Pull up a Chair with Bina Mehta

Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world's CO2 emissions.  Hear from Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK, on the transformational impact of investing in sustainability – not just on the UK's climate footprint, but for Heidelberg Materials' ability to attract new generations to its workforce.  This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.     

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast, Bina is joined by Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK. Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world's CO2 emissions. So, when it comes to building a sustainable future, Heidelberg Materials is an organisation that is truly at the centre of this. Together, Simon and Bina talk about how the industry is being transformed for the better, plus other reflections on key challenges and opportunities facing boardrooms today.

From The Premier League and Ocado, to Deliveroo and B&Q, Claudia Arney has incredible experience working with some of the UK's most famous brands. In 8 minutes, Claudia shares the traits that make the most effective leaders, why a founder mentality can make all the difference when it comes to organisational culture, and how to harness your superpower to make an impact.  This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.   

In the latest episode, Claudia Arney shares insights built over an impressive career spanning multiple sectors: from Ocado and the Premier League to Deliveroo and Kingfisher plc, home to brands such as B&Q and Screwfix. Claudia talks about sustainability and seeing returns on investments, the beginnings of Deliveroo and how its culture has changed 12 years on, plus the technology that is totally transforming Kingfisher's brands in response to fast-changing consumer demands.

Lord Gerry Grimstone gives a masterclass in securing funding, drawing on vast experience in both government and business; as the UK's Minister for Investment, launching the UK's first Global Investment Summit, and leading boards at the world's most respected financial institutions – from Barclays Bank to Gemcorp Capital Management. Hear Lord Grimstone's perspectives on how British businesses are faring against global counterparts for foreign investment, what investors are really looking for, and why ‘flair' can make all the difference. This episode, recorded in Jan 2025, is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode, Lord Gerry Grimstone draws on vast international experience built in government and while leading boards at some of the world's most respected financial institutions. Against a rapidly evolving geopolitical backdrop, Lord Gerry shares advice for businesses looking to unlock investment, how Britain can achieve sustainable growth, and the UK's overall competitiveness as a great place for investment. Note: This episode was filmed in January 2025.

Executive Chairman of Mace, Mark Reynolds, speaks to the quarter of a million construction jobs needed to deliver on Labour's promises of new homes, and the importance of not only recruiting, but nurturing and retaining that workforce within the industry. Listen as Mark give his thoughts on how government and industry need to work together and what needs to happen to make it sustainable, in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast, Bina is joined by Mark Reynolds, Executive Chairman of Mace. Mark draws on lessons learned during an incredible 30-year career in the construction industry leading the delivery of transformational projects that have shaped cities around the world, for a masterclass on innovation, sustainability, and creating motivated teams that seize opportunities to thrive and grow.

Dr Eliza Filby, generational historian and writer, gives a masterclass on the impact of technology and evolving family dynamics on the modern workplace, explaining how clearer diaries and more time for socialising could be key to keeping every generation happy. Access some of Eliza's top tips for companies looking to navigate the challenges that come with a multi-generational workforce in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast, Bina is joined by Dr Eliza Filby, speaker, writer, historian and author of “Inheritocracy: It's time to talk about the bank of mum and dad.” Together they explore the growing generational gap in today's workforce and how business leaders of today need to manage and minimise this to bring harmony to their organisations.

Lucy Parker CBE, partner and strategic advisor at Brunswick Group, reveals the key steps that can transform you from a good leader into a great one when it comes to making a real impact – including how, and crucially when, to use your voice for good. Get a masterclass on the traits that define successful ‘activist leaders' and how anyone can practice them in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from leaders from across the globe. 

In the latest episode of the Pull Up a Chair podcast, Bina is joined by Lucy Parker, partner and strategic advisor at Brunswick Group, and co-author of ‘Everybody's Business: the unlikely story of how big business can fix the world.' Together they explore 'unsustainable growth', and how businesses can drive progress by having activist leaders who understand when to use their voice and the impact it can have on the world around them. 

‘Which country is going to be the next tech superpower?' And is Britain a contender? Russ Shaw CBE, co-founder of London Tech Week and founder of Tech London Advocates and Tech Global Advocates, shares his perspectives in the latest ‘Pull up a Chair' episode. If you're short on time and want to know whether Russ thinks the UK is doing enough to attract future tech unicorns and investors, hear some of the highlights from their discussion in under 10 minutes.   This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast, Bina is joined by Russ Shaw CBE. Together they reflect on the UK's growing influence in the regulation of AI, diversity and inclusion in our tech sector, how to unlock investment for entrepreneurs in the UK, and which countries are going to be the big tech superpowers of tomorrow.

