The Unlikely Executive

Sustainability Leadership in Construction, Net Zero & Influencing Change In this episode of The Unlikely Executive Podcast , Barbra Carlisle speaks with Claire Brown , Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, about what it really takes to lead sustainability in construction, housing and the built environment. From net zero housing targets to retrofit strategy in UK homes , Cl...

How do you lead effectively when everything is moving fast? In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle sits down with Roselyn Unegbu to explore what it takes to lead at pace in demanding industries like construction and infrastructure. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • How to maintain leadership quality when timelines are tight • Strategies for making fast decisions without cutti...

What happens when a leader faces redundancy? In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle explores the emotional and practical reality of life after redundancy — and how leaders can use it as a springboard for reinvention. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • How to process the emotional impact of redundancy • Practical steps for rebuilding your career after job loss • How redundancy...

Why do successful corporate leaders walk away from it all? Chris Waine shares his story of leaving the corporate world to forge his own path — and the leadership lessons learned along the way. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • What drives leaders to leave corporate careers • How to navigate the transition from employed to independent • The mindset shifts needed to thrive outside corporate struct...

How do you lead authentically in a system that wasn't designed for people like you? This powerful episode of The Unlikely Executive explores what it means to find your place, build your voice, and lead with authenticity in environments where you don't fit the traditional mould. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • How to navigate workplaces that weren't designed for your background • Strategies for...

Colin McEllin started at the bottom and worked his way to the top of the construction industry. In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, he shares the leadership lessons, setbacks, and breakthroughs along the way. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • How to rise through the ranks in construction and engineering • The leadership skills that matter most on the journey up • How to stay grounded and...

Learie Gonsalves, the Director of Blackbird Property Surveyors, shares his journey armed with his one CSE in art to owning a successful property surveying firm for over 10 years. He shares the challenges of not seeing people like him in work, but talks about the role of great managers in helping you dream big. Hear about why running is so important to him now and why he runs to support Prostrate C...

What does a job title really mean — and how does it shape your leadership identity? CEO Renee Preston explores the weight of titles, the journey to the top, and what it really takes to own your role. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • How job titles shape our identity and confidence as leaders • The real challenges of stepping into a CEO role • How to own your title authentically without imposter...

Tim Walder shares his journey in the aviation industry, emphasizing the importance of career purpose and emotional intelligence. He discusses career progression, leadership, mentorship, challenges, resilience, and retirement, highlighting the need for a sense of purpose in life after retirement. Takeaways Career purpose Emotional intelligence Chapters 00:00 Passion for Aviation 05:55 Leadership an...

Kathleen Abbott went from geologist to driving global business growth. In this episode, she shares how a technical background in geology became the foundation for an extraordinary leadership career. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: • How technical careers create unexpected leadership paths • The transferable skills from geology to business leadership • Strategies for scaling leadership impact glo...

Chief Arcadian. People Champion. Passionate about sustainable transformation and finding solutions to global challenges. Playing his part in helping to preserve the planet and improve quality of life. Alan was born in Chester in the United Kingdom. He has lived and worked abroad in Asia, but home now is in Warrington, just over half an hour away from where he grew up. He’s married to Tracy and has...

For more information, please visit: Company Website: https://careerready.org.uk/ Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-spackman-3bb19a82/?originalSubdomain=uk barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon. Subscribe now to s...

Appointed as Chief Executive, Liz Mayes brings dynamic leadership and a forward-thinking perspective to Connect Northumberland. Her extensive experience in industry and regional development positions her well to drive the organisation's strategic vision. Liz's passion for diversity and equality of opportunity is set to elevate Connect Northumberland's impact, ensuring it continues to address the e...

For more information, please visit: Company Website: https://www.harrogategroup.co.uk/ Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-wright-bb024516a/ barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedIn If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon. Subscribe now to start your journey...

Eric is a man on a mission. Having lived in the UK since 2011 he has seen the effects of 'left behind towns' those places once celebrated now forgotten. An academic and a place maker Eric is committed to making universities and places better through research, engagement and teaching. Specialist knowledge in left-behind places, civic engagement, 'third mission', impact, and academia as a profession...

With over 35 years of experience in Financial Services including Fintech, Pensions and Investment, Steve is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people maximise their retirement. He is the Managing Director of Pension Potential , a digital at-retirement guidance and advice solution that empowers members and employees to make informed decisions about their ret...

Trisha is the CE of CRASH, The UK’s construction industry charity supporting Adult Homelessness and Adult and Children’s hospices with vital construction projects. She joined CRASH on 1st May 2024 after 19 years in the hospice sector having held various management roles but most recently as Director of Business Development, Operations and Performance. Trisha has a wealth of experience across a vas...

Tree joined Charity IT Leaders in March 2019 and was appointed as their first CEO in May 2020, bringing over 16 years’ experience of working in the charity and NFP sector as a fundraiser and marketer. She is hugely proud of the work CITL does to support charities and NFPs to get the best outcomes from their investment in digital technology, to empower and enable current and emerging charity techno...

Jayne Hughes is the founder and driving force behind Amy and Friends, a UK based charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by Cockayne Syndrome and other DNA repair disorders. Amy and Friends is inspired by Amy, Jayne’s daughter who courageously lived with the condition. Amy and Friends was formed in 2007 to provide desperately needed support, research and advocacy for familie...

Mark is the founder and Director of Shared Assets, a community interest company that works with communities, landowners, researchers and activists to create a more just land system. He works to create a socially just future by supporting practical projects that build new relationships between people and the land. For more information, please visit: Shared Assets: https://linktr.ee/sharedassets?fbc...

Sophie joined Little Village as CEO in February 2021 after spending over twenty years in the social sector including as the founding CEO of City Year UK , a charity enabling young people to tackle inequality through doing a year of voluntary service in schools and as Deputy CEO of the Private Equity Foundation (now Impetus-PEF ). Most recently she was Managing Director of Trustees Unlimited , a B-...

A great job, a great life, a life partner. Then things changed. Hear how Natasha moved from one of the Big 4 Accountancy Consultancies into following her passion to help people and contribute to international equity. Now an experienced not for profit leader with a proven track record of ambitious strategic development and transformational change. Passionately and ambitiously creating a more sustai...

Patrick Fox (he/him), youngest in the family, only one interested in art from a young age. He is Chief Executive and founding Director of Heart of Glass - a northwest based community arts organisation. He is a producer, commissioner and senior arts leader who supports artists to engage with communities of place/ interest to create contemporary work that reflects the politics of our times. He is fo...

Emma is radical - in the way she sees the world and the spirit she brings into what she does. With two start up organisations to lead, Emma is a strong story teller with a purpose. The first organisation is Radical Recruit which is the UK's only charitable recruitment, CSR, ESG and Social Value partner for businesses that want to level the playing field for Radical people and communities. Founded...

Sabiene didn't need to have left her financially rewarding job in Private Banking, and Financial Analysis: but she did. After spending time raising money on behalf of Huntingdon Disease charity she reflected on where she was at and what she could offer the world. This saw her leave her secure job and start to have a small role fundraising for Be Free Young Carers. Listen to the podcast to find out...