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PODCAST

The Unlikely Executive

Glee Coaching Ltd

You know there’s more in you, more to explore, more to give, and more to live. Welcome to The Unlikely Executive Podcast, a bi-weekly show for people who want to make a difference both in their own careers and the world around them. You don"t have to be failing to want more. If you are curious about how others have navigated the rocky road to leadership and fulfillment you are in the right place. This podcast is designed especially for the curious, the ambitious and the slightly nervous! It

business management

All Episodes

00:27:56

Leaving the corporate world - Chris Waine

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/04/23

In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle is joined by Chris Waine, Equity Director at Hive Projects, for an honest conversation about senior leadership realities that are rarely discussed.Chris reflects on his journey from nearly 20 years in a large corporate environment to co‑owning and growing an SME and the moments along the way when leadership stopped being about competence, confidence or strategy, and became about responsibility.Together, we explore:Why the hardest leadership

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00:29:59

Finding Your Place in a System That Wasn’t Built for You

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/04/09

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle is joined by Nike Folayan, Technical Director at WSP and Chair of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE UK).Nike shares her journey through engineering and leadership from an early fascination with how televisions work, through a PhD in antenna design, to leading a global technical team while navigating an industry that still struggles with gender and racial inclusion.This conversation goes

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00:28:03

From the Bottom to the Top- Leader insights with...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/03/20

What is it like if you start on the tools, literally sweeping the floors and doing the brews, to years later being the owner of the business?Find out whether Colin McEllin, Operations Director and Coowner for Clan Contracting and co-owner of Smart Hire Tools always knew what he wanted or whether he worked hard, took opportunities and navigated his way to success. He discusses the success of Clan Contracting, the challenges of a management buyout, and his leadership style. Colin's advice for

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00:22:27

Being Master of Your Own Destiny

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/03/05

Learie Gonsalves, the Director of Blackbird Property Surveyors, shares his journey armed with his one CSE in art to owning a successful property surveying firm for over 10 years. He shares the challenges of not seeing people like him in work, but talks about the role of great managers in helping you dream big. Hear about why running is so important to him now and why he runs to support Prostrate Cancer. Learie's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of balance in work and

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00:25:24

Its all in the title: Renee Preston CEO

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/02/19

Renee Preston, doesn't just do nice chats - she wants change and she is happy to role her sleeves up and be a leading force in creating change. A reluctant CEO of Gallaway Construction, in this episode we dive into everything from representation of women on site, to mentoring and imposter syndrome.It explores the importance of leadership, male allies, and support for women in construction, as well as the need for representation and change in the industry culture. Renee shares her personal journey,

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00:24:20

The Unlikely Executive: On the runway with Tim Walder

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/02/05

Tim Walder shares his journey in the aviation industry, emphasizing the importance of career purpose and emotional intelligence. He discusses career progression, leadership, mentorship, challenges, resilience, and retirement, highlighting the need for a sense of purpose in life after retirement.TakeawaysCareer purposeEmotional intelligenceChapters00:00 Passion for Aviation05:55 Leadership and Mentorship24:29 Challenges and Resilience30:12 Retirement and Purpose

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00:25:33

From Geologist to Global Growth Officer

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/01/22

The conversation covers Kathleen Abbott's career journey, challenges in the construction industry, work-life balance, and societal impact in the construction sector. It also delves into the transition into a new role, starting a new job, and career planning. Kathleen shares insights on navigating career growth, expectations, and the importance of balancing work and personal life.TakeawaysCareer journey and growthBalancing work and personal lifeChapters00:00 Navigating Career Growth and

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34:22

Creating a Blueprint for a Sustainable Future: With...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2026/01/09

Chief Arcadian. People Champion. Passionate about sustainable transformation and finding solutions to global challenges. Playing his part in helping to preserve the planet and improve quality of life.Alan was born in Chester in the United Kingdom. He has lived and worked abroad in Asia, but home now is in Warrington, just over half an hour away from where he grew up. He’s married to Tracy and has four children – who are now (young) adults – and is a ‘retired’ amateur singer and lover of all kinds of

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33:53

No Linear Path: From Journalist to Charity CEO

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/12/19

For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://careerready.org.uk/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-spackman-3bb19a82/?originalSubdomain=ukbarbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time.Visit

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30:37

Opening Up Workforce Opportunities: Connecting...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/12/05

