Speech Bubbles with Charlotte Otter

Diversity delivers value. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte Otter talks to Barbara Salopek - Founder & CEO of Vinco Innovation, TEDx speaker, lecturer at BI Norwegian Business School, board member, and author of Future Fit Innovation - to unpack a powerful leadership truth: the very things that make you different can become your biggest advantage. Barbara, Croatian-born and Norway-based, challenges the modern obsession with innovation shortcuts. She argues that real, sustainable innovation isn’t delivered by a single workshop or the latest fashionable framework. It’s built by doing the deeper work: understanding individuals, how they form teams, and how teams operate inside organisations shaped by technology, markets, and society. Her three-level lens makes innovation feel less like hype and more like a capability leaders can intentionally grow. A standout theme is the link between diversity and psychological safety. Barbara makes the case that diversity can’t deliver value if people don’t feel safe enough to speak. When the loudest voices dominate and everyone else goes quiet, organisations end up with echo chambers, weak decisions, and missed customer insight. Her memorable analogy lands the point: we don’t expect everyone to wear the same shoe size - so why would we design one-size-fits-all products, solutions, or cultures? The conversation also explores Barbara’s leadership journey: learning under pressure early in her career, developing a practical, action-oriented style, and navigating cultural differences between direct Croatian communication and more conflict-avoidant Norwegian norms. Barbara shares what it took to write Future Fit Innovation alongside full-time work - including reviewing 50–60 scientific articles - and why she ultimately enjoyed the process more than she expected. Follow Barbara on LinkedIn · Buy Barbara's book · Barbara and her work · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Just because I feel it, doesn't make it true. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to Susan Ní Chríodáin - facilitator, leadership coach, podcaster, and award-winning author of Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work - to unpack what happens when we stop pretending work is purely rational. Susan shares a deceptively simple idea with massive consequences: our brains predict what’s about to happen next, and we often treat those predictions (and the emotions that follow) as facts. But just because my brain thinks it, it doesn’t make it true - and the same goes for feelings. Charlotte and Susan explore how workplace assumptions harden into permanent impressions, why personal responsibility is the antidote to reactive leadership, and how a shift from empathy-as-assumption to compassion-as-curiosity can transform relationships, performance, and trust. They talk body budgeting (sleep, movement, hydration), the grind of book marketing, the danger of outsourcing self-worth to external validation, and the leadership liberation that comes from three words: “I don’t know.” This is one of those episodes that lands in both head and heart — neuroscience with warmth, strategy with humanity, and a clear call to build leadership cultures where every voice counts. What you’ll learn: * Why your brain’s predictions can sabotage workplace relationships (and how to change them) * The “accounting for emotions” model: a balance sheet for energy, identity, and sustainability * Why Susan prefers compassion over empathy — and the question that changes everything * How body budgeting (sleep, movement, breaks) impacts performance and decision-making * The leadership power move hiding in plain sight: admitting you don’t know Follow Susan on LinkedIn · Learn more about Susan's work · Buy Susan's book · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

What happens when a company becomes employee-owned? In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte Otter sits down with Eithne Devine-Hynes, CEO of DeltaXignia, to unpack the leadership and cultural shift that comes with becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Eithne explains why becoming an EOT is not a switch you flip, but a story you have to bring to life through governance, education, transparency, and culture. She explains the practical structure behind EOTs, including trustees and quarterly governance rhythms. On leadership: Eithne’s most formative training came from leading large projects without authority, learning how to win buy-in through clarity, metrics, and mission rather than hierarchy. She also offers a powerful reframing of diversity as diversity of thought and argues that employee ownership could play a role in tackling long-term wealth imbalance by keeping value inside communities. Eithne’s advice for emerging leaders is clear and energising: be yourself, stay authentic, and don’t dim your light for anyone. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What an Employee Ownership Trust is and how it works in practice * Why culture is the heartbeat of employee-owned companies * How financial transparency helps employees think and act like owners * The underrated leadership superpower of leading without authority * How to challenge outdated leadership archetypes with authenticity This is a thoughtful exploration with an insightful leader of how employee ownership, culture, and authentic leadership come together to create businesses where people don’t just work for success, they collectively own it. Follow Eithne on LinkedIn · Read Eithne's story · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

