We Are Power Podcast

Unlock the secrets of successful leadership and career growth with Iwona Szmidt and Michael Howard from Bank of America. 

Discover how resilience and transferable skills can transform your professional journey.

Tune in to hear insightful stories about the role of employee networks in creating inclusive workplaces, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

Listen to Learn:
- How embracing diversity boosts  leadership and ...

This week, we sit down with Julie Baker, Head of Strategic Partnerships at NatWest Group. 

Julie shares her inspiring 42-year journey from aspiring PE teacher to a leading role at NatWest, and her dedication to empowering women in business. 

Discover the power of sponsorship, the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how building the right networks can lead to success. 


Listen to lear...

Ever wondered how a four-day workweek could revolutionise your workplace? 

This week, we’re joined by Alison Dunn, our 2024 Levelling Up Leader and CEO of Citizens Advice Gateshead, who’s done just that. 

She takes us through her incredible career journey and shares how the Northern Power Women Awards supercharged her organisation’s mission. 

Alison’s passion shines through as she encourages leaders to stand up for their com...

Join us this week as we chat with Hayley Roberts, CEO of Distology and our 2024 Outstanding Entrepreneur Winner! 

Hayley shares the emotional story behind winning the award and what it means to her. 

Discover the importance of staying true to yourself how being authentic has led to Hayley's achievements.

And she shares her nostalgic love for perms and why she’s still proud of her hair days gone by! 

Listen to l...

Join us as we sit down with Jayne Little, the founder and CEO of Skills4, and our 2024 Agent of Change!

Jayne opens up about her incredible journey from leaving school with limited qualifications to overcoming personal losses and setting up her own business.

Facing bias and microaggressions in male-dominated fields? Janye shares her experiences of confronting gender inequality, particularly within STEM.

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Ever wondered what it takes to balance purpose and profit? Gill Hunter takes us behind the scenes of Square One Law's two-year journey to achieve B Corp certification.

She shares candid insights into building an inclusive workplace,  why cultural change is crucial for any organisation. 

Discover how she and her team are not just aiming for financial success, but also making a positive impact on people and the...

This week on the We Are Power podcast, we chat with Chloe Fletcher, co-founder of the Job Share Revolution and 2024 Northern Power Women Awards' Mentor of the Year commended winner.

Chloe shares how her award nomination came at a pivotal moment in her career, and the moving testimonials from her mentees.

Join us to explore the power of mentorship and advocacy through the inspiring story of a finance director turned passionate me...

Join us as we chat with Nicola Johnson, Director of the HR Centre of Excellence at Bentley , as she opens up about balancing a high-powered career and being a mum.

From her return to work after maternity leave to the thrill of driving a Continental GT Speed at Silverstone, Nicola's stories are all about breaking boundaries.

And find out about Nicola's role models, like Michelle Obama and Katie Piper, and...

Get ready for a captivating episode with Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, the brilliant mind behind 'Gender Reboot: Reprogramming Gender Rights in the Age of AI'.

Eleonore shares her path from a shy teenager in Model UN to a trailblazing data scientist at the UN. 

Listen as she dives deep into the motherhood penalty and the urgent need to challenge stereotypical gender roles in caregiving. 

Listen to le...

This week we are joined by Simon Calderbank, Positive Leadership Mindset Coach and 2024 Northern Power Women Awards Advocacy Lister.

Listen as Simon shares how a cancer scare led to him finding a passion-driven career.

Learn about Simons work in coaching, with everyone from corporate leaders to troubled teenagers.

And hear the inspiring story of a woman who overcame a toxic work environment to land her dream job with the hel...

Meet Angela Owen OBE, the founder of Women in Defence UK and a 2024 Northern Power Women Awards finalist!

Discover how Angela transitioned from a military career to founding an organisation advocating for gender equality in the defence sector. 

And hear Angela's story of being the second ever mother to re-join the military...

Listen to learn:
- The evolving policies and attitudes towards women in...

2024 Northern Power Women Awards Future Lister, Dr Beth Barnes shares her journey into the world of engineering.

From her accidental discovery of civil engineering to her dedication to building inclusive spaces, Dr. Barnes provides valuable insights for listeners from all walks of life. 

And find out how she founded the Durham Women's Engineering Society to create a safe space for women to discuss challenges ...

Join us as Seb Randle, Founder of The Helpful Space and a UN Women UK Delegate, shares his journey from a 20-year career in media to a fulfilling role in coaching and advocacy.

Discover how a pivotal moment just before the pandemic inspired Seb to empower young professionals in a tech-driven world.

And hear Seb's  passionate insights on advocacy, allyship, and creating a positive future through inclusive conv...

Discover the true meaning of resilience as we bring you an insightful episode of the Northern Power Women podcast, live from EY HQ in Manchester. 

Our panelists Lauren, Rebecca, and Kerry share their unique stories and wisdom about overcoming setbacks. .

Join us to hear inspiring anecdotes about learning from challenges, embracing progress over perfection, and the importance of making everyone in the room feel inc...

Paul Sesay, the driving force behind Inclusive Companies Limited, joins us to share his awe-inspiring story of resilience.

Paul shares how his early years forged a path of activism which led to his recognition as a 2024 Northern Power Women Advocate. 

He candidly discusses his own struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking help.

And find out which Liverpool legend inspired him... 

Meet Olivia Clarke, a leading advocate for educational reform from our 2024 Future List.

Hear Olivia’s story as the first in her family to graduate from university and her eye-opening experience stepping into the shoes of the mayor.

And her advice for aspiring activists? Move forward fearlessly, collaborate widely, and boldly stand out from the crowd.

Listen to learn:
- the influence of working-class perspectives
- how we...

Step into the heart of cinematic innovation with our latest episode featuring not one, but two incredible guests: Rizwan Wadan and Nina Karwalska.

Together, they're leading the charge for diversity and inclusion in film.

Join us as we discuss how they're breaking down barriers in the industry and creating opportunities for everyone through projects like Futures in Film.

And find out what joining...

When Kavita Basi experienced a life-altering brain hemorrhage, she didn't just survive—she thrived. 

Our latest episode features this remarkable Chief Exec of Jardin Living, author, and ambassador for neurocharities, as she shares her shift from the world of high fashion to the forefront of ethical and sustainable living. 

Kavita's reflections on resilience, adaptation, and the strategies that helped her...

This week we hear from our Northern Power Women Awards Purple Carpet host, Michelle Eagleton 💜🎤

From interviewing icons like David Attenborough to the legendary Dame Joan Collins, Michelle takes us behind the scenes of her incredible career.

Reflecting on her story, Michelle offers advice and messages of wisdom to her younger self, inspiring listeners with her resilience and determination.

Michelle delves into her passion for live e...