Épisodes

  • Doing Well by Doing Good with Zoë Colosimo

    Doing Well by Doing Good with Zoë Colosimo
    Dec 8 2025
    Building the future of social impact.

    In this episode, host Charlotte Otter talks with Zoë Colosimo, a founding member and Chief Operating Officer at Neighbourly, the UK platform connecting big brands with local communities. Neighbourly helps companies turn brand purpose into real-world impact through volunteering, grants, and redistribution of surplus food and products – delivering more than £1.7 billion in social value and over 270 million meals across the UK and Ireland.

    Zoë shares how corporate social responsibility has moved from the edge of business to its heart, driven by ESG, reputation, and rising expectations from employees and customers. She explains how Neighbourly’s data shines a light on what every neighbourhood needs, and how partnerships with companies like Microsoft are tackling digital poverty through AI skills training for community organisations and the people they support.

    Breaking news: Since this episode was recorded, Zoë, the Neighbourly team and other advocates (convened by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)), celebrated the announcement in the 2026 Budget that the British government will introduce VAT relief on qualifying business donations of goods to charity. As Zoë says, this is a game changer for business, the charity sector, and channeling excess products to those in need instead of letting them go to waste.

    Charlotte and Zoë also explore:
    • Why trust, social justice, and equitable communities sit at the centre of Zoë’s leadership
    • How AI can both widen and close inequality gaps – and why diverse groups must help shape it
    • Practical ways leaders can stay resilient, positive, and principled in an AI-led world
    • Why local causes boost the reputation of the businesses that back them

    This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, communicators, impact investors, and anyone who believes business should be a force for good. Follow Zoë on LinkedIn · Learn more about Neighbourly · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    40 min
  • Story Spotting with David Pullan and Sarah-Jane McKechnie

    Story Spotting with David Pullan and Sarah-Jane McKechnie
    Dec 1 2025
    Exploring the art, craft, and science of story with two experts.

    In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte welcomes David Pullan and SarahJane McKechnie, who are actors turned coaches, authors, and co-founders of The Story Spotters. Their journey began in a rehearsal room, grew into a love story, and eventually evolved into a business where they now help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection.

    With clients across industries, David and Sarah-Jane teach leaders how to use storytelling to cut through noise, win attention, and bring ideas to life. Together they’ve written two books: The DNA of Engagement and their latest release, The Art of the Unignorable Email, helping professionals communicate in ways that spark action, not delete buttons.

    Charlotte, Sarah Jane and David talk about:
    * Why stories activate the brain and make ideas memorable
    * The secret to communicating in overwhelmed workplaces
    * The real dynamics of building a business, writing books, and staying married
    * Lessons learned from leaders they’ve coached across industries and continents
    * Why listening, presence, curiosity and generosity matter more than volume or status

    This episode is full of humour, humanity, and practical insights for anyone who wants to influence with integrity and communicate in a way that inspires.

    If you’re a leader, communicator, coach, or simply someone who wants their ideas to be heard, you’ll love this one. Connect with David on LinkedIn · Connect with Sarah-Jane on LinkedIn · The Story Spotters · Buy their books · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    40 min
  • Listening as a Reputation Tool with Roger Christie

    Listening as a Reputation Tool with Roger Christie
    Nov 17 2025
    How your digital reputation opens possibilities.

    In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks with Australian reputation strategist Roger Christie; founder of Propel and host of Your Digital Reputation. Together they explore how leaders can use platforms like LinkedIn to earn trust, amplify impact, and change outdated archetypes of leadership – especially for women and under-represented leaders.

    Roger argues that your digital reputation is no longer a nice to have – it’s the gateway to opportunities, stakeholder trust, and commercial success. He explains why LinkedIn isn’t about vanity metrics or broadcast content, but about listening first, finding your tribe, and building high-trust relationships at scale.

    Charlotte and Roger discuss:
    * Why your online reputation often speaks louder than your offline one
    * How to shift from thinking social media is superficial self-promotion to it's a critical business tool
    * A CEO case study: from sceptic to confident, visible digital leader
    * How women and leaders from diverse backgrounds can use digital channels to bypass traditional barriers
    * Safety, trolls, and why opting out of digital spaces is actually the bigger risk
    * Reinvention, purpose, and Roger’s Purpose Pyramid as a practical tool for emerging leaders
    * Why the old navy-suit, loud, confident archetype of leadership is breaking down – and what’s replacing it

    Roger also shares his own leadership journey, what it’s like to co-lead Propel with his wife Gemma, and the experiences around social media that shaped his thinking and their business.

    If you’re an emerging or established leader who wants to build online visibility, protect your reputation, and lead as your whole self, this conversation will give you practical steps – and permission – to start showing up differently today. Follow Roger on LinkedIn · Propel · Your Digital Reputation Podcast · Subscribe to Roger's newsletter · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    45 min
  • Ethical leadership with Antoinette Daniel

    Ethical leadership with Antoinette Daniel
    Nov 3 2025
    PE teachers could run the world.

    In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to award-winning entrepreneur and campaigner Antoinette Daniel — founder of Just Helpers, an ethical London cleaning agency on a mission to transform the cleaning industry.

    Antoinette runs three businesses, has campaigned against modern slavery, and is a TEDx speaker. She believes business should create win–win–win situations for workers, clients, and the company. She shares how Just Helpers pays fairly, fights for better working conditions for cleaning staff, and challenges purpose-washing by showing what truly values-based leadership looks like in practice.

    Antoinette also talks about her path from PE teacher to founder. She argues that great PE teachers could run the world: they learn to read the room, negotiate constantly, manage big budgets, and lead under pressure — all critical skills for entrepreneurship.

    One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Antoinette’s philosophy of interdependence. Growing up in the UK care system, she learned to be radically self-reliant. In her TEDx talk, she challenges the cult of independence and makes the case for asking for help, building trust, and borrowing the metaphorical ladder from your neighbour. That shift — from “I must do it alone” to “we can do this together” — is at the heart of how she now leads.

    We also explore inclusive leadership, reputation, and how emerging leaders can challenge discrimination.

    If you care about ethical business, leadership that’s human, and building systems that help people thrive — this one is for you. Follow Antoinette on LinkedIn · Book Antoinette as a coach or speaker · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    41 min
  • Rebuilding after Burnout with Liz Bradford

    Rebuilding after Burnout with Liz Bradford
    Oct 20 2025
    How former MD Liz Bradford found purpose, resilience, and visibility.

    In this powerful first episode of Season 2 of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to Liz Bradford, former MD and banking leader with an impressive career at HSBC, Merrill Lynch America, and SWIFT.

    After hitting burnout, Liz rebuilt her life and leadership from the inside out — discovering how physical resilience and a renewed sense of purpose helped her not only recover, but thrive.

    A self-confessed hardcore introvert, Liz shares how she rose to senior leadership by leaning into strategic visibility — becoming active in an Employee Resource Group for women, showcasing her transferable skills, and learning how to be seen for the impact she was already making.

    She challenges the idea that visibility is selfish, reframing it as a key part of career growth:
    “Being seen to be doing a good job is just as important as doing one.”

    Liz also explores what it means to bring your whole self to work, warning against the energy drain of maintaining separate work and home personas. Her message is clear:
    “Being yourself is more important than conforming and falling in line.”

    If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, self-promotion, or the pressure to fit in, this episode offers insight, empathy, and actionable wisdom from someone who’s been there — and rebuilt stronger. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn · Learn more about Liz's work · Watch this episode on YouTube · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    28 min
  • Neurodivergent Leadership with Laurence Paquette

    Neurodivergent Leadership with Laurence Paquette
    Sep 3 2025
    Inclusion isn't optional.

    'It is extremely vulnerable to show up to work as your whole self.'

    Laurence Paquette is the head of marketing at Vestas in Denmark, a neurodivergent executive, queer mum, leadership coach, podcaster, and brand strategist.

    She also produces short, no fluff videos on leadership, burnout, imposter syndrome, and navigating work as your full self.

    These have earned her an audience of over 70,000 followers on TikTok and her thought leadership on LinkedIn has gained a following of 14,000 people. Her podcast, Original Minds, is about leadership for introverts, people who are neurodivergent, and non-traditional leaders.

    In this episode with host Charlotte Otter, Laurence talks about her non-linear leadership journey, leading as an introvert, and breaking traditional leadership archetypes.

    This is an episode with a leader who's living her diversity out loud, and shining a light on the path for others to do the same. Follow Laurence on LinkedIn · Laurence's website · Follow Laurence on TikTok · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    35 min
  • Getting Messy with Daniel Atlin

    Getting Messy with Daniel Atlin
    Aug 27 2025
    Why leadership in purpose-driven organisations is so complex.

    "Changes usually happen not at the centre of an organisation, but at the periphery and at the edges."

    Daniel Atlin is a coach, communicator, strategist, fundraiser, adjunct professor, and connector with over 30 years experience in senior roles in Canada's post-secondary, cooperative, and government sectors.

    In this episode, he talks to host Charlotte Otter about his leadership journey from the music industry ('we got Napsterized') into the public sector, culminating in a role at Guelph University as Vice President External running fundraising, alumni relations, government relations, community relations, marketing, and traditional comms.

    Now a coach and executive advisor to leaders in complex institutions, Daniel is writing and speaking on the topic of sense-making. And he has a passion for unlocking talent and potential as a coach, as well as helping to recruit and promote leaders from diverse backgrounds.

    Daniel also makes a big announcement of his own - no spoilers here.

    This is a lovely conversation with a wise and thoughtful leader who's making a difference to individuals and organisations alike. Follow Daniel on LinkedIn · Check out Daniel's website · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    39 min
  • Leadership is Learning with Liz Gebhard

    Leadership is Learning with Liz Gebhard
    Aug 20 2025
    A former Amazon exec talks vulnerability, learning, and risk-taking.

    "We are all icebergs and only 10% of what makes us diverse as individuals is visible above the surface."

    Liz Gebhard has led multi-billion, multifunction businesses in the US, EU, and worldwide. In her last role, she was head of global strategy and operations for inclusive experiences and technology at Amazon.

    In this conversation with host Charlotte Otter, Liz talks about her passion for creating inclusive cultures, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels, and empowering organisations to achieve sustainable growth through technology and customer experience.

    Liz describes how the twin vectors of having five generations in the workforce, and the acceleration and impact of AI, is increasing pressure on leaders.

    She says that leaders are making short-term decisions with long-term consequences while feeling insufficiently informed - and that the diversity of leadership makeup often doesn't reflect the people most affected by these decisions (employees and customers).

    This is an episode that takes on big ideas and global challenges - and what these mean for leaders - with an executive who's experienced it all at one of the world's largest companies. Follow Liz on LinkedIn · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders
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    50 min