Afleveringen

  • 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 Hughes

    Website: www.en2end.com 

    Instagram: @en2endltd

    About 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 EPISODE

    I 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.uk

    Boardingschoolsurvivors.co.uk

    Genderpsychology.com

    About Nick

    Nick 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...

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  • ABOUT THIS EPISODE

    I 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.com

    Instagram: @skratchwomen

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    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 [email protected] 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 Street

    In 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 in

    Connect with Gail:

    X: x.com/GailNewsham

    Website: www.dickkerrladies.com

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    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 [email protected] 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 EPISODE

    Today’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.com

    Instagram - @jasontwebber 

    X - WebberTJason 

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    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 [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. 

    About JASON

    Jason 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 Ruocco

    About 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.com

    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 [email protected] 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 met

    I 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 episode

    In our conversation Howard offers valuable insights into

    How 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 connection

    Howard’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders looking to lead with energy, purpose and hope

    Be 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 purpose

    Connect, follow and find out more about Howard:

    LinkedIn: Howard Johns

    Website: www.onezero.energy

    Instagram: @howardsolar

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] 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 EPISODE

    I 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 be

    Ed’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 about

    To contact Ed:

    LinkedIn: Ed Corbett

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    To 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 [email protected] 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 EPISODE

    Today’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 peers

    Contact Delia:

    LinkedIn - Delia Lazaroiu  

    Instagram - @delialazaroiu

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    A 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 [email protected] 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 Episode

    Today’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 hire

    1. 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 Dand

    Website: www.coreus.co.uk

    Instagram: @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. Convenience

    Work-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 Reputation
    I work with Accountancy / FS institutions. ‘Much the same.’ What is unique about this institution? What do I want?

    AutonomyChallengeSustainability

    4. Day to day job

    Operational vs strategic

    5. Training and career progression

    Where 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.com

    To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] 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.com

    YouTube: @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 [email protected].

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    A 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 [email protected] 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/thebeardedbroadcaster

    Andrew's website: www.theandrewedwards.com

    X / Twitter: @RadioAndrewE

    Instagram: @andrewedwardsleeds

    Email: [email protected]

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.

    About Andrew Edwards

    Andrew 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.

  • About this Episode 

    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 Joy

    To connect, follow and find out more about Meg:

    LinkedIn: Meghan Farren

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

    Leaders 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 [email protected] 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 EPISODE

    In 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 Agrawal

    Instagram: @somyaagr

    To listen to more Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend visit my website www.annitownend.com

    A 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 [email protected] and [email protected], or via our dedicated email address [email protected]

    To 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.

  • About this Episode:

    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 Agrawal

    About 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

  • 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_art

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend:

    Email me on [email protected]
    Visit my website www.annitownend.com
    Follow me on LinkedIn

    About 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 Newey

    Website: https://es.catapult.org.uk/

    Twitter/X: @guynewey

    To contact Anni Townend:

    Email me on [email protected] or visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.

    About Guy Newey

    Guy 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 Episode

    In 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 environments

    Emma'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 ROI

    About Emma Harris

    Emma 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 Harris

    To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend:

    www.annitownend.com/podcast

    To contact me Anni Townend:

    Email me on [email protected]
    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 Episode

    In 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 leaders

    1. 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-harte

    To 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.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 [email protected] 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 Episode

    In 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 Ballentyne

    Website: Leading4Life

    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 [email protected] 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.