Best Greater Birmingham Chambers Of Commerce Podcasts (2025)

1
Emma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism 1:12:57

4d ago1:12:57

1:12:57

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 Damo…

1
Marina Robertson | Finding my voice as a leader in the built environment 44:48

1M ago44:48

44:48

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…

1
Iain McCallister | Boxing, Britpop and building a security powerhouse 31:06

2M ago31:06

31:06

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 p…

1
Janie Frampton | The football trailblazer making a global impact 40:56

3M ago40:56

40:56

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 …

1
Fran Nolan and André Picart | Building an agency with a best-in-class culture 49:56

5M ago49:56

49:56

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 Henrie…

1
Birmingham Economic Review 2024 preview 25:27

6M ago25:27

25:27

Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Professor Anne Green from City-REDI explore key economic trends in Greater Birmingham, ahead of 2024 Birmingham Economic Review They explore the region’s economic growth, businessconfidence, and the challenges posed by economic inactivity, as well as the impact of political shifts at both national and global levels…

1
Andrew Davies | Shaping the vision of an infrastructure giant 31:31

6M ago31:31

31:31

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 impo…

1
The value of supported internships 22:32

6M ago22:32

22:32

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce head of policy Emily Stubbs is joined by Suzie Branch Haddow, vice principal of external development at BMet College and Chair of Skills West Midlands and Warwickshire, Paul Cook, CEO of Hereward College, and Tracy Bishop, regional manager at Whitbread, for an in-depth conversation on supported internships as…

1
Jodh Dhesi | We want to make Birmingham the best place to be educated 31:20

7M ago31:20

31:20

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…

1
Professor Aleks Subic | The academic leader inspired by Da Vinci 58:23

8M ago58:23

58:23

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 …

1
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS | Battle of the bands, Curry World and Carrie Bradshaw the brand ambassador 17:08

9M ago17:08

17:08

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 Mill…

1
Wade Lyn | How my Jamaican patties spiced up the UK market 50:26

10M ago50:26

50:26

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 foo…

1
Jas Rohel | Driving change and recognition in education 1:03:11

11M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

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…

1
Abbie Vlahakis | The STEM champion with a passion for people 47:35

1y ago47:35

47:35

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 purpo…

1
Harvir Sahota | From sweet beginnings to catering for star names 31:27

1y ago31:27

31:27

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 sh…

1
Paul Faulkner and Sam Fletcher-Goodwin | Turning the Kids’ Village dream into reality 47:52

1y ago47:52

47:52

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 pic…

1
Zoe Bennett | How a Motivational Queen turned trauma into triumph 34:30

1+ y ago34:30

34:30

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 Storie…

1
Deborah Cadman | Leading Birmingham City Council through crisis 49:29

1+ y ago49:29

49:29

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…

1
Nasir Awan | How faith, family and determination helped me survive in business 48:44

1+ y ago48:44

48:44

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 …

1
Birmingham Economic Review 2023 preview 16:25

1+ y ago16:25

16:25

Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey and Professor Anne Green from City-REDI at the University of Birmingham take a deep-dive into the Birmingham economy ahead of the launch of the 2023 Birmingham Economic Review. They discuss a host of topics which are covered in the report - from the impact of rising inflation and cost of living on businesses and consum…

1
Eman Al-Hillawi | Career pivots, driving change and learning to fly 39:10

1+ y ago39:10

39:10

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…

1
Jason Wouhra | Continuing the legacy of a family business 41:50

1+ y ago41:50

41:50

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…

1
Charlie Blakemore | A telling-off from the MoD to making FA Cup history 44:19

2y ago44:19

44:19

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 thr…

1
Sara Wajid | I want to use museums to make the world a better place 43:02

2y ago43:02

43:02

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…

1
Caroline Miller | Taking risks, Black Sabbath ballet and recruiting a global superstar 55:11

2y ago55:11

55:11

“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 – driv…

1
GTP23: How employers can attract and engage skilled individuals 10:46

2y ago10:46

10:46

The third episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series focuses on attracting and engaging talent - and how employers can work closer with education providers to meet skills needs. The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by Anshu Williams, South and City College Birmingham's assistant director - Employer Engagement …

1
Raphael Sofoluke | Channelling frustration and inspiration to start the UK Black Business Show 30:02

2y ago30:02

30:02

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 Breale…

1
GTP23: Business support, economic growth and bridging the West Midlands' skills gap 10:23

2y ago10:23

10:23

The second episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series focuses on business support, economic growth and addressing the skills and employing gap facing the West Midlands. The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by the West Midlands Combined Authority's head of economic development and delivery Paul Edwards and dire…

