Igniting the Pursuit of Better – a conversation with Ed Corbett "The Brand Plan Man", Head of Consulting, AI evangelist, Lover of marketing and Mentor to emerging businesses

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which leaders weave together the threads of their life, sharing their leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped them, their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODE:I had the joy of being introduced to Gail through a previous podcast guest, Karen Dobres who told me what a wonderful guest Gail would be, and that she had written a book, a memoir about her life and leadership called Made in Whittingham StreetIn our conversation Gail shares her story of leading with courage and gratitude, and offers insights into:The importance of not only finding your cause, your purpose, but of always being true to it, and to yourself.How staying true to your dreams, your hopes and aspirations really matters and that it is this which gives courage to and inspires others to follow their dreams and to stay true to them.Knowing what you believe in and having faith can give you the courage to keep going, and gratitude for what you have, and help reconcile challenges.GAIL'S THREE ENCOURAGEMENTS TO LEADERS:Be sincere and honest. Always be true to your cause.Never give up on your dreams. Inspire others.Have faith in what you believe inConnect with Gail:X: x.com/GailNewshamWebsite: www.dickkerrladies.comTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful 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.ABOUT GAIL:I left school at fifteen and went to work in a shoe factory. I have no formal qualifications to speak of but I think I’ve done ok. I’m just an ordinary lass who has been fortunate to do some extraordinary things. I suppose I have a strong belief and a tenacity to get things done.Saving and recording the history of women’s football and of the Dick, Kerr Ladies became her mission - highlighting the courage of the women to play and to challenge the injustice of the ban on women in football.Passionate about saving the legacy of DKL, and keeping true to their story. In their Centenary year we achieved the First Blue Plaque in the World for women’s football 2017. Memorial to DKL at PNE 2017. First ever National Women’s Walking Football Tournament 2017. Plaque on Ashton Park in Preston in 2021, where DKL played their first match after the FA Ban of 1921.Always been proactive in helping the game grow when nobody gave tuppence for us. I served 12 years on the Management Committee of North West Women’s Regional Football League from 1981-1993. Chief fundraiser for my own club, organising Fancy Dress Treasure Hunts and many other initiatives.  Founder and organiser of the Lancashire Trophy in 1986, an International Women’s Football Tournament with teams from Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Eire, Scotland and England, all taking part over the years.Proud to have served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps. Took part in the Remembrance Day Parade in London in 2016, honouring family who took part in/lost in WW1, and my dad in WW2. Proud to wear his...

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their leadership story, weaving together the threads of their life; 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 leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEToday’s guest is Jason Webber Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability Manager Football Association Wales (FAW). I had the joy of meeting Jason at the Diversity and Inclusion Global Forum in 2024 where Lucy Kidd and I were exhibiting our Collaboration Equation™.Jason and I had a conversation about leadership, about football and collaboration which led me to inviting him to be a podcast guest on Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend.In our conversation Jason offers valuable insights into:Creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environmentDiversity/Representation at all levels especially in senior leadership.Education & AwarenessTaking meaningful action and sustainable progress.Jason’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Lead by example, be authentic and be an ally.Listen to people's lived experiences and proactively educate yourself.Take action and make a difference to someone's life.Contact and to connect with Jason:LinkedIn - Webber T Jason Website - jasontwebber.myportfolio.comInstagram - @jasontwebber X - WebberTJason To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful 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. About JASONJason is an expert and leader in Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability currently working at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) as a Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability Manager.He has been integral in advancing the FAW’s EDI and Sustainability Programmes towards being a global leader in sport and has extensive experience as an educator, public speaker and advisor to a wide range of stakeholders for more than a decade.He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with others and is committed to making football and society a better place for everyone.

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 leadership.About this episode:I had the joy of being in conversation with Febronia in a previous episode of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. Since then Feb has qualified as a coach and much more, and contacted me to say she would like to share more of her leadership story and journey. In our conversation Feb offers valuable insights into:Going back to Business School.Fantastic support from new peers and the marketing industry.The push towards and importance of accreditations from the Coaching Bodies.Building a business and launching exciting new services in 2025.Feb’s three Key Encouragements to Leaders:Just do it. Try not to convince yourself of all the reasons why you shouldn't go. Instead, convince yourself of the reasons why you should, because you stand to gain so much more and learn so much more and meet so many new people. It's a fantastic experience.Be patient with yourself.  Any career transition takes time. Give yourself time to enjoy the transition, the growth and the development. Be aware that the results are going to come in their own time at their own pace.Surround yourself with people who want you to win. Connect with Febronia:LinkedIn: Febronia RuoccoAbout Febronia:Febronia Ruocco is a multilingual, commercially impactful Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director, with a proven track record of inspiring transformation & delivering winning insight; successful marketing strategy & commercial growth for iconic £1bn global brand portfolios in FMCG & OTC.She is a certified Executive Leadership Coach (Henley Business School, end 2023) & accredited at Senior Practitioner Level EMCC and ACC ICF. In addition to her insight career, Febronia has coached over 150 hours, supporting senior global directors from the marketing/advertising/insight & MRX sectors.Febronia is also a professional mentor, supporting WIRe; the Durham University Student Leadership Framework; Lancaster University & Henley Business School.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful 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.

