Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali

In the second half of Safaeaz's conversation with Andrew Holbert we dive deep into the world of public speaking, personal growth, and the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, particularly in the realm of public speaking. He highlights how speaking engagements, regardless of the audience size, can significantly enhance one’s confidence and s...

The Canny Conversations podcast welcomes Andrew Hulbert, a successful entrepreneur who built and sold a facilities management business for $100 million. Andrew discusses his journey from starting the company in his bedroom to managing a diverse senior leadership team and winning high-profile contracts. He emphasizes the importance of networking, personal branding, and writing to establish industry...

What happens when higher education meets the dynamic world of apprenticeships? In this episode Safaraz is in conversation with Lisa Davies about her role as Business Development Director at Birmingham City University, where she is delivering employer led Apprenticeship recruitment and training solutions. They talk about the shifting landscape of apprenticeship funding, focusing on Level 7-degree a...

 Can apprenticeships be more than just a backup plan? Join us as we converse with Danny from Birmingham City University, who passionately argues for apprenticeships as a first-choice pathway. With Danny at the helm of apprenticeship programs, he sheds light on the transformative power of these initiatives, challenging outdated perceptions. https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/ https://safaraz.c...

Kirsty Donnelly, CEO of City & Guilds, talks to Safaraz Ali about her remarkable journey as she takes the helm under the new ownership of PeopleCert. In this powerful episode of Canny Conversations , Safaraz Ali sits down with Kirstie Donnelly MBE , the Chief Executive Officer of City & Guilds , to explore a career shaped by transformation, vision, and values-driven leadership. Now leading...

Welcome to the second half of Safaraz's conversation with Lisa Capper MBE, the CEO and Principal of Sandwell Colleges. In this episode, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of the Sector Work-Based Academy Programmes (SWAPS), revealing how these innovative initiatives are equipping adults with the skills needed to thrive in hospital settings and through collaboration with community organizations, schoo...

Welcome to Lisa Capper MBE, the inspiring CEO and principal of the Sandwell Colleges Group. Lisa takes us through her journey of leading the largest college network in the West Midlands, shedding light on how these institutions are pivotal in transforming lives in communities marked by high deprivation. She shares the innovative steps Sandwell Colleges are taking, like the introduction of T-levels...

Welcome to this very special Canny Conversations podcast. We continue our break from our usual format to bring you the second half of Safaraz’s conversation with Mo Chaudry,  British-Pakistani entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. Mo Talks about his connection to, and love of Stoke-on-Trent. He tells us about taking the risk of buying Water World in Staffordshire, even when the bank would no...

We are delighted to welcome Mo Chaudry, a British-Pakistani entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for having owned and transformed Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent from 1999 until its sale in 2025.   Mo is now focused on his roles at M Investment Group and Pulse Global, as well as his ongoing work in community development, mentoring, and philanthropy. His journey is one of visio...

This week we hear the second half of Safaraz’s conversation with Jon Hornagold, the apprenticeship manager at Amey. They look at the differences between apprenticeships and degrees and how the different paths suit different people. It is all about having an alternative choice in training and education. https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/ https://safaraz.co.uk/ https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the...

This time Safaraz is in conversation with John Hornagold, the apprenticeship manager at Amey. In the first half of this two-part chat, John tells us about his journey from NATO HQ in the Netherland as part of the British army to his role at  the civil engineering company, Amey drawing on his love of training gained in the army. https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/ https://safaraz.co.uk/ https:...

 Dedicated feline behaviour expert and volunteer, Nadia, invites us to explore the complex and often misunderstood world of cats. Forget the notion that cats are merely "not dogs"—Nadia provides a wealth of insights into their unique motivations and survival instincts that remain even in a domestic setting. Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss redefining career success, especiall...

This week we hear the first half of Safaras conversation with Nadia Davies, a dedicated and inspiring leader, sharing her incredible journey at Solihull College and University Centre, where she has passionately advanced from a vocational assessor to the Director of Business Development over the past 18 years. Nadia offers a unique perspective on how the college thrives by fostering a people-centri...

