The Full Circl Podcast
The Full Circl Podcast features in-depth conversations with some of the world's most inspiring leaders. Each episode explores their personal journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way. The podcast is part of the Circl Leadership Programme, which helps develop emerging managers by giving them real-world coaching experience with young adults from underrepresented backgrounds. Listeners can expect insights on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Episodes
Ep. 166: Kumu Kumar, International MD at Sigma7 Paragon, Leadership Lessons from a Global Risk Engineer
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Kumu Kumar shares his leadership journey, insights on diversity and inclusion, vulnerability, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Discover practical lessons from his experiences across different cultures and industries.
Ep. 165: Dominic Veney, Interim CEO at Pension Insurance Corporation, Navigating Leadership in the Insurance Industry
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Dominic Veney, the interim CEO of Pension Insurance Corporation, shares his journey from a math enthusiast to a leader in the insurance industry. He discusses the importance of understanding one's passions, the role of social mobility in career advancement, and offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders. Dominic emphasises the significance of empath
Ep. 164: Chris Trill, Managing Director & COO, Consumer Relationships at Lloyds Banking Group, Careers Aren't Linear - Lessons from a Life in Banking
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast. Chris Trill, COO of Lloyd's Banking Group's Consumer Relationships division, reflects on a career built on resilience and persistence. Growing up in an adoptive family in rural Dorset, he shares honest stories of career setbacks, appearance-based bias in his job search, and lessons learned during years in recruitment. Now leading a team of 10,000 ser
Ep. 163: Tara McGeehan, President of UK & Australia Operations at CGI, Leadership Insights
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Tara McGeehan shares her non-linear career journey, leadership insights, and advice for young professionals navigating their paths. Discover how adaptability, empathy, and a passion for technology can shape a successful career.
Ep. 162: Paula Keys, CEO at Consensus, The importance of purpose
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Paula Keys, CEO of Consensus Support Services, shares her inspiring journey from Northern Ireland to leading a social care organisation. She discusses the importance of purpose, career growth in social care, and the future of the industry.
Ep. 161: Robin Panrucker, Head of Talent Development and Inclusion EME at Winston Taylor, Finding Your Path: From Creative Arts to Leadership
In this episode of The Full Circl Podcast, Robin Panrucker, Head of Talent Development and Inclusion, EME, at Winston Taylor, shares his journey from studying creative arts to building a career across multiple sectors and into leadership.
Robin reflects on finding your path, learning from different experiences, navigating imposter syndrome, and the importance of building strong relationships
Ep. 160: Asif Rehmanwala, CEO at Ecotricity, Engage, Enable, Empower: Asif Rehmanwala’s Blueprint for Leadership
Asif Rehmanwala, CEO of Ecotricity, returns to the Full Circl podcast to unpack his leadership philosophy of engage, enable, empower, and how his style evolved from the command-and-control management he saw early in his career to a modern approach built on mentoring, mutual respect, and firm-but-fair conversations. Speaking as part of Circl's "Who Believed In You?" campaign, he reflects on th
Ep. 159: Malcolm Gomersall, CEO at Grant Thornton UK, The Power of Curiosity in Career Growth
In this episode, Malcolm Gomersall shares his career journey from a working-class background to CEO, emphasising the importance of curiosity, diversity, and systemic change in career development.
Ep. 158: Cat Greenwood-Smith, Partner at Freshfields, Breaking Barriers: How Prime Is Changing Legal Access
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Cat Greenwood-Smith shares her inspiring journey from a lower socioeconomic background to becoming a partner at Freshfields and her work with Prime, an alliance dedicated to improving access to the legal profession for underrepresented groups. We explore themes of social mobility, overcoming intimidation, and the importance of community support.
Ep. 157: Salima Shariff, Chief People Officer at Infineum, The Power of Mindset
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we chat to Salima Shariff, Chief People Officer at Infineum. Salima shares her journey from humble roots in Birmingham to a leadership role in HR. She discusses the evolving role of HR, the importance of mindset, embracing change, and practical advice for young professionals entering the workforce.
Ep. 156: Adam Versteeg, Chief People Officer at Janes, Lessons from Military to Corporate
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Adam Versteeg, Chief People Officer at Janes, shares his journey from military service to leading talent at a global intelligence organisation. Discover practical leadership lessons, the importance of curiosity, and how to step into opportunities with confidence.
Ep. 155: Ally Tyger-Doyle, Global Head of Inclusion at MIQ, How Diversity Shapes the Future of Work
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Ally Tyger-Doyle, Global Head of Inclusion at MIQ, shares her journey, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and advice for young professionals entering the workforce. Discover how her personal experiences and professional insights can inspire the next generation of leaders.
Ep. 154: Chris Lovatt, CEO at Smart DCC, Driving the Future
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Chris Lovatt, CEO of Smart DCC, shares his journey from a young car enthusiast to a leader in the energy sector. Discover his leadership principles, the importance of purpose-driven work, and practical advice for aspiring professionals aiming to make a difference in the energy transition.
Ep. 153: Michelle Van de Velde, Chief People Officer at NCC Group, From HR to Cybersecurity Leadership
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Michelle Van De Velde, Chief People Officer at NCC Group, shares insights into her career journey, the evolving role of HR in tech and cybersecurity, and the impact of AI on the industry. Discover practical advice for young professionals and the importance of curiosity, experience, and understanding business dynamics.
Ep. 152: Rukasana Bhaijee, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Financial Times, Overcoming Barriers
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Rukasana Bhaijee shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Financial Times. She discusses overcoming barriers, the power of diversity in organisations, and advice for young aspiring leaders.
Ep. 151: Gaynor Wood, Chief People Officer at Smart DCC, Navigating the HR Landscape
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Gaynor Wood, Chief People Officer at Smart DCC, shares her extensive experience in HR and offers valuable insights for young professionals. She discusses her journey from a state school in Reading to leading HR for a company managing the UK's smart metering network. Gaynor emphasises the importance of passion, adaptability, and continuous learning in
Ep. 150: Neil Griffiths, Global & Europe Diversity & Inclusion Director at Kearney, Mastering Complexity
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Neil Griffiths shares his journey from a Navy family background to leading diversity and inclusion at Kearney, highlighting key lessons on career growth, navigating complex organisations, and the importance of fundamentals and seizing opportunities.
Ep. 149: Gillie Fairbrother, Global Responsible Business Officer at Davies Group, Navigating the Skills Gap
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Gillie Fairbrother shares her unconventional career journey from contemporary dance to a global responsible business officer, emphasising the importance of diverse skills, adaptability, and continuous learning in ESG and professional services.
Ep. 148: Myles Stephenson, CEO at Modulr, Building a Global FinTech Company
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Myles Stephenson, CEO of Modulr, shares his unconventional journey from biochemistry to leading a high-growth FinTech company. Discover insights on transferable skills, leadership styles, and advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs navigating a volatile world.
Ep. 147: Alice Burks, Director of People Success at Deel, How Deel Manages a 7,000+ Remote Global Team
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Alice Burks, Director of People Success at Deal, shares insights from her career. Working at Deel, with over 7,000 team members in more than 120 countries, Alice has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of a fully remote organisation. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand how to succeed in this new work environment.
Ep.146: Tina Akpogheneta, Chief Digital Officer at London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, The Power of Self-Value and Persistence
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we talk with Tina Akpogheneta, Chief Digital Officer at London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
She discusses her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, embracing diversity, and leading digital transformation in a London borough, and her journey underscores the importance of resilience, lifelong learning, and self-value for future leaders.
Ep. 145: Missy Strong, Senior Lead, People Experience at Pigment, From Translator to Tech Leader
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Missy Strong shares her inspiring journey from translator to leading People Experience at Pigment, a rapidly scaling fintech company. She discusses the importance of curiosity, resilience, and human skills in career growth, especially in the context of AI and industry disruption.
