As Raising the Glass continues its journey into theheart of leadership and community, this episode explores what it means to lead with authenticity, balance, and courage.

Host Rom sits down with Alice Bufton-Thorneycroft,director at Harvey Thorneycroft Ltd, to reflect on the power of connection in leadership. From the Brilliant Minds programme to the role of wellness and mentorship, Alice shares stories and tips on dealing with a fixed mindset, thedifference between danger and fear and learning from those who walked before you.

They also explore how feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable, can be the greatest gift for personal, professional growth and how there’s never just one “right answer”, there can be many.

This is an episode is a reminder that careers, like life,are best lived holistically.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The lessons mentors can leave that last a lifetime
• Practical tips on how to overcome a fixed mindset
• Dealing with fear, from the perspective of a bomb disposal expert
• Owing your own development – and how important that is
• Why challenging your own narrative opens the door to growth

Whether you’re inside the drinks world or someone simplycurious about how to grow with purpose, this episode is a celebration of authenticity, courage, and raising a glass to leadership done differently.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-bufton-thorneycroft-86872223/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Time for another short, in our accompanying series TheTipple! Rom sits down with Greg Morley, HR Thought Leader and Author of BOND: Belonging and the Keys to Inclusion and Connection.

They explore the threads that hold us together,even when those threads are strained and perhaps at odds with our own beliefs.

From navigating career challenges to the power ofreflection, Greg shares stories and insights on how being present and intentional in our relationships can change not just our own paths, but those around us.

They also talk about the importance of diversity inorganisations, why failures are vital for growth, and how leadership is less about managing and more about developing people. At its heart, this episode isa reminder that our greatest legacy lies in the lives we touch.

Here’s what you’ll take away:
• Why being present helps us appreciate our true impact
• How conversations can bridge gaps and foster understanding
• Why failure is an essential ingredient for growth
• How leadership should be focused on developing others
• How every individual has the power to change someone’s world

First time with Raising the Glass? Be sure to join thecommunity on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560504959132

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcmorley/
https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Welcome back to Raising the Glass, in this episode weexplore how sport can transform lives far beyond the playing field, and how Co-creation with people with disabilities leads to better, more effective solutions, maybe even for society as a whole.

Host Rom sits down with Laura Baxter, MBE, CEO ofSpecial Olympics GB, for a very powerful conversation about the role of sport in breaking barriers, celebrating ability, and building communities where everyone belongs.

Laura shares her personal journey and the incredible workbeing done at Special Olympics GB; from grassroots opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, to high-impact partnerships like Meals That Matter with Coca-Cola and Co-op.

Together, they unpack why co-creation matters, how hiddendisabilities often go unrecognised, and why mentorship and family support play such a vital role in personal and professional growth.

This episode is a reminder that inclusion isn’t a box totick, it’s a practice, a mindset, and a commitment to creating space foreveryone.

Together, we discover;

• Inclusion is an action, not just a value.• Partnerships like Meals That Matter raise both awareness and vital funds.
• Activism can be draining. Recharging and sharing the load is essential.
• The focus should always be on ability, not disability.
• Creating space for everyone strengthens society as a whole.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-baxter-mbe-91393198/

https://shop.coop.co.uk/welcome?destination=%2Fmealsthatmatter

https://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Welcome to The Tipple; Rasing the Glass’ short pour, where we take a closer look at the people, trends and ideas shaping our industry.

In this episode, ROM chats with Sally Evans, who swappedcorporate life to live the dream as a winemaker in Bordeaux.

Sally tells us how she navigated this bold move, theresilience it required, and the joy she’s found in building both her wine and community. From mentorship to taking calculated risks, she opens up about the learning curve that comes with starting fresh – and the deep fulfilment offollowing a passion.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Sally transitioned from a corporate career to winemakingin Bordeaux.
• Resilience and self-belief are key in facing new challenges.
• Lifelong learning fuels both personal and professional growth.
• Mentorship can guide and ground you during big transitions.
• Taking risks can lead to truly rewarding adventures.
• Not everything goes well, but that’s ok
• Networking with women in wine has been instrumental.
Join our tribe: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560504959132

We hope you enjoy our little tipple!

LINKS
For more about Sally’s winery, her wines and to visit Château George7: www.chateaugeorge7.com

For more information and resources on midlife change: https://www.sallyevans.co.uk/

And specifically about her book, which is a practical guideto help folks (essentially women) make a major life change: https://www.sallyevans.co.uk/makethemidlifemove

To join her ’Fill Your Own Glass’ communityencouraging women to make that major life change : https://www.sallyevans.co.uk/fill-your-own-glass

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/
Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

In this episode of Raising the Glass, we explore what it really means to see the unseen.

If you see yourself as a disability ally, or at least someone who wants to better understand people with unseen challenges, this is a must-listen episode.

Host Rom sits down with Simon Houghton, founder of Unseen Aware, for a frank conversation about hidden disabilities, and what it really means to create spaces where everyone feels truly understood. Oh, and tequila picnics too.

Together, they talk about the quiet struggles that go hand-in-hand with hidden disabilities, and why creating psychological safety is more than a policy, it should be part of our work culture.

Simon opens up about his own lived experience, and how it shaped his mission to bring hidden disabilities into the light through conversation, education, and community.

This episode is a reminder that change doesn’t always start with a bang, it often begins with listening.

Whether you're part of the drinks world, a people leader, or simply someone who believes in building workplaces with heart, take a moment with us to create meaningful connections over a long serving of honesty and a dash of humour.

What you’ll find out in this episode:

• 13 million people in the UK live with non-visible disabilities. Awareness matters.

• 80% of all disabilities are hidden, yet often go unacknowledged.

• Psychological safety creates the foundation for open, honest dialogue.

• ERGs play a vital role in inclusion, support, and education.

• Empathy isn't optional, it's essential for truly inclusive workplaces.

• Lived experience brings insight no textbook ever could.

• Changing how we communicate can remove invisible barriers.

• Advocacy starts with understanding, and grows through action.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsimonhoughton/

https://unseenaware.com/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Welcome to something BRAND NEW from Raising the Glass – The Tipple!

As an accompanying series to our main episodes, The Tipple focuses more on our industry, and how we grow as a community – together.

In the first episode, ROM chats to Miranda Ballard. She is from NielsenIQ, one of the world’s leading consumer intelligence companies, but started her career as a butcher!

They delve into the current trends in the drinks industry, looking at the impact of women-led brands and the challenges they face in securing investment.

They talk about the importance of data insights, the need for confidence and mentorship among entrepreneurs, and the evolving consumer behaviour in the FMCG sector. The episode concludes with a discussion on the significance of innovation and the future of the beverage market.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Value in the beverage market is increasing, but volume sales are declining.

• Women-led brands are showing significant growth despite market trends.

• Diversity in business leads to better commercial outcomes.

• Investment opportunities for women founders are still limited.

• Confidence and mentorship are crucial for entrepreneurs.

• Innovation is key to competing with larger brands in the beverage market.

• Consumer behaviour is shifting towards premium produc

We hope you enjoy our little tipple!

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-m-ballard/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

As Raising the Glass returns with our second series, we continue to tell the stories shaping the drinks industry, one honest conversation at a time.

Host Rom sits down with Lee James of Rémy Cointreau toexplore what it really means to lead with heart.

Together, they talk about the power of allyship, the quietstrength of introversion, and why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a foundation.

Lee reflects on the journey that’s shaped him, sharing the lessons learned through craft, connection, and carving space for others to thrive.

All of this while accepting that heritage and tradition isactually still something we can learn from and that embracing the courage it takes to evolve is so worthwhile. And a reminder, real leadership is about how you make people feel along the way.

Whether you’re deep in the drinks world or simply passionate about purpose-driven work, this episode is a celebration of progress, community, and raising a glass to doing things differently.

• Lee emphasizes the importance of allyship in driving change.
• Authenticity is crucial in leadership and personal connections.
• Navigating introversion in an extroverted industry is a common challenge.
• Legacy in leadership is about how people feel working with you.
• Diversity and inclusion are ongoing conversations that need to be had.
• The drinks industry is steeped in heritage, but must evolve to stay relevant.
• Creating a supportive environment is key to fostering talent and innovation.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-james-8aa5ab15/

https://www.remy-cointreau.com/en/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Join host Rebecca Oliver-Mooney as she’s Raising the Glassfor the last time in Series One.

In this finale episode, Rebecca and her producer NickWilmshurst reflect on the first 13 episodes of this podcast. As you might imagine, there’s plenty to unpack , and they discuss key themes such as the importance ofallyship, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the significance of drinks in creating memories.

They also look ahead to Series 2, and the exciting gueststhat will be appearing and the themes that will be covered.

This conversation also touches on:

* The challenges of misogyny and class in the workplace

* The ongoing fight for gender equality

* Celebrating the voices and stories shared throughout theseries.

* How Raising the Glass is more than just a podcast; it's acommunity

* The drinks industry is filled with amazing stories andpeople

Help us to create meaningful connections over a long serving of honesty & with a dash of humour, hit follow or subscribe and become part of our tribe.

LINKS

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-wilmshurst-podcast-producer-leeds/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/