Inspiring Working Lives

What does it really take to make sure someone’s voice is heard?  In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Dan Taylor sits down with John Wheeler, CEO of Advocacy for All, for a conversation about leadership, but more importantly, people.  John talks through his journey in a very down-to-earth way — from growing up in the Cotswolds, to travelling, working in community roles, and slowly finding h...

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives , we speak with David Sollis, Chief Executive Officer of South East and Central Essex Mind , about community-led approaches to mental health and what effective leadership looks like in the charity sector. David shares his career journey across the public and third sector, including senior leadership roles in health, youth services, and mental health organ...

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal of The Sheffield College, about her journey from Vice Principal to CEO and what stepping into senior leadership in further education really involves. Angela reflects on moving into the CEO role without certainty, and the realities of leading a large FE college through periods of change, insp...

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Acorns Children’s Hospice, about his route into hospice leadership and what the role involves. Trevor discusses the realities of running a children’s hospice, including financial pressure, complex decision-making, and the responsibility that comes with leading a large care organisation.  He also ta...

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Pablo Lloyd OBE, author, entrepreneur, and ethical business leader, to explore the true meaning of purpose in business. Pablo shares his journey from finance to education and social impact, and how personal experiences led him to write The Financial Times Guide to Business Ethics. We unpack why ethics should be operational, not aspiratio...

In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, we sit down with Mark Smith, who went from being one of Ada College’s first students to now shaping its programs as part of the staff team. Mark shares his journey of growth, resilience, and the full-circle moments that define his story.  We talk about Ada’s growth from a single sixth form to a multi-region college, the challenges of tech edu...

From navigating the responsibility of CEO leadership to challenging inequality in access to dyslexia diagnosis, Ellen Broomé shares the lessons that have shaped her journey. She reflects on resilience, strong networks and backing yourself — and why ensuring every child has the right support is essential to building a fairer future. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or someone curious about how to...

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Anna Feuchtwang reflects on leading the National Children’s Bureau through challenge and change. From rebuilding a demoralised organisation to amplifying children’s voices and confronting rising inequality, she shares what it means to lead with clarity, courage and hope. It’s an honest conversation about systems change, imposter syndrome, and why great l...

 In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Janet Curtis-Broni, Group Chief People Officer at Elevare Civic Education Group , she shares how mentors, managers, and the teams she’s worked with helped uncover potential she didn’t even know she had, and how she’s now using that experience to shape organisational culture and support others.  From mediation and coaching to guiding lea...

In this episode, Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, shares her journey into leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to expanding opportunities for talent across the UK, she reflects on the people, values, and experiences that have shaped her career. Geneviene talks openly about stepping out of her comfort zone, the impo...

The Isle of Wight may look idyllic, but for Ashley Whittaker, leadership in children’s services is about navigating complexity with purpose. He shares what it really takes to lead, adapt, and work within the realities of Island life and children’s services. Along the way, Ashley also reflects on his career path, the skills required to lead and adapt, and how opening doors for young people can crea...

From the classroom to the boardroom, Shelagh Legrave, Further Education Commissioner, has navigated education with vision, resilience, and a human touch. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and joys of leading in complex institutions, the value of listening and collaboration, and how investing in people can transform communities.  Her story shows that leadership is less about authority...

From leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to leading Newham College London, Jamie Purser’ journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and the power of encouragement. In this episode, Jamie shares how a bricklaying job set him on a path to leadership, why authentic identity matters in senior roles, and how further education can transform lives.  His story is a reminder that ambition and oppor...

 In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, Dan Taylor sits down with Angela Joyce, CEO of Capital City College , London’s largest further education provider.  Angela shares her journey from teaching English to becoming the UK’s youngest female college CEO, leading with resilience, authenticity and a passion for helping others succeed. She reflects on her early ambitions, how sport sh...

 In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Julie Kapsalis, Principal and Chief Executive of North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot). Julie shares her journey in leadership and the experiences that shaped her approach to education.  Throughout the conversation, the theme is clear: dream bigger. Julie talks about aiming high, taking on challenges that push you out of your...

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Gerry McDonald, Group Principal and Chief Executive Officer of New City College (NCC), to explore his journey of transformation, leadership, and organisational impact. From navigating complex college mergers to achieving outstanding Ofsted recognition, Gerry shares the challenges, lessons, and strategies that shaped his career.  Gerry ta...

 In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Liz Bromley, Chief Executive of Newcastle College Group (NCG), to explore the pivotal role of education, mentorship, and opportunity in shaping careers. From her unexpected path from a Cheshire farm to Oxford, to leading one of the UK’s largest college groups, Liz shares the transformative moments and influential mentors who opened door...

 In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, we sit down with Denise Brown, Group Chief Executive of South Essex College Group. From her childhood in a children’s home to leading one of the largest FE colleges in the country, Denise shares her remarkable journey of resilience, determination and the life-changing power of education.  We explore how further education offers second chance...