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PODCAST

We Are PoWEr Podcast

powered by Simone Roche MBE and Northern PoWEr Women

The We Are PoWEr podcast spotlights voices and perspectives from our community driven by strong Northern PoWEr Women and advocates. With listeners in over 60 countries, this We Are PoWEr Podcast delivers PoWErful conversations that inspire, challenge, and empower... from personal life stories to business insights and leadership lessons.We share diverse experiences, bold discussions, and real solutions. Whether you"re looking for career advice, topical themes, or stories of resilience and success -

business careers

All Episodes

30:01

The PoWEr of Saying Yes: Michelle Ackerley on...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/10/05

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with broadcaster and TV presenter Michelle Ackerley to talk about the unexpected route that took her from studying psychology in Manchester to building a 20-year career in the media industry. Michelle shares how her early career behind the camera shaped the presenter she became, the moment she said yes to her first opportunity on screen and why preparation has remained one of the biggest sources of her confidence. Michel...

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41:26

Inside Manchester’s 11 Million Pound Library...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/09/07

On this episode, we step inside The Portico Library in Manchester with Thom Keep and Carol Ann Whitehead to explore how a £11 million transformation is reimagining a 220-year-old institution for the future. From improving access and inclusion to finding new ways to tell stories from historic collections, Thom and Carol share how community, advocacy and creativity are helping shape a more welcoming cultural space. They discuss the role of leadership in driving change, the importance of co-crea...

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28:40

Inside a Police Investigation with DCI Cath Cummings

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/08/03

In this We Are PoWEr episode, we sit down with Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, resilience and purpose in one of the most demanding careers. With more than 23 years in policing, Cath shares her story from aspiring police officer to senior leader, reflecting on the values that have guided her throughout her career. Cath also offers insights into the realities of leading major investigations, including the nationally high-profile ...

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35:14

Natasha Jonas MBE: Boxing, Motherhood and Community...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/07/06

In this We Are PoWEr podcast episode, we sit down with Natasha Jonas MBE, world champion boxer, trailblazer and proud Liverpudlian, to explore the mindset behind success, resilience and creating lasting impact beyond sport. Natasha reflects on the highs and lows of an extraordinary career, from becoming one of the most influential figures in British boxing to receiving an MBE for her contributions to both the sport and her community. She shares how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on w...

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39:42

How A Royal Navy Educator Built A Life Of Service

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/06/01

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast Simone Roche MBE sits down with Ann Miller-McCaffrey to mark Armed Forces Day and trace almost four decades of Royal Navy life from the WRNS era to the reserves. We talk honestly about change, belonging and how sport, service and family shape the person you become. Ann reflects on the personal highs and challenges that come with military life, from navigating major cultural shifts within the Armed Forces to finding purpose through leader...

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32:46

Let's Be Blunt: Making Kitchens Safer and Communities...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/05/04

In this episode, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Leanne Lucas, Founder of Let's Be Blunt CIC for a powerful conversation about authenticity, purpose and turning lived experience into meaningful change. Leanne shares her journey from the classroom to founding Let’s Be Blunt CIC—a campaign with a simple but transformative idea: redesign everyday kitchen knives to help prevent lethal harm, without changing how we cook or live our daily lives. This is a conversation rooted in empathy, evidence, a...

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37:49

Pop With A Purpose: How Natasha Hamilton Built a...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/04/06

In this special episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE is joined by Natasha Hamilton, formerly of Atomic Kitten and now Founder and Mentor of Morpho Records. Natasha and Simone talk about how a muddy founders festival and a giant cube sparked a new kind of record label and why leading with duty of care can reshape pop. Natasha opens up about bias, mentorship and turning past experiences into a healthier model for artists. • Morpho Records’ purpose and artist-first model • Let...

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25:12

Behind The LNER Uniform: Kindness, Culture And...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/03/30

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Carter Goodby BEM and Paula Bullock from London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to explore what the rail industry really looks and feels like when people are placed at the heart of the work. From “cake-box kindness” to inclusion networks and leadership in action, this conversation shares how small, everyday choices can shape both customer experience and workplace culture in powerful ways. Carter and Paula share real s...

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36:37

Breaking Barriers in Construction, Mentoring and...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/03/23

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Renee Preston, CEO at Gallaway Construction and Founder of Construction for Women, to talk about changing the landscape of the construction industry and creating more opportunities for women to thrive. Renee shares her personal journey into construction, the experiences that shaped her career, and the work she’s doing to open doors for the next generation through mentoring and early talent programmes. Together, Sim...

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39:40

Inside the Northern PoWEr Women Awards with Host Nina...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/03/16

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with journalist, presenter, and Northern PoWEr Women Awards host Nina Hossain. For the past six years, Nina has taken to the stage to guide one of the North’s most inspiring celebrations of leadership, diversity, and change. Simone and Nina reconnect to reflect on the story behind the Northern PoWEr Women Awards, why meaningful recognition matters and the role the awards play in championing the people and organisations d...

