Coffee with Kofi

Today, I’m joined by Robyn K. Bacon, a distinguished trial litigator, investigator, and partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, an American law firm founded in 1962 . Robyn’s career spans nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, where she tried complex criminal cases, argued appeals before the Ninth Circuit, and led investigations into cybercrime, financial fraud, and organised c...

Today, I’m honoured to have with me Simone de Gale, the visionary architect behind Simone de Gale Architects, celebrated for melding mathematical rigor with striking design, creating unique spaces across London and internationally. Simone’s story begins with childhood memories of watching her family build and create those early experiences ignited a love for architecture that’s grown into an award...

Today, I’m joined by Dr Jenny Hewitt, a visionary leader, researcher, and consultant whose career spans academia, health, youth advocacy, and social equity. Jenny is the CEO of IntoNetZero, a UK-wide not‑for‑profit dedicated to opening doors for underrepresented groups in the renewable energy sector, and founder of Understory Ltd, her consultancy that works on systems change and workforce inclusio...

Today, I’m joined by Aime Ayrehart, HR leader, author, and founder of the HR & Workers Trade Union, the UK’s only pay-as-you-go union. Aime has spent her career standing up to workplace injustice, building compassionate solutions, and reimagining how HR can truly serve people. In this conversation, we’ll dive into her personal story, the bold steps she’s taken to transform adversity into purpo...

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Pinky Ghadiali, a transformational leadership coach, mediator, and founder of Mindset by Pinky. Pinky pivoted her career from optometry to helping professionals and entrepreneurs break through self-doubt, navigate conflict, and lead with authenticity. Pinky’s journey is one of courage, clarity, and continuous growth. Through her career she has become a trusted v...

Today, I’m honoured to share my conversation with Jasmine Richards; author, editor, entrepreneur and founder of Storymix, a purpose-driven children’s fiction studio that is reshaping representation in publishing. Jasmine has worked on more than 15 books, collaborated with major publishing houses, and built a platform that discovers, develops and launches underrepresented writers into mainstream su...

Do leaders have to be loud? Can they authentic and kind? Can they lead with heart and head? Hell No! Yes! and Yes! Today's friend of Coffee with Kofi Nicki Auret, is the embodiment of quiet, kind, and impactful leadership. From her unconventional start to life in a quiet South African town, Nicki's 30 year career has seen her make a world of difference to the Human Resources profession acr...

Today's friend of Coffee with Kofi is a man more dashing than Denzel and as impactful as Idris! From the humble beginnings of a single parent household on a south London council estate, Gareth Dauley has become the epitome of the saying "impossible is nothing". Now a serial leader and one half of the power couple with his incredible wife Alex Dauley, he shares his evolution in a way...

Today I am joyful to share un café con zucchero with la mia sorella Chiara Santevecchi! Since completing her master’s degree in 2010, Chiara has combined her passions for marketing and music marvellously in supporting some well-known brands as an employee and strategic consultant. Her recent pivot sees her at the helm of Teem Camp which provides a technology enabled solution focused on employee re...

Today I am beyond buzzing to catch up with a true game changer. With a career spanning over 20 years driving transformation inside complex organisations, launching national partnerships, driving commercial innovation, leading cultural change, and helping leadership teams deliver real results. I am talking about our award-winning national treasure and champion of the under- represented, Shelley Bis...

Today’s friend of Coffee with Kofi, is Manuel Heichlinger, known for leading the delivery and research function for EMEA at Audeliss. They are a global search firm working with amazing global brands and emerging start up companies to find the best talent whilst providing market leading insights. Prior to this role at Audeliss, Manuel had a stellar international career in talent acquisition working...

I am incredibly excited to introduce Gabriel Osamor, who combines style with substance and is an advocate for growth within business and society! As Co-Founder and CEO for his rapidly expanding consultancy, Migasuto and recently appointed CFO for the Black British Initiative charity I can not wait to expand our knowledge of the man many within the community know to be a supportive and humble giant...

