CEO Stories: Recent Episodes
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
CEO Stories is a podcast series that delves into the stories behind some of the Greater Birmingham region's leading or up-and-coming CEOs. The series is hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest CEO in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's 208-year history. Listen to find out what makes some of the region's finest leaders tick, who inspired them and what advice they would offer to aspiring CEOs. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is the West Midlands' leading business support organisation, having acted as the voice of local business since 1813.
Dan Boardman-Weston in the CEO of BRI Wealth Management, the financial planning and wealth management firm based in Meriden.
Having initially joined the firm as a trainee, Dan eventually succeeded his dad, Simon, as CEO.
In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about making that transition and navigating his way through the challenges of leadership at a young age.
We also hear his thoughts on the current state of play with the economy and the financial markets - and why he feels financial literacy across the UK needs to be better.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· His first steps into the business
· Succeeding his father as CEO
· Navigating leadership challenges at a young age
· AI and people in the finance sector
· His competitive streak
· Financial literacy in the UK
· The economy - present and future
Wendy Morgan is the founder of the Jumar group of companies (now TXP), the Birmingham-headquartered organisation offering tech and business transformation expertise.
Wendy has become a leader in the tech sector despite overcoming a series of obstacles - both during her childhood and her career.
This included gender discrimination which threatened to impact her progress in the tech industry.
Wendy tells Henrietta how she overcame those challenges to form a successful company which has expanded internationally.
She also provides insights on the ever-changing tech and digital space - and why firms must align their investment in technology with a strong people-focused culture.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· Challenges faced during Wendy's childhood
· First jobs and entry into the tech sector
· How discrimination threatened to block her progress
· Setting up the Jumar group of companies
· Scaling up and international expansion
· Advice to firms on embracing tech trends
· Gender diversity in tech
As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which some of our guests answer a series of quickfire questions.
In this episode, you will hear from Professor Aleks Subic (Aston University), Jodh Dhesi (Schools of King Edward VI Foundation), Andrew Davies (Kier Group), Fran Nolan and Dre Picart (Tribera), Janie Frampton (Team You), Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial), Marina Robertson (Acivico), Emma Stenning (CBSO), Professor David Mba (Birmingham City University), Wendy Morgan (Jumar) and Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management).
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This episode was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Running order:
02:12 – What’s your favourite Brummie slang word?
- Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)
- Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)
- Janie Frampton (Team You)
- Fran Nolan and Dre Picart (Tribera)
- Emma Stenning (CBSO)
- Wendy Morgan (Jumar)
05:13 - What’s the one app on your phone that you couldn’tlive without?
- Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)
- Prof David Mba (Birmingham City University)
- Andrew Davies (Kier Group)
- Emma Stenning (CBSO)
- Janie Frampton (Team You)
06:57 – Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
- Wendy Morgan (Jumar)
- Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management)
- Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial)
- Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)
- Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)
09:20 – What’s your guilty TV show or movie?
- Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management)
- Marina Robertson (Acivico)
- Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)
- Wendy Morgan (Jumar)
- Janie Frampton (Team You)
11:34 – If you could travel the world with one famous person(living or dead) who would it be?
- Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial)
- Marina Robertson (Acivico)
- Janie Frampton (Team You)
- Emma Stenning (CBSO)
- Prof David Mba (Birmingham City University)
- Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)
14:40 – What’s your best celebrity encounter?
- Emma Stenning (CBSO)
- Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)
- Andrew Davies (Kier Group)
- Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial)
- Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)
- Janie Frampton (Team You)
Vice-chancellor Professor David Mba sets out his vision for Birmingham City University in this episode of CEO Stories.
Professor Mba discusses the transformational journey and impact of BCU - emphasising social mobility, employability, and the importance of practice-based pedagogy.
The conversation explores his unexpected path to academia, his upbringing in Nigeria, and his vision for BCU's future as outlined in their Strategy 2030.
Professor Mba also touches on the role of universities in community engagement, the significance of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs), and BCU's innovative STEAMhouse initiative.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· Growing up in Nigeria
· Transition to the UK and academia
· BCU's 2030 Strategy and beyond
· Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
· Driving vision and change
· Challenges and opportunities in Higher Education
Jim Simpson is a Birmingham music legend.
As well as being credited as the man who gave Black Sabbath their big break, he is the founder of Big Bear Records and the director of Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival.
In this episode, Jim discusses his illustrious career spanning decades as a musician, manager, record label and festival founder, author, photographer and much more.
He shares anecdotes about iconic figures he's worked with and the challenges and triumphs of Birmingham's vibrant music industry.
Jim also explains why he feels Birmingham's rich musical heritage is underappreciated - and emphasises the need for a rock and roll museum to honour the city's contributions.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· Founding Big Bear Records
· Birth of the Jazz & Blues Festival
· Managing Black Sabbath
· Birmingham's music heritage
· The Visit of Oz
· The future of the jazz and blues
Emma Stenning is CEO of the globally-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - an organisation she says is "shorthand for excellence" in the classical music world.
Emma comes from a successful theatrical background -leading major theatres in the UK and Canada, being involved in the London 2012 Olympics and working with pop stars such as Damon Albarn and Rufus Wainwright.
However, her vision for the CBSO - designed to reach new audiences in light of declining attendances at classical concerts across the UK - has received criticism in the press and among fans.