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 leadership.How we metI have had the joy of knowing Howard for many, many years as a friend, and as a colleague with whom I have worked alongside as well as supported in his leadership of teams, and companies. I have long admired him as a passionate, and committed leader who is on a mission to make a difference in how we live and lead our lives through driving the energy transition with purpose and hope.About this episodeIn our conversation Howard offers valuable insights intoHow trusting your purpose and having a vision in vitalHow he lives and leads through success and failure with commitmentHow stepping into the uncomfortable can lead to authentic connectionHoward’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders looking to lead with energy, purpose and hopeBe bold and stand up for what you believe Honesty and humility can be the strongest form of leadershipHelp people understand the larger narrative and empower them to connect with their own purposeConnect, follow and find out more about Howard:LinkedIn: Howard JohnsWebsite: www.onezero.energyInstagram: @howardsolarTo 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.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Today’s guest is Ed Corbett "The Brand Plan Man", Head of Consulting, AI evangelist, Lover of marketing and Mentor to emerging businesses.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 leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the joy of meeting Ed over ten years ago when he was working at the pharmaceutical company MSD here in the UK. Ed had been to an event and heard my colleague, and mentor, Steve Radcliffe speaking about Future Engage Deliver, and being at your best. Ed invited Steve to MSD to do a session on being at your best, following which MSD asked for a proposal for a Leadership Development Programme. This FED programme was a huge success over many, many years and transformed peoples lives and leadership at MSD.In this conversation Ed offers valuable insights into:How success is built on big relationshipsThe importance of seeking out and really listening to feedback to growWhy being comfortable not knowing everything is keyHow we can inspire others to be the best they can beEd’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Acknowledge and accept that you are not and cannot be perfectYou can only really grow with and through the help of othersRelax into ‘you’ - Be comfortable in who you are and what you care aboutTo contact Ed:LinkedIn: Ed CorbettTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo find out more about Future-Engage-Deliver do get in touch with me, read the book ‘Leadership Plain and Simple’ by Steve Radcliffe. And to hear Steve sharing his personal leadership story do listen to my podcast episode with him.A big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful 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.

ABOUT THIS EPISODEToday’s guest is Delia Lazaroiu, Senior Data Analyst and the title of our conversation is Kind leadership and diverse voices rising. I had the joy of meeting Delia when she was working at the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Delia engaged with the leadership development work, and with myself and Emily Court. Since then we have kept in touch via LInkedIn, and as always Delia is immensely supportive and passionate about all she does. I am looking forward to hearing her story, and to getting to know her through this episode.In our conversation Delia offers valuable insights into: Making progress by aspiring to be the least knowledgeable person in that roomFinding your tribe and thriving Living in and leading with gratitude Living a meaningful life as a leader and human by helping others and offering kindness Delia's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Lead by lifting each other upStay true to your valuesVisit places not visited by all your peersContact Delia:LinkedIn - Delia Lazaroiu  Instagram - @delialazaroiuTo 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.

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 leadership.About This EpisodeToday’s guest is David Dand, Managing Director of Coreus, the Brighton based Talent Acquisition agency. I had the pleasure of being introduced to David through a mutual friend, previous podcast guest, Dougal Fleming. If you haven’t already listened to that episode I highly recommend it. Dougal encouraged David and I to have a conversation, and that David has a wonderful story to share.In our conversation, David offers valuable insights into:The five-step framework he uses when leading a candidate search to understand fit and motivation; What you need to know about changing career and recruitment;Navigating career changes and your next big step;Hiring tips for leaders to ensure you have the right people in the right roles.David’s three top tips for leaders looking to either make their next big move and, or ensuring that they make the right hire1. Use the 5-step framework: Consider salary and benefitsConvenienceCulture and brand reputationThe day-to-day jobTraining and career progression 2. Remember the stakes are high: There are Soft & hard turnover costs, replacement & job hopping.3.  Embrace individuality through knowing:What your key skills and strengths areWhat the conditions are for you to thrive What Great looks and feels like, just because something is great doesn’t mean it is great for you!To connect, follow and find out more about David and the The Five Step Framework go to:LinkedIn: David DandWebsite: www.coreus.co.ukInstagram: @coreus_talentacquisition About The 5 Step Career Change Framework A framework to help you understand career change and motivation, either for yourself or when you are hiring others to understand best fit.  The five essentials are:1. Salary & benefits There is more to life than money. And we have bills to pay. Responsibilities. Wants & needs. Benefits: I work with an investment firm that offers a 20% pension contribution. 2. ConvenienceWork-life balanceAbility to manage work around your caring commitments, for example picking up children from school. Work/life/harmony: Why, just because I am an accountant should I not have a weekend? 3. Culture & Brand ReputationI work with Accountancy / FS institutions. ‘Much the same.’ What is unique about this institution? What do I want?  AutonomyChallengeSustainability4. Day to day jobOperational vs strategic 5. Training and career progressionWhere is your career going, ideallyWhat in an ideal world would you like to be true To 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.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

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.