In this episode of the Leading with Purpose podcast, Richard Smith, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Governors at Southampton Solent University, shares his inspiring journey from a non-university background to becoming a leader in the higher education sector. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the mission of the Unite Group in providing student accommodation, and the impact of the Unite Foundation in supporting underrepresented students. Richard also reflects on his new role at Southampton Solent University and outlines his vision for expanding educational opportunities and supporting social mobility.

In this episode of the Leading with Purpose podcast, Rt Hon Justine Greening speaks with Lisa Dolan, the Regional VP of Employee Experience at TP. They discuss the importance of employee engagement, the diversity of the workforce across generations, and the role of purpose in business. Lisa shares her journey to leadership, the significance of peer-to-peer recognition, and how AI is transforming the workplace. The conversation emphasises the need for flexibility in work arrangements and the importance of leading with purpose and compassion.

In this episode of the Leading with Purpose podcast, Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern Trains, discusses her journey in the rail industry, the importance of purpose and transformation in her role, and the initiatives she has implemented to enhance diversity and inclusion. She highlights the significance of community engagement, the impact of the Northumberland line, and the challenges of securing investment for rail services. Tricia also shares her insights on leadership development and the future goals for Northern Trains, emphasising the need for reliable and inclusive transport services.

Our latest #LeadingWithPurpose podcast takes us inside Barclays with Kirstie Mackey OBE, Managing Director of Citizenship UK & Europe.

From pioneering the LifeSkills programme — now in 94% of schools — to the launch of the Workforce Ready report, Barclays is helping young people develop the transferable skills they need to thrive in work and in life.

This is not only about financial literacy; it’s about resilience,creativity, problem solving, and communication — the foundations for opportunity and social mobility.

📖 Read the report: https://home.barclays/content/dam/home-barclays/documents/news/Insights/Workforce%20Ready%20Report.pdf

In this episode of Leading with Purpose, we delve into the dynamic world of law firm leadership with Matthew Kelsall, CEO, and Kate Mathias, CPO of Clyde & Co. Discover how they are redefining leadership and cultural values in a global law firm, emphasising social mobility. Learn about their innovative approaches to career development, the importance of celebrating differences, and how they are shaping a more inclusive future for the legal industry. Tune in to explore the transformative power of leadership in creating a thriving, diverse workplace.

In this episode of the Leading with Purpose podcast, Rt Hon Justine Greening speaks with Steve Foster, People Director at South Eastern Railways. They discuss the importance of social mobility within the rail sector, the role of leadership in fostering relationships, and the initiatives South Eastern is implementing to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and workforce development. Steve shares insights on the company's commitment to diversity in recruitment, community engagement, and the impact of leadership support on organisational culture. The conversation also touches on Steve's personal journey in the industry and his vision for the future of South Eastern Railways.

In this episode of the Leading with Purpose podcast, Rt Hon Justine Greening interviews Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, about his journey in the rail industry, the importance of community engagement, and the initiatives c2c is implementing to enhance social mobility and safety. They discuss the creation of the Young Rail Professionals network, the impact of the Breaking Down Barriers report, and the future vision for c2c as it transitions into public ownership. Mullen emphasizes the significance of collaboration, transparency, and leadership in driving positive change within the rail sector.

In this episode of Leading with Purpose, Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK, discusses the intersection of sustainability and social mobility. He emphasises the importance of creating a renewable energy system that benefits society and the environment. The conversation explores E.ON's journey towards net zero, innovative community partnerships, and the role of talent development in driving social impact. Chris shares insights on empowering consumers in the energy transition and the need for leadership that prioritizes purpose and collaboration.