Off The Agenda Podcast

In this episode of Off The Agenda, we're joined by Michael Eboda, founder and CEO of Powerful Media and the force behind the Powerlist, the definitive annual ranking celebrating the UK's most influential Black leaders. In conversation with Brenda Emmanus OBE, Michael reflects on his mission to dismantle the myth that Black talent is in short supply, and how visibility, representation and celebrati...

In this episode of Off The Agenda, we're joined by Emma Jones CBE — former founder of Enterprise Nation and the UK Small Business Commissioner — for a wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, optimism, and building the conditions for small businesses to thrive. In conversation with Natasha Frangos and Natalie Ojevah MBE, Emma reflects on growing up in an entrepreneurial family, selling her f...

Ezechi Britton MBE, entrepreneur and founder, joins Sir Charles Bowman and Brenda Emmanus OBE on Off The Agenda for an insightful conversation about ambition, leadership, and navigating complexity in today's business environment. Ezechi reflects on his career journey, the importance of purpose and resilience, and how leaders can think long term while responding to rapid change across technology, c...

Gina Miller, entrepreneur, campaigner, and founder of SCM Direct and MoneyShe, joins Sir Charles Bowman and Natasha Frangos on Off The Agenda for a powerful and candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and accountability. Gina shares how her values have shaped a career spanning ethical finance and public advocacy, why transparency and trust remain critical challenges for institutions, and...

Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England, joins Sir Charles Bowman on Off The Agenda for an exclusive, in-depth conversation about leadership, purpose, and the power of representation. Afua shares how her values and faith shape her leadership style, what diversity and inclusion mean in the world of finance, and how innovation — from digital transformation to AI — is redefining lea...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Sir Damon Buffini, Deputy Chair of the BBC Board and Chair of the BBC Commercial Board, in the heart of the City of London and the iconic St Paul's Cathedral for a truly special episode of Off The Agenda. Sir Damon's journey is nothing short of remarkable. From growing up on a Leicester council estate to becoming a leading figure in international finance, he share...

In this episode of Off The Agenda, Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Dean Forbes, the CEO of Forterro, to explore his remarkable journey from facing homelessness as a teenager to becoming a CEO of billion-pound businesses. Dean's story is a true testament to resilience, determination, and the power of embracing opportunities. Dean shares candid insights on leadership under pressure, building high-...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Baroness Dambisa Moyo — economist, author of four New York Times bestsellers, and one of the most influential voices on global development and macroeconomics. From her groundbreaking work challenging aid dependency to her bold perspectives on emerging markets, Moyo brings a fearless clarity to the biggest economic questions of our time. In this episode, they explo...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Baroness Valerie Amos LG, CH, PC — one of the most distinguished figures in British public life. From becoming the first Black woman to sit in a British Cabinet to leading the United Nations humanitarian response, Baroness Amos has spent decades at the forefront of politics, diplomacy, and education. In this episode, she shares her remarkable journey through the w...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Baroness Patricia Scotland KC — the Rt Hon Commonwealth Secretary-General and a trailblazer in law, politics, and global diplomacy. From humble beginnings at the bar to becoming the 6th Commonwealth Secretary-General, her journey is one of extraordinary determination and leadership. In this episode, they explore her path from practising law to leading one of the w...

Sir Charles Bowman is joined by Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey — Emeritus professor, broadcaster, cultural critic, and Cross-bench Peer in the House of Lords. A trailblazer in sociology and the arts, Baroness Young has spent her career championing diverse voices and challenging the cultural landscape of Britain. In this episode, they explore her groundbreaking work in sociology and entertainment,...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with I. Stephanie Boyce CBE — the first person of colour to serve as President of the Law Society of England and Wales in its nearly 200-year history. A groundbreaking figure in the legal profession, Boyce has dedicated her career to championing diversity, inclusion, and access to justice. In this episode, they explore her remarkable journey to the top of the legal pro...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Lord Dr Michael Hastings CBE — a man whose life has been shaped by faith, public service, and an unwavering commitment to the common good. From his leadership at the BBC to his influential role in the House of Lords, Lord Hastings has been a powerful voice for social justice and corporate responsibility. In this episode, they explore the intersection of faith and...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Jacky Wright — one of the most senior Black women in global technology and a transformative leader at Microsoft. From her pioneering career in IT to her role championing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, Wright has consistently broken barriers and inspired the next generation. In this episode, they explore her journey through the world of technology, h...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Dame Elizabeth Anionwu DBE — a pioneering nurse, educator, and campaigner who has spent her life fighting for better healthcare and racial equality. From her groundbreaking work establishing the UK's first sickle cell and thalassaemia counselling centre to her tireless advocacy for the Windrush generation, Dame Elizabeth is a national treasure. In this episode, th...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Sir Charles Bowman continues his discussion with Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first Black Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. They go deeper into what it means to lead with purpose, the importance of representation at the highest levels of British life, and how to create lasting change. Sir Kenneth shares his perspectives on...

In Part 1 of this landmark conversation, Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first Black Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. A titan of British business and civic life, Sir Kenneth has built a career defined by resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to representation. They explore his remarkable journey from technology entrepren...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Frank Bruno MBE — one of Britain's most beloved sporting icons. From his legendary boxing career and world heavyweight championship to his courageous openness about mental health, Bruno's story is one of extraordinary resilience and fighting spirit both inside and outside the ring. In this episode, they explore the highs and lows of his remarkable life — the glory...

Sir Charles Bowman sits down with Levi Roots — the man who turned his grandmother's jerk sauce recipe and a guitar into a multimillion-pound business empire. From his legendary pitch on Dragon's Den to building one of the UK's most recognisable food brands, Levi's story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, culture, and self-belief. In this episode, they explore his journey from Clarendon, Jamaica...

David Ajala — British actor known for roles in The Dark Knight, Fast and Furious, Supergirl, and as Cleveland Booker in Star Trek: Discovery — joins Sir Charles Bowman for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, storytelling, and the power of representation on screen. In this episode, David reflects on his journey from childhood drama clubs and a love of James Bond and Eddie Murphy films to landi...