We Are PoWEr Podcast

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Donna Scully, Joint Owner and Director at Carpenters Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of insurance and legal services. Donna shares her experience of moving from London to Liverpool for a fresh start, and how she built a successful career as a lawyer and entrepreneur. She reflects on key moments along the way including being onc...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast , we sit down with Jo Milne, founder of Cure Usher Syndrome , to talk about her mission to find a cure and amplify the voices of those living with Usher syndrome. Jo shares her personal experience of being misdiagnosed, only to learn at 29 that she had been living with the condition all along. As someone who grew up partially sighted without a role model...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Calvin Eden, founder and brand director of Loud Speaker, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through confidence-building workshops. Calvin shares how Loud Speaker grew from an idea during lockdown to reaching over 200,000 students, creating life-changing opportunities along the way. He opens up about his personal journe...

🎙️ In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Foluso Falade — last years candidate on The Apprentice UK and founder/CEO of Brandin’ It, the first-ever social enterprise to feature on the show. Foluso shares the story behind her pioneering organisation, which helps young people across the UK create and launch their own brands — a mission that’s rapidly building a platform set to r...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Bentley Motors, our #NPWAwards PoWEr List partner, to explore their commitment to innovation, from electrification by 2026 to a £2 billion investment in sustainability. We also discuss: 🚘 The importance of skills in transforming industries ⚡ The challenges and opportunities of going all-electric 🎓 Bentley’s role in developing future...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Tarifa Simpson from Forvis Mazars, who shares the story of how she built her career and the lessons she learned along the way. Tarifa opens up about how she explored different internships to find her true career path, leading to a graduate role in transactional services. What started as an opportunity turned into a 17-year journey at KPM...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Dr Penny Trayner, a neuropsychologist who has discovered a fascinating connection between DJing and brain recovery. Penny shares how her work in neuropsychology led her to explore the impact of music on rehabilitation and why she believes that the only real barrier is what we tell ourselves. She also reflects on her childhood in Abu Dha...

The #NPWAwards isn’t just one night—it’s a movement that keeps growing, inspiring, and driving change every single day.  In this special episode, we catch up with some of our incredible 2025 winners and commended to hear what the awards have meant to them, their organisations, and the communities they support. Joined by Natalie from Nuvo Wellbeing, Kirsty from DWF Law, Afra from Savera UK, Julie f...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we are joined by Joe Dent, Chief People Officer at Princes, as he shares his inspiring journey in corporate leadership, mental health advocacy, and fostering inclusion within organisations. With 14 years of experience at Princes, Joe has risen through the ranks from HR Controller to Group HR Director and now Chief People Officer, shaping the company&apo...

Join us on the We Are PoWEr podcast as Amy Williams, Managing Director at Barclays and Iwona Schmidt, Managing Director at Bank of America talk about their roles as co-headline partners for the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women’s Awards. 🌟 Amy and Iwona share...  ✨ Their excitement for the night ✨ The power of role models ✨ Why the partnership is important to them personally and professionally ✨ Thei...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we are joined by Natalie Reeves-Billing DL, a remarkable woman with an inspiring journey in education, innovation, and leadership. Natalie, a mum of three and co-founder of Builder Book UK, shares her passion for empowering young minds and creating equitable educational opportunities. As an award-winning author, Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, and crea...

In this episode, Cat Wildman, the founder of Powered by Diversity , talks about her experience of being named Commended Winner of the Agent of Change at the #NPWAwards . Despite the recognition, Cat shares how it triggered imposter syndrome and made her question her own success. As a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Cat explains the mission behind Powered by Diversity and how its GEC a...

In this inspiring episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast , we chat with Nicola Wood, founder of the Wonderful Wig Company. Nicola shares her incredible story of building a successful business while battling cancer, highlighting the personal and financial challenges she faced along the way. From overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship to expanding her reach through franchising and advocacy, Nicola ta...

