Money Made Human Podcast

Episode #38 of the Money Made Human podcast features Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Scotmid Co-operative and the first woman to hold the role in the organisation’s history.In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Karen about her childhood and school years, her journey from checkout operator to CEO, and the strong work ethic and values that have shaped her career. Karen also reflects on what becoming CEO has meant to her and what the role has taught her about herself.The conversation explores Scotmid’s importance to local communities, the value of mutual organisations, and the challenges posed by rising grocery costs. Karen also discusses Scotmid’s response to the pandemic and its wider social impact, including its partnership with St Andrew’s First Aid, support for Hey Girls’ “buy one, give one” initiative, funding for school breakfast clubs through its Community Grant scheme and the Member Choice Awards.Some highlights from the episode:Karen’s childhood, school years and journey from checkout operator to CEOThe work ethic and values that shape her leadershipWhat becoming Scotmid’s first female CEO has meant to her.Scotmid’s role within local communitiesThe continued importance of mutual organisationsThe cost-of-living crisis and rising grocery pricesScotmid’s community initiatives and response to the pandemicKaren’s hopes for Scotmid and ambitions within her roleThe best advice she has received and what makes her happy outside workAn inspiring conversation about Karen’s remarkable career journey, the power of community-focused leadership and her ambitions for Scotmid’s future.

Episode 37 of the Money Made Human podcast features Stephen Noakes, Director of Retail at Nationwide Building Society.In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Stephen about his early life and school memories, his journey to Cambridge University and how his career led him into financial services. Stephen also shares the personal values that guide him and what it means to lead Nationwide’s retail division.The conversation explores Nationwide’s purpose of banking for the good of society, its Fairer Futures programme and why mutual organisations such as building societies and credit unions remain so important. Stephen also discusses his hopes for Nationwide, his greatest source of inspiration and the best career advice he has received.Some highlights from the episode:• Stephen’s early life, Cambridge experience and move into financial services• The values that guide him and his role at Nationwide• Nationwide’s purpose, Fairer Futures programme and fairer approach to banking• Why building societies and credit unions remain important• His inspirations, career advice and personal goalsAn insightful conversation about Stephen’s journey, the importance of mutual organisations and his ambitions for the future.

Episode 34 of the Money Made Human podcast features Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen and Cambuslang and Convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee.From working as a mental health nurse to representing her community in the Scottish Parliament, Clare’s career has remained focused on supporting others. Host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Clare about her upbringing, the values behind her work and the experiences that led her from healthcare into politics.Clare reflects on the changing mental health landscape, the moments that stood out during her nursing career and the pressures that come with being an elected representative. She also shares how she approaches criticism, what matters most to her and her ambitions for the future.Key topics in this episode include:Clare’s upbringing and the values that shaped herHer experiences as a mental health nurseChanges in mental health and community careMoving from healthcare into politicsThe realities of serving as an MSPResponding to criticism and scrutinyHer local and national hopes for the futureWe hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 35 of the Money Made Human podcast features Ricky McAulay, UK Operations Director at Royal Mail.Ricky began his career as a postal cadet in Glasgow in 1986 before becoming a postman in the city’s southside. Nearly four decades later, he now leads Royal Mail’s UK operations.Host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Ricky about his childhood, the values that have guided him and his journey through Royal Mail. He also reflects on the organisation’s vital role during the pandemic, helping loved ones and communities stay connected.Key topics include:Ricky’s journey from postman to UK Operations DirectorThe biggest changes he has witnessed at Royal MailRoyal Mail’s role as an employerThe influence of the gig economyWhy credit unions are important for employees and wider societyHis hopes and desires for Royal MailRebuilding pride in the organisationThe advice he would give to his younger selfWe hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 34 of the Money Made Human podcast welcomes one of Scotland’s most distinguished public figures, Lord George Robertson, former Secretary General of NATO, UK Defence Secretary and MP for Hamilton and Hamilton South.Lord Robertson joins host Gayle Lloyd to reflect on the experiences and values that shaped his extraordinary career in public service. From his early life on the Isle of Islay and involvement in campaigning as a young man to representing Hamilton in Parliament, he shares the journey that ultimately took him to the highest levels of British and international politics.He discusses living in Dunblane at the time of the school tragedy and the work he undertook in its aftermath, before reflecting on his appointment as UK Defence Secretary and the responsibility that came with the role.Lord Robertson also shares the remarkable story of his journey to NATO and recalls where he was when the 9/11 attacks took place. Drawing on decades of experience, he explores the qualities required to lead through a crisis, make difficult decisions and carry the weight of public responsibility.The conversation also considers the changes he has witnessed throughout his career, what continues to motivate him, the legacy he hopes to leave and why credit unions remain so important to communities.Key topics include:The early experiences and values that shaped Lord RobertsonHis journey from campaigning to a career in politicsRepresenting Hamilton and Hamilton SouthServing as UK Defence SecretaryBecoming Secretary General of NATOResponsibility, resilience and leadership during a crisisHis reflections on motivation, public service and legacyThe importance of credit unions to local communities