Ep. 144: Eve Williams, Vice President and General Manager at eBay UK, Building Resilient Leaders
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Eve Williams shares her journey from a young girl in Warrington to a leadership role, emphasising the importance of tenacity, authenticity, and social impact. Discover practical advice for future leaders and insights into building a diverse, inclusive career.
Ep. 143: Nick Catino, Global Head of Policy at Deel, The Power of Resilient Optimism in Leadership
Today’s guest on the Full Circl Podcast is Nick Catino, Global Head of Policy and Social Impact at Deel. Nick shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career in public policy, social impact, and business. We discover his insights on resilience, grit, deal speed, entrepreneurial thinking, and the importance of social impact in scaling organisations.
Ep. 142: Zundra Bryant, Senior VP Global People Experience and Services at Cushman & Wakefield, The Power of Human-Centric Leadership in a Digital Age
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we explore how authentic human connection remains essential in leadership today, especially within technology-driven environments. Zundra Bryant, HR leader at Cushman & Wakefield, shares her insights on vulnerability, adaptability, and cultivating community as key to future success.
Ep. 141: Nana Raphael, MD at Jefferies, Leading with Impact
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we talk with Nana Raphael, a Managing Director at Jefferies, who shares her trajectory from an LSE student to a leader in the high-stakes world of infrastructure M&A. Nana provides a transparent look at investment banking, the importance of "looking beyond yourself" to achieve leadership roles, and her personal journey moving from Ghana to the UK
Ep. 140: Sair Leahy, Head of Learning & Development at Stonewater, Navigating Growth and Learning in Housing
In the latest episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we delve into an enlightening conversation with Sair Leahy, Head of Learning & Development at Stonewater, a prominent national housing provider. Sair emphasises the importance of learning development within housing organisations, highlighting how it can drive both individual and organisational growth.
Ep. 139: Gavin Robertson, CFO at Smart DCC, Resilience, Risk, and Leading Through Change
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we talk to Gavin Robertson, the Chief Financial Officer of Smart DCC. Gavin shares his "leap of faith" journey from a small butcher shop in Carnoustie, Scotland, to the high-stakes world of London finance and international business leadership. It’s a grounded, inspiring look at how resilience, calculated risks, and authentic relationship-building can
Ep. 138: Toria Walters, CPO at ANS Group, The Importance of Curiosity
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Toria Walters, Chief People Officer at ANS Group, shares her journey from a small village in the Northeast of England to a leadership role in a tech company. She discusses the importance of people in business, her early inspirations, and the pivotal moments that led her to transition from finance to HR. Toria emphasises the value of vulnerability, cu
Ep. 137: Ralph Lee, CEO at Love Productions, Learning from Others Productions,
On this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Ralph Lee, CEO of Love Productions, shares his insights on his career in the TV industry and the transition from being an individual performer to a leader. He emphasises the importance of building a network and maintaining industry friendships, as well as having a balance of confidence and humility. Ralph also recommends reading books that provide in
Ep 136: Keri Gilder, CEO at Colt Technology Services, Practical Advice for Future Leaders
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Keri Gilder, CEO of Colt Technology Services, shares her journey from a young girl selling candy to leading a multi-billion dollar telecommunications company. She discusses the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, the importance of claiming one's space in the workplace, and the necessity of continuous learning in an ever-
Ep. 135: Catrin Jones, Chief People, Data and Digital Officer at Clarion Housing, Building a Purpose-Driven Career in Housing
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Catrin Jones, Chief People, Data and Digital Officer at Clarion Housing Group, shares her journey from a confused teenager to a leader in the housing sector. She discusses her passion for providing homes to those in need, the importance of understanding purpose in work, and the value of mentorship. Catrin emphasises the need for adaptability in the f
Ep. 134: Kristy Banas, Global CHRO and Corporate Brand and Communications at WTW, Navigating Leadership in Human Capital
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Kristy Banas discusses how HR practices have evolved over the years, particularly in response to changing workforce dynamics and technological advancements. She emphasises the need for adaptability and innovation in HR strategies, which are essential for attracting and retaining top talent.