Join us as Paul Kallee-Grover MBE shares his extraordinary journey, revealing the unexpected honour of receiving an MBE during the tumultuous times of 2021. From his initial spark of interest in urban regeneration and geography to launching his own venture, Key Partnership, Paul opens up about his evolution from a connector of ideas in international real estate to a trailblazing entrepreneur. Disc...

In this episode of the We Are Power Podcast, we delve into the world of entrepreneurship with Ruth Hartnoll, co-founder of Matchstick. Join us as we explore personal stories of growth, overcoming challenges, and the significance of community. Ruth discusses the origins of her business, the valuable lessons learned, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. We also touch on balancin...

In this special episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE steps into the hot seat, being interviewed for the first time by Anna Davey. Known for her dedication to championing gender equality and leading the Northern PoWEr Women Awards movement, Simone shares insights into her path from receiving an MBE from the Queen to building a movement that now unites over 120,000 people. Simone op...

In this inspiring episode, Ammar Mirza CBE, entrepreneur and community advocate, shares his remarkable journey from his roots in shipbuilding in Newcastle and Liverpool to his dedication to supporting the armed forces community. Ammar talks about his drive to create positive change, living by the mantra of "fixing things and adding value." He also reflects on the importance of giving bac...

In this powerful episode, Kim McGuinness, the first Mayor of the North East, takes us on an inspiring journey from her working-class roots in Newcastle to becoming a trailblazer for the region. Kim shares how her upbringing, shaped by her father’s work in the shipyards and her mother’s dedication to family, fuelled her passion for social change. Encouraged by local MP Catherine McKinnell, Kim defi...

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr podcast, we explore the transformative power of prioritising self-worth and the impact of saying no to things that no longer serve us. Join hosts Michelle Eagleton and Rupinder Ashworth as they dive into personal stories of growth, empowerment, and collaboration. Michelle shares how mentorship from Ria Hebden reshaped her career, while Ru reflects on her journey...

Curious about how an aerospace engineer made the leap into entrepreneurship? In this episode, Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee, a trailblazer in both engineering and small business ownership, shares her inspiring journey. From challenging stereotypes with her unique "This is what an engineer looks like" pin badges to becoming a powerful role model for young women in male-dominated fields, Kry...

Imagine the version of you who has overcome every challenge, embraced resilience, and is living her fullest life. What does she look like? How does she carry herself each day? Tune into today’s episode to unlock the mindset and habits that will help you step into the empowered version of yourself. Join us as Simone Roche MBE sits down with broadcaster and entrepreneur, Ngunan Adamu, as she shares...

 In this inspiring episode, Julie Nicholson, Managing Director of Dance Syndrome, and Becky Rich, volunteer dance lead, share the incredible journey of Dance Syndrome — an organisation empowering individuals with and without learning disabilities through the transformative power of dance. They discuss how dance breaks barriers, fosters confidence, and builds a supportive community. Julie also reve...

What if confronting life’s toughest conversations could lead to healing and empowerment? In this powerful episode of the We Are Power Podcast , we sit down with Jenny Guay, host of the Why Are We Whispering? podcast, author of Howie Blend , and a passionate advocate for open dialogue around sensitive topics. Jenny shares her transformative journey, where she turned personal adversity into a missio...

What if you could transform your workplace into a hub of innovation, well-being, and inclusivity? In this powerful episode of the We Are Power Podcast , we’re joined by Eloise Leonard-Cross, the Group Head of People at Northumbrian Water and winner of this year’s Northern Power Women Awards in the Large Organisation category. Eloise takes us on an inspiring journey, sharing her insights on why pri...

Meet Dr. Deborah Lawson, a powerhouse in disability advocacy. Her story is not just about personal achievements but about fuelling a greater passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion.   Deborah shares the experiences that shaped her path, from battling for accessible housing to helping others navigate a system that can be slow to change. Her stories are a reminder of the everyday courage that...