I am delighted to reconnect with the Human Resources (HR) revolutionary, daughter, sister, confidante to the many and certified spicy wonder woman that is Kirsty Baggs-Morgan!! With a career spanning over 30 years in the heartbeat of organisations, Kirsty rose up the corporate ladder to become Chief People Officer before branching off onto the road less travelled to start Evolving HR, the home of...

Fiercely bright yet humble, Justin is a leading light for many, having risen to become a Chief Investment Officer of a leading Financial Services institution. In this inspiring episode he shares the importance of family and friends in his journey to the top of the investment profession. Alongside his high profile role he makes time to give back, leading and supporting socially impactful initiative...

In this wonderful episode we get insights into Melissa's career journey, leadership approach, and philosophy on diversity and inclusion. Key takeaways: * Melissa's career success stemmed from strategically "saying yes" to opportunities, enabling her progression from investor relations to leadership in DE&I. * Her global perspective was cultivated early through family travel, leading to interna...

Tune in for a varied and vibrant conversation with Colin aka my fellow "Avenger of Authenticity and Abundance" covering: * How his career evolved organically from consulting, to supporting his church, to education, before finally moving into publishing. We explore how his career trajectory has been driven by a desire to serve and make an impact. * The significant personal losses in 2023...

In this episode ML and I discuss her remarkable career journey, which has seen her transition from basketball to Financial Services. To add a further string to her bow she has includes Executive coaching in her work. Over a coffee we cover: * ML's career highlights and the importance of finding the right cultural environment to deploy your talent. * Her guiding principles for longevity in any...

Jo's journey is a fascinating one. From law graduate to HR leader before starting the highly impactful In Good Company Coaching training provider. We uncover how Jo came to heed the call to follow her own path, alongside her business partner Zoe Hawkins. The path has not always been smooth but by staying true to their intuition they have built a fantastic community alongside a remarkable compa...

Lee and I delve into his passion for showcasing rich and diverse talent that can often be overlooked in traditional employment searches. We discuss how he came to be where his is today and how he now brings individuals insights into their unique talents, and development areas blending technology with decades of experience. One of the things I love about the Diverse Talent "Skills & Role&q...

After 14 years, Andrew and I delve into his journey from school drop out to CEO! An incredibly inspirational story highlighting that where we start never has to be where we arrive. Key takeaways: * Andrew's path from school dropout to psychology graduate to CEO showcases the value of perseverance and continuous learning. * Blinker, Andrew's current venture, aims to simplify hiring for smal...

Over coffee we discuss Ellie's career journey and leadership insights. 12 years on from our first meeting and supporting her move in-house, it is fair to say she has been on a remarkable journey whilst still making time to enjoy the ride! Key takeaways: * Ellie's career progression from a "Big 4" professional services firm to in-house roles demonstrates the value of seeking new c...

Over coffee we catch up about her career journey and new consulting business, Metochi Consulting which is dedicated putting people at the centre of business transformations. Melvina's dedication to continuous learning and finding people-led solutions is a thread that weaves through her academics (Masters, MBA, PhD, FCIPD) AND throughout a stellar career that saw her leave the corporate world a...

In this episode I catch up with Martin Sealy, Executive Coach and Managing Director of MS Impact Group. Martin is a rare gem of a man. The transformational power of his presence is evident in his ability to hold space for others and then ask questions with an intentionality to elevate thinking exceptionally. He holds an MBA and numerous coaching qualifications alongside a wealth of global leadersh...

In this episode I catch up with Emma Freivogel, Founder & CEO of Radical Recruit and Co- Founder of Be Radical. Her incredible organisations bridge gaps in employment for marginalised individuals often invisible and unsupported in society. This was one of my favourite episodes as Emma keeps it REAL and had so many uplifting stories to share about the power we have to make the world more awesom...

In this episode I catch up with Marina Ebrubah, Global Head of KYC (Know Your Client compliance), at Man Group. Marina plays a key as a mentor with EnCircle Mentoring as well as Bridging Barriers. Over coffee we cover we discussing her career journey, leadership insights, and involvement in various impactful diversity initiatives whilst being the mother of 3 lucky children and a partner! Key takea...