From navigating the responsibility of CEO leadership to challenging inequality in access to dyslexia diagnosis, Ellen Broomé shares the lessons that have shaped her journey. She reflects on resilience, strong networks and backing yourself — and why ensuring every child has the right support is essential to building a fairer future. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or someone curious about how to make a difference, this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and stories that show why diverse minds make a stronger world.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Anna Feuchtwang reflects on leading the National Children’s Bureau through challenge and change. From rebuilding a demoralised organisation to amplifying children’s voices and confronting rising inequality, she shares what it means to lead with clarity, courage and hope. It’s an honest conversation about systems change, imposter syndrome, and why great leadership is built on relationships.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Janet Curtis-Broni, Group Chief People Officer at Elevare Civic Education Group, she shares how mentors, managers, and the teams she’s worked with helped uncover potential she didn’t even know she had, and how she’s now using that experience to shape organisational culture and support others.

From mediation and coaching to guiding leaders through change, she shares the skills and approaches that make a real difference for people and organisations alike.

Packed with practical advice and inspiring insights, this episode is perfect for anyone in HR—or anyone who wants to grow as a leader by putting people first.

In this episode, Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, shares her journey into leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to expanding opportunities for talent across the UK, she reflects on the people, values, and experiences that have shaped her career.

Geneviene talks openly about stepping out of her comfort zone, the importance of asking for support, and how resilience and determination can drive meaningful change.

The Isle of Wight may look idyllic, but for Ashley Whittaker, leadership in children’s services is about navigating complexity with purpose. He shares what it really takes to lead, adapt, and work within the realities of Island life and children’s services.

Along the way, Ashley also reflects on his career path, the skills required to lead and adapt, and how opening doors for young people can create lasting change in a community full of unique challenges.

From the classroom to the boardroom, Shelagh Legrave, Further Education Commissioner, has navigated education with vision, resilience, and a human touch. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and joys of leading in complex institutions, the value of listening and collaboration, and how investing in people can transform communities.

Her story shows that leadership is less about authority and more about inspiring change and supporting others to thrive.

From leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to leading Newham College London, Jamie Purser’ journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and the power of encouragement. In this episode, Jamie shares how a bricklaying job set him on a path to leadership, why authentic identity matters in senior roles, and how further education can transform lives.

His story is a reminder that ambition and opportunity can come from unexpected places — and that anyone, with the right support, can achieve more than they imagined.

In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, Dan Taylor sits down with Angela Joyce, CEO of Capital City College, London’s largest further education provider.

Angela shares her journey from teaching English to becoming the UK’s youngest female college CEO, leading with resilience, authenticity and a passion for helping others succeed. She reflects on her early ambitions, how sport shaped her mindset, the challenges of leading through Covid, and why she believes further education is one of the most powerful forces for change in the UK.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an educator, or simply someone who loves hearing stories of determination and impact, this episode offers insight, inspiration and practical advice on being courageous, staying authentic and always striving to be your best.