Curiosity, Resilience and Fun – a conversation with Meg Farren, General Manager, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your own leadership.If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About this Episode:Today’s guest is Sue Cockell, Solo Traveller on a mission to help women in their mid-lives to enjoy the transformative power of travelling alone.I had the joy of first meeting Sue when she was working at a pharmaceutical company where I was leading a leadership development programme. Sue was one of a small group of leaders with whom I worked over a period of time, supporting them in leading others.  As a group we got to know each other well, and during that time, some ten years ago, Sue lost her beloved husband. I remember Sue getting into solo travel, and helping me to feel confident about my youngest daughter travelling solo aged 18.In our conversation Sue offers valuable insights into: The transformative power of travelSolo travel for women in mid-lifeEmbracing the power of “Yes!”Sue’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders :It’s not what happens to you in life, but how you respond that makes you who you areYou grow the most outside your comfort zone. Embrace those opportunities to stretch it, even if it scares youYour life experiences are what makes you unique, relatable & interesting. Never be afraid to share them as you never know where it may lead.The best way to connect, follow and find out more about Sue:LinkedIn: Sue Cockell Website: www.suewherewhywhat.comYouTube: @SueWhereWhyWhat Instagram: @suewherewhywhat About Sue Cockell:Sue Cockell is a Transformative Travel Coach, Solo Female Travel Expert, Blogger and YouTuber. She began her solo travel journey after tragically losing her husband back in 2014. Travel allowed her to breathe, grieve, heal and finally find herself again. She has now visited over 80 countries, across 6 continents and through her work she aims to inspire other women over 40 to embrace the power of travelling alone too. If you have a deep desire to explore the world but feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of planning and preparation involved. Sue has designed a new course specifically for you: Find Your Way: Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. If you would like to learn more, then contact her now at [email protected]. To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing, sound production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Today’s guest is Andrew Edwards, former BBC broadcaster, and now an Event Host, Trainer, Teacher and Mentor. The title of our conversation is ‘You Don’t Need to Be a Boss to Be a Leader’.Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your own leadership.If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!ABOUT THIS EPISODE I had the joy of being introduced to Andrew through his brother John Edwards. If you haven’t already listened to John and I in conversation, it is a great episode on Understanding Ourselves, and Understanding Others. John suggested that Andrew would make an excellent guest, and that he had produced, whilst at the BBC a podcast about their late Mum’s experience of living - and dying - with dementia, ‘Mum and Me: The Dementia Diary’ Andrew offers valuable insights into: Leading by example through your leadership behaviour in an ‘on and off air’ frontline role.Looking down, up and out - remembering to consult your team, using the expertise around you, and never losing track of your real bosses - your audience, customers and the public.Swimming against the tide of expectation - your own and others’ expectations while looking after your own mental health.Differentiating the personal from the private, and the power of opening up in the right way to others and getting the balance right. Andrew's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Be true to yourself and your values Listen more than you talkInspire others through your leadership behaviours Connect, follow and find out more about Andrew:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/thebeardedbroadcasterAndrew's website: www.theandrewedwards.comX / Twitter: @RadioAndrewEInstagram: @andrewedwardsleeds Email: [email protected] listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. About  Andrew EdwardsAndrew is a broadcaster, teacher, trainer and event host. He began broadcasting on hospital radio in his hometown, Hull, making his professional debut as a sports reporter on Viking Radio. He started his career in journalism at the Hull Daily Mail newspaper, before joining the BBC as a trainee in 1989. Andrew moved to BBC Radio Leeds in 1993 where he stayed, very happily, for the next thirty years. For many years he combined his on-air career with teaching radio journalism and spent seven years at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and Leeds Trinity University. He still mentors students and radio colleagues and is now doing freelance work at the University of Leeds.Until 2022 he spent part of each week looking after his Mum, who died from dementia. He gives talks about, and hosts events linked to, dementia and hopes to write a book about his mother. He recorded a weekly audio diary called ‘Mum and Me: The Dementia Diary’, for which he was named a Dementia Hero at the Alzheimer’s Society’s awards 2021.