How a defence analyst became a reinvention coach. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte talks with coach, speaker, and author Katia Vlachos about what it really means to become uncaged as a leader and as a human. Katia shares her journey from high-flying defence analyst to reinvention coach and author of A Great Move and Uncaged: A Good Girl’s Journey to Reinvention. She explains how invisible cages like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice quietly shape our careers and relationships – and how learning to self-validate, rather than chasing external approval, changes everything. Together, Charlotte and Katia explore: * How to spot your own cages and start breaking free * Why reinvention is never starting from scratch, but building bridges from what you already know * The link between purpose, self love, and true authority * Katia’s idea of uncaged leadership – leading from deep self awareness, integrity, and inner security * Why vulnerability, feedback, and inner work are non-negotiable for modern leaders Katia closes with three powerful tips for emerging leaders: do the inner work, become your own secure base, and be a secure base for others so they can take risks and grow. Also there's a shout-out to one of Charlotte's favourite authors and podcasters, Glennon Doyle. If you care about reinvention, personal growth, and building a more humane style of leadership, this conversation will land with you. Follow Katia on LinkedIn · Katia's website · Buy Uncaged here · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building a great work partnership can be life-changing. 'Very few people would be willing to step down and reverse roles with their boss.' Tech executive, board member, investor, CEO advisor, mentor, and podcaster Amy Wilson describes how as an executive she hired her best friend Meg Bear and then swopped roles with her - and how this would be unlikely to happen in an alpha male driven set-up. They now run the very popular podcast The Meg and Amy Show, where they dive deep into HR tech and AI. In this episode, Amy reflects on her leadership journey, the dearth of female role models early in her career, how she chooses to lead, and being 'ruthlessly non-competitive.' Amy advises emerging leaders to speak up, build alliances, and manage their visibility by demonstrating value - especially for those with introvert tendencies. She gives an additional tip: absolutely do not do the emotional labour or emotional housework of teams (unless you love it!). This is an engaging episode with a leader who has a unique perspective on disrupting the status quo. Follow Amy on LinkedIn · The Meg and Amy Show · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

The best emcee in the business shares leadership and speaking tips. 'It's time. I need to stand up and help, and represent, and lead.' Reputation and thought leadership expert (and wickedly brilliant emcee) Kerrie Finch describes to host Charlotte Otter how she realised it was time to come out of the wings and lead SheSays Amsterdam, a women's empowerment forum that welcomes men to its ranks but not its stage. In this episode, Kerrie gives excellent advice to those who have ambitions to stand on the keynote stage and shows how emceeing is a form of leadership. We also talk about the challenges women face in accessing leadership roles and the importance of accessibility and community. Kerrie reflects on her own reputation, the impact of her words, and the responsibility that comes with being a leader and a public figure. She also shares insights into building a business, the importance of self-knowledge, and tips for emerging leaders. This is a lovely conversation with a leader who owns her voice and isn't shy to help others own theirs. Follow Kerrie on LinkedIn · Take a look at AKA · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Reflecting on the book launch and a new career as a podcaster. Reinventing yourself as a podcaster while launching a book. In this episode, Charlotte answers listener questions on how the launch of We Need New Leaders has gone - including an event at the IABC World conference in Vancouver and a book party in London - as well as her thoughts about starting a podcast. She says Speech Bubbles is the podcast that gives you hope about leadership in the world, and talks about some of the things that surprised her during the book launch (spoiler: the reputation of teams, who knew?). This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

A leader finds new ways of working and being. In this episode, Emily Monsell-Holden (marketing and branding expert and now co-founder of The Impact Apothecary) talks to host Charlotte Otter about redefining women's success beyond motherhood, the importance of diverse narratives, and the healing power of sharing personal stories. Emily is a founder, TEDX speaker, mentor, podcast host, and regenerative business advocate. She is also an actor, wild swimmer, forager, gardener, fermenter, traveller, and storyteller. After 20 years of leading marketing and communications, Emily co-founded The Impact Apothecary – a no-nonsense anti-consultancy that helps purpose-driven businesses with their branding, marketing, and business strategy. She believes business has a role to play in making the world a better place and is exploring regenerative business practices. Emily and Charlotte discuss whether those with interests in new ways of leading can learn something from regenerative business in terms of indirect leadership. Emily also talks about her love of nature and how she found comfort in nature during difficult times. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Emily on LinkedIn · Learn more about The Impact Apothecary · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