Ep. 133: Dan Westgarth, COO at Deel, From Farm to Fortune
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Dan Westgarth, COO of Deel, shares his journey from a rural upbringing in North East England to becoming a leader in a fast-growing tech company. He discusses the importance of persistence, learning from mistakes, and the dynamics of leadership. Dan emphasises the need for young professionals to take action and seize opportunities in a rapidly changi
Ep. 132: Craig Watkins, CEO of Verian UK, Learning Through Impact
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Craig Watkins, CEO of Verian UK, shares a candid and inspiring journey from his working-class roots in Newport to leading roles across the civil service, EY, and now a social research agency. Craig reflects on pivotal career moments—from navigating early leadership at the Met Police to facing imposter syndrome in Whitehall, and later adapting to the
Ep. 131: Sabby Gill, CEO at DEXT, Navigating Career Paths
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Sabby Gill, CEO of Dext, shares insights from his career journey, emphasising the importance of real-life experience over qualifications. He discusses his early struggles in education, the value of apprenticeships, and the evolving job market. Sabby offers practical advice for young people entering the workforce, highlighting the significance of pass
Ep. 130: Athalie Williams, Former CHRO at BT: The Power of Backing Yourself
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Athalie Williams shares her extensive career journey from management consulting to HR leadership. She discusses the importance of backing oneself, navigating career uncertainties, and the value of networking. Athalie also emphasises the role of AI in job applications and encourages young leaders to embrace their diverse backgrounds as a superpower.
Ep. 129: Ronan Dunne: The Power of Teamwork in Leadership
In this conversation, Ronan Dunne shares his journey from a young boy in Dublin to becoming a prominent leader in the telecommunications industry. He emphasises the importance of teamwork in leadership, the role of attitude and narrative in career development, and the need for authenticity in personal branding. Ronan also discusses the evolving job market, the impact of AI, and encourages you
Ep. 128: Philipp Rasi de Mel: From Military to Management
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Philipp Rasi de Mel shares his unique career journey from military service to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Macquarie Asset Management. He discusses the importance of leadership skills developed in the military, the transition to the business world, and the valuable lessons learned during his time in consulting. Philipp emphasises the signi
Ep. 127: Peggy Focheux Duval: My Path in Hospitality
Peggy Focheux Duval: My Path in Hospitality
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Peggy Focheux Duval, the RiseHY Program Manager for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, discusses her journey in the hospitality industry, the importance of cultural experiences, and the impact of the RiseHY programme aimed at connecting opportunity youth with careers in hospitality. She shares insights on personal
Ep. 126: Finola McDonnell: Navigating the Modern Career Landscape
Finola McDonnell: Navigating the Modern Career Landscape
In this conversation, Finola MacDonald, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the Financial Times, shares insights on her career journey, the challenges of engaging younger audiences, and the importance of attitude and resourcefulness in professional development. She emphasises the need for early career individuals to observe a
Ep. 125: Marg Jobling: From Chemistry to CMO
Marg Jobling: From Chemistry to CMO
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we sit down with Marg Jobling, CMO of NatWest Group, to explore her unconventional journey from growing up in Sunderland and studying chemistry to leading marketing for one of the UK’s largest financial institutions. Marg shares how serendipity and curiosity shaped her career, from lab coats at Unilever to spearhe
Ep. 124: Maria Onyango: Navigating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Maria Onyango: Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Maria Onyango, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Deliveroo, shares her insights on the importance of DEI in the workplace. She discusses her career journey, the challenges she faced, and her passion for advocating for fairness and inclusion. Maria emphasises the significance of
Ep. 123: Paolo Emilio Testa: Navigating a Global HR Career
Paolo Emilio Testa - Navigating a Global HR Career
In this episode, Paolo Emilio Testa shares his extensive career journey in HR, discussing his experiences across various countries and companies. He emphasises the importance of resilience, the evolving nature of leadership in the face of technological advancements, and the critical need for future leaders to develop human-centric skills. Pa