Hello, welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend. Today’s guest is Meg Farren, General Manager, Chief Customer Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and much more! I had the joy of meeting Meg for the first time on the Marketing Leaders Programme, in early 2024. Meg opened the programme for us, and did a wonderful job of sharing her story and setting the context and the ambition of the programme.Together Meg and I delve into the people, places and experiences that have made Meg the person and leader she is today. Meg’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Be Curious in Everything, make your first response a curious one, about yourself and about others - ask Why all the timeLean into your Fear, build resilience through daring to ask - don’t hold yourself backHave Fun, find and do what you love and gives you JoyTo connect, follow and find out more about Meg:LinkedIn: Meghan FarrenTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comLeaders in Conversation is the podcast in which I talk with leaders about their own life and leadership stories, to encourage you to reflect on your values, beliefs, passion and purpose, and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership. A big thank you to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production and promotion of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Hello, and welcome to the second Collaboration Equation™ episode in Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd. Today’s guest is Somya Agrawal, Leader, Collaborator and Motivator and the title of our conversation is Finding your Collaborative Edge™.Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories, and in our Collaboration Equation™ episodes their experience of collaborating and how they find their Collaborative Edge™ to encourage you to bring even more curiosity, care and courage to your leadership.  If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!ABOUT THIS EPISODEIn our conversation we talk about the application of Collaboration Equation™ and Somya shares her experience of collaboration and offers valuable insights into:1. Bringing two teams together to get to know each other, to be able to have an open conversation, and how  this fast tracks success.2. Connecting through being vulnerable in sharing her experience of hearing loss and how this has created meaningful connection  with others. 3. Creating psychological safety that invites people to give and ask for help, getting what we need from each other and caring about each other.4. Building trust through being human and authentic with colleagues.5. Meeting people where they are at, and making time for everyone to have a voice, and for different thoughts and feelings to be heard.6. Creating a culture of care and connection whether working online or in person.To connect, follow and find out more about Somya:LinkedIn: Somya AgrawalInstagram: @somyaagrTo listen to more Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend visit my website www.annitownend.comA big thank you to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design and marketing of the podcast and to Tom at Brown Bear Studios for the excellent production of this episode.To contact Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd do email us on [email protected] and [email protected], or via our dedicated email address [email protected] explore more about how to find your Collaborative Edge™,  visit our website www.collaborationequation.com, subscribe to our fortnightly Leadership Conversations and follow us on LinkedIn Collaboration Equation™.  We look forward to connecting and collaborating with you, thank you for listening.

Today’s guest is Somya Agrawal, Leader, Collaborator and Motivator. I had the joy of meeting Somya in June 2024, when she joined us for a Walking Partnerships day in Surrey, in the UK.Somya offers valuable insights into: Being the conductor and not the trumpet player - The difficult transition between manager and leader, how the role changes and the importance of building a high-functioning team.The ripple effect - leading by example - The importance of watching and learning from leaders around you and how we are always being watched, even when we think nobody is watching! Dare to enter the arena - How we foster a culture of openness, transparency, honesty and collaboration. Ask questions and challenge with kindness and curiosity. It is not what you say, but how you say that it matters.We discuss the People, Places, and Experiences that have shaped Somya and made her the person and leader she is today: People - "My parents, sisters and my tribe" Places - "Around the world. My family’s travelling style and how it reinforced the importance of teamwork"Experiences - "The loss of my father and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro"Somya's key encouragements to Leaders: ENGAGE - establish a rapport with your team and build trust which will allow you to be your authentic self. With passion for your purpose, you will be able to identify the best people for the job.ENABLE - use your energy to have an impact on those around you to bring people to the table who also understand your vision, as nothing is done without collaboration.EMPOWER - by engaging with energy and by enabling with empathy, you will lead a team that feels empowered. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. So remember to enjoy it and take your team with you.Connect with Somya:LinkedIn - Somya AgrawalAbout Somya Agrawal:Somya’s most recent leadership post as a Senior Civil Servant was as a Deputy Director for Product and Delivery at UK Health Security Agency. She became a DD after a very busy and demanding period as Product Introduction Lead during the COVID-19 pandemic where she was responsible for the design, development and launch of the COVID-19 lateral flow devices. Over 2.5bn LFDs were deployed during that time, so as you can imagine, it was a very high-profile and complex mission with a lot of ambiguity, unknowns and political sensitivities in play. However, Somya loved every second of it, because of the self-development it gave her but also the HUGE national impact that this job had.Prior to being a Senior Civil Servant, she worked at the Royal Marsden Hospital, a specialist Cancer Hospital in London, where she believes her passion for positive outcomes in healthcare really came from, as during her stint there in Research and Clinical trials, she saw many oncology drugs become licensed after seeing patients not only surviving but thriving when given the right care and treatment.Somya is one of 3 girls in her family (the middle one) who have been very fortunate to have been raised by parents who provided their daughters as much as they could within their means which did not come without sacrifices and we are all incredibly grateful for our childhoods and it making us who we are today. Though not yet married, she has a 6 year old niece who she absolutely dotes on and calls one of her best friends.Somya is incredibly passionate about positive outcomes in healthcare and states that her stakeholder engagement skills and energetic personality have now become her USP that have contributed to the successes she has had in her leadership journey so far.