Emma talks to Henrietta about the challenge of bringing new ideas to the historic CBSO while protecting its traditions.
She opens up about driving change while dealing with personal criticism.
Key topics:
· Starting up her own theatre company
· Reviving Bristol's Old Vic theatre
· Working alongside pop stars
· The opportunity to work in Canada
· Why she joined the CBSO
· Dealing with personal criticism
· The CBSO's global reputation
Marina Robertson is the group managing director of Acivico, the Birmingham-based multi-disciplinary firm offering built environment advisory services from design and construction to building control and facilities management.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Marina made the crucial decision to study in the UK – which opened the door to working on some key projects such as the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium.
Marina talks to Henrietta Brealey about why her dedication to learning has been important along the way and how she has addressed the challenge of finding her voice as a business leader.
She also discusses some of the exciting projects Acivico have worked on in the Birmingham city-region.
Key topics:
· Early life growing up in Athens
· The Wembley Stadium project
· Moving to Acivico
· Public speaking and finding her voice
· Succeeding in a male dominated industry
· First impressions of Birmingham
· Her passion for learning
More about Acivico:
Website: https://acivicogroup.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acivicogroup/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
MAN Commercial Protection founder and CEO Iain McCallister joins Henrietta Brealey for the second episode of season four.
Iain is a former nightclub doorman who, alongside his father, founded the Solihull-based private security firm in 1993.
He scaled it to become the largest privately-owned security business in the West Midlands, employing 1,600 people across the UK.
Iain discusses providing security services to rock icons including Oasis, The Who and The Rolling Stones, as well as major boxing shows and Royal occasions.
We also hear about Iain and MAN Commercial Protection's efforts to change outdated perceptions of the security industry - and how they are creating new opportunities for people through their training academy.
Key topics:
· Early career - from butcher to bouncer
· Founding MAN Commercial
· Discipline learned from boxing
· High-profile clients
· Security industry challenges and misconceptions
· MAN Commercial's training academy
· Growth plans and ambitions
More about Iain:
Website: https://mancommercialprotection.co.uk/about/about-man/welcome-from-our-ceo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-mccallister-0486a110/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Trailblazing former football referee Janie Frampton joins Henrietta Brealey for the first episode of season four.
Janie, who is the co-founder of TeamYou and president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, reveals how her career was sparked by a love of football.
She was only the second woman to referee in a men's professional game and has since gone on to work with global sports governing bodies on leadership and development programmes.
A staunch advocate for women's equality, Jane opens up about some of the obstacles she has faced in her career and how she found the resilience to rise through the football ranks.
She also talks about how Greater Birmingham businesses can seize opportunities in sport.
Key topics:
· Falling in love with football
· Breaking down barriers as a referee
· Encounters with famous football personalities
· Transition to business leadership
· International work and projects
· Opportunities in the business of sport
· Priorities as Global Chamber president
More about Janie:
Website: https://teamyou.net/about-us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-frampton-obe/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
In the final episode of season three, Henrietta Brealey is joined by the co-founders of Tribera - the award-winning creative content agency.
Fran Nolan and André Picart run the Birmingham city centre-based agency which has racked up a host of accolades including being named in the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Work' list.
Fran and André join Henrietta to discuss their career-defining moments, how they complement each other as co-founders and the importance of work-life balance - including Tribera's shift to a 32-hour work week.
Fran and André also share insights on the impact of AI in marketing, what makes a great business leader and the importance of intuition in decision-making.
Key topics:
· Defining career moments
· Starting Tribera - the early days
· The importance of team and culture
· Working together as co-founders
· The role of a performance coach
· Implementing a four-day working week
· Redefining the working week - from four days to32 hours
· Personal experiences with flexible work schedules
· Impact on recruitment and retention
· Embracing AI in the workplace
· The evolution of marketing and social media
More about Tribera:
Website: https://www.tribera.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribera
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetribera
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
As CEO of infrastructure services and construction giant Kier Group, Andrew Davies is at the helm of a company that impacts the lives of millions of people.
Many of those are in Birmingham where Kier is responsible for operating all roads and has built a number of landmark buildings.
In his conversation with Henrietta Brealey, he discusses the importance of having a clear vision and purpose for an organisation that employs around 10,000 people and is involved in more than 400 live projects across the UK.
He also discusses changes in the construction and infrastructure services industry and its relationship with Government, as a result of the collapse of Carillion in 2018.
And we hear about Andrew's passion for helping to further the careers of his employees, the importance of seizing opportunities and his personal interests outside of the business.
Key topics:
· Introduction to Kier Group
· What Andrew learnt at BAE Systems
· The collapse of Carillion and changes in the industry
· Working with Government
· Having a clear vision and purpose
· Helping to further careers of others
· Andrew's advice to aspiring leaders
More about Kier Group:
Website: https://www.kier.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kier-group
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/KierGroup
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
As chief executive of King Edward VI Foundation in Birmingham, Jodh Dhesi is on a mission to make Birmingham the best place to be educated in the UK.
In this episode of CEO Stories, he admits to Henrietta Brealey: "It was a bit daunting when I applied for the job, but the Chair of Governors explained it well, saying that somewhere has to be, so why not Birmingham?"
Jodh talks Henrietta through an impressive career, from French teacher to leader of 13,000 students across 14 schools.
