Kirsty Donnelly, CEO of City & Guilds, talks to Safaraz Ali about her remarkable journey as she takes the helm under the new ownership of PeopleCert.

In this powerful episode of Canny Conversations, Safaraz Ali sits down with Kirstie Donnelly MBE, the Chief Executive Officer of City & Guilds, to explore a career shaped by transformation, vision, and values-driven leadership.

Now leading City & Guilds through one of the most significant turning points in its 145-year history, Kirstie reflects on her remarkable journey - from navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to steering a bold new chapter through the acquisition by global certification leader PeopleCert. It’s a candid and timely conversation about what it takes to lead a legacy organisation through disruption, remain focused on mission, and adapt for the future of work.

This episode is more than a leadership story - it’s a frontline account of how the UK’s most recognised awarding body is repositioning itself to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, embracing digital credentials, globalisation, and lifelong learning, while staying anchored in purpose and social mobility.

Kirstie opens up about the pressures of leadership during the pandemic, the strategic reflections that led to the PeopleCert deal, and how she sees City & Guilds playing a renewed role in the global skills ecosystem. Her belief that “talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not” is a theme that runs deeply throughout the episode - as does her call for system-wide reform, cross-sector collaboration, and courageous leadership.

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Welcome to the second half of Safaraz's conversation with Lisa Capper MBE, the CEO and Principal of Sandwell Colleges. In this episode, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of the Sector Work-Based Academy Programmes (SWAPS), revealing how these innovative initiatives are equipping adults with the skills needed to thrive in hospital settings and through collaboration with community organizations, schools, and employers, individuals are overcoming personal challenges and finding new pathways to success.
Lisa also opens up about her passionate commitment to inclusive education, inspired by her son's experience with unilateral hearing loss. As the first female chair of the National Deaf Children's Society, Lisa shares her personal mission to create resources and support for children with disabilities.
Finally, we learn the value of building high-performing teams through a culture of shared vision and alignment, where empowerment and development are key.
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Welcome to Lisa Capper MBE, the inspiring CEO and principal of the Sandwell Colleges Group. Lisa takes us through her journey of leading the largest college network in the West Midlands, shedding light on how these institutions are pivotal in transforming lives in communities marked by high deprivation. She shares the innovative steps Sandwell Colleges are taking, like the introduction of T-levels, to prepare learners for a future entwined with AI and technology, making education a powerful catalyst for social mobility.

Lisa highlights the remarkable milestones achieved by Sandwell College in student safety and diversity, earning top accolades for safeguarding and fostering an inclusive environment. With a large percentage of learners from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, Lisa talks to us about the college's commitment to diversity and its impactful 'swaps program,' which successfully integrates adults into NHS employment. These stories underscore the adaptability and community-focused ethos of Sandwell Colleges amidst the challenges of a competitive educational landscape.

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https://safaraz.co.uk/
https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book
https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen

Welcome to this very special Canny Conversations podcast. We continue our break from our usual format to bring you the second half of Safaraz’s conversation with Mo Chaudry, British-Pakistani entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.

Mo Talks about his connection to, and love of Stoke-on-Trent. He tells us about taking the risk of buying Water World in Staffordshire, even when the bank would not lend him the money and the deciding to sell just at the right time.

Saf and Mo also touch his appearance on The Secret Millionaire TV show and finish their conversation with Mo’s thoughts on role models for business and life.

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https://safaraz.co.uk/
https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book/
https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen

We are delighted to welcome Mo Chaudry, a British-Pakistani entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for having owned and transformed Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent from 1999 until its sale in 2025.

Mo is now focused on his roles at M Investment Group and Pulse Global, as well as his ongoing work in community development, mentoring, and philanthropy. His journey is one of vision, tenacity, and reinvention - from immigrant roots to building one of the UK’s most recognised leisure brands, and now stepping into a new phase.

In this special episode, Mo Chaudry, the dynamic entrepreneur opens up to Safaraz about his career transition, shedding light on his involvement with Pulse, a global gym equipment company, and his embrace of tech investments. Through his experiences, Mo illustrates the power of passion and innovation in entrepreneurship, offering listeners a unique perspective on the courage it takes to embrace change and seize new opportunities. By moving away from a victim mentality and embracing accountability, Mo demonstrates how personal and professional growth can be unlocked. This episode is a testament to the mindset and attributes necessary to achieve one's goals, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mo's commitment to philanthropy and diversity underscores his inspiring journey. From supporting creative talents and Oscar-winning projects to establishing the Al Amir Foundation, Mo's active involvement in charitable endeavours shows his dedication to making a meaningful impact. We discuss his adventures in challenging bike rides and the M Club Foundation's mission to empower young people through sports. These stories highlight how Mo's hands-on approach to charity and his belief in the transformative power of sports create opportunities for young individuals to fulfil their potential, regardless of their backgrounds.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mochaudry/
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https://safaraz.co.uk/
https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book/
https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen

This week we hear the second half of Safaraz’s conversation with Jon Hornagold, the apprenticeship manager at Amey. They look at the differences between apprenticeships and degrees and how the different paths suit different people. It is all about having an alternative choice in training and education.
https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/
https://safaraz.co.uk/
https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book
https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen

This time Safaraz is in conversation with John Hornagold, the apprenticeship manager at Amey. In the first half of this two-part chat, John tells us about his journey from NATO HQ in the Netherland as part of the British army to his role at the civil engineering company, Amey drawing on his love of training gained in the army.
https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/
https://safaraz.co.uk/
https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book/
https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen

Dedicated feline behaviour expert and volunteer, Nadia, invites us to explore the complex and often misunderstood world of cats. Forget the notion that cats are merely "not dogs"—Nadia provides a wealth of insights into their unique motivations and survival instincts that remain even in a domestic setting. Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss redefining career success, especially within the educational sector.
Finally this episode rounds off with an uplifting discussion on the power of authenticity and kindness in both personal and professional spheres.

https://cannyconversationspodcast.co.uk/
https://safaraz.co.uk/
https://cannybites.co.uk/buy-the-book/
https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen