March 3, 2025 • 23 mins
Join us on the We Are PoWEr podcast as Amy Williams, Managing Director at Barclays and Iwona Schmidt, Managing Director at Bank of America talk about their roles as co-headline partners for the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women’s Awards. 🌟
Amy and Iwona share...
✨ Their excitement for the night
✨ The power of role models
✨ Why the partnership is important to them personally and professionally
✨ Their companies' commitment to diversity and inclusion
The 2025 #NPWAwards is on 6th March, don’t miss this episode as we build up to the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe!
Chapters:
0:00 Celebrating Gender Diversity and Inclusion
8:43 Recognising Excellence and Community Impact
18:54 Empowering Northern Leaders
Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, hello and welcome to the we Are Power
podcast.
If this is your first time here, the we Are Power podcast is
the podcast for you, your careerand your life.
We release an episode everysingle Monday with listeners in
over 60 countries worldwide,where you'll hear personal life
stories, top-notch industryadvice and key leadership
insight from amazing role models.
(00:21):
As we Are Power is the umbrellabrand to Northern Power Women
Awards, which celebrateshundreds of female role models
and advocates every year.
This is where you can hearstories from all of our awards
alumni and stay up to date witheverything.
Mpw Awards and we Are PowerNever imitated, never replicated
(00:46):
singularly wonderful,everybody's wonder girl.
I am delighted to welcome AmyWilliams and Yvonne Schmidt from
Barclays and Bank of Americarespectively.
Or did I get that the wrong wayaround?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Might need a flip, but I'm sure we're in to change
it.
I'm sure they'll never noticewho turns up.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
It's amazing this year because you are both our
co-headline partners for theninth Northern Power Women
Awards.
And the frenzy is building,isn't it?
The frenzy is buildingAbsolutely.
How is it?
At Bank of America and BarclaysHQ, everyone getting frock
ready?
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Oh yeah, there's a lot of chat like sequins,
glitter, green, blue, red gold.
Yeah, there's a lot going on.
There's a lot going on.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
There's a lot going on, oh right.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Okay, we've got a huge amount of excitement.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
actually Frocks suits the lot.
Who's going to be sitting where?
Who's going to meet who?
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Well, one of the funniest things last year was
when we launched our advocacylist, which Mark is the founding
partner of.
Oh my goodness, the WhatsAppgroup I had the male advocates
in was one of the mosthysterical groups, like and
before any of the other whatsappgroups, because we put all of
our finalists, all of our powerlists, future lists, the game
(01:52):
changers, all into into whatsappgroup, our judges, just to chat
.
Is that's part of that?
It's part of the networking.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
It's part of that community building and it was
the.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
It was the advocacy male advocacy group was the
first group that broke the sealon the clothes.
The clothes discussion.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
I didn't know there were so many versions of velvet.
Not going to lie.
No, velvet, surely is velvet.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
So maybe actually you know us three on the purple
carpet with the wonderfulMichelle Eagleton as they come
in, we could maybe give scores,who knows, I could rate my
velvet, we could.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
We could maybe give scores, who knows I?
Speaker 1 (02:23):
could rate my velvet.
We could, we could Rate myvelvet.
I'm in my pyjamas, I'm allready to go.
Amy Williams, managing Directorof Barclays, and Yvonne Schmidt
, as I introduced, as ManagingDirector of Bank of America.
I am delighted to have knownyou for the last few years, but
now, like creating thisco-headline and it's I feel like
(02:47):
we're becoming a little littlegirl gang army, haven't we?
Oh, definitely, absolutely.
And you've both been to theawards on.
You've been a couple of times,amy, you've been a couple of
times.
And the Covid or the pandemicyear, yeah, where we
ridiculously tried to put 1100people into zoom rooms to create
viewing parties, which wasabsolutely, and it was at the
start, where we were all stillgot used to Zoom and stuff, but
(03:07):
it was.
It was phenomenal.
And our wonderful host, ninaHussain it was her first year of
hosting.
She always says that was one ofher standout awards ever
because of the detail that wentinto that.
I said also, yes, it wastotally crazy.
But, yeah, what would you?
How would you describe theawards?
So people who are having thoseconversations, whether they're
(03:28):
in your organizations, whetherthey're our finalists, listen to
this starting to get GDOT ready.
What?
How would you describe it?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
do you want.
I think there's two parts to it.
To me.
On one hand, there's theexcitement of the night, um.
So I remember last yeararriving and just walking
through the underground car parkand there was already a buzz
there and you know peoplewalking in.
And then you walk in and it'slike arriving at a festival.
There's so much energy and whatreally stood out for me is the
(03:58):
people greeting each other likelong lost friends, the
introductions, and it's justfantastic, right, and that goes
back to the point that we talkabout.
It's not one night, it's aboutcreating that network, that
community, um, and and and sortof taking it forward.
Uh, from there, the, the otherside, the other side, that
really stands out.
It's just such an amazing eventto celebrate people who are
(04:22):
really moving the dial, changingthings, being brave, and it's
really empowering as well.
And it's having thatcelebration, putting that
spotlight on people, that makesit so amazing.
And then having such anenormous event in the north of
England, it just makes it kindof even more special.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Hashtag the largest event celebrating gender
equality in Europe, Absolutelyyeah, the Oscars for gender
equality.
I like that.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Like, honestly, the feeling when you walk in it is
nothing but pure magic.
And, Ivonne, you're absolutelyright.
The fact that everyone there isunified by a single purpose,
right, the the fact thateveryone there is unified by a
single purpose, which is tocelebrate, nurture, foster
gender diversity and inclusionin the north of england.