He discusses his experiences teaching in the UK and United Arab Emirates, the importance of breaking down barriers in education and personal influences from his career.
Key topics:
· Early life and family influence
· His first job and path to education
· The transition to leadership in education
· Experiences in the United Arab Emirates
· Joining the King Edward VI Foundation
· His role and vision as CEO
· Collaboration with business
· Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders
More about Jodh Dhesi:
Website: https://kingedwardvifoundation.co.uk/our-people/jodh-dhesi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodh-dhesi-3332719/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Henrietta Brealey speaks with Professor Aleks Subic, vice chancellor and chief executive of Aston University.
Professor Subic shares his journey from his early life as a migrant in Australia, through his career transition from industry to academia, to leading significant technological innovations.
Highlights include his formative experiences in both Belgrade and Melbourne, his role in the Australian Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 taskforce and his current strategic initiatives at Aston University aimed at driving digital transformation and industry collaboration.
He also offers key insights on leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion and strategies for managing change.
Key topics:
· Aleks' early life and career
· Impact of migration on leadership
· Journey back to academia
· Leadership lessons from Australia
· Aston University 2023 Strategy
· Driving digital innovation
· Birmingham Innovation Quarter
· Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders
More about Professor Aleks Subic:
Website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/about/governance-management/professor-aleks-subic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-aleks-subic-2b7b87/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_alekssubic/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which our Series Three guests answer some quickfire questions.
Listen to find out:
Who would hire Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw as their brand ambassador?
Who has the most unusual item on their office desk?
Who would call Albert Einstein as their 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' phone-a-friend?
We also have our very own Battle of the Bands as guests are asked to choose between two iconic Birmingham music groups.
In this episode, you will hear from:
- Harvir Sahota, Mahirs Experience
- Paul Faulkner and Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, Kids' Village
- Zoe Bennett, Motivational Queen
- Jas Rohel, Education Awards/Titan Partnership
- Abbie Vlahakis, Millennium Point
- Wade Lyn, Cleone Foods
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Wade Lyn gave supermarket bosses food for thought by introducing them to the Jamaican patty.
The Jamaican-born entrepreneur owns Hockley-based Cleone Foods which produces Island Delight, the UK’s biggest selling Jamaican patty which is stocked on most major supermarkets.
In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about his role in spicing up the UK food market by introducing the Caribbean culinary staple to a new audience.
Wade, a former High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also reveals how his approach to business was influenced by his entrepreneurial parents and his athletics career, where he had the opportunity to observe track and field stars such as Steve Cram and Steve Ovett up close.
Key topics:
· Wade's upbringing in Jamaica
· Moving to Smethwick in the 1960s
· First job working at his parents' petrol station
· His athletics career
· Developing his entrepreneurial mindset
· How he started Cleone Foods
· His ability to "see into the future"
· The importance of mentoring during his career
· His various roles and accolades outside of business
More about Cleone Foods/Island Delight:
Website: https://www.island-delight.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleone-foods-limited/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islanddelightuk
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Jas Rohel openly admits her younger self would have dismissed the idea of a career in education.
Fast-forward to the present day, however, and the entrepreneur and radio presenter is banging the drum for the sector in her dual role as Education Awards founder and co-CEO of charitable organisation the Titan Partnership.
In this episode, Jas talks to Henrietta about how a spell teaching at Solihull College & University Centre led to her becoming a ‘disruptor’ who was determined to drive change in the education world.
She did so through founding the Education Awards - designed to inspire and recognise success in the sector.
It was her first foray into being an entrepreneur and she admits: “I did everything backwards!”
Jas, who spent her early career working in the media, also discusses her passion for telling and sharing other people’s stories in her role as a presenter for On Your Radio Solihull, where she hosts shows about education, business and hospitality.
Key topics:
· Moving to London to pursue a media career
· How she “fell into” education and teaching
· Driving change in the education sector
· Her “itch” to set up the Education Awards
· Giving recognition to those working in the sector
· Stepping out as an entrepreneur for the first time
· The job-sharing dynamic of her co-CEO role
· Giving people a voice through her radio shows
· Who has inspired and helped her career?
Connect with Jas Rohel:
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/JRohel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-rohel-961519152/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jas_rohel
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Abbie Vlahakis was seeking a career change when Millennium Point “found her”.
In this episode, South Wales-born Abbie talks to Henriettaabout how her passion for learning developed into a career in finance, before ultimately leading to her current role as CEO at one of Birmingham’s most recognisablevenues.
We learn why Millennium Point’s dual purpose of being both commercial and charitable was a perfect fit for Abbie – and how her past experiences have ledto ‘culture’ being firmly at the heart of her leadership.
Abbie also discusses Millennium Point’s mission to createopportunities for the next generation through its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiatives.
Key topics:
· Lessons learned from growing up in South Wales
· The importance of her education
· Why she chose a career in finance
· Why she moved to Birmingham
· How Millennium Point "found me"
· What surprised her about becoming a CEO
· Millennium Point's support for STEM education
· Why culture is the most important element of a business
· Her advice for aspiring CEOs
Episode Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by the Birmingham Black Business Show, taking place on Saturday 15th June.
Tickets are £40. However, we have around 50 FREE tickets to give away - use he code CHAMBERFREE at the checkout to secure yours.
Go to https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/
More about Millennium Point:
Website: https://www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/millenniumpoint
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-point-property-limited/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Mahirs Experience chief executive Harvir Sahota reveals his recipe for success – including how he scaled up his family’s Indian sweet shop business into an award-winning catering and events company that has been used by a string of illustrious names.
Harvir and Henrietta discuss the firm’s evolution over the years and how his leadership has been shaped by the many different roles he has held within the organisation.
We also learn about how Harvir and the Mahirs team used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity for a reset.
And Harvir reveals some of the A-list clients who have utilised the firm’s services – from spiritual leaders to elite sportspeople and huge stars from Bollywood.
Key topics:
· The origins of Mahirs Experience
· Harvir’s first steps into the business as a teenager
· His approach to processes and operations
· How Harvir became CEO of the business
· Leading the company through the pandemic
· Career highlights and Mahirs’ illustrious clients
· The famous name Harvir would most like to cater for
· The role of networking in Mahirs’ success
· Mahirs’ future scale-up and expansion plans
· The firm’s community and charity work
· The entrepreneurs who have inspired Harvir
More about Mahirs Experience:
Website: https://mahirs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MahirsExp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mahirs-experience/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencemahirs
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Since overcoming cancer as a child, Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and her family have dreamed of creating the UK’s inaugural holiday village for critically ill children.
Now, with support from a top team spearheaded by former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner, plans are gathering pace to build the Kids’ Village in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside.
Interim CEO Paul and founder Sam talk to Henrietta about the transformational project – including the inspiration behind Sam’s idea and ambitious plans to bring her vision to life through a £5 million fundraising drive.
We also hear from our guests about their respective professional backgrounds.Sam has forged a successful career as a radio presenter and producer, while Paul's CV includes banking, football (as CEO of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest), working within a family office in the United States and leading the Chamber from 2015 to 2021. Key topics:· What inspired Sam and her family to want to build Kids’ Village?· Why did Paul feel compelled to join the charity as interim chief executive? · How does the charity intend to raise the £5 million needed to build the Kids’ Village?· At what stage are plans to recruit a permanent CEO and what type of individual are they seeking? · How does Kids’ Village hope to engage with the West Midlands business community?· Why did Paul swap affluent American seaside community The Hamptons for Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham? · Why did Sam decide to pursue a career in broadcasting and radio production? · What has surprised Sam most since embarking on the ambitious Kids’ Village project?· What is Paul’s biggest piece of advice for aspiring or up-and-coming business leaders? More about Kids’ Village:Website: https://www.kidsvillage.org.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsvillagecharity/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidsvillagecharity/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheKidsVillageConnect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambersEmail: press@birmingham-chamber.comConnect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLBAbout Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Zoe Bennett’s life changed forever when her father Errol was brutally murdered in 2011.
After a long battle to achieve justice, she channelled her experiences into forging a successful career as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author and founder of the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards.
In this episode of CEO Stories, the self-styled Motivational Queen shares her remarkable story with Henrietta Brealey – from her early roles working in market stalls and kebab shops, to overcoming traumas and setbacks to make it on her own in theworld of business.
Zoe, who is managing director of her own firm Training Personified, also tells us about the recognition she received for inspiring disadvantaged individuals and shares hertop tips for networking.
Key topics:
- How did Zoe take positives from something as traumatic as her father's murder?
- What inspired Zoe to start the MBCC Awards?
- How did she find the experience of starting up on her own in business?
- Why did she choose to focus on working with 'hard to reach' groups?
- What does Zoe wish people and businesses understood better about the people she supports?
- What are the highlights of her career as a motivational speaker?
- What are her top networking tips and what are the common mistakes she sees people make?
More information on Zoe Bennett and Training Personified:
https://motivationalqueen.com/
https://trainingpersonified.com/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
About this episode:
CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes.
This episode contains references to violent crime and mental health challenges.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Season three of CEO Stories begins with Henrietta Brealey talking to a chief executive who has one of the toughest jobs in local government.
Birmingham born and bred, Deborah Cadman has enjoyed a distinguished career in local government – including stints leading the West Midlands Combined Authority, Suffolk County Council and St Edmudsbury Borough Council.
Her current role, leading Europe’s largest local authority in her home city, has proved to be the toughest to date – after Birmingham was issued with Section 114 notice in 2023.
In this episode, Deborah discusses the challenge of leading through such a critical time in the council’s history.
We also learn about various other aspects of her life and career – including her memories of growing up in Birmingham, her various roles in government through to her favourite things about her home city and some the individuals who have influenced her along the way.
Key topics:
- What attracted Deborah to a career in public service?
- How would she describe the challenges facing Birmingham City Council?
- How does she handle the pressure of leading the council through those challenges?
- How does she switch off from the pressures of her job?
- Does she still see a legacy from the 2022 Commonwealth Games?
- Are there any individuals or leaders who inspired her through her career?
- What is Deborah's favourite thing to do in Birmingham?
- What's her biggest piece of advice to aspiring or up-and-coming CEOs?
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
When Nasir Awan came to England in the 1960s, he could speak virtually no English.
Today, Nasir is one of the West Midlands’ most successful business figures – and, on 17 November, 2023, he will become president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
In the final episode of CEO Stories season two, the boss of international wholesale firm Awan Marketing talks Henrietta Brealey through an eventful life and career – from humble beginnings in Pakistan to a career in business andcharity that makes phenomenal reading.
