Mark Yeeles switches from host to interviewee for his last podcast in the chair before handing over to Kristin Baker.

In this special edition of the podcast, guest host Maz Hussein turns the tables on Mark to find out about his own inspirations, what he’s learned as a leader, and his highlights from recording the podcast over the past two years.

This week Mark is joined by Dr Graham Herries, Chair of the IETs Innovation and skills panel.

They discuss what makes Graham tick as a leader and his unique journey to becoming a leading thinker and practitioner on digitalisation topics in industry. Graham speaks about the importance of mentorship, how to develop skills, working in teams, and the value of diversity within teams.

Graham also offers his advice to aspiring leaders in industry and reflects on the advice he’d give his younger self and how it would have smoothed some of the more challenging moments in his career.

This week Mark is joined by Steve Brambley, the Chief Executive of GAMBICA, the trade association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology in the UK.

They discuss Steve’s own journey to becoming a leader, his influences that shaped him as a person and shaped his career. They also chat about how diversity and inclusion can help overcome the challenges faced by modern industry and how to create an environment in which all people can thrive.

Steve also offers his advice to aspiring leaders in industry and reflects on the advice he’d give his younger self.

This week Mark is joined by Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, CEO & Founder of Primary Engineer.

Susan and the team she leads believe that every child should be able to achieve and that engineering skills provide the core skills and experience to do that.

She joins Mark to talk about her vision, that with the right influence, children from a very early age will aspire to become designers and makers - the engineers of the future.

They discuss the importance of the skills needed in the sector and how to identify and encourage those who show potential signs of promise for a career in the engineering sector.

In this week’s episode we are joined by John Bailey, Founder of SolutionsPT – Industrial IT. He talks to Mark about his journey in setting up his IT Solutions business for the industrial world. Talking about the importance of mentorship, work/life balance and continuous development.

They also discuss the Future of Industrial Automation software discussing; How can we help people make the most out of automation, and how can we facilitate the biggest challenge, of changing the culture to maximise adoption.

This week’s guest is Rhonda Doyle, Senior Director of Field Services Operations for UK&I. In this episode we dispel the myth that you can’t change industries. Rhonda joined Schneider Electric from eBay in 2020, She talks to Mark Yeeles about the steps that she took when deciding to make a change in industry.

Uncovering the importance of a strong but open interview process and an open attitude to the risk that comes with change. Rhonda also gives advice on how to build a strong foundational network in the early days of starting a new role.

This week Mark Yeeles is joined by employees from Jones Foods Company; Romy Wilkin, Justin Au and Hannah Hobhouse join us to discuss the different paths they have taken and how these differing journeys were influenced.

Discussing the importance of attracting young talent in to emerging industries and some of the challenges that young people face in today’s world when trying to determine their career path.

How can we support the younger generations to help make these large decisions that will scope not only their futures but the future of industry?

This week’s guest is Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE. In this episode we discuss the changing landscape of innovation in the agricultural & horticultural industry. Looking at the role of different technologies that support productivity, profitability and sustainability, and if these technologies are impacting the traditional methodology of farming.

Belinda also gives us an insight into where the idea for Agri-TechE first came from, and how they are working to make a difference, changing the different type of job roles that are available within the agricultural & horticultural industry to attract new and emerging talent.

Chris Collins, Country President, Schneider Electric Ireland joins Mark Yeeles to discuss their own drive to become business leaders and answer the question are leaders built or are they born?

Covering the leadership mindset, how to be a better mentor and coach and the importance of putting people first.

Moving over from the US to Ireland in 2021, Chris plays a vital role in directing the next phase of growth and strategy in the country and is a seasoned business leader with over 17 years’ experience.

This month’s guest is James Lloyd-Jones, the CEO and Founder of the Jones Food Company. Jones Food Company (JFC) whose current growing capacity of 1,200T making them Europe’s largest operating vertical farm, growing the freshest produce in a sustainable way.

James joins me to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, talking about the how his experience in sales helped him to build lasting business relationships and the importance of these relationships now. We also talk about the formula for building the right team for success and selecting the right partnerships for business.