't be fully delivered. Leaders have to be pragmatists as well as idealists.About JustinJustin is the former Chief Inspector of Probation, a role that he finished in the Autumn of 2023. I had the privilege of partnering with him and his leadership team over a short period of time during 2023. Together we introduced the Future-Engage-Deliver approach to leadership, created by Steve Radcliffe to help the team get clear on their shared future, build bigger relationships with each other, and to deliver more now and later through others. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation's mission is to deliver ‘High quality probation and youth justice services that change people's lives for the better', their focus is on how the probation does things and on how probation makes a real life difference in the lives of the people they work with – something that has been a passion for Justin throughout his career.Contact Justin via LInkedIn, on Justin Russell, where he posts regularly.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today.Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do.They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Jane Mather, Make-up Artist and Personal StylistWe delve together into: 1How truly understanding our ‘uniqueness', and our ‘values', can help us shape our personal style and achieve our goals2How translating our ‘values' and defining our non-verbal communication skills helps us hone our personal style for success3 The importance of showing compassion to and being empowering of others.Three Key Encouragements1. The first step in honing your personal style is to identify your ‘core values' - really knowing what's important to you.The second step is understanding your impact and personal presence - addressing any concerns about your personal style to help you achieve your goals.  The third step is taking a ‘leap of faith' in and for yourself and in others!  You never know what opportunity might present itself or what you might discover!Learn more about Jane through her website:  www.janemather.co.uk, where you can also subscribe to her newsletter.Or follow Jane on Instagram: @janemather_makeupstyleTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already - please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Beto Funari. Together we delve into: Acting as a humanist leader: Why human leadership matters to people feeling valued, enabled and motivated to contribute and create a better future, to learn and develop their potential; and how to do this through leading with empathy, actively listening, fostering diversity and inclusion Balancing Profit and Purpose: How balancing purpose and profit is at the heart of building a compassionate and prosperous business whilst financial success is essential it should not come at the expense of human well-being or ethical principles. Adopting a Customer-Centric Approach: How adopting a Customer-Centric Approach helps in understanding and meeting customer's needs, through building trust and loyalty and through delivering high-quality products or services. Three Key EncouragementsWhat are your three key encouragements for leaders looking to build hope and optimism?Cultivate Empathy and Deep Listening in your own leadership, be a role model to others and encourage them to cultivate empathy and deep listening, and open communication;Prioritise People through continuous learning and development;Balance Profit, Purpose, People and (Ethical) Principles, commercial success is essential however never at the expense of People and ethical Principles, have a Purpose that is bigger than Profit and includes People this will ensure sustainable successTo contact Beto, do so through LinkedIn, Roberto Funari.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome to Anni in Conversation. In this episode I delve into my thoughts and insights into the importance of leaders asking for feedback on their impact felt, and how to create a safe environment in which to have these conversations. Many years ago, my friend and colleague Steve Radcliffe suggested to me that the two most important questions a leader can ask are...-  how good am I at creating a safe environment for people? - And what is your experience of me? Creating a safe environment in which people can be open and honest through practising curiosity, care and courage in their leadership is at the heart of the Collaboration Equation™, a unique framework co created by myself and Lucy kid that encourages and guides leaders in creating cultures of care and connection, in which inclusive dialogue and diversity of thought and feeling are welcomed. Finding out what people's experience of us is essential to developing greater self awareness. We remember how we feel around people. In any one situation, how people feel around us will vary. So gathering this invaluable data on how different people feel, can help us to ensure that our behaviour is aligned with how we would like people to feel around us. My own aspiration is to have people feel seen, heard and understood. It's an aspiration. The only way I can find out whether that's how people experience me is to share with them that that's my aspiration, and to ask them: -  How you feel around me? -  When do you feel that way? So do invite a conversation with people you know, and you would like to build a relationship with and from whom you can get this invaluable impact felt feedback.Thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Steen Broust Nielsen Senior Vice President Sales at Wood Mackenzie Power & RenewablesWe delve together into: 1 Trust – as a foundation for cohesive and high performing teams2 (Com)passion – caring is at the core of authentic leadership3 Meaning – fuels us all and gives us purpose4 Humility and resilience – knowing it is never about you - and that's okThree key encouragements What are your three encouragements that you would give to leaders?1. Be real – leaders are people too2. Be bold – if it matters to you it matters to others3. Be consistent – trust is earned with our teams as well as with our peersTo find out more about Steen and to get in touch with him do connect with him on LinkedIn, where he posts regularly .To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at The Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Cassandra Ogier.Together we delve into: 1. The power of presence2. Embodied leadership3. Deep listening/communicating from self-regulation4. Trusting the unfolding of lifeCassy's Three key encouragements, guiding principles for leaders to help them come home to their true nature….1. Be guided by your passion. What you love.2. Trust in yourself as a part of the whole experience of life.3. Life is happening for you, not to youTo find out more about Cassy and to get in touch with her do follow her on Instagram @thereflectivehorse and go to her website, www.thereflectivehorse.comA big thank you to my support team at The Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About Cassandra OgierCassandra is the Founder & Director of The Reflective Horse®, providing embodied leadership experiences through partnering with horses. She is the pioneer of equine-guided programming with free-roaming horses. She created The Reflective Horse® in 2011 in the US, and has expanded her practice through The Reflective Horse® Mastery Program, teaching Practitioners, and widening the potential for free beings - horses and humans - coming together to experience a shift in perspective through somatic practices and Insight-Based mentorship. She is passionate about creating and collaborating on inspiring programming to support clients in reconnecting with their innate wisdom, and liberation from the conditioned mind. Originally from East Sussex, Cassandra moved to California with her family in 2007 where she actualized her dharma. She is the Mother of three incredible sons, of whom she is most proud and honoured to be sharing this life. She currently teaches in North and Central America and in Europe. To learn more about Cassandra visit her website, thereflectivehorse.com/about

Welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Ellie Norman, Chief Communications Officer, Manchester United Football Club. Together we delve into: How to manage your energies to be at your best, and to help others be their best through having people feel seen and validated;How connecting with people and building relationships is key to business success, whatever the business you are in;Why building a culture of belonging is so important, and what you can do to build one through hope and possibility.Ellie's Three Guiding Principles to have people feel seen and validated1) Bring the light. So be able to bring the light and to shine that light on every individual you meet.  Think about ‘How do you leave every person feeling good about themselves? ‘2) Challenge the status quo. So to ask ‘what if?'. 3) Recognise just how fortunate we are, so find that zest that fun and that energy, and to be able to bring that.About Ellie NormanI first met Ellie on the Marketing Leaders Programme, when she came to speak to the group of marketing leaders.  I was inspired by her passion and commitment to people, by her energy and enthusiasm to connect with people, and to put them at ease helping them to be their very best through learning. I love her passion for having everyone feel validated no matter where they are, or who they are or where they have come from.Recognised as customer-obsessed and target-driven, with demonstrable critical thinking skills and an ability to disrupt the status quo to achieve category beating growth. A broad, curious, perceptive thinker who combines creative and problem-solving skills to find new opportunities. Inspires teams to work with excellence, curiosity, and a ‘can do' attitude to deliver the business growth. Leads by example, able to embrace change and find a path through ambiguity, maintaining a sense of calm confidence, optimism, whilst balancing focus on long-term strategy.To find out more about Ellie and to get in touch with her do follow her on LinkedIn, where she posts regularly.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team to the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni in Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership. In today's episode, I share my thoughts on Being, Seen, Heard and Understood. I delve into: My own aspiration to ensure others feel seen, heard and understoodValues and beliefs within leadershipUnderstanding felt experiences from others of your own leadershipMy Three Key Encouragements to ensure your team feel Seen, Heard and Understood: 1. Meet people where they are at2. Listen to learn and understand3. Be curious and ask questions, especially when you have a different point of viewTo contact me, Anni Townend, do email me on anni@annitownend.com or visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter or follow me on LinkedIn to discover more leadership insights. I look forward to connecting with you. Thank you for listening.

Welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Rachel Eyre, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Morrisons. We delve together into: - How influencing starts with self-awareness, you are your own data bank - use it;- How leading with pride, courage, and conviction and not being a ‘paranoid overachiever' matter in leadership;- The importance of building your career around your strengths, whilst plugging the gaps;- The importance of being nice, and remembering we are all human beings.Rachel's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders and Marketing Leaders:Feel the fear and do it anywayBelieve in yourself, back yourself,  use your own data - you are your own data bank, draw on it, and replenish itBe a decent person, how you make people feel mattersAbout Rachel EyreI first met Rachel on the Marketing Leaders Programme and immediately warmed to her, was inspired and committed to her success. I have followed her leadership journey ever since and was thrilled in March 2023 to see Rachel listed as one of the top ten most powerful women in the supermarket industry! Her being included in and on this list was not a surprise, and look forward to seeing where her leadership takes her!To find out more about Rachel and to get in touch with her do follow her on LinkedIn, where she posts regularly.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!Together Sophie and I delve into: 1) Pacesetting and the principles for positivity, and how velocity can speed up success.2) How leadership is an iterative process - and how to be the editor of your leadership, constantly creating, testing and revising.3) Why marketing matters - now - more than everSophie's Three Key Encouragements: 1) Manage your pace 2) Only Connect3) Act with AudacityAbout SophieIn addition to being the Global Chief Executive of The Marketing Society since 2020, Sophie is the author of ‘Superfast: Lead at Speed'  shortlisted for Business Book of The Year and co-author with Ben Renshaw of LoveWork: The Seven Steps to Thrive at Work. This is a book about growing your relationship with your work, and how to have a more positive relationship with it. Sophie is an acclaimed keynote speaker and a successful entrepreneur. You can read Superfast in hardback, paperback and audio through this link -  https://tinyurl.com/ya5xeq9bYou can order LoveWork: The Seven Steps to Thrive at Work which explores how to discover or recover a better relationship with work through this link - https://amzn.to/3qOQpjxTo find out more about Sophie  and to get in touch, follow her on LinkedIn or visit The Marketing Society website www.marketingsociety.com to find out more about this wonderful community of marketers that Sophie's leads together with her amazing team.A big thank you to my support team at The Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend, do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Nina Holdaway, Managing Director at Accenture Song.   Together we delve into: 1. The energy flywheel, and how managing your energy is key to feeling inspiring and inspiring others2. Playing to strengths as part of being your best and helping others to be their best3. Being your authentic self and understanding human leadership and why this is more important than ever4.  How life and leadership are about the journey, not the destination, and making this journey and adventureKey EncouragementsWhat are your three or four key encouragements for leaders looking to Making Working Lives Better through their leadership.1. Look after yourself as a leader so you can bring your best every day 2. Provide clarity and direction - paint a picture of an exciting future ahead3. Create belonging: be there for people - physically & in spirit … positive role modelling goes a long way4. Be flexible, what & how Thank you, NinaTo find out more about Nina and to get in touch with her do follow her on LinkedIn where Nina posts regularly. To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team, the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with the marketing of the podcast, and to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership. I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Henrietta Norton, Founder of Wild Nutrition Together we delve into: Purpose - why purpose, instead of passion, is essential in sustainable leadership.Authenticity - and how this is really the greatest force we have. And how this is very much a personal journey that weaves the thread between personal and professional growth. Balancing being and doing - why carving out the space to be is the fuel that drives the being and how historically many work cultures have focused on the doing at the cost of beingHow Sustainable Leadership is really holistic leadership and is about supporting ourselves in all aspects of our being - body, mind, emotion and soul wellbeing.Three Key EncouragementsWhat are your three key encouragements for leaders looking to be more than do, and to lead sustainably with purpose.Value and diarise time to ‘be' - this gives you the opportunity….Be clear about the contribution you want to make - personally and for your business, to the worldGrowth, growth, growth - never stop growing as a leader and encouraging growth in your team. It's infectious, creative and empowering for everyone. To find out more about Henrietta Norton, and Wild Nutrition, to get in touch with them do go to their website wildnutrition.com and follow on Instagram.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team Taryn Weeks of Sparkz Marketing and the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening/About HenriettaHenrietta is Co-Founder and Formulator of leading Food-Grown Supplement Brand Wild Nutrition.Wild Nutrition is an expert voice in Women's health, offering Award-Winning formulations for women at every stage of their health journey, from puberty to menopause, energy to stress and sleep. Henrietta is also the published author of Take Control of Your Endometriosis and Your Pregnancy Nutrition Guide. To find out more go to www.wildnutrition.com or find them on instagram at @wildnutritionltd. 

Help transform your meetings from the transactional into the relational, through checking in with each other at the start of the meeting and at the end of a meeting - be the meeting in person or online.  Indeed checking in when we are meeting online matters more, not less, to make sure that everyone feels they have a voice, and that they will be listened to. I truly believe that we could make our meetings more effective through making time to give people space to think, and to speak, and to be listened to and to know that we are listening to each other - through looking at each other, and giving each other 'focused attention'. Making time for people to arrive in the meeting, to take a moment to think 'How am I' and then to share a few words helps everyone to 'meet each other where they are at' ahead of getting into the content of the meeting.  Through doing this check in people feel welcomed, they know that they matter and their contribution matters both in their listening to others, but also in their speaking with others.Checking out is of equal importance, thanking people for their participation, and encouraging everyone to say one thing about their experience of the meeting reminds us why meetings matter, and how important acknowledging our human to human connection is.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence and courage your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Raj Kumar Interim CMO, SVB (Silicon Valley Bank) UK.We delve together into: - What being kind and being direct really means- How Raj's leadership has been shaped through being an explorer- Why Diversity, Equality and Inclusion matter, and Raj's personal experience of navigating these- What Marketing is, and why leadership and marketing go hand in hand.Three Top Tips - What are your three top tips for leaders looking to be kind, and to be direct in their leadership?Make choices, don't prioritise Never judge yourself by the performance review Seek out opportunities to learn and show upTo find out more about Raj and to get in touch with him do follow him on LinkedIn, Raj Kumar, where he posts regularly and re-shares posts to spark your interest and curiosity.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team from the Conscious Marketing Group, for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O'Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About RajI first met Raj on the Marketing Leaders Programme some years ago and admired his commitment from the outset to his own learning and development and that of others. The programme is a one year programme, made up of residential modules and coaching groups in between. Raj contributed wholeheartedly to everyone so much so that we regularly ask him to return as a speaker to delegates, inspiring them with his passion and purpose, his insightful questioning of and straightforward approach to marketing leadership.Raj is an award-winning marketing executive who has grown and transformed major global brands across sectors and geographies. His focus is on building an inclusive, open and curiosity driven culture that does not accept the status quo. Raj has delivered best in class results by combining the art of the creative together with a data driven commercial mindset.He was included as one of Campaigns Power 100 marketers, Top 100 most effective marketers by Marketing Week and voted Financial Services Forum marketer of the year 2020. He is a Fellow of the Marketing Society and is an active mentor for aspiring marketers from ethnic minority backgrounds.Raj is a dad, husband, son as well as a brilliant colleague and friend to many. 

Hello and Welcome to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast in which leaders share their personal leadership stories weaving together the threads of their life to encourage you to grow confidence and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Erika Behl, leader and builder of courageous teams, key-note speaker and storytellerWe delve together into: - Why every moment is a choice- How leadership burnout really does exist and what what we can do to navigate the leaders sometimes treacherous journey- How leaders can become more courageous so that their team can be more courageous Welcome Erika!Erika I would like to start by asking you about you, about who you are – your values and beliefs, passion and purpose - who are the people, places and experiences that have shaped you and made you who you are today?Tell me more about why every moment is a choice, and what this means especially when sometimes we don't feel like we have a choice.What makes leaders' journeys so treacherous with the dangers of real burnout and how can we navigate this?How have you become more courageous, what and who has helped you and how do you help teams to be more courageous?Three Top TipsWhat are your three top tips for leaders looking to build courageous teams, and to make every moment a conscious choice?As a leader, articulating your core values is a must.  Put in the work, do the self reflection, get feedback.  Whatever it takes to clearly discern what gives you conviction to live with your choices—not everyone will like your choices, but they will accept your leadership if you are authentic Any vision, strategy, or plan has to include the WIIFM (what's in it for me) for whomever you're counting on to execute it or transform as a result… this can also be a ‘heightened version' of themselves You need a moment—a space—in order to make a decision that's conscious and aligned with your values.  Learning not to react and to create that space for a response is one of the most powerful things you can choose as a leaderABOUT ERIKAErika is a powerful and courageous leader who I had the privilege of meeting on a leadership program some years ago. She stood out as a leader with huge potential to go far, and I remember sharing this with her over dinner one evening. Since then I have had the privilege of working with Erika, and following her leadership journey which as she says of others has not always been easy, and at times treacherous. Not only does she embody great courage in her leadership but also curiosity.  She is keen to learn and develop new ways of being and staying humble. She is passionate about sharing her learning of Customer Success journeys in the healthcare space engaging patients in their own health journeys whilst providing measurable outcomes for healthcare providers. She loves paddle boarding, is growing to love and believe in public speaking and storytelling, has two wonderful children and lives in Singapore.