This week we hear the second half of Safaraz’s conversations with Caren Alderwick, Head of apprenticeships at Cross Country Trains. Caren talks about how the power of education and confidence building can transform the journey back into the workforce as well as recognising and harnessing transferable skills from everyday life. https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/ https://safaraz.co.uk/ https:/...

 Join us for a conversation with Caren Alderwick, Head of Apprenticeships and Operational Training at Cross Country Trains, who shares her remarkable journey with the company and her passion for education. https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/ https://safaraz.co.uk/ https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book/ https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen

Join us for Safaraz Ali's conversation with Jay Phillips, Head of Business Engagement at ATHE. They explore the dynamic partnership between ATHE and Pathway Group. Jay shares his journey from key account manager to his current role, emphasizing the importance of building strong B2B relationships with training providers and educational centres. We also find out how ATHE's global presence and offeri...

With roots as a cordon bleu chef and experience in managing a bustling restaurant, Alex ventured into corporate life, where his passion for business transformation flourished. Bridging the gap between vocational training and traditional academia, Alex discusses the evolving landscape and how ATHE has strategically positioned itself as a leader in the field. Emphasising the value of opportunistic p...

In this weeks episode we continue to discover the inspiring transformation of Sophie Azam, who transitioned from a civil servant to a vibrant grassroots leader. Her hands-on leadership style and embrace of digital platforms like TikTok and Shopify are helping to reshape the UK economy. Sophie shares her incredible journey, marked by resilience in the face of rejection, culminating in impactful par...

Trailblazing entrepreneur Sophie Azam joins us to share her inspiring journey from the daughter of Pakistani immigrants to a pioneering force in Birmingham's business landscape. With a deep-rooted passion for education and a mission to integrate entrepreneurship into the British education system, Sophie recounts the creation of Ignite Qualifications—a venture born out of the challenges of the COVI...

Derrin Kent and Safaraz Ali look at how to shift you  perspective on AI tools in coaching as they explore the balance between automation and the human touch. While AI-generated content might lack personal warmth, the presence of mentors and coaches in the workplace remains invaluable. They talk about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Co-Pilot can revolutionise routine tasks with personalised insights...

In the first part of this two-part conversation, we explore the transformative power of AI in education and the workplace, with Derrin Kent from TDM Limited returning to share his insights on the evolving landscape of apprenticeships and AI's revolutionary role. From enhancing learning with GPT tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, to envisioning future skills in a knowledge-driven workforce, we see how...

Joanna Hughes, a champion for accessible legal education, shares her journey from a distinguished 25-year career in law to pioneering solicitor apprenticeships that eliminate the burden of student loans. As co-CEO of City Century, Joanna collaborates with over 50 international law firms to transform legal training and has seen a remarkable 240% increase in firms adopting apprenticeship schemes. To...

Welcome to another episode of The Canny Conversations podcast, the podcast that sees Safaraz Ali, Co-founder and CEO of The Pathway Group in conversation with some of the major supporters of the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance. In this episode we hear the third and final part of Saf’s conversation with Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive Officer at the 5% Club, Leadership Fellow and...

This Commodore of the Royal Navy and OBE recipient shares an unexpected tale of recognition that begins with a surprising moment: mistaking the letter for a speeding ticket. Discover how this distinguished honour was bestowed for a pivotal transformation in Royal Navy recruiting, an achievement that underscores the complexities of aligning young people's aspirations with military service.  This Ca...

 Mark Cameron OBE, CEO of the 5% Club, opens up about his journey from corporate ambitions to altruistic endeavours, sharing invaluable insights into enhancing workplace learning through strategic alliances. With the 5% Club now boasting over 1200 members, Mark unravels the vision behind inspiring employers to dedicate a meaningful portion of their workforce to earn-and-learn programs. The initiat...