Change Makers: Leadership, Good Business, Ideas and Innovation

In this episode of Change Makers, Bradley Akubuiro sits down with Caitlin Hayden, Group Communications Director at BAE Systems and a member of the company's executive committee. From advising on national security communications in the Obama White House to leading global communications for one of the world's largest defence organisations, Caitlin has spent her career operating where business, geopo...

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with Jo-ann Robertson , the newly appointed President for Europe and Transatlantic Growth at BPI Group. Self-described as "positivity personified" and fuelled by Glaswegian grit, Jo-ann explores what it takes to lead at a moment of intense global change. From her roots in student politics to leading some of the world’s largest agency netwo...

In the latest episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with one of Britain's most battle-hardened communications experts and BPI Senior Advisor, Guto Harri CBE , to explore what great leadership really looks like under pressure. Guto has spent decades on the frontline of change at home and around the world – from covering the fall of the Berlin Wall to sitting in the heart of Downing Str...

Michael Hayman sits down with Robert White, CEO of Brabners and co-chair of True North, to explore how purpose-led, independent businesses are driving a new era of northern ambition. Robert reflects on the power of collaboration, devolution and long-term thinking to unlock the North’s full potential, and shares why the region's entrepreneurial energy continues to inspire him.

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change. A&E doctor-turned-entrepreneur Ed Ly...

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change. Michelle Laithwaite built FuelHub with h...

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change. In this episode, Entrepreneur and early-...

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change. In this episode, Oonagh Simms, Founder o...

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change. In this episode, he speaks to Rachael Ba...

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman is joined by designer and author Anya Hindmarch. A defining voice in British fashion, Anya brings a lifelong love of music to her creative life. Recorded at Cadogan Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Anya reflects on starting her business at 19, the craftsmanship and curiosity that drive her, and why self-doubt can be a sur...

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with Andrew Bleeker, founder and CEO of the BPI Group, a trusted counsellor to leaders navigating moments of profound change and transformation. Andrew's career bridges the worlds of business and policy, notably as the lead digital marketing strategist on both of President Obama's presidential campaigns. Now, he works globally as the first...

In this episode of Change Makers , Michael Hayman is joined by journalist and author Cathy Newman. Best known as one of Channel 4’s leading broadcasters, Cathy shares the lesser-known story of her lifelong love affair with music - and it’s one with strings attached.  From a childhood spark - a stray violin brought home during a bout of chickenpox - to performing in the parliamentary String Quartet...

In this episode of Journeys of Discovery , Michael Hayman sits down with internationally renowned violinist and author, Min Kym. A child prodigy who found her voice through the violin, Min shares the extraordinary story of her deep connection to music - from growing up in a traditional South Korean home to the devastating theft of her beloved Stradivarius. Min reflects on the pressures of early su...

Resilience is the new currency of leadership. In a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts, brands, leaders, and governments are being tested like never before. In this episode of Change Makers, we speak to Ben LaBolt, former White House Communications Director and now President at BPI. With experience spanning the West Wing, City Hall, and global boardrooms, Ben shares insights into...

As the world marks another International Women’s Day, we’re still asking the same question: why aren’t there more women in politics? In 2024, nearly half the world’s population held elections, yet we saw the slowest rate of growth in female representation in two decades. What’s holding us back? In this episode of Change Makers, Edie Lush speaks to two powerhouse politicians from opposite sides of...

What does it take to deliver fair and meaningful growth? Joining Michael today on Change Makers is Kate Willard OBE – government-appointed envoy for the Thames Estuary and a champion of fair growth. Kate’s career has been anything but conventional. From starting out  as an actress and director to working in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, her journey is one of bold decisions and a deep commitment to m...

What if history had taken a different path? In the latest episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman speaks with Jeff Nussbaum - communications expert, author, and Partner at Bully Pulpit International. Jeff has worked at the highest levels of politics, serving as Senior Speechwriter and Special Assistant to President Joe Biden, and advising leaders like Vice President Al Gore and Senate Democratic...

We’re delighted to introduce a brand new series of Change Makers: Science Shaping the Future, where we’ll be exploring how today’s leading scientists are transforming the world around us – from our daily lives to our careers, and tackling the planet’s biggest challenges. Our first guest is Dr. Angela Naef, Chief Research and Development Officer at Reckitt, the global leader in hygiene, health, and...

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with Bradley Akubuiro, Partner at Bully Pulpit International (BPI), to discuss an exciting new chapter as Seven Hills joins the BPI family. This transatlantic partnership is set to create a powerful force for change, with Bradley stepping into the role of co-host for future episodes, bringing fresh insights from both sides of the Atlantic....

How do we support refugees to thrive in their second home? That’s the question we’re answering in a special edition of Change Makers, hosted by the fantastic journalist and broadcaster Edie Lush. For the first in a new series of the podcast exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time, Edie speaks with three campaigning voices for refugees about why it matters to ensure that we support r...

In the the final episode of Goldman Sachs Stories of Generation Growth, Michael Hayman and Charlotte Keenan reflect on what we’ve learned throughout our the series with seven incredible Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumni. From the importance of personal stories and purpose-driven leadership to the shared challenges in accessing talent and finance, each interview revealed critical lessons...

In the final alumni episode of Change Makers: Stories of Generation Growth, in partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Byron Dixon OBE, CEO of Micro-Fresh®, discusses what it takes to build a global brand with purpose. Micro-Fresh® is known for its unique antibacterial technology which extends product lifespans, preserves freshness and promotes sustainability across 50+ major footw...

We're joined this week by Alice Rivers-Cripps, the founder of Posh Totty Designs, which has been serving Brighton, Britain and many more places besides with original hand-crafted jewellery for 20 years. Alice joins Michael Hayman and Charlotte Keenan to share her journey, which started on a soul-searching trip in Mexico and today, sees her run "a destination company for personalised gifts" where s...

This week, Michael is joined once again by Charlotte Keenan, Managing Director, Head of Corporate Engagement International at Goldman Sachs, as well as CEO of Forster Communications, Amanda Powell-Smith. Forster is a specialist consultancy, supporting organisations in ensuring they approach sustainability with authenticity. They discuss why this is a challenge for so many leaders, particularly in...

In this episode of Change Makers , Michael Hayman sits down with sporting legend and disability rights advocate, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, at the iconic London Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During their conversation, Tanni reflects on her extraordinary career as one of Britain’s most celebrated Paralympians, with 11 gold medals and 30...