That is what we're all to showup for, and celebrating the
people that are reallychampioning that from the
(05:15):
forefront.
Um so no matter if you're incompeting industries small
business medium business.
You know, working for yourself,working for a charity.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
That that's what the awards night is about, which is
an amazing unifying purpose andare there any standout moments
that you've had from either thethe virtual or the in-person
events, whether it be finalists,whether it be colleagues?
What?
Oh, amy, you've got one.
I can tell I did.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
I've been sitting here, sort of reflecting on
doing the podcast today.
Simone, what spending, and it'slovely to actually take a
moment to reflect on previousyears and relive the magic For
me.
I'm going to pick a top three,which is very hard to choose
from.
Number one has got to be theCorinthians and their stage
presence, which was utterlyamazing.
(06:00):
Like what pioneers and whattrailblazers.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
It was illegal, wasn't it For women to play
football?
Speaker 2 (06:07):
It was so actual lawbreakers for championing like
gender diversity and inclusion,amazing.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
And they're now making a film about that.
Yes, and one of the reasonsthey came to the awards last
year was because I'd got goodold LinkedIn isn't it the good
old power of networking?
I got a message to say we wantto tell a story about these
amazing women.
Is there any chance that one ofthem could come along on the
night and I might bring them all?
Uh, you know, I said bring themall, bring the whole team,
(06:33):
because you're talking, some ofthem are 80s, 90s here.
Bring them all and they.
We had them in all day.
Uh, we had students from theManchester College doing hair
and makeup.
The Manchester Central put onafternoon tea for them.
They were absolutely justamazing Fun.
I think they thought it wasnever going to end you know, but
(06:54):
now for that film to be made.
But you just never know.
And they started singing, doyou?
Speaker 2 (06:58):
remember they started singing.
They did, and then that got thewhole room up and singing,
which was incredible.
Other two highlights so it wasan Honest Be A Judge.
At last year's awards Someonewon to watch the fabulous Tasnim
who won that category for thework that she's done in the
legal profession, which was justa mind-blowing story.
(07:19):
And then it's got to be DanceSyndrome, like the live
performance.
We had Simone at the partnersevent after um where they had
again everyone up on their feetcelebrating inclusive and sort
of equitable dance, and Ithought the performances, the
magic, the vibe, I thought thatwas amazing and recently, uh,
sort of at the end of last year.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
uh, for those who don't know, I'm an honorary
captain in the Royal Navy and wehad a big giant uh warship in
HMS Prince of Wales and Dan StJoan got to perform on that
warship because of the awards,because of that partner event.
So sometimes you know you'vegot to be careful what you wish
for, because you never knowwhere it's going to go.
Yeah, you'll be everywhere, anystandout for you or any of
those stories from individualsor quotes that you've picked up?
(08:02):
Do you?
Speaker 3 (08:02):
know what, or quotes that you've picked up.
Do you know what?
I thought about this quite abit, and there were standouts
like the Corinthians wereamazing, but to me, almost the
standout was that there were somany amazing people and that the
broad range of of achievements.
So you had people who werestanding up for female lawyers.
You had individuals who wereworking with teaching children
(08:24):
STEM.
There was a lady who made wigsfor cancer patients.
It was the breadth and depthand that's what I think was
unexpected, but in a good way,and very inspirational that you
don't have to be in business oryou don't have to be working in
a charity.
It's everything.
And then I think I also I lovethe power lists because
(08:47):
everyone's a winner, becauseeveryone on the list is on the
list, and I think you knowyou've talked about the WhatsApp
groups and the community and Ithink that's the real.
It's not.
You don't just win on that onenight, you don't just become
part of a list on that night.
That's the start of then, aforever community.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Yeah, we're not for Christmas.
You know, that's not what thisis about, and it's really
interesting.
Actually, one of our advocateswe ask our partners like
yourselves to be part of thementoring program, because not
only is the WhatsApp groups, notonly are the sort of
pre-virtual events, but we alsouh, everyone in the finalists
gets the opportunity to bematched with a mentor as part of
a 12-week mentoring program,because this is all about how do
(09:29):
we enhance, how do we sharethose stories.
And actually one of ouradvocates was a mentor this year
and I I spoke with him recentlyand he was like I'm now, in
essence, like a non-exec boarddirector for this organisation.
So it is amazing, I thinkthere's no prescribed sort of
route or there's no prescriptionthat comes with this, and is
this one of the reasons why youboth wanted to kind of go right.
(09:53):
Well, we're leaping into thisco-headline partnership here,
we're going to play nice andwe're going to do great stuff
together.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
I'm totally right.
I think we've got the benefitof having two hugely valuable
global brands, yes, and I thinkthat the way that we can use
that as a force for good toamplify talent in the north and
what what the Northern PowerWomen Awards are about, I think,
is phenomenal.
It also, from a Barclaysperspective, aligns really
closely to our core values andour purpose as well.
(10:22):
Driving an improved, likediverse and equitable
environment in the workplaceglobally for us is hugely
important, and finding a way tocelebrate role models and talent
in the north of England thathelp drive that specifically in
this region, but with a globalreach, really really tightly
couples with what we're aboutand what's important.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
And both global brands.
We've talked about this, yetthis is so important.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
And I really agree and it really resonates what you
say.
I think diversity and inclusionis so part of our DNA at Bank
of America and genuinely webelieve we're a better company
because we really pursue thatand we have lots of internal
networks supporting women andallies.