How immersing herself in community helps this leader create lasting impact. In this episode, leader and founder Aparna Bhasin talks to host Charlotte Otter about how she's shifting her consulting work towards participatory research that embeds itself in community. Aparna Bhasin is a founder, facilitator, and coach. Her business, Aparna Bhasin Consulting, recently hit its ten-year milestone and gave her the opportunity to rethink. Having been thrust into leadership early in her career, leading a team of over 120 in multiple states in India, Aparna compares leading large teams to leading as a founder. She finds that collaborating with groups is far more effective than working to prop up one individual leader. She says that participatory research, while still more common as a concept in the global north, is grounded in how communities have always functioned in the global south. And she talks about how, when living in the US as a student, she was confronted by the very intentional conversations around diversity and felt that identity was being forced on her. Aparna says we have a great opportunity to learn from indigenous communities and tap into wisdom that has already existed for centuries. This is a conversation with a deeply thoughtful leader who's shifting her own business model towards genuine community impact and participatory methods. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Aparna on LinkedIn · Aparna's website · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

A CEO founds and codes a startup to help execs get comfortable with AI. In this episode, Allegra Patrizi (former CEO of Aegon Netherlands, former MD Virgin Money, and now founder of Claridora AI) talks to host Charlotte Otter about helping executives get over their fear of AI, teaching herself to code, and making a difference in other people's lives. In her long career, Allegra has held a wide variety of senior positions, including group risk director, chief solutions officer, chief technology officer, as well as several non-executive board roles. She was the youngest person ever to make partner at McKinsey at the age of 29. Allegra has written cookbooks, competed in international horse riding, inventing competitions for Belgium, and has a pilot's license. She's currently writing a book on her management philosophy - Care, Dare, Share, Lead and Thrive with Heart, Mind, AI. In this episode, she talks about listening to fear (including overcoming the fear of coding), making a difference for others by building a legacy, her care, dare, share philosophy, and vulnerability in leadership. This is a fascinating conversation with a bold leader whose energy is driving her to make a difference for other executives in understanding and losing their fear around AI. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Allegra on LinkedIn · Allegra's website · Pre-order Care, Dare, Share · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Fix the system, and not the women. In this episode, Sabine Rath (change manager, Agile leadership coach, keynote speaker, lecturer, and thought leader) talks to host Charlotte Otter about how Germany's maternity leave system creates the lifetime earning gap, how men taking paternity leave needs to become the norm (even CEOs, imagine!), and how we need to de-gender care. Sabine brings a specific lens on the German political and structural systems, but the topics are relevant for working women and men everywhere. Charlotte and Sabine are former neighbours in Heidelberg, Germany, and also two of the 8,6% of women with three or more children and in full-time work. The system isn't working - for women or for families - and it leaves women with a lifetime earning gap that is impossible to recoup. This is a trenchant, interesting conversation with a leader who is passionate about her topic, born out of personal experience, but with firm, critical eye on how the system needs to change. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Sabine Rath on LinkedIn · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Empathy and collaboration are the tools for our future. In this episode, Dr Ernesto Marinelli (Chief People Officer at Aareon Group, LGBTQ+ ally, and leadership expert) talks to host Charlotte Otter about the power of empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration in the age of AI. Ernesto's lens on how to lead means he focuses on employee success (not engagement - hooray!), outcomes not processes, and flexible working in order for companies and humanity to progress and prosper. Leadership for him is values and purpose driven. He talks about a shift of leadership from command and control (power) to coach and promote (experience) to purpose and autonomy (collaboration and trust). Ernesto describes what growing up as a gay man in a small village in Italy meant for him, being an immigrant to Germany, and his wish to represent for others as an LGBTQ+ leader. This is a heart-warming episode with a leader who embraces vulnerability, authenticity, and diversity. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Ernesto on LinkedIn · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Building inclusion through listening and learning. In this episode, Joanne Lockwood (founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, a DEI practice with a specialism in transgender awareness) talks to host Charlotte Otter about living and working as a trans woman. Trans rights shifted in the UK with the Supreme Court ruling on 16 April 2025 that the legal definition of a woman was based on biological sex. Joanne, who holds a gender recognition certificate, describes her deep sense of disenfranchisement and loss of agency as a result of the ruling. Joanne is a leader and spokesperson, CEO and founder, consultant, and mentor. She embodies the epitome of transformative change in the field of Inclusive Cultures. As a transgender woman in her late 50s, she is uniquely qualified to infuse authenticity and experience into the realm of diversity and inclusion. She works with companies to help them shape their idea of inclusion and unlock the full potential of their workforce. Joanne speaks from the heart about her transition and how living as a woman shapes how she sees and acts in the world. This is a moving episode with a leader who's at the vanguard of the mission for transgender awareness and support. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Joanne's website · Follow Joanne on LinkedIn · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

A non-binary leader shares their experience of living diversity out loud. In this episode, chartered accountant and model David Nath talks to host Charlotte Otter about walking into a new job presenting as non-binary without first asking what the HR policy was. They talk about choosing themself, how their values form a key part of their reputation, and how collaboration fosters growth and performance at work. David is a chartered accountant, statistician, analytics lead, board member, a part-time model, and identifies as a first-generation immigrant as someone who is queer, non-binary and neurodiverse. This is a raw, real conversation with a person who's changing the face of leadership, putting their vulnerability and authenticity above being guarded and artificial. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow David on LinkedIn · Check out Diversecity Models · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Talking pay equity and transparency, AI in HR, and negotiating your salary. In this episode, Anita Lettink talks to Charlotte Otter about the EU Pay Transparency Directive and how its going to affect pay equity in the EU. Anita busts some myths about the pay gap, especially the pervasive notion that women aren't as good at pay negotiation as men are. She talks about what HR leaders need to know about AI (spoiler: it's the same for heads of communication) - and she advises job applicants on how to negotiate their next salary. Anita has some piquant opinions on the lack of real training for middle managers. Anita is a keynote speaker, a LinkedIn top voice, and one of the top 100 HR Tech influencers for 2025. This is chunky episode with some really great information from one of the top HR experts! Leadership needs to be addressed in a systemic way, as well as on a personal level. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Anita on LinkedIn · Anita's website and links to all her books · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Getting real about reputation, leadership, and the writing process. In this episode, Charlotte answers listener questions - ranging from who's your podcast inspiration, to what's your pet peeve in corporate communications. Charlotte also talks about reputation, leadership (good and bad), and gives some insights into her book-writing process. She also gives listeners some ideas on how and where they can buy We Need New Leaders and how they can take part in some of the book launch events. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Your reputation enters the room before you do, so act with integrity. In this episode, Vuyiswa M'Cwabeni describes how real personal growth and transformation happens outside the comfort zone. Having had to reassess her career completely after a shocking experience (which she describes), she ensures that she lives and works according to her deeply held values. Vuyiswa describes her life as the CEO of software company Bloon, keynote speaker, immigrant in Germany, and mother of two teenagers. She is also poised to launch her own skincare brand. She talks about how she has learned to love the 80:20 rule, how the representation of people of colour in leadership positions needs to become the norm rather than the exception, and the power of the pause. Vuyiswa also talks about challenging the status quo both quietly and out loud. This is a raw, real conversation with a leader who's never anything but authentically herself. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Vuyiswa on LinkedIn · Follow Vuyiswa on Instagram · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Diversity and Inclusion in the PR Industry. In this episode, PR agency leader Paul Nolan describes his ADHD diagnosis at the age of 42 - along with his whole family - and how that gave him insight into himself, how he manages his energy, responds to triggers, and his leadership style. Paul champions his agency's blueprint diversity mark process from the BME PR Pros - something he says has been deeply transformative for the organisation. In this episode, he talks about the challenges for organisations to create real change, how he leads, and how he thinks about his own reputation (spoiler alert: "far too much"). This is an honest, open conversation with a leader whose self-awareness makes him incredibly thoughtful about how he shows up and how he engages, motivates, and inspires his teams. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Paul on LinkedIn · Paul's book recommendation: ADHD is Awesome · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

