Thoughts From....: Recent Episodes
The Midcounties Cooperative
This podcast series delves into the the thoughts of some of our Midcounties leaders, explores their careers and greatest learnings, as well as uncovering a little bit about their life outside of Midcounties. You’ll hear some inspirational ideas, great advice and interesting reflections from life inside and outside of Midcounties. With a focus on development this might just be the boost you need to make a change, continue your development or reflect on your time at Midcounties. If you are keen to develop yourself, progress your career, or you are just interested to know a little bit more about some of our Midcounties Leaders, this is the podcast for you!
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about child sexual exploitation with the charity Street Teams.
In this episode we hear from Ben Rafiqi from Let’s Feed Brum, a charity I have volunteered with for nearly 5 years. Ben discusses the philosophy and spirituality connected to volunteering, the power of community and the evolution of the charity. Ben also discusses his personal journey and the complexities and misconceptions about the street community. Not one to miss!
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about child sexual exploitation with the charity Street Teams.
In this episode we hear from Ruth Rackstraw and Sian Kennedy here at Street Teams, a charity Midcounties have had a relationship for a number of years dealing with CSE in Walsall. Ruth and Sian discuss the evolution of the charity, the difficulty parents face with CSE in the age of the internet, and what you should do if you suspect something is wrong. They also discuss the misconceptions around CSE, the work they do, what the future holds for their charity. Not one to miss!
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about fundraising.
In this episode we hear from our very own Chris Chandler and Jordan Davis here at Midcounties. Chris and Jordan discuss their stories from years of fundraising for the Forest of Dean Regional Community, how to galvanise volunteer support and how to set up a fundraiser. They also discuss their best memories, some funny stories and what their volunteering has personally meant to them as well as the impact it has had.
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about the environmental and activism.
In this episode we hear from Amelia Crews, the energy innovation co-ordinator here at Midcounties. Amelia discusses her background of environmental concern, her views on the future of the environment and how a perceptions of activism are so important. She also discusses the stigma around the word activism and how people can contribute towards environmentalist efforts.
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about mental health.
In this episode we hear from Julia Farrell who’s a key member of our community team. Jules as she’s know as discusses her experiences from being bullied as a child, getting to grips with her mental health and becoming the chair of Wolverhampton Fairtrade. She also discusses her experiences as a young mum to battling menopause with her low points strengthening her character. Not one to miss!
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about balancing a fast life with greener choices.
In this week we hear from Hannah Picken, a Community Engagement Officer at the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who also has her own charity called Wild Earth Movement. Hannah discusses her journey into the world of environmentalism whilst also being pragmatic with how she lives her daily life. If you are a person wanting to make a few reasonable healthy changes in your life but don't know where to start, this one is for you.
This series is all about community! From hearing stories from colleagues as well as people in wider society about their volunteering and community work, these podcasts are designed to make us re-examine our busy lives to think of ways we can give back to the world, and be part of a rewarding community in the process. Each episode has it’s unique angle, this week’s is about student volunteering.
In this episode we hear from Luke Hilton, a policy advisor in the Civil Service. Luke discusses his experiences climbing Everest, previously being the President of UNICEF on Campus at the University of Birmingham and how to grasp the volunteering student community to develop yourself. He also discusses his background and how he stays motivated and guided in his life choices. Not one to miss!
In this episode we hear from Kieran Allen – Food Store Manager. Kieran discusses what has kept him building his career at Midcounties, what has helped him transition into new teams as he has moved into different stores across our estate. Kieran also gives his view on what makes a great leader.
In this episode we hear from Ryan Rushton – Business Development Manager with Younity. Ryan discusses his passion for community energy and what his role at Younity involves. Ryan also talks about his own mental wellbeing and the challenges he has faced, as well as sharing techniques he now uses to help maintain a positive outlook
In this podcast we hear from Alex Breeze – Click & Collect Buyer within the Food Team. Listen in to learn more about Alex’s career journey, what development has really made a difference in his career and why he thinks we have to be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them.
Thoughts From…Clare Downs– Head of Commercial Partnerships – ‘Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching’
In this episode we hear from Clare Downs. Clare reflects on a varied career at Midcounties, why she has pushed herself out of her comfort zone and the importance she places in investing in our own development. Clare explains what has helped her transition into roles across our society and why she approaches everything with a willingness to learn.
In this episode we hear from Sian Edwards – Senior Nursery Manager at Burton Nursery. Sian discusses how she has grown her career at Midcounties, how she believe the DOES values has shaped her and why she is motivated to have a positive impact in her teams.
We reflect on our first Thoughts From Series, by chatting to Rachel Seagrave, Head of Society Learning and Development.
In this episode we hear from Lizzie Hieron – Chief Operating Officer Utilities. Lizzie discusses her career story including what has made her move from comfy slippers to new shoes and challenge herself to try new things. Lizzie also talks about how having a family has influenced her decisions and why it is important to admit mistakes and weaknesses and lean on the strengths of your team.
Thoughts From...Holly Sawyers
Willingness to Learn – In this episode we hear from Holly Sawyers about how it feels to step outside her comfort zone, why she would recommend prioritising personal development and learning and why she believes self reflection is important.
Thoughts From Rupert Newman – Chief Retail Officer
Why feedback is critical to success - In this episode we discuss Rupert’s career story and discover why he believes he just can’t do his job without feedback. Ever feel like you need a bit of ‘Hippo Time’?....listen in to find out more!
One Day or Day One – in this episode we discuss how Raj’s upbringing has influenced his work ethic, why he embraces change and how he has lead his teams through change
Our Values – Our Superpower
In this episode Cheryl Tree chats to Pete Westall – Chief Values Officer. Pete shares his career story, what the Coop Values mean to him and how he sees them bought to life across our society. Pete also explores how the coop values have influenced his leadership style and why he believes that ‘everyday is a school day’!
In this episode Cheryl Tree chats to Clare Moore – Chief HR Officer.
Do you ever feel like you are spinning plates? We discuss getting a better work/life balance, any why is it best to eat the frog in the morning! We also find out about Clare’s career at Midcounties and beyond, what she has learnt from her mistakes, and how Clare would define a high performing team.
Click here to listen in and find out more.