Nasir shares some of the highs and lows experienced along the way – including a tumultuous time in the mid-2000s when he came close to losingeverything.
It was a test of faith at “a time where I was emotionally at my very lowest.”
However, that faith and determination drove Nasir on to successfully rebuild his business which evolved into one of the UK’s largest wholesale firms.
We also hear about his charitable work – including an impactful role as chair of Islamic Relief – and his plans as president of the Chamber when he succeeds Deb Leary this month.
CEO Stories will return for a third season in early 2024.
Find out more about Nasir Awan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-a-j-nasir-awan-mbe-dl-a6779726/
https://twitter.com/Nasirawanuk
Find out more about Awan Marketing:
https://www.awanplc.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/awanmarketing_
https://www.facebook.com/awan.plc/
https://www.instagram.com/awanplc/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Eman Al-Hillawi is passionate about driving change. The Entec-Si CEO has experienced several transformational moments of her own – including moving to the UK from Iraq as a teenager, switching careers from science to technology and meeting her business partner Peter Marsden, with whom she created the Birmingham-based consultancy. In this episode of CEO Stories, Eman talks to Henrietta Brealey about a successful career which has been built on people, relationships and creating great teams.We also hear about Eman’s role in bringing a ‘wow’ factor to the Library of Birmingham and the two unusual hobbies that keep her busy away from the business environment.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ceo-stories/message
Jason Wouhra has a saying about family businesses – “it’s like being in the mafia – once you’re in, you can’t get out!”
Jason is the chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd, a ‘carve-out’ of the renowned East Ends Foods brand which was started by his father and uncles in the 1960s.
In this episode, he tells Henrietta about building on his family’s legacy by making his own mark on the business – despite initially having aspirations to be a lawyer.
It’s a career that began stacking shelves on the warehouse floor as a young boy and eventually led to him negotiating the company's sale and subsequent buy-back of the wholesale arm.
Jason also opens up about the complexities of working in a family business, the mentor who helped him find clarity regarding his career goals and what the future holds for Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd.
Find out more about Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lioncroft-wholesale-ltd/
https://www.lioncroftwholesale.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/LionCroft2023
Follow Jason Wouhra:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwouhra/
https://twitter.com/DrWouhra
Whether it's “getting a telling-off” from the Ministry of Defence or making history in football’s oldest cup competition, Charlie Blakemore is no stranger to huge challenges.
The Intercity Technology managing director’s successes in business and sport have been driven by an ability to bring the best out of his people.
He talks Henrietta Brealey through a fascinating career – from engineering apprentice, high-pressure roles in the defence and aerospace sectors, through to his current position as a leader in the tech industry.
Sandwiched in between was a semi-professional football career, in which he made history with Chasetown by managing the non-league underdogs to the third round of the FA Cup.
Charlie shares his memories of that fairytale cup run of 2007/08, as well as discussing the similarities between being a leader in sport and business.
Find out more about Intercity:
https://www.intercity.technology/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/intercitytechnology/
https://www.facebook.com//IntercityTechnologyUK/
https://twitter.com/Intercity_UK
https://www.instagram.com/intercity_uk/
Birmingham Museums Trust co-CEO Sara Wajid’s “twin obsessions” of storytelling and equality set her on a path to becoming a respected cultural leader.
The former arts and culture journalist was by her own admission a reluctant CEO with aspirations to “get something done in society”.
She tells Henrietta Brealey how a secondment to Birmingham Museums Trust - the largest independent charitable trust of museums in the UK – in the role of ‘changemaker’ had a lasting impression on her career.
“I became a bit obsessed with the place,” Sara admits.
The opportunity to return to run the organisation later arose, in an innovative job-share role alongside the respected Zak Mensah.
We hear about her passion for social justice, Birmingham Museums Trust’s progressive, community-led approach and the unique working dynamic between her and fellow co-CEO Zak.
Find out more about Birmingham Museums Trust:
https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/bm_Ag https://www.facebook.com/BirminghamMuseumandArtGallery https://www.instagram.com/birmingham_mag/
“There’s a reason I work in the arts – because it’s exciting!”
Caroline Miller’s passion for her profession is loud and clear as she talks Henrietta Brealey through the fascinating and varied career path that led to her becoming chief executive of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
It is a career that has taken her from the box office to the boardroom – driven by a lifelong love of dance and a determination to become a leading arts administrator.
Having overcome some personal setbacks, Caroline took the reins of Birmingham Royal Ballet– initially as interim CEO – in 2018 and was instrumental in the recruitment of global dance superstar Carlos Acosta to become the organisation’s director and creative driving force.
Caroline tells Henrietta how, like Cuban phenomenon Acosta, she believes in taking risks – a mantra that paid off as the Birmingham Royal Ballet navigated the Covid-19 pandemic with some innovative productions.
We also hear about some of BRB’s exciting future plans – including a forthcoming tour of the United States and the release of the highly-anticipated Black Sabbath – The Ballet.
Find out more about Birmingham Royal Ballet:
https://www.brb.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/brb
https://www.instagram.com/bhamroyalballet/
https://www.facebook.com/bhamroyalballet
https://www.linkedin.com/company/birmingham-royal-ballet/
Entrepreneur and author Raphael Sofoluke founded the UK Black Business Show from a place of "frustration and inspiration".