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow your confidence and courage as a leader.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Candace Gerlach, founder of The Conscious Marketing GroupWe delve together into: How collaborating with people who think differently and getting to know them is key to business – and brand -success.Why inspiring people along their journey through creating a set of guiding principles and then letting them find their own way matters more than ever.How being curious makes us better marketers – and better humans.Three Top TipsWhat are your three top tips for leaders looking to collaborate, to inspire and to be more curious in their leadership?  Don't be too hard on yourself – remember you are human – learn to let go of things rather than dwell upon them.Be curious and interested in what other people have to offer – encourage diversity of thought to get to a more rounded point of view.Be passionate! Be open and honest. Energy is infectious. Galvanise people behind a vision and common purpose – be they customers, colleagues, shareholders, or the wider community.ABOUT CANDACECandace is the founder of The Conscious Marketing Group (TCMG). Her mission and that of TCMG is to bring big brand thinking into the lives of small to medium sized business that are doing amazing things, and to problem solve collectively for brands that have so much to offer – for their customer, for people, and for the greater good.CONTACT CANDACETo find out more about Candace and The Conscious Marketing Group connect with her on LinkedIn, and go to her website www.theconsciousmarketinggroup.co.ukCONTACT METo contact me Anni Townend do email me on anni@annitownend.com visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow your confidence and courage as a leader.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life. Together we delve into and weave together what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already, please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Alicia Ioannou, a policy senior manager in the Home Office who is currently enjoying new adventures on a career break in Switzerland!Together we delve into:1) What it means to be confident and to go for it!2) How to deal with stressful situations 3) The importance of being an explorer of new opportunities and skillsAlicia's Three Top TipsRemember to communicate, communicate, communicate – it is better to over communicate than under communicateBe inspired by others, by their stories and be inspiring in and for yourself with your own storyAlways give opportunities to the people in your team to explore, learn and growABOUT ALICIAAlicia has been a senior manager in the UK Civil Service for 19 years where she has designed and implemented policies for the UK Government on migration including aspects of the post Brexit immigration system; tackling illegal migration and managing the UK's Presidency of the G7 on Interior Security matters. Recently Alicia “went for it”, and moved to Switzerland on a career break where she is thinking through what is next for her career. Alicia is also enjoying rediscovering some of her early passions – piano, tennis and hiking in the mountains. To find out more about me go to my website www.annitownend.comTo listen to more leaders sharing their inspirational personal leadership stories, https://www.annitownend.com/leaders-in-conversation-podcastTo contact me Anni Townend, do email me on anni@annitownend.com

ABOUT THE SHOWWelcome to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend. The podcast that helps you to grow your confidence and courage as a leader.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life, offering valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey.In each episode leaders share their personal life and leadership stories to encourage you to delve in what you really care about – your values and beliefs, your purpose and passions and how to live these through your leadership every day, in all that you do. If you are not already subscribed to the podcast please do subscribe, review and share it! To listen to more episodes go to my website www.annitownend.comABOUT THIS EPISODEIn this episode Wilma and I delve into and weave together:How making change always starts on the inside of ourselvesWhat it means to discover and lead from who we are, not from who we think we should be The value of being present and avoiding the zip wire of time Understanding the deep impact of spending time alone Why now, more than ever, there is a need for a leadership renaissance Wilma's three top tips for leaders looking to lead differently 1. Make time to spend time alone and notice how this shifts your thinking and feeling2 Find your ways of nourishing and replenishing yourself, and your purpose not only for your leadership but for those around you3 Look within, change starts on the inside of ourselves.ABOUT WILMAWilma is a Growth and Development mentor to leaders and emerging leaders in the pursuit of something extraordinary, including People who are part of leading climate change solutions.  She has a very special cottage in the heart of the Black Mountains in Monmouthshire where she invites clients to spend time alone.  Here she uses the space and silence at the to allow the extraordinary to emerge.ABOUT BEING AT THE COTTAGEBeing at The Cottage offers a range of experiences with scope.  When leaders are in the pursuit of something extraordinary, it will have a positive impact for others.  It is something that will steer other people and the planet, as well as themselves, towards a better future.Clients can come and stay from 24 hours up to 7 nights at the cottage, which is tech free, and they are fully catered for with delicious food.Spending time alone at the cottage will give clients a profound experience of what it is to be present and in time.It's important that the experience of being at the cottage is supported afterwards, so work continues together long after the client has left.To find out more about Wilma and Being at The Cottage do visit her website www.beingatthecottage.com/experiences and follow her on LinkedIn where she regularly posts or email hello@beingatthecottage.com