But actually what drew us andwhat really wants us to support
(11:08):
the awards is that, as Amy says,when you have a large brand
like Bank of America andBarclays do, being able to put
the weight of that brand andyour resources behind something
I think adds so much strengthand I think helps empower.
And for us specifically at Bankof America, we've grown
significantly in the region inthe north of England in the last
(11:32):
five years.
So we really want to focus notjust doing on our internal focus
on internal diversity, butactually now paying it forward
externally as well, in thecommunity.
We really believe that whereverwe have offices, we want to get
involved in the community andmake things better and we think
through this sponsorship,through this partnership, we can
really do that.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
And it's the start, isn't it?
And we've worked together, bothorganisations, for a number of
years and sometimes it's been apinch me moment for me.
Sometimes I think of years andsometimes it's been a pinch me
moment for me.
Sometimes I think gosh, andthen I kind of stand up.
I think gosh, we're 10 yearsinto Northern Power Women and
next year will be the 10thawards.
This year is the ninth, youknow sometimes.
I was having this conversationrecently over dinner and there
(12:16):
was a point where I thought areawards dying out?
You know, is there a need forawards anymore?
Because there was a point whereI thought are awards dying?
out you know, is there a needfor awards anymore, because
there's a lot out there and Iknow when I first set the awards
up I was thinking is thisreally needed?
And and it was the wonderfulJames Timpson actually who I
spoke to and I remember he wasjust his advice to me was do it
your way.
And I did that and thenprobably had more, more ways on
(12:37):
along and bells on along the way.
But is there still?
Because there are so manydifferent awards out there and
there's a lot of calls on yourtime and pockets and budgets and
resource and people andcolleagues and nominations,
marketing departments.
But why are awards important?
You've talked about role models.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Yeah, it's simply a means to celebrate.
I say simply, it's a means tocelebrate and recognise,
unashamedly, the pioneers outthere and I think without
recognition of that and a causeto celebrate them, it's going to
be really difficult to createmore Like this.
The awards should create and Iknow within Barclays it's
(13:16):
created a ripple effect.
So you sit up and you takenotice, like last year we were
really fortunate to have five ofour colleagues on short lists
or on the power list, on theadvocacy list, on the future
list, and that sent a messageinternally to say hey, we've got
people that are out theredriving change.
It goes on our internal newsboards, it goes in our internal
(13:38):
recognition systems and itcauses a bit of a pause and
reflect.
For are we really doing all wecan and should be doing to drive
forward and create that sort ofenvironment where people can
thrive and we are reallyembracing inclusion and equity?
But it's because we've donethat celebration bit, I think,
simone, it's because we'verecognised the people that are
(13:59):
going above and beyond, drivingchange and those allies that are
supporting driving that change.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
And I think the thing I see from both of your
organisations you've both gotwonderful people right.
Speaker 2 (14:10):
You do.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Yeah, you really do.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
And of different levels, of different sectors,
different backdowns, differentstories, sectors, genders,
everything along the way.
And I've seen there'sparticular on both sides that
I've seen some of your youngerwomen that are growing through
the wonderful Anjali, thewonderful Sinead, and you know
I'm just gosh.
That's awful.
It's like picking my favouritechild kind of thing.
(14:34):
But you know, there's people whojust you've seen I've seen them
grow and thrive and really wantto jump on and drive this.
It's not an ROI relationshiplike that, I suppose.
I guess it's kind of hard tomeasure, but I see it's your
people getting involved.
And when we sit around a tableat Bank of America or Barclays
with the gang, it's amazingbecause they're all one of you.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
Part of it.
It is, and I think it has tobecome part of the DNA and the
culture of a company.
You're not just coming into theoffice or working from home to
do your job, to do your work,but actually it's about creating
a community, it's about makingthings better, it's about
inputting your views andactually driving change and then
(15:17):
, importantly, also taking thatout to the community, because
that's where you live and thatyou want to take all of that
there.
So we really want to encouragepeople and the young people
coming through to really strivefor their goals, but also to
ensure that we're inclusive,because that's what it's all
about inclusivity and diversity.
And then, going back to thepoint about the awards, it's
(15:38):
that spotlight.
As Amy said, if you can shine aspotlight on someone, they
become an example, a role model,and then other people go oh,
maybe I can do that, or maybeit's okay for me to do that.
And again, as largeorganisations, as senior leaders
in large organisations, I feelit's our responsibility to do
that, because then we set theexample and people can look up
(16:00):
and go oh well, if she did it,maybe I can.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Absolutely.
It's that mirror, I feel like,and I think, if I go back to
gosh, where are we?
2016,?
When I set the awards, I setthem up completely and totally
focused on encouraging people tohigh-five their achievements.
Yeah, because I think sometimesyou think, oh, I'm not going to
win, it's not for me.
You've talked about some ofyour colleagues being nominated.
It's a very robust judgingprocess.
It's tough, you know it's not.
(16:24):
Northern Flaky women out there.
You get nominated and you haveto fill the answers in.
Then it goes to judges roundone, then another round.
It's quite tough, isn't it?
But I am proud of that and Ithink have we over engineered it
too much?
There's there's too many layersto it, but I feel like there's
a real part of the whole processis it's almost a bit of
(16:48):
catharticness.
I've made that word up.
Please forgive me right now, butthere's something in that about
when people come back to youand say, gosh, just knowing that
someone thought enough to puttheir fingers to a keyboard or
to do a voice memo, to do anaudio nomination, whatever it
may be, just it means a lot.
(17:09):
Yeah, you know, and that for me, sometimes is what the
difference is having thatrecognition and celebration.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Absolutely right, and it shouldn't be easy, because
making change isn't easy.
It's a tough job.
It takes grit and determination.
You have amazing days whereI've finished work and I think I
did something good today.
There'll be some days whereI'll finish work and say not
sure what I did today, but Ithink that's reflected in the
awards and the process, simone,because it should be rigorous.
(17:39):
It should be also anopportunity to write down every
good thing about amazing peoplethat are getting on the short
list and winning absolutely,it's it, yeah, it is amazing and
I think.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
I think what's important also is that sometimes
it's not just one big thingthat someone does.
It's lots of little changesthat actually, in the end, mean
something phenomenal.
And I think and I'mgeneralizing here but sometimes,
as as women, we say it's justmy job, that's just what I do,
and we're really good at playingdown what we've done.
(18:10):
And actually I think havingthat rigorous process and then
having the finalists and thewinners actually says you might
think it's small, but it reallyisn't, and you've been sort of
put through this test of beingnominated and then being chosen
as a finalist or or even awinner, that really means
(18:31):
something.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Yeah, yeah and you it's the dreaded word.
Just yes, you know we'll, we'redoing.
Oh, I just did that.
Oh, I, I just did this deal, orI just spoke in front of this
amount of people, or I just dida an amazing podcast with we are
power whatever it may be, butwe have to find and replace,
just yes especially.
Yes, because we need to be kindto ourselves.
(18:52):
So what are you looking forwardto about this year?
Every year we, I think I alwayslike to think our awards are
quite intentional and entitled,and we'll always like go back
and think are these the righttitles?
Are we able to celebrateeveryone from grassroots to
entrepreneurs, to trailblazers,to leaders?
Can we try and represent onunearth all those role models?
(19:12):
So we've got a new categorythis year, which is empowerment
champion.
Yeah, you know those people whoare just that's what they do.
They're not not mentoring, butthey're just empowering.
They're creating that smalllittle things that will empower.
Um, you know, people we've.
We've created inclusiveinnovation into a people focus
this year and also a tech forgood focus.
And then personal purpose,which has always been the
(19:35):
hardest category, like 200nominations out of 1,600.
We've broken it down intopublic service, because we want
to look and find our academics,our military, our firefighters,
our NHS.
We want to find all of thoseindividuals and their stories.
And then charity, cics we wantto find.
And then we've also got thisyear, for the first year, our
public spotlight.
(19:55):
So we've got Mel B Scary SpiceCan't believe.
People asked me Amazing.
Yeah, because we've got VickyPatterson, we've got Jane Couch
the boxer, we've got Tani GreyThompson.
We've got Jane Couch the boxer,we've got Tanni Grey Thompson,
we've got Molly McCann and DameSarah Story and well remembered,
(20:16):
I know there was my Rolodex inmy head and that's where I
should write things down.
But the whole idea is what arepeople doing outside?
You know you've got that publicspotlight.
We talked, you know we talkedabout using your power for good.
What are they using?
So that's that's exciting aswell.
It's a different.
It's a different world for us.
We've never sort of gone intothat celebrity world, but these
are people that are using thateither influence status or
(20:40):
celebrity status for good.
So that's a that's new for thisyear as well.
So we're excited to see sort ofwhat that can empower, enable,
because we know the power ofthat influences can be quite key
out there, isn't it?
So who knows what that mightunlock as well?
So what are you looking forwardto?
Speaker 3 (20:55):
well, the new categories now.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
Thank you, I won't ask you to remember them all.
It's not like go?
Speaker 2 (21:01):
I think I think we should.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Yeah, I'll leave that to you um, look I, every time
I've attended the awards, eventhe virtual ones, I finish the
evening feeling like an energy,an inspiration of what can I do
next.
I also feel a bit humbled, um,because I think some of the some
(21:22):
, some of the things that peopleachieve are really quite
amazing.
So what am I looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to beinginspired.
I'm looking forward to hearingall the stories, because I think
that's what it's all about.
I'm looking forward to meetingmore people that I haven't yet
met, being introduced toindividuals who are amazing but
who I might not cross paths within sort of a normal life.
(21:44):
And I think this yearparticularly, I'm really looking
forward that Bank of America isa co-sponsor.
And I think this yearparticularly, I'm really looking
forward that Bank of America isa co-sponsor and I can walk
around going, yeah, we're partof making this happen this year.
I mean, simone, you're the fullenergy behind it.
Let's not get that wrong.
But that just is going to makeme feel just that bit prouder of
being there.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
I completely echo that.
I think the partnership betweenBarclays and Bank of America
being co-headline sponsors, Ithink it's an absolute magic
moment for me this year, as wellas all the new awards and the
new stories and sort of thefeeling energised, inspired and
in awe of what our people out inthe north are doing.
I think for me it's the forcemultiplier of who's on the
(22:26):
future list, who's on the powerlist and who's on the advocacy
list, because that is like aload more people in the North
with a badge that are going tobe the future talent driving
forward the agenda that we'reall getting behind.
The power women who were thereas the role models and the
(22:48):
sponsors helping our future listthrive, and our new allies that
are there to help us all worktowards a more balanced and
equitable society.
Speaker 1 (22:59):
Absolutely.
I cannot wait.
6th of March Better be in yourdiary.
Speaker 2 (23:03):
Absolutely, it has been for a while.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
I feel like we need to convene a time and a date for
our happy dance on the purplecarpet.
We absolutely will.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
I have no dance moves at all so I will literally let
you look at it.
We'll figure it out.
We were good we were good.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
But Ivana, amy, thank you so much.
Thank you for everything you'vedone to enable and support us
and help us grow, help us domore, reach more, change our bit
of the world and beyond.
So thank you so much forjoining me and I will see you on
the 6th of March, see you onthe 6th.
See you then.
Subscribe on YouTube, apple,amazon Music, spotify or
(23:37):
wherever you get your podcasts,leave us a review or follow us
on socials.
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Hello, hello and welcome to the we Are Power
podcast.
If this is your first time here, the we Are Power podcast is
the podcast for you, your careerand your life.
We release an episode everysingle Monday with listeners in
over 60 countries worldwide,where you'll hear personal life
stories, top-notch industryadvice and key leadership
insight from amazing role models.
(00:21):
As we Are Power is the umbrellabrand to Northern Power Women
Awards, which celebrateshundreds of female role models
and advocates every year.
This is where you can hearstories from all of our awards
alumni and stay up to date witheverything.
Mpw Awards and we Are PowerNever imitated, never replicated
(00:46):
singularly wonderful,everybody's wonder girl.
I am delighted to welcome AmyWilliams and Yvonne Schmidt from
Barclays and Bank of Americarespectively.
Or did I get that the wrong wayaround?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Might need a flip, but I'm sure we're in to change
it.
I'm sure they'll never noticewho turns up.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
It's amazing this year because you are both our
co-headline partners for theninth Northern Power Women
Awards.
And the frenzy is building,isn't it?
The frenzy is buildingAbsolutely.
How is it?
At Bank of America and BarclaysHQ, everyone getting frock
ready?
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Oh yeah, there's a lot of chat like sequins,
glitter, green, blue, red gold.
Yeah, there's a lot going on.
There's a lot going on.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
There's a lot going on, oh right.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Okay, we've got a huge amount of excitement.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
actually Frocks suits the lot.
Who's going to be sitting where?
Who's going to meet who?
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Well, one of the funniest things last year was
when we launched our advocacylist, which Mark is the founding
partner of.
Oh my goodness, the WhatsAppgroup I had the male advocates
in was one of the mosthysterical groups, like and
before any of the other whatsappgroups, because we put all of
our finalists, all of our powerlists, future lists, the game
(01:52):
changers, all into into whatsappgroup, our judges, just to chat
.
Is that's part of that?
It's part of the networking.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
It's part of that community building and it was
the.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
It was the advocacy male advocacy group was the
first group that broke the sealon the clothes.
The clothes discussion.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
I didn't know there were so many versions of velvet.
Not going to lie.
No, velvet, surely is velvet.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
So maybe actually you know us three on the purple
carpet with the wonderfulMichelle Eagleton as they come
in, we could maybe give scores,who knows, I could rate my
velvet, we could.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
We could maybe give scores, who knows I?
Speaker 1 (02:23):
could rate my velvet.
We could, we could Rate myvelvet.
I'm in my pyjamas, I'm allready to go.
Amy Williams, managing Directorof Barclays, and Yvonne Schmidt
, as I introduced, as ManagingDirector of Bank of America.
I am delighted to have knownyou for the last few years, but
now, like creating thisco-headline and it's I feel like
(02:47):
we're becoming a little littlegirl gang army, haven't we?
Oh, definitely, absolutely.
And you've both been to theawards on.
You've been a couple of times,amy, you've been a couple of
times.
And the Covid or the pandemicyear, yeah, where we
ridiculously tried to put 1100people into zoom rooms to create
viewing parties, which wasabsolutely, and it was at the
start, where we were all stillgot used to Zoom and stuff, but
(03:07):
it was.
It was phenomenal.
And our wonderful host, ninaHussain it was her first year of
hosting.
She always says that was one ofher standout awards ever
because of the detail that wentinto that.
I said also, yes, it wastotally crazy.
But, yeah, what would you?
How would you describe theawards?
So people who are having thoseconversations, whether they're
(03:28):
in your organizations, whetherthey're our finalists, listen to
this starting to get GDOT ready.
What?
How would you describe it?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
do you want.
I think there's two parts to it.
To me.
On one hand, there's theexcitement of the night, um.
So I remember last yeararriving and just walking
through the underground car parkand there was already a buzz
there and you know peoplewalking in.
And then you walk in and it'slike arriving at a festival.
There's so much energy and whatreally stood out for me is the
(03:58):
people greeting each other likelong lost friends, the
introductions, and it's justfantastic, right, and that goes
back to the point that we talkabout.
It's not one night, it's aboutcreating that network, that
community, um, and and and sortof taking it forward.
Uh, from there, the, the otherside, the other side, that
really stands out.
It's just such an amazing eventto celebrate people who are
(04:22):
really moving the dial, changingthings, being brave, and it's
really empowering as well.
And it's having thatcelebration, putting that
spotlight on people, that makesit so amazing.
And then having such anenormous event in the north of
England, it just makes it kindof even more special.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Hashtag the largest event celebrating gender
equality in Europe, Absolutelyyeah, the Oscars for gender
equality.
I like that.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Like, honestly, the feeling when you walk in it is
nothing but pure magic.
And, Ivonne, you're absolutelyright.
The fact that everyone there isunified by a single purpose,
right, the the fact thateveryone there is unified by a
single purpose, which is tocelebrate, nurture, foster
gender diversity and inclusionin the north of england.
That is what we're all to showup for, and celebrating the
people that are reallychampioning that from the
(05:15):
forefront.
Um so no matter if you're incompeting industries small
business medium business.
You know, working for yourself,working for a charity.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
That that's what the awards night is about, which is
an amazing unifying purpose andare there any standout moments
that you've had from either thethe virtual or the in-person
events, whether it be finalists,whether it be colleagues?