1
Mario Mazzocchi | Sharing Wesleyan’s 'mutual' DNA 43:48

2y ago43:48

43:48

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 cu…

1
GTP23: How National Express creates a diverse and inclusive environment 18:26

2y ago18:26

18:26

In the first episode of our 2023 Growth Through People mini-series, we find out how one of the UK's biggest transport operators approaches diversity and inclusivity. The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs talks to Tinne Ledwitch-Madsen, National Express' UK head of employee engagement about the bus operator's approach to creating a …

1
Ian Reid | Life before, during and after Birmingham 2022 1:00:02

2y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

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 extravag…

1
Oli Hills | Talking TikTok and turning social media on its head 55:53

2+ y ago55:53

55:53

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 pote…

1
Saira Demmer | I want everyone to love their jobs 27:07

2+ y ago27:07

27:07

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 Compani…

1
Season One recap (Part II) | The TV chef, taking centre stage and going viral 15:22

2+ y ago15:22

15:22

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 pro…

1
Season One recap (Part I) | Trailblazers, one step journey and inspired by Fergie 12:06

2+ y ago12:06

12:06

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 epis…

1
Paul Thandi | How we woke a sleeping giant 46:40

2+ y ago46:40

46:40

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 transf…

1
Liam Dillon | Running a restaurant is like performing in a West End show 49:38

2+ y ago49:38

49:38

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-recom…

1
Preparing students for the fast-changing world of work 25:25

2+ y ago25:25

25:25

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs is joined by members of the Birmingham Education Partnership to discuss the role the business community can play in ensuring students are prepared for the fast-changing world of work. The GBCC is working with Birmingham Education Partnership to identify individuals i…

1
Claire Clarke | Driving innovation and culture change 25:56

3y ago25:56

25:56

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,…

1
Rachel Roberts | People, resilience, dog puns and David Beckham 32:48

3y ago32:48

32:48

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 …

1
Colonel Richard Maybery | How the Armed Forces shaped my leadership style 24:21

3y ago24:21

24:21

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, becom…

1
Doing Business in Solihull: An Economic Snapshot 23:04

3y ago23:04

23:04

This episode of the Chamber Podcast unpacks the findings of the the Solihull Economic Snapshot 2022. The flagship report, sponsored by Prime Accountants, is produced by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to showcase the economic environment, opportunities and challenges ahead for the dynamic borough of Solihull and its local business community…

1
CJ Lloyd Webley | Helping black entrepreneurs get ahead 47:47

3y ago47:47

47:47

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…

1
The impact of global events and trends on commercial real estate in Birmingham 43:15

3y ago43:15

43:15

This special edition of the Chamber Podcast unpacks some of the key themes from Avison Young’s 2022 Forecast. The Forecast looks at how global events, trends and indicators are impacting on commercial real estate across different sectors. Avison Young’s principal and head of Birmingham office Carl Potter and UK head of insight Daryl Perry discuss k…

1
Doug Wright | How Mr McDonald's climbed the ranks 39:12

3y ago39:12

39:12

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 fou…

1
GTP22: Behavioural preferences in managing stress 17:19

3y ago17:19

17:19

The final episode of our Growth Through People mini-series focuses on behavioural preferences in managing stress. The Chamber's policy and projects manager Emily Stubbs talks to Jonathan Evans, CEO of Discovery, about the importance of understanding and recognising behavioural preferences. They explore the importance of recognising behavioural pref…

1
GTP22: Leading beyond authority 13:23

3y ago13:23

13:23

Business leaders and managers are often required to lead beyond their circle of authority. But what are the skills required to do this – and how can they impact on an organisation? Louise Teboul, UK partnerships director for Common Purpose, explores this topic with the Chamber’s policy and campaigns manager Emily Stubbs as part of the Growth Throug…

1
GTP22: Attracting and engaging your future workforce 14:17

3y ago14:17

14:17

How can organisations work with further education providers to meet their skills needs? Rebecca Waterfield, head of employer engagement at South and City College Birmingham, joins the Chamber's Emily Stubbs to discuss attracting and engaging future workforces. In this episode, as part of the Chamber's 2022 Growth Through People campaign, Rebecca di…

1
Deborah Hazell | Making a social impact 32:09

3y ago32:09

32:09

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 positi…

1
GTP22: Leading through personal setbacks 35:50

3y ago35:50

35:50

Rebecca Mander was the managing director of a successful electronics company when she suffered one of the worst personal setbacks imaginable. Her world was turned upside down when she suffered the loss of her son, Charlie. In the same year, her mother, who was the company CEO, also passed away. But learning to deal with these traumatic experiences …

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Greater Birmingham Chambers Of Commerce Podcasts

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