Ep. 122: Kat Hopkins: The Evolution of HR
Kat Hopkins: The Evolution of HR
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Kat Hopkins, the UK HR Director for Atos, shares her unique career journey, highlighting the importance of self-navigation in career paths, the impact of mentorship, and the evolving role of HR in the face of technological advancements. She discusses the challenges faced during acquisitions, the significance of netwo
Ep. 121: Simon Gallagher: Risk-Taking and Career Growth
Simon Gallagher: Risk-Taking and Career Growth
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Simon Gallagher, CEO of Euronext UK, shares his journey from studying languages in France to leading Europe’s largest stock exchange. He reflects on the pivotal decisions that shaped his career, including taking risks, chasing skills over titles, and the importance of building a strong foundation in you
Ep. 120: Alistair Murray: From Laggard to Leader
Alistair Murray: From Laggard to Leader
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Alistair Murray, the COO of Kyndryl Consult, shares his journey from a mixed childhood in Scotland to becoming a successful leader in the IT infrastructure sector. He discusses the importance of confidence, ambition, and seizing opportunities, especially for young professionals entering a rapidly changing job
Ep. 119: Scott Summerville: Empowering Leadership Through Inclusion
Scott Summerville: Empowering Leadership Through Inclusion
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Scott Summerville, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, discusses his role in the company, the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace, and how inclusion benefits businesses. He shares insights from his early career, the transition to leadership, and the significance of
Ep. 118: Carlo Mocci: From Consulting to Deliveroo
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 118 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo, shares insights from his diverse career journey, starting from his early years and unplanned entry into the corporate world, to his leadership experiences at Deliveroo. He emphasises the importance of curiosity, customer obsession, and the
Ep. 117: Mark Cowlard: Connecting with People
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 117 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Mark Cowlard shares his extensive journey within Arcadis, highlighting the importance of people in business and the evolving nature of leadership. He reflects on his early ambitions, work ethic, and the significance of being open-minded in career choices. Mark emphasises the need for hard
Ep. 116: Gwen Hines: Find Something You Love
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, shares her journey from a chaotic childhood to her impactful roles in the civil service and the World Bank. She discusses her transition to the horticultural sector, emphasising the importance of plant conservation and the role of volunteers in safeguarding plant diversity. Gwen also offers valuable career advice fo
Ep. 115: Bruce Findlay: From Retail to Leadership
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 115 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Bruce Findlay shares his extensive career journey in the retail sector, highlighting his experiences at Landsec and various international brands. He discusses the importance of finding passion in one's work, the value of mentorship, and the significance of resilience in overcoming challenge
Ep. 114: Keith Hanlon-Smith: Navigating and Tailoring Management Styles
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 114 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Keith Hanlon-Smith, Chief People Officer at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), shares insights from his career journey, starting from his early days in a supermarket to his current role in ensuring rail safety. He discusses the importance of tailoring management styles to individua
Ep. 113: Sarah Lawton: The Power of Communication
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 113 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Sarah Lawton, HR Director at BT and trustee for Street Paws, shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to a successful career in telecommunications and HR. She discusses the values instilled in her from her early life, the importance of self-belief, and the impact of mentor
Ep. 112: Lorna Cobbett: Navigating Leadership Through Trauma
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 112 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of The Full Circl Podcast, we sit down with Lorna Cobbett, Founder and CEO of Blue John, to explore her inspiring journey, from investment banking to launching a reputation management consultancy.