What?
Oh, amy, you've got one.
I can tell I did.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
I've been sitting here, sort of reflecting on
doing the podcast today.
Simone, what spending, and it'slovely to actually take a
moment to reflect on previousyears and relive the magic For
me.
I'm going to pick a top three,which is very hard to choose
from.
Number one has got to be theCorinthians and their stage
presence, which was utterlyamazing.
(06:00):
Like what pioneers and whattrailblazers.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
It was illegal, wasn't it For women to play
football?
Speaker 2 (06:07):
It was so actual lawbreakers for championing like
gender diversity and inclusion,amazing.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
And they're now making a film about that.
Yes, and one of the reasonsthey came to the awards last
year was because I'd got goodold LinkedIn isn't it the good
old power of networking?
I got a message to say we wantto tell a story about these
amazing women.
Is there any chance that one ofthem could come along on the
night and I might bring them all?
Uh, you know, I said bring themall, bring the whole team,
(06:33):
because you're talking, some ofthem are 80s, 90s here.
Bring them all and they.
We had them in all day.
Uh, we had students from theManchester College doing hair
and makeup.
The Manchester Central put onafternoon tea for them.
They were absolutely justamazing Fun.
I think they thought it wasnever going to end you know, but
(06:54):
now for that film to be made.
But you just never know.
And they started singing, doyou?
Speaker 2 (06:58):
remember they started singing.
They did, and then that got thewhole room up and singing,
which was incredible.
Other two highlights so it wasan Honest Be A Judge.
At last year's awards Someonewon to watch the fabulous Tasnim
who won that category for thework that she's done in the
legal profession, which was justa mind-blowing story.
(07:19):
And then it's got to be DanceSyndrome, like the live
performance.
We had Simone at the partnersevent after um where they had
again everyone up on their feetcelebrating inclusive and sort
of equitable dance, and Ithought the performances, the
magic, the vibe, I thought thatwas amazing and recently, uh,
sort of at the end of last year.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
uh, for those who don't know, I'm an honorary
captain in the Royal Navy and wehad a big giant uh warship in
HMS Prince of Wales and Dan StJoan got to perform on that
warship because of the awards,because of that partner event.
So sometimes you know you'vegot to be careful what you wish
for, because you never knowwhere it's going to go.
Yeah, you'll be everywhere, anystandout for you or any of
those stories from individualsor quotes that you've picked up?
(08:02):
Do you?
Speaker 3 (08:02):
know what, or quotes that you've picked up.
Do you know what?
I thought about this quite abit, and there were standouts
like the Corinthians wereamazing, but to me, almost the
standout was that there were somany amazing people and that the
broad range of of achievements.
So you had people who werestanding up for female lawyers.
You had individuals who wereworking with teaching children
(08:24):
STEM.
There was a lady who made wigsfor cancer patients.
It was the breadth and depthand that's what I think was
unexpected, but in a good way,and very inspirational that you
don't have to be in business oryou don't have to be working in
a charity.
It's everything.
And then I think I also I lovethe power lists because
(08:47):
everyone's a winner, becauseeveryone on the list is on the
list, and I think you knowyou've talked about the WhatsApp
groups and the community and Ithink that's the real.
It's not.
You don't just win on that onenight, you don't just become
part of a list on that night.
That's the start of then, aforever community.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Yeah, we're not for Christmas.
You know, that's not what thisis about, and it's really
interesting.
Actually, one of our advocateswe ask our partners like
yourselves to be part of thementoring program, because not
only is the WhatsApp groups, notonly are the sort of
pre-virtual events, but we alsouh, everyone in the finalists
gets the opportunity to bematched with a mentor as part of
a 12-week mentoring program,because this is all about how do
(09:29):
we enhance, how do we sharethose stories.
And actually one of ouradvocates was a mentor this year
and I I spoke with him recentlyand he was like I'm now, in
essence, like a non-exec boarddirector for this organisation.
So it is amazing, I thinkthere's no prescribed sort of
route or there's no prescriptionthat comes with this, and is
this one of the reasons why youboth wanted to kind of go right.
(09:53):
Well, we're leaping into thisco-headline partnership here,
we're going to play nice andwe're going to do great stuff
together.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
I'm totally right.
I think we've got the benefitof having two hugely valuable
global brands, yes, and I thinkthat the way that we can use
that as a force for good toamplify talent in the north and
what what the Northern PowerWomen Awards are about, I think,
is phenomenal.
It also, from a Barclaysperspective, aligns really
closely to our core values andour purpose as well.
(10:22):
Driving an improved, likediverse and equitable
environment in the workplaceglobally for us is hugely
important, and finding a way tocelebrate role models and talent
in the north of England thathelp drive that specifically in
this region, but with a globalreach, really really tightly
couples with what we're aboutand what's important.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
And both global brands.
We've talked about this, yetthis is so important.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
And I really agree and it really resonates what you
say.
I think diversity and inclusionis so part of our DNA at Bank
of America and genuinely webelieve we're a better company
because we really pursue thatand we have lots of internal
networks supporting women andallies.
But actually what drew us andwhat really wants us to support
(11:08):
the awards is that, as Amy says,when you have a large brand
like Bank of America andBarclays do, being able to put
the weight of that brand andyour resources behind something
I think adds so much strengthand I think helps empower.
And for us specifically at Bankof America, we've grown
significantly in the region inthe north of England in the last
(11:32):
five years.
So we really want to focus notjust doing on our internal focus
on internal diversity, butactually now paying it forward
externally as well, in thecommunity.