The brilliance you can achieve when you throw off limiting beliefs. Gillian Jones-Williams is a dynamic and inspirational business leader, author, and motivational speaker who exemplifies how neurodiversity can be a driver of innovation, resilience, and success. As the founder of Emerge Development Consultancy, a thriving learning and development firm established nearly 30 years ago, Gillian’s extraordinary career is a testament to determination and adaptability. Gillian was forced to leave home at age 17 without completing further education and, despite living with Bipolar Disorder and ADHD, she has navigated two recessions, Brexit, and the catastrophic challenges of March 23, 2020, when her business faced collapse due to COVID-19 lockdowns. She took on the challenge of reinventing Emerge and in 2024 she was honoured with the award for Businesswoman of the Decade in the Best Women’s Awards. In this episode, she talks about living and thriving with neurodiversity, inclusive leadership, resilience, and empowering women with her award-winning Rise programme. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Gillian on LinkedIn · More about Emerge · Gillian's books · Dare to Lead by Brene Brown · Breath by James Nestor · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Shining a light on taboo workplace topics to create compassion. In this episode, award-winning speaker and entrepreneur Jess Rad gets real about premature menopause, late-identified neurodiversity, being a parent carer, and helping others break the stigma of their own taboos. Jess is on a mission to shine a light on the real challenges impacting the women in the workplace - because even if they aren't being spoken about, it doesn't mean they aren't real or common - all in the name of building compassion. She talks about how her own diagnosis of premature menopause catapulted her into starting her own business, The Womenhood - and how she had to pivot again when the pandemic began. Five years on, Jess is a speaker and recognised diversity advocate who works with organisations as diverse as NatWest and Sussex University to bring conversations about taboo topics into the workplace. In this episode, she reflects on how she leads, how she thinks about her reputation, and what we can do collectively to encourage more leaders from diverse backgrounds and identities. It's a candid, moving discussion with an intersectional leader who is working to change work to make the world better for us all. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Connect with Jess on LinkedIn (and DM her for links to Neurocurious) · The Womanhood · Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr. Susan Jeffers · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

How a communications executive gave herself power to lead. In this episode, Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) President 2025, Advita Patel, charts her journey from quitting the restraints of corporate to building a purposeful working life by stopping looking to others for validation. Advita is an award-winning founder, communications expert, international speaker, podcaster, author, and confidence coach. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. As the founder of CommsRebel, she's helped numerous organisations cultivate inclusive cultures, through the power of effective communication. Advita is also a co-founder of A Leader Like Me, a global inclusive communication consultancy designed to help organisations cultivate a space for everyone. She co-founded the Asian Communications Network, a community designed to help Asian communication professionals thrive through a sense of belonging and mutual support. In 2022, she was named on the Northern Asian Power list in the UK and received the Emerging Leader Award. In 2024, she was recognised as one of the top global employee engagement and experience influencers by Inspiring Workplaces. And, in 2025, she was nominated one of PRWeek UK’s Top Most Influential Women in Communications. In January 2025, she began her tenure as President of CIPR – the first person of colour to take on the role in the Institute’s history. This is a powerful interview with a communications leader who has built herself a path to success and is shining the way for others to do the same. Follow Advita on LinkedIn · Visit Advita's CommsRebel website · The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Rewriting the rulebook on leadership, communication, and success. In this episode, leader and reputation coach Charlotte Otter reflects on the first three episodes of her podcast Speech Bubbles. She looks at how her first three interviewees are rewriting the rulebook on leadership, communication, and success. Charlotte engages with insights from Meg Bear, Sarah Goodall, and Sara Daw - three very different leaders who share one thing: deep intentionality about how they lead and how they show up. This is a short, snappy episode - enjoy! This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Follow Meg Bear on LinkedIn · Follow Sarah Goodall on LinkedIn · Follow Sara Daw on LinkedIn · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Finding freedom in the workplace. In this episode, Sara Daw (group CEO of the CFO Center and the Liberti Group and author of the business books Strategy and Leadership as a Service: How the Access Economy meets the C-Suite and Executive Freedom: How to Escape the C-Suite, Create Income Security, and Take Back Control by Building a Part-Time Portfolio Career) talks to host Charlotte Otter about building a global business that helps individuals build portfolio careers. Sara wanted to have a fulfilling career and also have some time at home during the week to raise her children, and started working as a fractional finance director. Now she runs a company allowing others to do the same across 17 countries. Sara talks about how she builds deep trust and connection, and promotes psychological ownership amongst independent professionals. She details how her company actively worked to attract more women by adapting their language and communication strategies. Sara discusses her leadership style, how she thinks about her reputation, and emphasises the importance of accessing both feminine and masculine energies in leadership, moving away from binary approaches to create more fluid and effective leadership styles. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Sara's Website · Couples that Work by Jennifer Petriglieri · Reinventing Organisations by Frederic Laloux · Follow Sara on LinkedIn · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Learning her team's lived experience changed how Sarah leads. Sarah Goodall is an entrepreneur who turned her love of social media into an award-winning business - Tribal Impact - which has grown to 25 employees over nearly 10 years. In this open and sometimes vulnerable conversation, Sarah shows how opening about their lived experience of different kinds of diversity helped her team build psychological safety and helped her understand neurodiversity and health issues in her own family better. She believes she's more empathetic as a result. Sarah is a collaborative and trusting leader, who sees leadership as an ongoing learning journey. She explains how Tribal Impact helps executives develop their digital presence in a hybrid working world and talks about how her own reputation has evolved as separate but connected to Tribal Impact's brand. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Tribal Impact · Leadership Mindset 2.0 by R. Michael Anderson - recommended by Sarah · Charlotte's book - now available for pre-order! · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter

From outsider and the only woman in the room to tech exec. In this episode, Meg Bear (former president of SAP SuccessFactors, and formerly also a senior executive at Oracle and PeopleSoft) talks to host Charlotte Otter about overcoming obstacles in her leadership journey. Meg describes how she broke through as an executive despite not fitting in to leadership archetypes, how she galvanized her network to strengthen her position, and how she leads now. Meg shares ideas for leaders from diverse backgrounds and of diverse identities on how they can build or create their own dream leadership roles. And she gives some great tips on the power of listening and proactively building your reputation as a leader. Meg is living proof that while worn-out leadership archetypes might be obstacles to career success, being smart and intentional can change the game. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book, We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops. Meg's moving life journey, her vision, and her blog · Connect with Meg on LinkedIn · He, She, They by Schuyler Bailar · Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

I'm a writer, communicator and former journalist. I'm also a former executive and leader of a large global team in a software company. This experience gave me a ringside seat around boardroom tables where I saw men of a certain background being shuffled to the top roles, other men failing upwards to take and retain their places at those tables, while women and others from diverse backgrounds or with diverse identities start well in their leadership careers and then fall right off the glass cliff once they reach the highest level. I'm seeing the same in politics where competence is overruled by a tired leadership archetype of power, control and command. He who shouts the loudest seems to win. I once worked with an exec who faced with a crucial presentation declared, don't worry, I'll just go in there and talk really loudly. As his team, we had a good laugh and admired his chutzpah. But on reflection, I wasn't sure that the career of a woman or a person of color could survive such a strategy. In addition to old models of leadership, work is failing us. We have a burnout epidemic, an ongoing battle between executives and employees about return to office policies, an obsession with short-termism in the form of quarterly results and a consistent failure to get enough people of different identities around the boardroom table, not to mention companies reneging on their diversity, equity and inclusion promises. I came away with a conviction that we need new leaders. Having worked as a communicator, I started to wonder, like Carrie Bradshaw, could the tools of reputation management help emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds and of diverse identities, land, keep, and create their dream jobs and so increase the number of new leaders in the workplace? My name is Charlotte Otter and this is Speech Bubbles, a podcast that has conversations about reputation, diversity, and leadership with leaders from diverse backgrounds and of diverse identities so that we can normalize their success, accept new models of leadership, take back power, and start to change the leadership status quo once and for all. Since communication is a vital part of reputation building, we'll also hear from communicators. In this podcast I answer your FAQs and do 'Ask Me Anything' sessions. I also do deep dive interviews and one-on-ones as well as short snappy episodes with communications tips and advice from my career in writing, journalism, and corporate communications. Speech Bubbles is the place where we start to reverse the power structures, change stale leadership archetypes, and forge new ones in order to make work and the world a better place for us all. · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders