Anna Blackman, Chief Operating Officer at CIPFA: How to Earn The Power of Speaking Up

My Duvet Flip by Jack Parsons

Episode Guest:

Anna Blackman is the Chief Operating Officer at CIPFA, with over two decades of experience leading transformation and championing people-centric leadership. She is known for her sharp insight, warmth, and unwavering commitment to making workplaces better for everyone.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:44 Meet Anna Blackman: COO of CIPFA

1:21 The Mr Potato Head Theory: Finding Common Ground

2:15 First Job at McDonald's: Lessons in Teamwork

3:17 Surviving Dysfunctional Teams

5:01 Trust, Fun, and Team Dynamics

6:40 Bored or Unhappy at Work? Here's How to Tell

8:02 Running a Hotel at Uni: Thrown in the Deep End

9:49 Worst Job Ever: Data Entry & Sticking It Out

11:31 Building Resilience Through Boring Work

13:14 Emotional Emails & Learning to Pause

14:50 Be Yourself in Email (and Life)

16:17 Launching 'Kind Human': Leadership with Kindness

17:48 Money Regrets & Learning to Save

19:10 Top Money Tip: Always Renegotiate

20:40 How Anna Became COO at CIPFA

22:24 Mental Health in the Workplace: Speak Up

25:26 Reaching Out: The Power of Asking “Are You Okay?”

27:37 What CIPFA Actually Does

31:11 Anna’s Global Work: From Rwanda to the World Bank

32:51 Finding Fulfilment in Work-Life Integration

34:17 Advice to Young People: Say Yes to Everything

35:36 Anna’s Duvet Flip: Helping People, Big and Small

Episode Partners

✈️ easyJet

Explore exciting career opportunities at easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines. Whether you're passionate about aviation, customer service, engineering, or corporate roles, easyJet offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/