We Are PoWEr Podcast
by 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 - this is where voices spark change.
Episodes
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The PoWEr of Saying Yes: Michelle Ackerley on Confidence, Career & Preparation
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...
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Inside Manchester’s 11 Million Pound Library Transformation
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...
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Inside a Police Investigation with DCI Cath Cummings
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...
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Natasha Jonas MBE: Boxing, Motherhood and Community Impact
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...
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How A Royal Navy Educator Built A Life Of Service
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...
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Let's Be Blunt: Making Kitchens Safer and Communities Stronger
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...
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Pop With A Purpose: How Natasha Hamilton Built a Record Label That Cares
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...
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Behind The LNER Uniform: Kindness, Culture And Inclusion On The Railway
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...
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Breaking Barriers in Construction, Mentoring and Early Talent
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...
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Inside the Northern PoWEr Women Awards with Host Nina Hossain
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....
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A License to Thrive: A Founder’s Story of Mental Health & Human-First Leadership
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…
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How ADHD, Loss And Empathy Forged A Purpose-Driven Leader
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…
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AI Efficiency, Advocacy and Taking Action
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...
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Rebuilding Connection in the Community Through Vivify
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…
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How A Software Engineer Turned Adversity Into Impact
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....
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How Preparation, Values, And Humor Built A 40-Year Career
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…
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Turning Pain Into Purpose: Figen Murray OBE on Creating Martyn’s Law
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...
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What Is the Second Brain?
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...
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Ethical AI, Burnout, and the Resilience Every Entrepreneur Needs
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…
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End of Year Special with Dr Penny Trayner (aka DJ Penny PoWEr)
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…
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Career Lessons from Travelling the World
In this episode, we speak with Lauren Rosegreen, Senior Project Manager for Inclusion and Climate Justice at SOS UK and National President at JCI UK, who shows how kindness, courage, and curiosity can shape leadership and personal growth. She shares how six months traveling across twelve…
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The Realities, Risks, and Rewards of Nuclear Careers
In this episode, we speak with Aimee MacFadyen, a nuclear project manager showing that one of the most misunderstood sectors can also be one of the most exciting places to build a bold, meaningful career. She demystifies what nuclear work really looks like, why safety standards are among the...
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What It Really Takes to Get Into Sports Broadcasting
In this episode, we speak with Kate McKenna, a BBC Sport assistant producer who went from Liverpool FC tour guide to working on some of the world’s biggest sporting events, without industry connections. Kate shares how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities helped her break into one of the most...
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Building the Space Female Leaders Deserve
In this episode, we sit down with Sam Addy, founder of the Female Advisory Board (FAB), who is reshaping how women leaders support each other’s business growth. After realising that traditional peer advisory boards had almost no female representation, Sam set out to build the UK's first in-person...
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Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action
In this episode, we speak with Alicia McDonnell, from Manchester Airports Group, who shares her experience supporting neurodiverse employees and amplifying voices across early- and mid-career stages. She explores how organisations can move beyond diversity statements to meaningful, day-to-day...
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Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People
On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Sarah Lewis and Emma Cooper bring insight, honesty, and encouragement to a conversation about finding your place in technology. As leaders within MagTech, the technology team at Manchester Airports Group, they show that building the world’s most...
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LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means
On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Emma Preston and Maxwell Crowson bring honesty, courage, and compassion to a conversation about what it truly means to belong at work and beyond. From shaping culture at Manchester Airports Group to turning policy into practice through Fly with Pride,...
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Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work
What does it mean to truly belong at work? For Victoria Tobin, Senior People Partner at Manchester Airports Group, the answer is shaped by nearly 20 years of HR leadership across the UK and internationally. From steering complex transformations to shaping cultures where people feel seen and…
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The Power of Showing Up with Sophie Milliken MBE
The brilliant Sophie Milliken MBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing a conversation about the power of visibility, storytelling, and taking bold action to create lasting impact. As an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and founder of Mojo, Sophie helps leaders and professionals…
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How Ngozi Weller & Wayne Bennett Are Changing Manchester Forever
The brilliant Ngozi Weller and Wayne Bennett join the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and vision to a powerful conversation about racial equity, authentic leadership, and creating real change in Manchester and beyond. Their partnership began on a train journey – a chance meeting...
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How Emma Green’s Curiosity Built a Career She Never Planned
The brilliant Emma Green joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing creativity, courage, and a passion for storytelling that’s transforming communities across the North and beyond. As Communications Lead for Peel Waters, Emma combines her love of connection and communication to shape places where...
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Why Your Accent Should Never Limit Your Dreams - Holly Ellis Explains
The brilliant Holly Ellis joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, resilience, and a fierce commitment to breaking barriers in science. Known to her growing online community as The Scouse Scientist, Holly is redefining what it means to belong in STEM while balancing the realities of...
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From Bradford Roots to Global Recognition: Saeeda Ahmed’s Story
The brilliant Saeeda Ahmed joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing faith, resilience, and a bold vision for building sustainable cities that put people first. As Founder and President of Sustainable Cities Global and a trailblazer named on the global stage, Saeeda is transforming how…
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"If It’s Difficult, It’s Worth Doing" - Nazir Afzal OBE
The brilliant Nazir Afzal OBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and a lifetime of fighting for justice and inclusion. Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Chair of the Lowry, and tireless advocate for equity, Nazir refuses to let diversity become a tick-box…
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Catherine Millan: ADHD, Young Carer, and Becoming an Award-Winning CEO
The brilliant Catherine Millan joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - bringing resilience, empathy, and a mission to change workplaces for the better. Founder of Be What You See Consultancy and winner of the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards Person with Purpose Organisation Award, Catherine is dedicated...
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From Abuse to OBE: Alison Lowe’s Story of Resilience and Power
The brilliant Alison Lowe OBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - bringing energy, honesty, and a lifetime of serving others with courage and compassion. Based in Leeds and named on the 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Awards PoWEr List, Alison has spent her career challenging injustice, leading with…
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Why Inclusivity Matters More Than Ever in Hiring
The brilliant Liz Kingston and Alexandra Ahmet join the We Are PoWEr Podcast - bringing a conversation about making recruitment more inclusive, removing the fear from interviews, and building confidence for anyone chasing their next opportunity. As part of BT’s talent team, Liz and Alexandra…
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Creating Trusted Spaces and Driving Change at ASDA
The brilliant Adrian Jones joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing reflections on leadership, representation, and creating trusted spaces for people to thrive. As Senior Director, Anglia & South Midlands Superstores at ASDA and a 2025 Northern PoWEr Women Advocate, Adrian looks after 31 stores...
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From History Degree to Cybersecurity at One of the Biggest Football Clubs in the World
The brilliant Hannah McLean joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing a story of bold career moves, northern pride, and learning to back yourself even when self-doubt kicks in. From a history degree to becoming Information Security Officer at Manchester United Football Club, Hannah proves that...
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From Wild Child to CEO: The Making of an Entrepreneur
The brilliant Gillian joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - entrepreneur, risk-taker, and now PoWEr Lister 2025. From flatlining during childbirth to launching tech for social change, Gillian’s story is one of raw resilience, reinvention, and refusing to stay quiet. In this emotional and unfiltered...
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The PoWEr of Persistence: How Siwan Reclaimed Her Story
The brilliant Siwan Smith joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast - this time as a 2024 Northern PoWEr Women Future List star, 2025 Awards judge, and an unstoppable voice for inclusion, courage, and creativity. In this episode, Siwan opens up about surviving sexual assault and two brain tumours, and how...
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From Coronation Street to the King’s Coronation
The brilliant Ella Grace Gregoire and Elaine Gregoire join the We Are PoWEr Podcast - a mother-daughter duo with a shared mission to uplift, include, and never leave anyone behind. Elaine, founder of Streetwise and a foster carer, shares how she turned a church youth club into a thriving support...
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"I Am Still Learning About Being An Entrepreneur" - James Carss
The brilliant James Carss joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – this time sharing a story of trauma, transformation, and finding poWEr through purpose, discipline, and inclusion. In this episode, James opens up about training daily as a teenager to moving to Hong Kong with just a suitcase, James’s...
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Not Every Table Feeds You: What Leadership Has Taught Steph Edusei
The brilliant Steph Edusei returns to the We Are PoWEr Podcast - this time as a PoWEr Lister, published author, and still dancing her way through leadership, life, and impact. In this episode, Steph shares the leadership lessons that shaped her writing, the moments that tested her optimism, and…
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“Growing Up Adopted Is Like Being the Cocoon in the Nest” - Juliet Sanders
The brilliant Juliet Sanders, CEO and Founder of Feeding Families, joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast to explore how purpose, persistence, and community can become a truly PoWErful force for change. From growing up as an adopted only child to discovering a family of siblings later in life, Juliet...
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Shattering Glass Ceilings: The First Female Red Arrows Pilot
In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Kirsty Murphy MBE — trailblazing pilot, proud daughter, and people-first innovator. From growing up on an RAF squadron to becoming the first and only female Red Arrows pilot, Kirsty shares how she carved out her own path in a world…
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Finding Your Voice: Women Leaders at Royal London
In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Gail Hall, Director of Operational Excellence, and Emma Griffin, Group Chief Security Officer at Royal London - two powerhouse leaders with stories that move from bars to boardrooms, and everything in between. We also explore Royal...
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Creating an Environment of Curiosity: Inside Bank of America’s Culture of Growth & Mentorship
What does it mean to work at a company that encourages growth, mentorship, and innovation? This episode, we chat with Richard and Amy from Bank of America, our Co-Headline Partners for the NPWAwards, about exactly that. 🌟 Richard (25 years at Bank of America) shares why he’s changed roles every…
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More Than a Stage: Theatre, Healing & Community at Shakespeare North
The brilliant Lisa Allen and Jen Hardy from Shakespeare North join the We Are PoWEr Podcast to explore how theatre can be a poWErful force for healing, inclusion, and community. From growing up in youth theatre to building careers rooted in creativity and connection, Lisa and Jen share how early...
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The PoWEr of Being Nominated: Ann Stonehouse on Visibility & Voice
Empowerment champion and four-time finalist, Ann Stonehouse, joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast to share the journey behind her well-earned recognition at the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards. From starting a podcast club in lockdown to launching a book club to hold herself accountable, Ann reveals…
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About this show
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 - this is where voices spark change.
Hosted by
powered by Simone Roche MBE and Northern PoWEr Women