The show has doubled in size since 2017 and has expanded into other parts of the UK - with the Birmingham edition returning to the NEC on Saturday 17 June, 2023.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Raphael talks to Henrietta Brealey about what inspired him to create a platform for Black entrepreneurs and business owners, what he learned during the transition from his previous career into a full-time entrepreneur and why the show's expansion into Birmingham was an important step.
As well as being an entrepreneur, Raphael is also a published author - having released the book 'Twice As Hard: Navigating Black Stereotypes And Creating Space For Success' with his wife Opeyemi.
He tells Henrietta about the work that went into the book, including attracting some high-profile contributors.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is a strategic media partner of the 2023 Birmingham Black Business Show - find out more and book tickets.
Mario Mazzochi was all set to return to his native Italy when he spotted a newspaper advert that changed the course of his career.
The appeal of a top job with financial services giant Visa was too good to turn down for the Turin-born business leader, who would end up extending his stay in the UK.
That decision would eventually lead Mario to his current role as CEO of Birmingham-headquartered financial services mutual Wesleyan.
In this episode of CEO Stories, he tells Henrietta Brealey how he was impressed by the organisation’s distinctive business model and Birmingham’s appeal as “a transformative city”.
He discusses the “Wesleyan DNA” and why it is central to the organisation’s role in the community.
Mario also reveals his favourite things to do in Birmingham.
Find out more information about Wesleyan:
https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/Wesleyan
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wesleyan/
Ian Reid is the man who oversaw delivery of Birmingham’s golden summer.
The chief executive of the 2022 Commonwealth Games joins Henrietta Brealey to provide his perspective on leading an organisation which mushroomed from a start-up into a workforce of thousands in a short space of time - before dissolving in the aftermath of the sporting extravaganza.
Reid discusses overcoming some of the well-publicised challenges around the Games - including a shorter delivery time after Birmingham replaced Durban as the host city, the threat posed by Covid-19 and recruitment difficulties.
We also hear about his favourite Birmingham 2022 moments, what he would like to see as a legacy of the Games and what he plans to do next.
Find out more about Birmingham 2022:
https://www.birmingham2022.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Birmingham2022/
https://twitter.com/birminghamcg22
https://www.instagram.com/birminghamcg22/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/birmingham-2022-commonwealth-games/
Entrepreneur Oli Hills pivoted his business to embrace a social media revolution that has turned the world of content creation on its head.
The CEO of social media publisher Updates Media - parent company of thriving social media news source Birmingham Updates – identified an opportunity to help businesses capitalise on the seemingly limitless potential of fast-growing platform TikTok.
Updates Media was rebranded as Nonsensical – a TikTok-first marketing agency which is helping brands and organisations cut through to new audiences by creating video content that receives millions of views.
Oli talks to Henrietta Brealey about leaving behind a career in investment banking to become an entrepreneur, how his first attempt at starting a business was inspired by his brother’s participation in an Iron Man competition and the pivotal moment in his career when he was offered the chance to become CEO of Birmingham Updates.
And, with the social media landscape changing at a rapid pace, Oli also offers Elon Musk some top tips on how he can fix Twitter.
Find out more about Nonsensical:
https://nonsensical.agency/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonsensicaltiktok/
https://www.instagram.com/nonsensical.tiktok/
https://www.tiktok.com/@nonsensicaltiktok
https://twitter.com/nonsensical_uk
SF Recruitment chief executive Saira Demmer kicks off Season Two of CEO Stories by talking Henrietta through the forensic detail that has gone into building her firm’s award-winning culture.
The specialist recruitment business has earned a string of accolades for its workplace practices – including a place in the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work list.
Saira puts much of this success down to “giving employees a voice”.
Saira also describes how she has adapted throughout her career, admitting she has often been “thrown into things I wasn’t qualified for”.
Find out more about SF Recruitment:https://www.sfrecruitment.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sf-recruitment/
https://twitter.com/SFRecruiters
https://www.facebook.com/SFRecruiters
This bonus episode of CEO Stories focuses on business leaders who have been thrust into centre stage - sometimes in unusual circumstances.
In a recap of Season One, Henrietta looks at instances when some of her guests have found themselves in the limelight.
We hear from a CEO turned stand-up comedian, a chef who earned his shot at TV fame and a prominent business owner who unexpectedly went viral on social media.
A writer and storyteller also tells Henrietta about performing and receiving a critique of his first play.
Listen to this episode to hear from:
- Deb Leary, Forensic Pathways
- CJ Lloyd Webley, director/writer/entrepreneur
- Doug Wright, McDonald's franchisee
- Liam Dillon, The Boat Inn
CEO Stories will return for Season Two in January 2023.
In the first of two bonus episodes of CEO Stories, Henrietta Brealey explores who or what inspired some of the Greater Birmingham's business leaders.
We hear from four high-profile Season One guests who tell us why they were influenced by life-changing experiences and key figures from the worlds of sport, media and the military.
Listen to this episode to hear from:
- Simon Caulton, Ones Leisure Trainers
- Colonel Richard Maybery, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
- Doug Wright, McDonald's franchisee
- Deborah Hazell, Unity Trust Bank
CEO Stories will return for Season Two in January 2023.