We really believe that whereverwe have offices, we want to get
involved in the community andmake things better and we think
through this sponsorship,through this partnership, we can
really do that.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
And it's the start, isn't it?
And we've worked together, bothorganisations, for a number of
years and sometimes it's been apinch me moment for me.
Sometimes I think of years andsometimes it's been a pinch me
moment for me.
Sometimes I think gosh, andthen I kind of stand up.
I think gosh, we're 10 yearsinto Northern Power Women and
next year will be the 10thawards.
This year is the ninth, youknow sometimes.
I was having this conversationrecently over dinner and there
(12:16):
was a point where I thought areawards dying out?
You know, is there a need forawards anymore?
Because there was a point whereI thought are awards dying?
out you know, is there a needfor awards anymore, because
there's a lot out there and Iknow when I first set the awards
up I was thinking is thisreally needed?
And and it was the wonderfulJames Timpson actually who I
spoke to and I remember he wasjust his advice to me was do it
your way.
And I did that and thenprobably had more, more ways on
(12:37):
along and bells on along the way.
But is there still?
Because there are so manydifferent awards out there and
there's a lot of calls on yourtime and pockets and budgets and
resource and people andcolleagues and nominations,
marketing departments.
But why are awards important?
You've talked about role models.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Yeah, it's simply a means to celebrate.
I say simply, it's a means tocelebrate and recognise,
unashamedly, the pioneers outthere and I think without
recognition of that and a causeto celebrate them, it's going to
be really difficult to createmore Like this.
The awards should create and Iknow within Barclays it's
(13:16):
created a ripple effect.
So you sit up and you takenotice, like last year we were
really fortunate to have five ofour colleagues on short lists
or on the power list, on theadvocacy list, on the future
list, and that sent a messageinternally to say hey, we've got
people that are out theredriving change.
It goes on our internal newsboards, it goes in our internal
(13:38):
recognition systems and itcauses a bit of a pause and
reflect.
For are we really doing all wecan and should be doing to drive
forward and create that sort ofenvironment where people can
thrive and we are reallyembracing inclusion and equity?
But it's because we've donethat celebration bit, I think,
simone, it's because we'verecognised the people that are
(13:59):
going above and beyond, drivingchange and those allies that are
supporting driving that change.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
And I think the thing I see from both of your
organisations you've both gotwonderful people right.
Speaker 2 (14:10):
You do.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Yeah, you really do.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
And of different levels, of different sectors,
different backdowns, differentstories, sectors, genders,
everything along the way.
And I've seen there'sparticular on both sides that
I've seen some of your youngerwomen that are growing through
the wonderful Anjali, thewonderful Sinead, and you know
I'm just gosh.
That's awful.
It's like picking my favouritechild kind of thing.
(14:34):
But you know, there's people whojust you've seen I've seen them
grow and thrive and really wantto jump on and drive this.
It's not an ROI relationshiplike that, I suppose.
I guess it's kind of hard tomeasure, but I see it's your
people getting involved.
And when we sit around a tableat Bank of America or Barclays
with the gang, it's amazingbecause they're all one of you.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
Part of it.
It is, and I think it has tobecome part of the DNA and the
culture of a company.
You're not just coming into theoffice or working from home to
do your job, to do your work,but actually it's about creating
a community, it's about makingthings better, it's about
inputting your views andactually driving change and then
(15:17):
, importantly, also taking thatout to the community, because
that's where you live and thatyou want to take all of that
there.
So we really want to encouragepeople and the young people
coming through to really strivefor their goals, but also to
ensure that we're inclusive,because that's what it's all
about inclusivity and diversity.
And then, going back to thepoint about the awards, it's
(15:38):
that spotlight.
As Amy said, if you can shine aspotlight on someone, they
become an example, a role model,and then other people go oh,
maybe I can do that, or maybeit's okay for me to do that.
And again, as largeorganisations, as senior leaders
in large organisations, I feelit's our responsibility to do
that, because then we set theexample and people can look up
(16:00):
and go oh well, if she did it,maybe I can.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Absolutely.
It's that mirror, I feel like,and I think, if I go back to
gosh, where are we?
2016,?
When I set the awards, I setthem up completely and totally
focused on encouraging people tohigh-five their achievements.
Yeah, because I think sometimesyou think, oh, I'm not going to
win, it's not for me.
You've talked about some ofyour colleagues being nominated.
It's a very robust judgingprocess.
It's tough, you know it's not.
(16:24):
Northern Flaky women out there.
You get nominated and you haveto fill the answers in.
Then it goes to judges roundone, then another round.
It's quite tough, isn't it?
But I am proud of that and Ithink have we over engineered it
too much?
There's there's too many layersto it, but I feel like there's
a real part of the whole processis it's almost a bit of
(16:48):
catharticness.
I've made that word up.
Please forgive me right now, butthere's something in that about
when people come back to youand say, gosh, just knowing that
someone thought enough to puttheir fingers to a keyboard or
to do a voice memo, to do anaudio nomination, whatever it
may be, just it means a lot.
(17:09):
Yeah, you know, and that for me, sometimes is what the
difference is having thatrecognition and celebration.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Absolutely right, and it shouldn't be easy, because
making change isn't easy.
It's a tough job.
It takes grit and determination.
You have amazing days whereI've finished work and I think I
did something good today.
There'll be some days whereI'll finish work and say not
sure what I did today, but Ithink that's reflected in the
awards and the process, simone,because it should be rigorous.
