How to empower...

In the premiere episode of Series 5 of the How to Empower Podcast, host Katy Bennett welcomes Marcus Read, Director in Workplace Financial Wellbeing at Close Brothers AM, and Char Srahan, Senior Associate in Inclusion, Culture, and Wellbeing at PwC. Together, they explore the critical topic of financial wellbeing and its impact on employees' overall quality of life. Discover how reducing financial stress can lead to improved mental and physical health and learn the importance of financial literacy in empowering employees to make informed decisions. This episode provides valuable insights into enhancing financial preparedness for major life events and encourages responsible financial behaviour. Join us as we delve into how you can gain control over your financial situation, absorb financial shocks, and make choices that bring enjoyment and stability to your life.

In celebration of 175 years of PwC, this special episode of the How to Empower podcast sees host Katy Bennett joined by People Networks Lead at PwC, Riteesh Mishra, with two representatives from PwC’s people networks, Suwei Jiang and Nicky, to talk about the role of people networks in demonstrating care. Discover how people networks can play a pivotal role not only in supporting their members, but in shaping company strategy, and explore how the role of these networks is changing in the future. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode uncovering personal stories and broader reflections on the vital role of people networks.

In the final episode of Series 4 on the How to Empower Podcast, host Katy Bennett sits down with Leo Johnson and Dr. Ali Budjanovcanin to discuss emotional intelligence. Join us as we learn how mastering our own emotions and those of our colleagues can lead to more effective leadership, and explore whether there’s a downside to being too emotionally perceptive.

In the sixth episode of Series 4 on the How to Empower Podcast, host Katy Bennett sits down with leaders Hemione Hudson and Deanna Oppenheimer, to celebrate International Women’s Day. Discover how these senior executives have navigated the challenges of staying authentic in business. Gain valuable insights into their personal and professional journeys, uncovering the intricacies and societal expectations faced by women on the path to corporate success. Tune in for an empowering episode of triumphs and challenges encountered by women breaking barriers in the business world!

In this inspiring episode of the How to Empower podcast series, host Katy Bennett engages in a crucial conversation about the often-overlooked challenges of working with cancer. Joining the discussion are speakers Barbara Wilson, Founder and Director of Working with Cancer, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting individuals affected by cancer in their return to the workforce, and Martin Groom, Director at PwC. Together, they unpack the unique journeys of those living with cancer, exploring the hurdles and misconceptions. This episode highlights the struggles and emphasises the importance of creating a workplace culture that fosters understanding, support, and recovery. Tune in to discover how Working with Cancer is making a difference and how employers can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate work environment.

In this episode of the How to Empower podcast series, host Katy Bennett is joined by Danielle Obe, co-founder and chair of the Black Swimming Association, and Lois Geraldo, a Senior Associate at PwC. Every two minutes, someone tragically drowns worldwide. 400 people drown every year in the UK, with these numbers disproportionately affecting those from the African, Caribbean and Asian communities. In this episode, Danielle and Lois share their personal experiences where they were faced with the impact of water safety, and discuss the importance of empowerment, education and engagement with this topic. Please remember, if you ever see someone struggling in water, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service for inland waters, or the Coast Guard for outland waters. Do not attempt to rescue someone yourself.

In episode 3 of How to Empower podcast series 4, Katy Bennett interviews Katherine Wilson, Head of Employers for Carers at Carers UK, and Michelle Beardwood, a Tax Senior Manager at PwC. They discuss supporting employees with caring responsibilities and share personal experiences. This episode offers practical advice for employers and employees. For more info, visit Carers UK website.

In this episode, host Katy Bennett speaks to Ann O'Neill, CEO and Founder of Adora Digital Health  (www.adora.health) , and Rachael Hampton, Partner at PwC, about their experience with the Menopause. Ann shares what drove her to develop the Adora app to help other women, and Rachael shares her experience of perimenopause, what organisations can do to support women, and why she is hopeful for future women.

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with the topic of suicide. In the first episode of series 4 of the How to Empower podcast series, new host Katy Bennett, spoke with Alice Hendy, Founder and CEO of sucide prevention charity R;pple, and Sean Maywood, a Mental Health First Aid Instructor at PwC. Alice shares her inspiration for starting R;pple following the suicide of her brother, and both Sean and Alice provide practical advice on how you can start a conversation with someone you might be concerned for. To speak to someone for more support, text Shout on 85258, a confidential 24/7 text message service, call the Samaritans on 116123, or you can download the stay alive app, which is packed full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can also check out the Ripple website.

In the latest episode of series 3, host Dipesh Davadra speaks to Emma Charlesworth, Head of the PwC UK Alumni Network and Ambassador for the charity Widowed and Young, about her story of being widowed at the age of 39 and why it is so important for everyone to feel empowered to be more open in talking about grief and bereavement.