In the final episode of Season One, NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi discusses his distinguished career in the leisure and entertainment industry.
Thandi tells Henrietta Brealey that joining the organisation – initially as commercial director – was like “lifting the lid on 1,000 flowers and letting them bloom”.
We hear about his role in transforming the NEC Group into one of Europe’s leading leisure and entertainment operations by shifting to a customer-centric, data-led approach, while increasing its portfolio of businesses.
Thandi describes the challenge of steering the group through several changes of ownership – and dealing with the impact of the pandemic in one of the hardest-hit industries.
He also provides an insight into what is next for the NEC Group under its ‘work, rest, live and play’ vision.
CEO Stories will return for Season Two in January 2023
Find out more about the NEC Group:
https://www.necgroup.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/thenecgroup
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nec-group
Liam Dillon is an acclaimed chef whose adventurous culinary career has led him to roles at top restaurants in London, Sydney and Copenhagen.
But none of those experiences compare to running his own business – The Boat Inn in his home city of Lichfield.
The Boat has been transformed under Liam’s ownership, achieving three rosettes and Michelin-recommended status.
Liam talks to Henrietta about how the transition from chef to business owner is “a different beast” and - why he compares running a restaurant to performing on a theatrical stage.
We also hear about his appearances on TV’s Great British Menu, his desire to give something back via a new education scheme and what it is like to work for MasterChef taskmaster Marcus Wareing.
More information on The Boat Inn:
https://www.theboatinnlichfield.com/
https://twitter.com/TheBoatInn_
https://instagram.com/theboatinn_
https://www.facebook.com/theboatinnlichfield
Follow Liam Dillon:
https://twitter.com/chefliamjdillon
https://www.instagram.com/chefliamjdillon/
Professional services firms are not traditionally known for being at the forefront of innovation – but Claire Clarke is helping to change that perception.
Claire is the managing partner at Mills & Reeve – a company that has featured in the UK 100 Best Companies to Work For list 18 years in a row.
In this episode, she talks about her career to date, including balancing becoming a partner with parenthood and the decision to “get out of the back seat and take the wheel” of the firm in 2015.
Claire also discusses Mills & Reeve’s unstinting commitment to developing its culture and how that fuels the firm’s innovation strategy.
More information on Mills & Reeve:
https://www.mills-reeve.com/
https://twitter.com/MillsandReeve
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mills-&-reeve/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7huYkwr8y4UrOYELhi31Vg
Rachel Roberts is passionate about her business being the “best in breed”.
In this episode, she tells Henrietta Brealey about transitioning from a career in the army to become a successful PR practitioner – which led her to founding the multi award-winning agency spottydog communications.
A firm believer in demonstrating the value of strong public relations, Rachel also bangs the drum for her profession as the 2022 president of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR).
We also hear her thoughts on the future of the PR industry, developing mental resilience and striving to create an inclusive workforce based on her own experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Find out more about Rachel Roberts:
https://twitter.com/SpotRachel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spottydogcommunications/
Find out more about spottydog communications:
https://www.twitter.com/Spottydogcomms
https://www.facebook.com/spottydogcomms
https://www.instagram.com/spottydogcomms
https://www.linkedin.com/company/1337469
https://www.youtube.com/user/spottydogcomms
A 35-year career in the army unsurprisingly had a profound impact on Colonel Richard Maybery’s leadership style.
“The Armed Forces is a people business,” he says. “You learn very early on that you have to trust and get on with your people.”
After nearly four decades in the Forces, Colonel Maybery took on a leadership role of a different kind, becoming chief executive of the West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WMRFCA).
The organisation supports the reserve forces and cadets from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force, as well as conducting engagement and advocacy to help the Armed Forces connect with the local community.
In this special episode recorded ahead of Armed Forces Day, Colonel Maybery tells Henrietta Brealey about the valuable lessons he learned from his early days as a teenager based at Sandhurst, right through to high-pressure roles such as leading a bomb disposal team.
Colonel Maybery also discusses the leaders who have inspired him, the importance of the engagement between the Reserve Forces and the business community and how the conflict in the Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of the Reserve Forces.
Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday 25 June and is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community - from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
Find out more about the WMRFCA:
https://www.wmrfca.org/
https://twitter.com/wmrfca
https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-midland-rfca/
Find out more about Armed Forces Day:
https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/
In a short space of time, writer, theatre director and entrepreneur CJ Lloyd Webley has developed a flair for business to match his creative talents.
CJ earns his keep as a theatre director, working at Birmingham's Rep theatre.
But, after been moved by the protests and marches that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020, he decided to launch a new project to help black entrepreneurs across the West Midlands.
The Black Pounds Project offers mentoring, training and membership packages and has helped kickstart and boost the careers and businesses of burgeoning black entrepreneurs.
In this episode, CJ talks Henrietta through his career in writing and acting – from the moment he decided to pursue theatre through to the process of writing and producing his first play.
He discusses discovering his entrepreneurial flair, setting up the Black Pounds Project and how it has already helped more than 1,500 businesses.
We also hear his best joke as a stand-up comedian and learn about one of his early jobs which he describes as “the most intimidating thing I’ve done in my life”.
Find out more about CJ Lloyd Webley:
https://cjlloydwebley.com/
https://twitter.com/cjlloydwebley
https://instagram.com/cjlloydwebley
https://www.facebook.com/cjlloydwebley
Find out more about the Black Pounds Project:
https://www.blackpoundsproject.org/
https://www.facebook.com/blackpoundsorg/
https://twitter.com/blackpoundsorg
https://www.instagram.com/blackpoundsorg/
When a teenage Doug Wright decided to seek his first opportunity in the world of work, he was by his own admission “pretty much unemployable”.
However, when he did gain his first job – as a 93p-an-hour cleaner at his local McDonald’s – it turned out to be the first step on a remarkable journey with the global fast-food corporation.
Fast-forward four decades, Doug is now a multi-restaurant franchisee – with his company Wright Restaurants operating 21 branches of McDonald’s across the West Midlands, employing around 2,000 people.
In this episode, Doug tells Henrietta about his rise through the ranks at one of the world’s best-known brands – from cleaner, part-time and full-time assistant roles and his first management position through to being offered the opportunity to purchase his first restaurant.
He shares thoughts on scaling up his business from one to multiple restaurants, adopting a people-centric approach and being forced to innovate to meet ever-changing customer needs.
Away from McDonald’s, Doug is also well-known around the region for his incredible charity work – and he discusses a life-changing incident that fuelled his desire to give something back.
When Deborah Hazell decided to seek a new challenge, after more than three decades working in financial services in the United States, her criteria was simple.
“I wanted to do something more meaningful,” she tells CEO Stories host and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey.
Deborah’s determination to make a positive societal impact led her to Birmingham-based Unity Trust Bank, where was appointed chief executive in September 2021.
Unity’s mission to help organisations which make a positive contribution to economic, social and environmental needs aligned perfectly with Deborah’s values.
In this podcast, she tells Henrietta about taking an unconventional route into banking, why she was reluctant to accept her first CEO position and how, through her role at Unity, she is “trying to better society”.
Find out more about Unity Trust Bank:
https://www.unity.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/unitytrustbank
https://www.facebook.com/unitytrustbank/
https://www.instagram.com/unitytrustbank/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unity-trust-bank/
Beverly Lindsay is a self-confessed “accidental businesswoman” who has faced more than her fair share of adversity.
Since arriving in Birmingham from Jamaica as a teenager, she has encountered personal struggles, family tragedy and significant threats to her business.
But the Diamond Travel founder has shown resilience in abundance to overcome those challenges and become a prominent West Midlands business figure – while also helping to break down barriers within her own community.
As well as running a successful travel company, she has been honoured by the Queen and the Jamaican government for her community work and served as Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
“It’s in my DNA to fight,” says Beverly, when reflecting on an eventful life and career.
CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes.
Part of this episode explores experiences of poor mental health and suicide.
If you are impacted by these themes, you can find resources and information on where to go for support via the mental health charity Mind at www.mind.org.uk
Find out more about Diamond Travel:
https://diamondtravel.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/DiamondTravelBirmingham/
https://twitter.com/DiamondTravelU1
https://www.instagram.com/diamond___travel/
When Deb Leary was reluctantly dragged along to a policing conference by her husband, she had a lightbulb moment that led to her setting up pioneering forensics firm Forensic Pathways.
Deb, who became president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in 2021, tells Henrietta how being “naturally nosey and curious” has been integral to her entrepreneurial journey.
But there is far more to Deb than the serious business of forensics.
Away from her day job, the self-deprecating CEO is involved in a number of initiatives including Funny Women – a group that encourages women to take part in stand-up comedy and find their voice.
Find out more about Forensic Pathways:
https://www.forensic-pathways.com/
https://twitter.com/Forensicpathway
Follow Deb Leary:https://twitter.com/deborahleary
Simon Caulton’s life changed forever when his seven-month old daughter Mia was diagnosed with infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2017.
The story behind his leisure trainers brand Ones is one of strength, courage and learning how to take things ‘one step at a time’.
Simon opens up to Henrietta about how the trauma of Mia’s life-threatening illness and his personal mental health battles inspired him to launch Ones.
He reveals the people who supported and inspired him along the way and describes how the brand’s credentials are driven by his desire to “give something back”.
Find out more about Ones:
https://ones.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/ones_leisure_trainers
https://www.facebook.com/Ones-Leisure-Trainers-115378589846979/
From market trading to hairdressing and working as a private detective, Sheila Brown has had an extremely varied career.
But, as a parent with two disabled sons, she took her most important career step in 1991 by co-founding Newlife, The Charity for Disabled Children (previously the Birth Defects Foundation) after deciding “something had to change”.
Fast-forward three decades and Cannock-headquartered Newlife employs nearly 600 staff, working across a vast commercial retail operation and the charitable side of the business which seeks to ensure disabled and terminally ill children have access to vital equipment and support.
Sheila talks to Henrietta about the charity’s extraordinary journey, surviving and adapting through the pandemic and how a people-centric approach is at the core of the organisation.
Find out more about Newlifehttps://newlifecharity.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/Newlifecharity
https://www.facebook.com/newlifethecharity
https://www.instagram.com/newlifethecharity/
CEO Stories is a podcast series that delves into the stories behind some of the Greater Birmingham region's leading or up-and-coming CEOs. The series is hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest CEO in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's 208-year history. Listen to find out what makes some of the region's finest leaders tick, who inspired them and what advice they would offer to aspiring CEOs.