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which I talk to leaders about their own life and leadership stories, to encourage you to reflect on your values, beliefs, passion and purpose, and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.About this episode: Today’s guest is Carien Borst, Artist and Leadership Coach. In this episode we are talking about Creativity and Reflection in Leadership - how every job is a creative act, and how we all have a part to play in creating a workplace and environment in which there is harmony, diversity and contrast.Carien offers valuable insights into:How as human beings we are all creativeHow through being creative it can be an endless source of life energyKnowing and being yourself - how being authentic and vulnerable gives others permission to be authentic and vulnerableCreativity and how it’s related to leadership Carien's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders:Know yourself, and be yourself - We serve the world by showing ourselves who we are! Explore, experiment, play and be creative - Let go of the outcome and experience joy! Remember to play and take time to simply enjoy creative activities. We create all day - By choosing our words and by our reaction towards others. Connect, follow and find out more about Carien:LinkedIn: Carien (Mooibroek) Borst Website: www.carienborst.nl Instagram: @carien_borst_artTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend: Email me on [email protected] Visit my website www.annitownend.com  Follow me on LinkedInAbout Carien Borst:Carien was born and raised in the Netherlands. She studied Art Therapy and Human Development. Carien worked for 15 years in mental healthcare, and for about 10 years in different leadership roles. She started as a team leader and the last years as a manager of the eleven sheltered living houses for people who suffered from all sorts of psychiatric diseases.Around 7 years ago Carien started to realise she was missing creativity in her life. Due to a busy job, two young children and simply not prioritising what she needed. After a weekend spent in a monastery, filled with silence and creativity she decided to change things in her life. She woke up early every day to create in silence. Writing, creating an art journal, sitting still and taking time to think and feel. She chose to follow art courses and slowly new ideas developed. How could she bring this creativity into her leadership role?She found the courage to bring three pillars together in her own business: creativity, leadership and reflection. Based on her experience as a leader in mental healthcare but also through her journey in opening up again for the power of creating and growing in being a painter and artist. 

Hello, welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend. Today’s guest is Guy Newey, Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, and the title of our conversation is ‘On Accelerating Net Zero Energy Innovation’.I have had the privilege of partnering with Guy and working with a group of Future Leaders at Energy Systems Catapult - a company committed to accelerating NET ZERO in the UK through supporting innovators to commercialise, and helping design and deliver the future energy system.Together Guy and I delve into the people, places and experiences that have made him the person and leader he is today. Guy offers valuable insights into :Communication and what he has learnt about communicating across the wider team.Resilience, how managing your own energy is key, along with helping to manage that of the team.Getting comfortable with not knowing everything, and how the more senior you become as a leader the less you know.Guy's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders looking to innovate and commercialise for Net Zero There is a huge market out there - net zero is an incredible opportunity (as well as an essential mission)It is not unusual to feel imposter syndrome - in fact it is super commonLearn fast - be prepared to pivot quickly if something you thought was going to work does not work.To connect, follow and find out more about Guy:LinkedIn: Guy NeweyWebsite: https://es.catapult.org.uk/Twitter/X: @guyneweyTo contact Anni Townend:Email me on [email protected] or visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.About Guy NeweyGuy was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, the innovation business, in June 2022. Guy joined the Catapult in 2018 as Director of Strategy after being an energy and political adviser to two UK Government Secretaries of State; Greg Clark and Amber Rudd. In Government, he was involved in many key decisions, including closing the UK’s coal-fired power stations, greater independence for the electricity system operator, and as an architect of the Clean Growth Strategy.Before joining Government, he was Head of Policy at the challenger energy supplier, OVO Energy and Head of Environment and Energy at the influential think tank, Policy Exchange. He was previously a journalist, including three years as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the international newswire, AFP. He is a non-executive director with UK100, a charity campaigning for greater environmental action by local authorities. He lives in Enfield, with his wife and two children.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today. Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do. They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Emma Harris, Finance Director, M&S Food, Property and Retail. Together we delve into: How to bring alignment in corporate worldThe importance of amplifying your strengthsStaying authentic in more challenging environmentsEmma's three key encouragements to leaders:Stay true to yourself and your valuesFind an environment where you can thrive…doesn’t have to be easy, but you can bring value through your leadershipAmplify your strengths, that’s where you’ll get the highest ROIAbout Emma HarrisEmma is a senior finance leader, balancing living in Yorkshire with her partner and 2 boys, and working her London-based finance director role. Spending over 20 years in retail, leading finance teams, Emma is passionate about driving shareholder value for the organisation through commercial curiosity, leading great teams and her own self development. To connect, follow and find out more about Emma:LinkedIn: Emma HarrisTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend:www.annitownend.com/podcastTo contact me Anni Townend: Email me on [email protected] Visit my website www.annitownend.com Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Welcome and welcome back to Leaders in Conversation with me, Anni Townend, the podcast that helps you to grow confidence, care and courage in your leadership.I created this series of candid conversations for leaders to share their inspirational personal leadership stories, weaving together the threads of their life - the people, places and experiences that have shaped them and made them the leader that they are today.Together we delve into what they really care about, their values and beliefs, their passion and purpose and how they live and weave these through their leadership every day, in all that they do.They offer valuable insights and rich experience to help and inspire you on your own unique leadership journey. If you are not already please subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with Chris Harte, Chief Executive and Commercial Real Estate Partner at Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP - a leading Scottish law firm committed to providing straightforward advice, clarity on cost and to building strong trusting relationships with clients ensuring that their evolving needs are met with focus and care. Together we delve into:What it means to "Serve to Lead" and that leadership is not about you.The importance of Being Curious  and to remember firstly that "the issue is never the issue", and secondly ‘not knowing’ all of the answers is a feature not a bug!How focusing our energy - not dispersing it - is key to strategy and that limitations can be useful, and helpful rather than a hindrance.Chris’s three key encouragements to leaders1. Help others to succeed - be a leader - focus more on asking questions than providing answers;2. Identify priorities - use limitations to help focus minds on conscious choices;3. Retain a sense of perspective - keep a sense of humour close at hand and don't take yourself too seriously - a wee bit of humility goes a long way.To contact Chris:LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harteTo find out more about Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP follow them on linkedin and do go to their website.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

About This EpisodeIn this episode I am delighted to be in conversation with my two guests, Susie Ballentyne an Independent Psychologist and Bob Judson, a fellow podcaster, facilitator, leadership coach, and keynote speaker.We delve together into: The importance of continually developing your skills as a leader, both individually and as part of a team.The value of both mentors and coaches to leaders.The challenges of building, leading and inspiring teams in today’s complex and convoluted working environment.The really key requirements of a good leader.Susie and Bob’s Three key encouragements for leaders looking to grow and develop their leadership:Always remember that others have been there before you.  Very few, if any, challenges are genuinely new and unique and people will always be prepared to help you be your best self if you seek the right support.One of the key challenges for developing leaders is learning to let go of tasks that can be done by the team and freeing up time to focus on the larger issues.  The great thing is that by delegating well and empowering your team members you build trust and capability in them that they will really appreciate as they develop themselves.Pay attention to your relationships and your personal brand as absolute priorities.  They are fundamental to your future success and deserve to be given very special treatment. Connect with Susie and Bob:LinkedIn: Bob Judson and Susie BallentyneWebsite: Leading4LifeTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to my support team at the Conscious Marketing Group for helping me with all the marketing of the podcast, to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design, and for the excellent editing and sound production.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.