‘Is AI competing with me?' and other questions everyone's asking about AI are answered by Debbie Weinstein, Google UK and Ireland's MD in the latest Pull up a Chair episode. If you're short on time but want the highlights from their discussion, get Debbie's top tips on the key things businesses should be thinking about in under five minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the first episode of season three, Debbie Weinstein, Google UK and Ireland's MD, joins Bina to talk about the future of AI and the economic opportunity it presents, leadership and culture, plus how businesses – big and small – can access the transformative potential of new technology.

In the latest episode, Bina speaks with bp's Chair, Helge Lund, about leadership, organisational purpose and values, and the formidable task of achieving a ‘just' and equitable energy transition that leaves nobody behind. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

Take a masterclass from John Boumphrey on how one of the world's most innovative brands – Amazon – famously grew from a garage to the globe's largest online retailer and the lessons they learned on the way; on failure, culture, and leadership. This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests.

Do you know how many women sit on the Boards of the FTSE350? The FTSE Women Leaders Review is holding some of the UK's biggest businesses to account, playing an important role in driving representation of women in leadership. Learn from the Review's Co-Chair, Penny James, about how they're doing it and why. This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests.

The OBR has dropped estimates for the number of electric vehicles represented in new car sales in 2027 from 67% to 37% - hear from Ford UK's Chair, Lisa Brankin, about changing attitudes to EVs and how one of the world's oldest car manufacturers is embracing the change. This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests.

How can we ensure Britain's future is successful? Learn from Paul Johnson, one of the UK's most respected economists and Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, about what advice he'd give our government at this pivotal time. This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests.

Learn from Bill Thomas, Chairman and CEO of KPMG International, about how the last ten years have shaped the experience of the CEO, and what leaders of organisations around the world see as their greatest challenges and opportunities. This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests.

MI5 is one of the world's most famous institutions; Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, Former Director General, shares what she's learned during a distinguished career in counterterrorism, leading teams through some of the darkest moments in modern history. This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests.

Learn from Vindi Banga, advisor to some of the world's most well-known brands, about the real meaning of leadership and why striving for 100% all the time doesn't work.   This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests. 

How can we face into the challenges of rapidly changing world? For organisations it's about creating a culture of excellence, but for individuals Dr José Viñals, Group Chairman of Standard Chartered, says it's all about seizing opportunities and being courageous.   This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests. 

Quantexa is one of the UK's fastest-growing tech companies and 2023's only tech unicorn. Hear from CEO and Founder, Vishal Marria, on the role that data plays not just in solving complex challenges, like financial crime and regulatory compliance, but also in creating a culture where people can thrive and collaborate.  This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests. 

Learn how John Lewis' ethos has stood the test of time, and why 160 years later, the company's partnership model is one of the things John Lewis' Chair, Sharon White, thinks will keep it going for hundreds more.  This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests. 

Hear Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand – the first woman to be elected in that position – reflect on why women make such effective leaders and how she's dealt with gender-based criticism.   This special episode is part of Pull up a Chair's ‘Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's second round of guests. 

In the latest episode of ‘Pull up a Chair' series two, Bina Mehta speaks with Amazon's Country Manager for the UK and Ireland– John Boumphrey. Together Bina and John discuss robotics in Amazon's warehouses, Generative AI, new technology and its transformative potential for the retail sector, and the future of the workforce amongst other trending topics. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode, Bina speaks with Penny James, Co-Chair of the FTSE Women Leaders Review and Senior Independent Director at Hargreaves Lansdown. Penny has a wealth of experience in some of the best-known names in insurance; including Zurich, Prudential, and most recently Direct Line Group, where she was Chief Executive Officer. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of ‘Pull up a Chair' series two, Bina Mehta speaks with Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director of Ford Britain. Listen to the episode to hear Lisa's insights on the automotive industry and its evolution, including the role of electric vehicles in driving a sustainable future, plus lessons in leadership from an established career. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina speaks with Paul Johnson, the Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a position he has held since 2011. One of the UK's most respected economists, Paul is the longest serving IFS Director, and for the past 11-years has also been a visiting professor in economics at UCL. Paul has a wealth of experience to drawn upon including hands-on experience of government having worked as a senior civil servant in the Treasury, and as chief economist at the Department for Education. Paul was also a member of the UK Climate Change Committee and author of The Sunday Times best-selling book: ‘Follow the Money: How much does Britain cost?' In their discussion, Paul shares insights on the worlds of government, business, and higher education, and how they can work better together to achieve sustainable growth. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina speaks with Bill Thomas, the Chairman and CEO of KPMG International where he leads and supports more than 265,000 colleagues over 140 countries. Bill has more than a decade of executive-level leadership experience and previously served as Chairman of KPMG's Americas region from 2014 to 2017, and as CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada from 2009 to 2016. During each stage of his career, he has propelled the firm's global strategy throughout local, regional and international geographies, always pairing pragmatism and creativity to deliver concrete results. In their discussion, he reflects on his learnings about how organisations can achieve growth that meets profit and purpose. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of ‘Pull up a Chair' series two, Bina Mehta speaks with Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, Former Director General of MI5. In their conversation, Bina and Eliza explore the changing face of leadership, and the lessons Eliza has learned during an established career in one of the world's most famous institutions. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of ‘Pull up a Chair' series two, Bina Mehta speaks with Vindi Banga, a leader and advisor to some of the world's most well-known brands. Vindi brings a wealth of experience from the worlds of business, education, and philanthropy, and has had a fascinating and diverse career spanning 33 years at Unilever, roles in private equity, and on the boards of Marie Curie, Haleon, GSK's former consumer business; and is now Chair of UK Government Investments. Together Bina and Vindi discuss the impact that businesses can have when they work together with government to progress development agendas. Particularly around how organisations can grow in a way that drives success in our communities and protects our planet. Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of ‘Pull up a Chair' series two, Bina Mehta speaks with Dr José Viñals, Group Chairman of Standard Chartered. José is an economist, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Spain and Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the International Monetary Fund. He brings a unique perspective on the role of financial institutions in achieving long-term prosperity for people and planet. Together they discuss how José's experience as an expert in international regulation and global markets has shaped his perspective on how to achieve growth that benefits all people and preserves our planet. Particularly the global cooperation required to deliver the United Nations' sustainable growth goals, reflecting on his role as Co-Chair of the United Nations' Alliance of Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD). Join the conversation on sustainable growth!

In the latest episode of ‘Pull up a Chair', Bina Mehta speaks with Vishal Marria, the CEO and Founder of Quantexa, one of the UK's fastest-growing tech companies and the only tech unicorn of 2023. Together they discuss Quantexa's success and the future of technology and innovation. They also explore the role that data has to play, not just in solving complex challenges like financial crime and regulatory compliance, but also in creating a culture where people can thrive and collaborate.  Join the conversation on sustainable growth!  

In this episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast, Bina Mehta speaks with Dame Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership; owner and operator of two of Britain's best loved retail businesses, John Lewis and Waitrose. Sharon became the Partnership's sixth Chairman in February 2020, after having moved from Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, where she served as Chief Executive from 2015. Together, they explore John Lewis' partnership model and its sustained significance in the face of a changing labour market, transformation and change – why it's important to keep purpose in the centre and plan for the long-term – and why ‘connectivity' is a defining characteristic of good leadership. Join the conversation on sustainable growth.

In a special episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast, ahead of the full second series launching this Autumn, Bina Mehta speaks with Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand 1999-2008. A trailblazer, Helen was also the first woman to lead the United Nations Development Programme. Helen is the Chair of the Global Leadership Foundation and has been named as one of the most powerful women by Forbes. Sustainable development, gender equality, and international cooperation are the hallmarks of a life dedicated to public service Join the conversation on sustainable growth.

Season one of the ‘Pull up a Chair' podcast has wrapped up filming. In the final episode, Bina revisits some of the highlights from her conversations with business leaders from some of the world's most influential organisations on sustainable growth. Throughout the first series, guests have explored how to grow successful businesses in today's challenging and unpredictable environment, and the most important lessons they've learned in their distinguished careers. 

In this episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes Euan Blair. Euan Blair is the co-founder and CEO of Multiverse, the British educational technology start-up offering professional apprenticeships. Owing to Multiverse's tech unicorn status, Euan also has great perspectives to share on technology, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of scaling sustainably in the UK. Passionate about improving opportunity, Euan has built important insights on disrupting traditional educational models, and how businesses can use apprenticeships to build the skills they need to drive growth and strengthen social mobility.

In this episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes Clare Barclay. Clare Barclay is the Chief Executive of Microsoft UK. With nearly three decades' experience in the IT industry, most of them in diverse roles across Microsoft, Clare has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share on innovation and technology. As a senior leader with a deep passion for diversity and inclusion, Clare holds views on important topics including the UK's digital skills gap, how technology can help us address the climate emergency, what AI will and won't replace, and what the future of work looks like.

In this episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes Dame Elizabeth Corley. Dame Elizabeth Corley is the Chair of the Impact Investing Institute. With extensive experience in financial services, Elizabeth is a leading voice on harnessing finance for good, and the role that impact investing plays in driving sustainable growth. In 2019, Elizabeth was awarded a DBE for services to the economy and financial services. Join the conversation on sustainable growth. 

In this episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes William Vereker. William Vereker is the Chair of Santander UK and also on the board of the fast-growing tech unicorn, Celonis. William is not only one of the best-known names in the City, with a first-class track record in banking having held positions at JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and UBS, but he has also spent time at the top of government. As former Prime Minister Theresa May's business envoy, William was focused on strengthening the relationship between government and the City at a time of seismic change in the UK economy. Join the conversation on sustainable growth. 

In this episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes Andy Haldane. During his time as the most senior economist at the Bank of England, Andy was widely cited as a leading expert on financial stability as well as being named by Time magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people. Andy also led the government's taskforce for Levelling Up and is currently the Chair of the Levelling Up Advisory Council, which he described as ‘one of the biggest economic and social challenges of our time', and is a passionate advocate for improving numeracy across the UK. Join the conversation on sustainable growth. 

In this episode of 'Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes Baroness Dambisa Moyo. Dambisa is a pre-eminent economist, named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The author of four New York Times Bestselling Books - including her most recent: ‘How Boards Work', which explores how boards can work better in a chaotic world, Dambisa has an incredibly strong influence in the strategic investment and public policy spheres. Join the conversation on sustainable growth.

In this episode of 'Pull Up a Chair', Bina is joined by Sir John Kingman, Chair of Legal & General, covering how his experiences in positions at the very top of government and business have shaped his perspectives on investing for sustainable growth, and attracting Global talent. As former Second Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury, he was at the heart of the UK government's response to the 2008/9 financial crisis, managing the resolution of Northern Rock and negotiations around the refinancing of UK banks. Sir John was also the first Chair of UK Research and Innovation, overseeing government science funding of more than £8bn per year, and his eponymous review of the Financial Reporting Council in 2018 recommended the wholesale reform of audit and accounting regulation. Join the conversation on sustainable growth.

For episode 3, Bina welcomes Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of Britain's most decorated Paralympian athletes, winning 11 gold medals, four silvers and one bronze over five Paralympic Games. Tanni is established as one of the most gifted and courageous sportswomen of her generation. Since retiring from athletics, Tanni has held many important roles in sport – including vice-president of the Women's Sport Foundation and most recently Chair of Sport Wales. In 2010, Tanni became an independent peer in the House of Lords, and since this time has continued to act as a prominent and vocal advocate for disability rights, welfare reform and inclusion. She talks to Bina about the role of Boards in making cultural change in organisations, how businesses can support more disabled people into employment and what it means to be an inclusive leader. Join the conversation on sustainable growth.

For the second episode of ‘Pull up a Chair', Bina welcomes Dominic Barton, the Chair of Rio Tinto, to the podcast. Dominic was Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company between 2009 and 2018. He also served as Canada's ambassador to China, before joining Rio Tinto as Chair earlier this year. He joined Bina to talk about his career, planning for the long-term, why culture drives everything and, of course, that big question of how to deliver growth in a responsible way, that meets the needs of people, planet, and profit.  Join the conversation on sustainable growth.    Website: https://home.kpmg/uk/en/home/insights/2022/11/pull-up-a-chair-with-bina-mehta.html 

In the first episode, Bina talks to Sir Jon Symonds, the Chair of GSK.  Sir Jon has led large organisations through times of seismic change, including the global financial crisis in 2008, and more recently the global pandemic, in which pharmaceutical organisations like GSK found themselves at the centre of the world's attention while the industry worked at pace and scale to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. He joined Bina to talk about the impacts and lessons from the pandemic, the power of purpose and much more. Join the conversation on sustainable growth. Watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kjr6olfHP6w  Website: https://home.kpmg/uk/en/home/insights/2022/11/pull-up-a-chair-with-bina-mehta.html   

Join Bina Mehta, Chair of KPMG in the UK, as she chats to fellow Chairs and business leaders about how to grow successful businesses in today's challenging and unpredictable environment, that delivers to the needs of people, planet and profit. Bina and her guests will discuss why sustainable growth is at the top of business leaders' agenda and share their insights on how to achieve it.