Lorna opens up about navigating personal challenges while building her business, shares her take on what authentic leade
Ep. 111: Harry Atkinson: From Student to Sales Leader
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 111 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Harry Atkinson shares his journey from student to a driven professional in business development. He discusses his early educational experiences, his first internship at HP, and how his career took off at Instabase. Harry emphasises the importance of high standards, quality execution, and ke
Ep. 110: Sarah Scholefield: From PR Practitioner to Business Leader
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 110 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Sarah Scholefield, the group chief executive of Accordience, shares her journey in the communications industry, discussing her career evolution from a PR practitioner to a business leader overseeing multiple agencies. She emphasises the importance of being open-minded, taking risks, and lea
Ep. 109: Elaine Carroll: Defining Personal Success
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 109 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Elaine Carroll shares her inspiring journey as a disabled and neurodivergent woman who overcame numerous barriers to achieve success at Google. She discusses her experiences with self-doubt, the importance of a supportive family, and the philosophy of living life to the fullest despite chal
Ep. 108: Anna Dahlfors: Navigating the HR Landscape
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 108 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of The Full Circl Podcast, Anna Dahlfors, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vizrt, shares her journey from law school to HR leadership. She discusses the evolving role of HR as a strategic partner in business, the importance of transferable skills, and offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the workfo
Ep. 107: Luca Concone: From Consulting to Startups
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 107 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Jack interviews Luca Concone, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning consulting, startups, and leadership roles. Luca shares insights from his early life, his journey through prestigious firms like McKinsey, and his transition to the startup world. He emphasises the importan
Ep. 106: Melanie Smallwood: Career Shifts
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 106 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Melanie Smallwood shares her journey from a quiet teenager to the Group Chief Commercial and Brand Partnerships Officer at Global Fashion Group. She discusses her formative years, the importance of resilience in her career, and the pivotal moments that shaped her professional path. Melanie
Ep. 105: Andrew Moultrie: Leading with EQ: Andrew Moultrie on Growth, Grit and Mental Health
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 105 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Andrew Moultrie, CEO of BBC Studioworks, shares his journey from a challenging youth to a successful career in the media industry. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the value of preparation, and the need for curiosity and travel in personal and professiona
Ep. 104: Ariam Enraght-Moony: Navigating Leadership
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 104 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this conversation, Ariam, the Chief People Officer at TSB Bank, shares her journey from being a first-generation immigrant to a leadership role in a major financial institution. She discusses her early aspirations, the challenges she faced, including imposter syndrome, and the importance of resilience and networking in career dev
Ep. 103: Russell Johnson: Navigating the Data Science Landscape
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 103 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode, Russell Johnson shares his extensive journey in data science, discussing his role as the first chief data scientist at Marks and Spencer, his early career choices, and the evolution of the data science field. He emphasises the importance of mentorship, networking, and adapting to the rapid changes brought by AI tool
Ep. 102: Kris Aves: Overcoming Adversity
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 102 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this inspiring episode of the Full Circl podcast, Kris Aves shares his incredible journey from being a Metropolitan Police Officer to overcoming a life-altering spinal injury caused by a terrorist attack. Kris discusses his rehabilitation process, the importance of resilience, and how he found purpose in helping others. He offers
Ep. 101: Gary Grant: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 101 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Gary Grant shares his inspiring journey from starting a small toy shop in Amersham to building a successful retail empire with over 170 stores. He discusses the importance of hard work, determination, and the entrepreneurial mindset, emphasising that the world owes you nothing and that one
Ep. 100: Vicky Williams: The Journey to Chief Executive
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 100 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl podcast, Vicky Williams, Chief Executive of Emerald Publishing, shares her journey from a working-class background to leading a scholarly publishing company. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, her experiences at Cambridge University, and offers valuable advice for young profession
Ep. 99: Mohammad Koheeallee: Empowerment Through Adversity
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 99 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of The Full Circl Podcast, Mohammad Koheeallee shares his inspiring journey as a Quality Environment Safety and Health Coordinator at Coca-Cola. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up with a disability, the importance of confidence and support in finding employment, and how he proactively demonstrated his cap
Ep. 98: Dan Barber: Leadership Lessons
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 98 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Dan Barber, Group Chief Communications Officer at OCS, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career in a large organisation. He discusses the importance of hard work, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible, especially for those from underrepr
Ep. 97: Simon Ward: Overcoming Challenges
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 97 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode, Simon Ward, a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey and advice for young people starting their careers. He emphasises the importance of believing in oneself, being tenacious, and having a well-planned business proposition. He also encourages reaching out to successful entrepreneurs for advice and guidance. Simon hi
Ep. 96: Tony Longden - Navigating Success Without University
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 96 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of The Full Circl Podcast, we sit down with Tony Longden, Head of Insurance and Financial Planning for Santander UK and CEO of Santander Insurance Services UK Limited. Tony shares his journey, reflecting on his 14-year career with Santander and offering valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and career growth.
Ep. 95: Sarah Blake: Investing in Your Network
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 95 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode, Sarah Blake, Chief People Officer at TalkTalk, discusses her career journey and offers advice to young people. She studied theatre studies in university and initially had no intention of working in human resources. However, she followed her passion for theatre and gained valuable life skills that she still uses in he
Ep. 94: Simon Spyer: Building Networks
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 94 of The Full Circl Podcast!
Simon Spyer, CEO, Data Driven & Performance Marketing at Iris, shares his career journey and offers advice for young professionals. He emphasises the importance of focusing on what you enjoy and developing transferable skills. Simon encourages young professionals to view job rejections as opportunities for learning and growth. Ov
Ep. 93: Tim Doggett: The Power of Networking
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 93 of The Full Circl Podcast!
Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association, shares his journey from a small village in Cheshire to leading a global trade association. He emphasises the importance of ambition, creating opportunities, and being resilient in the face of challenges. Tim also discusses the need for young people to be aware of the career oppor
Ep. 92: Craig Bell: Balancing Profit and Purpose
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 92 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, Craig Bell, CEO of Bell Group, discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a property services business with a strong social conscience. He shares his journey from being labelled a failure in school to becoming a successful leader, emphasising the importance of hard work, humility, and h
Ep. 91: Fraser Longden: The Power Of A Positive Attitude
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 91 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode, Fraser Longden, the Chief Operations Officer at Wickes, shares his journey in the retail industry and offers advice for young professionals. He emphasises the importance of finding and leveraging one's superpower, having a positive attitude, and being kind to others. Fraser also highlights the significance of buildin
Ep. 90: Ian Earnshaw: The Importance of Experience
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 90 of The Full Circl Podcast!
Ian Earnshaw, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulberry, shares his journey from working in retail at a young age to his current role. He emphasises the importance of gaining experience and focusing on long-term growth rather than just salary. He also discusses the qualities he looks for in candidates, including attitude, teamwork, and th
Ep. 89: Mike Semens-Flanagan: Navigating Leadership
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 89 of The Full Circl Podcast!
In this episode of the Full Circl Podcast, we sit down with Mike Semens-Flanagan, the President of the Marine Sector for IMI PLC. Mike shares insights into his 34-year journey with IMI, starting as an electrical engineer and working his way up through various roles to his current position. He emphasises the importance of learning fro
Ep. 88: Russell Sloan: Building Relationships
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 88 of The Full Circl Podcast!
Russell Sloan, CEO at Kainos, shares his journey from growing up on the North Coast of Ireland to becoming a CEO. He emphasises the importance of building relationships and having conversations with people, which he learned through working in bars. Russell believes that senior leaders are just human beings and are often willing to he
Ep. 87: Ian Burgess: Curiosity, Passion, and Leadership in the Tech Industry
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 87 of The Full Circl Podcast!
Ian Burgess, Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer at Utilita, shares his journey from aspiring vet to tech leader, emphasising the importance of curiosity, passion, and pushing boundaries. He provides insights on leadership, innovation, and the value of personal interests in the tech industry. Ian also discusses the value o