Episode 33 of the Money Made Human podcast features Conor McAuley, a content creator living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Conor about growing up with Duchenne, becoming a wheelchair user and coming to terms with what his condition has meant for his life. Conor reflects on the barriers and obstacles he has faced, his appreciation for his family and friends, and his personal growth.The conversation also explores Conor’s social media journey, the message behind his content and his experience sharing his story at the European Parliament. He discusses his goals and mission, what others can do to help and his hopes for the future.Key topics in this episode include:Growing up with Duchenne muscular dystrophyThe barriers Conor has faced, including in educationHis social media journey and the message behind his contentSharing his experience at the European ParliamentHis goals, mission and hopes for the futureWhat others can do to helpWe hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 31 of the Money Made Human podcast features Marion Scott, Chief Reporter at The Sunday Post.Marion is an award-winning investigative journalist whose work has helped uncover major stories across Scotland. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to exposing injustice and giving a voice to those who need to be heard.In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Marion about her career, what drives her as a journalist, and the role investigative reporting can play in creating positive change.Key topics in this episode include:Marion's first front-page story at just 18 months oldHer journey into journalism and what inspired her to become an investigative journalistHer determination to expose injustice and give victims a voiceSome of the most memorable stories from her careerThe Sunday Post's front-page investigation into the dangers women face through domestic abuseMarion's hopes for journalism and what she still hopes to achieveWe hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 32 of the Money Made Human podcast features Thomas Hawkins, Editor of The Sunday Post.Thomas has enjoyed a 24-year career in journalism, from sports journalism to digital journalism and everything in between. Today, he is Editor of The Sunday Post, one of Scotland's most iconic newspapers.In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Thomas about his career, the experiences that shaped his values, and the role journalism can play in making a positive difference.Key topics in this episode include:Growing up in Belfast during the Troubles and their lasting impactThe values and entrepreneurial spirit inspired by his parentsHis journey from the University of Glasgow to Editor of The Sunday PostThe importance of highlighting issues such as the prevention of violence against women and girlsThe importance and challenges of pursuing the truth in modern journalismThomas' hopes for the future of The Sunday Post and its ongoing projectsWe hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 30 of the Money Made Human podcast features Jock Brown, Scottish football commentator and former General Manager of Celtic Football Club.Jock has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning law, broadcasting and Scottish football. After studying law at Cambridge, he built a successful legal career while also becoming one of Scotland’s best-known football commentators, before later serving as General Manager of Celtic.Host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Jock about his childhood and upbringing, his journey into football commentary, and his behind-the-scenes experiences at Celtic. Jock also reflects on dealing with press attention and remembers his late brother, former Scotland manager Craig Brown.Key topics include: Jock’s childhood, upbringing and education  His career in law and journey into broadcasting  Life as a football commentator  His time as General Manager of Celtic  His involvement with Children’s University Scotland  Remembering his brother, Craig We hope you enjoy listening!

Episode 29 of the Money Made Human podcast features Kevin Duffy, Scotland Partnership Manager at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).From starting your pension early to spotting the warning signs of a scam, Kevin shares practical guidance to help people feel more confident about their money and plan for the future.Host Gayle Lloyd chats with Kevin about his career journey, the support available to those who need it, and how working together can make financial guidance more accessible. They also discuss why it’s time to break the taboo and get more comfortable talking about money.Key topics include:Kevin’s career journey and role at MaPSWhy financial education mattersPension guidance for young people starting their careersHow to spot and avoid pension scamsThe power of partnershipsBreaking the taboo around money conversationsWe hope you enjoy listening!