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35:14

A License to Thrive: A Founder’s Story of Mental...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/03/09

Trigger Warning: Mentions of mental health and suicide In this episode of the We Are Power Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Jodie Hill, Founder of Thrive Law, to explore her journey into law, her neurodivergence diagnosis and how she transformed personal challenges into powerful leadership. Jodie shares how experiencing a mental breakdown became a turning point that reshaped not only her life, but the culture of the business she built. From embedding wellbeing into workplace DNA to ...

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40:41

How ADHD, Loss And Empathy Forged A Purpose-Driven...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/03/02

Trigger Warning: Themes of mental health and suicide On this week's podcast episode we sit down with Kirsty Collin, Global Head of CRM at Gleeds, who talks about her path from undiagnosed ADHD and dyscalculia to global client listening leader and Lead of Women at Gleeds. Grief, burnout, boxing and everyday kindness shape Kirsty's story and ongoing resilience. We dive into the love and loss of her partner Ben, the diary entry that changed how she shows up for strangers and the choice to tell h...

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29:51

AI Efficiency, Advocacy and Taking Action

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/02/23

On this week's episode with Matt Carroll, CEO at Nimble Approach, we explore how inclusive leadership, AI adoption and early-talent pathways create real outcomes in tech and consulting. Matt has advocacy at the forefront of his mind and has worked to collaborate to make the tech space a safe inclusive place for everyone. On this episode Matt shares how small, consistent actions can shift culture and the importance of taking ownership within your own career. You'll hear: • Why inclusive ...

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26:07

Rebuilding Connection in the Community Through Vivify

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/02/16

In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast we talk with Vivify founder Russell Teale about turning idle school facilities into living community spaces, from choirs to junior football and why profit and purpose work better together. The journey runs from redundancy to scale, with lessons on traction, leadership, and values‑aligned investors. Here's what you can expect to hear: ➡️founding Vivify during lockdown and backing values ➡️lessons from a startup and the meaning of traction ➡️shifting f...

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32:50

How A Software Engineer Turned Adversity Into Impact

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/02/09

In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Asia Sharif, a Software Engineer, public speaker, mentor and all-round force of nature. Asia shares the story behind the origin of her name, how identity has shaped her confidence and her honest experiences with imposter syndrome in tech. She reflects on building self-belief, navigating underrepresentation in engineering and the importance of mentorship in STEM, while also breaking down her path into coding and software engineering an...

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43:30

How Preparation, Values, And Humor Built A 40-Year...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/02/02

In this episode, we speak with Peter Jackson, Partner & Non-Executive Director at Hill Dickinson LLP, strategist, and proud Scouser, about a career shaped by graft, humour, resilience, and deep connection to the city of Liverpool. Peter shares how imposter syndrome, preparation, and the ability to communicate clearly became defining traits of his leadership, and why “doing the homework” still sits at the heart of how he approaches everything. Peter talks candidly about decision-maki...

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37:29

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Figen Murray OBE on...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/01/26

In this episode, we speak with Figen Murray OBE, psychotherapist, campaigner, and the driving force behind Martyn’s Law — about transforming unimaginable tragedy into national change. Figen shares how her son Martyn’s death in the Manchester Arena attack reshaped her life’s purpose and how determination, kindness, and what she calls her “mosquito mindset” helped move entirely new security legislation through Parliament. Figen’s story, from studying counter-terrorism to spending weeks in the H...

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21:11

What Is the Second Brain?

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/01/19

In this episode, we speak with Reshma Mahapacha, IBM strategist and author of The Second Brain, about the real skills that drive complex transformations: emotional intelligence, quiet leadership, and the ability to read a room. She shares how timing, perception, and cultural fluency shape multi-million-pound programmes and why letting results speak often creates the strongest influence. Reshma’s global career brings a fresh and experienced perspective to consulting, communication, and leaders...

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30:12

Ethical AI, Burnout, and the Resilience Every...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2026/01/12

In this episode, we speak with our Northern PoWEr Women Awards 2025 Outstanding Entrepreneur winner, a self-taught coder who built her first products from a bedroom, grew a software platform during COVID, and later made a bold pivot into robotics when the market shifted. She shares what values-led growth looks like in real life, from backing small businesses to building an 80% women team, and why staying power matters more than hype. We also talk honestly about the climate impact of AI,...

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26:53

End of Year Special with Dr Penny Trayner (aka DJ...

We Are PoWEr Podcast ·

2025/12/29

This end-of-year special looks at what 2025 has really taught us across business, health, public services, and our wider Northern PoWEr Women community. We reflect on a full year of Northern PoWEr Women activity, from the Awards Roadshow , where Dr Penny stepped confidently into her new alter-ego, DJ Penny PoWEr, to reading 1,800 nominations that showed the scale of impact being created in every sector. And as we close out the year, we’re already preparing for a major milestone: the 10t...

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368 results

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