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What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to grow their capacity for genuine, human-centred collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling, helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:From the Pitch to the PageKaren Dobres didn't set out to write a book. She set out to change a football club. Pitch Invasion is the story of how she became a board director at Lewes Football Club, and what she discovered about leadership, belonging and collective ambition along the way.
In this episode, Karen joins us alongside Trevor Davies, the Commissioning Editor and Publisher, who helped shape her story into the book it became. Together, we explore the partnership and collaboration behind the writing itself: the conversations, the trust, the decisions about what to include and what to leave out.
What does it take to truly collaborate - not just in a boardroom or on a pitch, but in the creative process of making something together? And what can the story of one woman, one football club, and one book teach us about the conditions that allow diverse perspectives to be heard, valued and turned into something lasting?
Together they explore:The art of the pitch Karen and Trevor each had to pitch to the other before this book existed. That mutual act of persuasion - making the case, being heard, being believed - became the foundation of their trust and shared ownership of the project. It's a quietly powerful echo of the title Pitch Invasion itself: collaboration, it turns out, starts with someone being brave enough to make the ask.
Balancing authentic storytelling with commercial value How do you honour a deeply personal story and shape it for the widest possible audience? Karen and Trevor explore the creative tension at the heart of their partnership, and how a shared sense of purpose helped them navigate it - together.
Mission as fuel Having a clear why - giving voice to underrepresented women in football, championing gender equality - provided energy, focus, commitment and courage when the work got hard. Purpose isn't just motivating. It's directional.
Outsider value and gentle activism Karen didn't come from the football world. That outsider perspective became one of her greatest assets at Lewes FC - asking the questions others had stopped asking, disrupting accepted norms with care and persistence. Positive disruption, done with respect, is how cultures change.
Football as community - and what gets lost Football creates genuine communities of belonging. This episode explores what happens when that gets forgotten, and what it looks like when a club chooses unity over division - and means it.
The power of real listening Not just listening to each other's stories, but to your own reactions. Paying attention to your own process and the impact you're having on others. Karen and Trevor both spoke about this - and it shows in the book.
Collaboration builds confidence Mutual respect and genuine support grow courage in both directions. When someone really listens to you, you find you have more to say than you thought.
Three Encouragements from Karen and Trevor:Karen Dobres is the author of Pitch Invasion and a former board director at Lewes Football Club. A passionate advocate for gender equality in sport, she speaks regularly on equity and inclusion and is one of the UK's leading voices in women's football.
Connect with Karen:Trevor Davies is Commissioning Editor and Publisher at Cassell/Octopus Books. Cassell seeks to break new ground in publishing voices who entertain and enlighten, from high-impact sports narratives to humour and TV treasures.
Connect with Trevor:Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is produced by Brown Bear Studios, with marketing support from SHMOGUS Media and Penny Writing.
Please share, rate, and subscribe - and continue exploring how curiosity, care and courage can lead us to more creative, collaborative leadership.
Explore more at www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling, helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:Exploring Creativity with Curiosity, Care and CourageIn this episode of Finding Your Collaborative Edge™, Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd are in conversation with Ali Mapletoft - Artist, creative consultant, and founder of Creative Oxygen™ - whose work supports leaders and teams to reimagine how we work, relate and innovate together. Together, they explore why creativity is not just a “nice to have” in leadership and life, but a vital force with the power to save lives. From quick decision-making in A&E to the role of self-expression in mental health and recovery, Ali, Lucy and Anni make the case for creativity as essential - not just for innovation, but for creating cultures of connection..
Through their lens of Curiosity, Care and Courage, Anni and Lucy invite Ali to share how she works with leaders and teams to reimagine what’s possible. They discuss her belief that creativity is magic, and that this magic is essential. Not separate from strategy or systems, but central to how we create the conditions for collaboration and find our Collaborative Edge™.
In conversation with Anni and Lucy, Ali reflects on:Ali is the founder of Creative Oxygen™, where she partners with mission-led organisations to bring fresh thinking, deeper connection, and purposeful action into leadership and collaboration. Her work spans sectors - from business to education to health - and is grounded in a belief that creativity is one of the most powerful tools we have for change.
Connect with Ali:
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is produced by Brown Bear Studios, with marketing support from SHMOGUS Media and Penny Writing.