(17:39):
It should be also anopportunity to write down every
good thing about amazing peoplethat are getting on the short
list and winning absolutely,it's it, yeah, it is amazing and
I think.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
I think what's important also is that sometimes
it's not just one big thingthat someone does.
It's lots of little changesthat actually, in the end, mean
something phenomenal.
And I think and I'mgeneralizing here but sometimes,
as as women, we say it's justmy job, that's just what I do,
and we're really good at playingdown what we've done.
(18:10):
And actually I think havingthat rigorous process and then
having the finalists and thewinners actually says you might
think it's small, but it reallyisn't, and you've been sort of
put through this test of beingnominated and then being chosen
as a finalist or or even awinner, that really means
(18:31):
something.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Yeah, yeah and you it's the dreaded word.
Just yes, you know we'll, we'redoing.
Oh, I just did that.
Oh, I, I just did this deal, orI just spoke in front of this
amount of people, or I just dida an amazing podcast with we are
power whatever it may be, butwe have to find and replace,
just yes especially.
Yes, because we need to be kindto ourselves.
(18:52):
So what are you looking forwardto about this year?
Every year we, I think I alwayslike to think our awards are
quite intentional and entitled,and we'll always like go back
and think are these the righttitles?
Are we able to celebrateeveryone from grassroots to
entrepreneurs, to trailblazers,to leaders?
Can we try and represent onunearth all those role models?
(19:12):
So we've got a new categorythis year, which is empowerment
champion.
Yeah, you know those people whoare just that's what they do.
They're not not mentoring, butthey're just empowering.
They're creating that smalllittle things that will empower.
Um, you know, people we've.
We've created inclusiveinnovation into a people focus
this year and also a tech forgood focus.
And then personal purpose,which has always been the
(19:35):
hardest category, like 200nominations out of 1,600.
We've broken it down intopublic service, because we want
to look and find our academics,our military, our firefighters,
our NHS.
We want to find all of thoseindividuals and their stories.
And then charity, cics we wantto find.
And then we've also got thisyear, for the first year, our
public spotlight.
(19:55):
So we've got Mel B Scary SpiceCan't believe.
People asked me Amazing.
Yeah, because we've got VickyPatterson, we've got Jane Couch
the boxer, we've got Tani GreyThompson.
We've got Jane Couch the boxer,we've got Tanni Grey Thompson,
we've got Molly McCann and DameSarah Story and well remembered,
(20:16):
I know there was my Rolodex inmy head and that's where I
should write things down.
But the whole idea is what arepeople doing outside?
You know you've got that publicspotlight.
We talked, you know we talkedabout using your power for good.
What are they using?
So that's that's exciting aswell.
It's a different.
It's a different world for us.
We've never sort of gone intothat celebrity world, but these
are people that are using thateither influence status or
(20:40):
celebrity status for good.
So that's a that's new for thisyear as well.
So we're excited to see sort ofwhat that can empower, enable,
because we know the power ofthat influences can be quite key
out there, isn't it?
So who knows what that mightunlock as well?
So what are you looking forwardto?
Speaker 3 (20:55):
well, the new categories now.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
Thank you, I won't ask you to remember them all.
It's not like go?
Speaker 2 (21:01):
I think I think we should.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Yeah, I'll leave that to you um, look I, every time
I've attended the awards, eventhe virtual ones, I finish the
evening feeling like an energy,an inspiration of what can I do
next.
I also feel a bit humbled, um,because I think some of the some
(21:22):
, some of the things that peopleachieve are really quite
amazing.
So what am I looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to beinginspired.
I'm looking forward to hearingall the stories, because I think
that's what it's all about.
I'm looking forward to meetingmore people that I haven't yet
met, being introduced toindividuals who are amazing but
who I might not cross paths within sort of a normal life.
(21:44):
And I think this yearparticularly, I'm really looking
forward that Bank of America isa co-sponsor.
And I think this yearparticularly, I'm really looking
forward that Bank of America isa co-sponsor and I can walk
around going, yeah, we're partof making this happen this year.
I mean, simone, you're the fullenergy behind it.
Let's not get that wrong.
But that just is going to makeme feel just that bit prouder of
being there.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
I completely echo that.
I think the partnership betweenBarclays and Bank of America
being co-headline sponsors, Ithink it's an absolute magic
moment for me this year, as wellas all the new awards and the
new stories and sort of thefeeling energised, inspired and
in awe of what our people out inthe north are doing.
I think for me it's the forcemultiplier of who's on the
(22:26):
future list, who's on the powerlist and who's on the advocacy
list, because that is like aload more people in the North
with a badge that are going tobe the future talent driving
forward the agenda that we'reall getting behind.
The power women who were thereas the role models and the
(22:48):
sponsors helping our future listthrive, and our new allies that
are there to help us all worktowards a more balanced and
equitable society.
Speaker 1 (22:59):
Absolutely.
I cannot wait.
6th of March Better be in yourdiary.
Speaker 2 (23:03):
Absolutely, it has been for a while.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
I feel like we need to convene a time and a date for
our happy dance on the purplecarpet.
We absolutely will.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
I have no dance moves at all so I will literally let
you look at it.
We'll figure it out.
We were good we were good.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
But Ivana, amy, thank you so much.
Thank you for everything you'vedone to enable and support us
and help us grow, help us domore, reach more, change our bit
of the world and beyond.
So thank you so much forjoining me and I will see you on
the 6th of March, see you onthe 6th.
See you then.
Subscribe on YouTube, apple,amazon Music, spotify or
(23:37):
wherever you get your podcasts,leave us a review or follow us
on socials.
We are Power underscore net onInsta, tiktok and Twitter.
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