Appointed as Chief Executive, Liz Mayes brings dynamic leadership and a forward-thinking perspective to Connect Northumberland. Her extensive experience in industry and regional development positions her well to drive the organisation's strategic vision. Liz's passion for diversity and equality of opportunity is set to elevate Connect Northumberland's impact, ensuring it continues to address the evolving needs of the county.For more information, please visit:Company Website:

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34:03

Building Success Against All Odds: A Journey to...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/11/21

For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://www.harrogategroup.co.uk/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-wright-bb024516a/barbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time.Visit

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28:57

Beyond 9 to 5: Finding Fulfilment in a Second Hustle

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/11/07

Eric is a man on a mission. Having lived in the UK since 2011 he has seen the effects of 'left behind towns' those places once celebrated now forgotten. An academic and a place maker Eric is committed to making universities and places better through research, engagement and teaching. Specialist knowledge in left-behind places, civic engagement, 'third mission', impact, and academia as a profession linked to a wider system of professions.Founder and editor-in-chief of the open-access journal, Civic

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27:00

Leaving to Leading: Trusting your Gut and Business...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/10/23

With over 35 years of experience in Financial Services including Fintech, Pensions and Investment, Steve is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people maximise their retirement. He is the Managing Director of Pension Potential, a digital at-retirement guidance and advice solution that empowers members and employees to make informed decisions about their retirement. He is a regular writer and speaker on intergenerational working, retirement, and older worker

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32:07

Constructing Compassion: A CEO's Path from Small Team...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/10/09

Trisha is the CE of CRASH, The UK’s construction industry charity supporting Adult Homelessness and Adult and Children’s hospices with vital construction projects. She joined CRASH on 1st May 2024 after 19 years in the hospice sector having held various management roles but most recently as Director of Business Development, Operations and Performance. Trisha has a wealth of experience across a vast number of business disciplines including Income generation, commissioning, governance, risk management

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28:48

Leading Out Loud: Tree on Neurodiversity in Action

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/09/25

Tree joined Charity IT Leaders in March 2019 and was appointed as their first CEO in May 2020, bringing over 16 years’ experience of working in the charity and NFP sector as a fundraiser and marketer. She is hugely proud of the work CITL does to support charities and NFPs to get the best outcomes from their investment in digital technology, to empower and enable current and emerging charity technology leaders, and increasingly, to advocate for and on behalf of the sector. She is openly autistic

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30:27

Creating Change from Grief: How to Turn Loss into...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/09/11

Jayne Hughes is the founder and driving force behind Amy and Friends, a UK based charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by Cockayne Syndrome and other DNA repair disorders.Amy and Friends is inspired by Amy, Jayne’s daughter who courageously lived with the condition. Amy and Friends was formed in 2007 to provide desperately needed support, research and advocacy for families around the world navigating life with these rare, life-limiting conditions. Hosted on Acast. See

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26:09

From Passion Projects to Running a Business

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/08/28

Mark is the founder and Director of Shared Assets, a community interest company that works with communities, landowners, researchers and activists to create a more just land system. He works to create a socially just future by supporting practical projects that build new relationships between people and the land.For more information, please visit:Shared Assets:

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31:53

A Village of Care: Standing Beside Families in Need

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/08/15

Sophie joined Little Village as CEO in February 2021 after spending over twenty years in the social sector including as the founding CEO of City Year UK, a charity enabling young people to tackle inequality through doing a year of voluntary service in schools and as Deputy CEO of the Private Equity Foundation (now Impetus-PEF).Most recently she was Managing Director of Trustees Unlimited, a B-Corporation focused on strengthening and diversifying charity boards.Sophie was the Chair of Trustees at

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26:12

Big 4 to Big Change: Natasha's Journey to a...

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/07/31

A great job, a great life, a life partner. Then things changed. Hear how Natasha moved from one of the Big 4 Accountancy Consultancies into following her passion to help people and contribute to international equity. Now an experienced not for profit leader with a proven track record of ambitious strategic development and transformational change.Passionately and ambitiously creating a more sustainable, people focussed world directly and through people whose lives she touches.After an early career as

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31:38

Embracing Creativity: An Appreciation for Art

The Unlikely Executive ·

2025/07/18

Patrick Fox (he/him), youngest in the family, only one interested in art from a young age. He is Chief Executive and founding Director of Heart of Glass - a northwest based community arts organisation. He is a producer, commissioner and senior arts leader who supports artists to engage with communities of place/ interest to create contemporary work that reflects the politics of our times. He is former director of Create, Ireland’s national development agency for Collaborative Arts and the former

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34 results

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