Please share, rate, and subscribe - and continue exploring how curiosity, care and courage can lead us to more creative, collaborative leadership.
Explore more at www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Kat Parsons, Group Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Centrica
Together we explore:
Kat’s three encouragements to invite you to explore your Collaborative Edge™:
About Kat:
Kat is the Group Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Centrica, a thought leader who has experience driving company wide cultural change and inclusion where all colleagues feel they belong - Every Colleague Counts: Powering Inclusion: Fuelling Change.
Kat’s passion and drive for change led her to join the Fellowship of Leaders, appear on the HIVE Top 75 D&I leads in EMEA and the WiTHL Women to Watch list, The Pride Power List is 2023 and 2024 as well as multiple Head of D&I Awards. Kat’s work supported ISS receiving a highly Commended commendation at the European Diversity Awards.
Connect and collaborate with Kat:
On LinkedIn
On Instagram
Learn about Centrica : https://www.linkedin.com/company/centrica/
Learn about Work Boutique : https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-boutique/
In this conversation we referenced Diversity Umbrella and Meno vests
Thank you to you, the listener and viewer. And a huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, to SHMOGUS Media and Pennywriting for the marketing of it.
Please share, subscribe and continue to join us in Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Barrie Millett, Security and Resilience Leader, Crisis Management Expert, Collaboration Champion, Mitie.
Together we explore:
Barrie’s three encouragements to invite you to explore your Collaborative Edge™:
Connect and collaborate with Barrie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barriejm/
Learn about Mitie : https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitie/
Learn about the Royal Marines Charity : https://www.linkedin.com/company/thermcharity/posts/?feedView=all
In this conversation we referenced the book Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton. Learn more about Chloe here: https://www.chloedalton.uk
Thank you to you, the listener and viewer.
And a huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, to SHMOGUS Media and Pennywriting for the marketing of it.
Please share, subscribe and continue to join us in Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Di Spindley, Head of Delivery for Technology at Currys and Amy Glynn of Hydrogen group.
Together we explore:
Di and Amy’s encouragements to invite you to explore your Collaborative Edge™:
ABOUT Di and Amy:
Di Spindley has worked in the Retail, Media & Entertainment sectors for 20yrs leading complex transformation programmes ranging from fashion, e-commerce, supply chain, infrastructure and digital. She is currently Head of Delivery at Currys and is passionate about E,D&I Chairing the Tech D&I committee and co-Chairs the Women’s Network.
Amy Glynn has worked in the technology sector for over 6 years, a large portion of this was in DEI ~ growing a global community and helping companies to hire more diversely across technology teams. She now works for Hydrogen Group adding all this experience to workforce solutions for technology clients.
Connect and collaborate with Di and Amy:
LinkedIn: Di Spindley
LinkedIn: Amy Glynn
Learn about Currys and Hydrogen Group:
LinkedIn: Currys
LinkedIn: Hydrogen Group
Thank you to you, the listener and viewer. And a huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, and to SHMOGUS MEDIA for the marketing of it.
Please do share and subscribe to join us next time on Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Jatin Patel, Inclusion & Diversity Director at England Rugby, the governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England.
Together we explore:
Jatin’s three encouragements to invite more people to find their Collaborative Edge™:
ABOUT JATIN:
Jatin has spent 15 years working in the inclusion and social equality space. With a focus on inclusion first – adapting behaviours, decision-making, and ways of working to develop cultures which allow diversity to flourish – Jatin has driven impactful and sustained change in a multitude of sectors. This includes developing policy positions on behalf of charities working to improve education and employment outcomes for young people from low-income backgrounds, embedding systemic focus on social mobility at KPMG UK, to designing and delivering international staff engagement programmes at DLA Piper.
Jatin is presently the Inclusion and Diversity Director at the Rugby Football Union and a member of the organisation’s Leadership Team. In this role, Jatin’s strategic focus is on the improving the experiences and representation of under-represented groups participating across the grassroots and elite end of the game, embedding inclusion into leadership structures in rugby, working with commercial partners to establish collaborative approaches to scaling inclusion and diversity ambitions, and evolving the organisation’s employee life cycle. Outside of Rugby, Jatin is a Non-Executive Director at Sussex County Cricket Club.
Connect and collaborate with Jatin Patel:
LinkedIn: Jatin Patel
Learn about England Rugby: www.englandrugby.com
Thank you to you, the listener and viewer. And a huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, and to SHMOGUS MEDIA for the marketing of it.
Please do share, and reshare and subscribe to our podcast Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their collaborative edge. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with James Renwick, Recast Coaching Ltd.. Recast Coaching offers a space to reframe your thoughts, renew your energy and reimagine your future; and Tony Spong Lead Consultant at AAR. AAR works with brands to design marketing ecosystems, building inspiring partnerships and driving commercial performance.
Together we explore:
Four of Tony and James’s encouragements to invite more people to find their Collaborative Edge™:
To connect and collaborate with Tony Spong, and James Renwick do follow them on LinkedIn.
During our conversation we mention the following references:
Nancy Kline’s book - A Time to Think
Accenture Song’s research on the Life Trends 2025 and Social rewilding
Please do share, reshare and subscribe to our podcast Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
Thank you to you, the listener and viewer. And a huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, and to SHMOGUS MEDIA for the marketing of it.
Intro music:
Late at Night by Sakura Girl | https://soundcloud.com/sakuragirl_official
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Welcome to Finding Your Collaborative Edge™, hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd.
This short introductory explainer invites you into the heart of our work—helping leaders, teams, and professionals live and lead with more curiosity, care, and courage.
🔶 Why psychological safety matters in collaboration
🔶 How meaningful connection is built before you’re even in the room
🔶 The role of intention and behaviour in leadership
🔶 The beginnings of our Collaboration Equation™
We created this podcast to help you unlock new ways of working, foster inclusive dialogue, and find your own Collaborative Edge™.
🔗 Learn more at: www.collaborationequation.com
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In our conversation with Emma Edwards, CEO of Spotlight Young Onset Parkinson’s and Dawn Harding Trustee of Spotlight YOPD we explore:
Emma and Dawn’s key encouragements to finding your Collaborative Edge:
Find out more about Spotlight YOPD:
Go to their website, Spotlight YOPD; follow them on LinkedIn, and follow both Emma Edwards and Dawn Harding on LinkedIn. They would love to connect with and to collaborate with you. Dawn especially is on the hunt for people to share their skills with the charity. Also do follow Gaynor Edwards founder and former CEO of Spotlight who shares her experience of YOPD and regularly posts on LinkedIn.
They also have a fantastic Spotlight YOPD Facebook page, and a closed group. In addition Carl Beech the CEO of Spotlight YOPD is very active on TikTok.
Please do share and subscribe to our podcast Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
Huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, SHMOGUS MEDIA for the marketing of it, and to you for listening.
Hello, and welcome to the second Collaboration Equation™ episode in Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd.
Today’s guest is Somya Agrawal, Leader, Collaborator and Motivator and the title of our conversation is Finding your Collaborative Edge™.
Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories, and in our Collaboration Equation™ episodes their experience of collaborating and how they find their Collaborative Edge™ to encourage you to bring even more curiosity, care and courage to your leadership.
If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In our conversation we talk about the application of Collaboration Equation™ and Somya shares her experience of collaboration and offers valuable insights into:
1. Bringing two teams together to get to know each other, to be able to have an open conversation, and how this fast tracks success.
2. Connecting through being vulnerable in sharing her experience of hearing loss and how this has created meaningful connection with others.
3. Creating psychological safety that invites people to give and ask for help, getting what we need from each other and caring about each other.
4. Building trust through being human and authentic with colleagues.
5. Meeting people where they are at, and making time for everyone to have a voice, and for different thoughts and feelings to be heard.
6. Creating a culture of care and connection whether working online or in person.
To connect, follow and find out more about Somya:
LinkedIn: Somya Agrawal
Instagram: @somyaagr
To listen to more Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend visit my website www.annitownend.com
A big thank you to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design and marketing of the podcast and to Tom at Brown Bear Studios for the excellent production of this episode.
To contact Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd do email us on [email protected] and [email protected], or via our dedicated email address [email protected]
To explore more about how to find your Collaborative Edge™, visit our website www.collaborationequation.com, subscribe to our fortnightly Leadership Conversations and follow us on LinkedIn Collaboration Equation™.
We look forward to connecting and collaborating with you, thank you for listening.
From the publisher's feed