In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Hayden Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Unlock, about building a social enterprise dedicated to helping young people access opportunities, develop confidence, and achieve their potential. 

Hayden shares how a youth programme inspired him to launch Unlock at just 16, the lessons he's learned leading a growing organisation, and why mentorship, social mobility, and real-world experience are so important for the next generation.

What does it really take to make sure someone’s voice is heard? 

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Dan Taylor sits down with John Wheeler, CEO of Advocacy for All, for a conversation about leadership, but more importantly, people. 

John talks through his journey in a very down-to-earth way — from growing up in the Cotswolds, to travelling, working in community roles, and slowly finding his way into advocacy and leadership without ever really having a straight plan. Along the way, he shares the moments that shaped him, the mistakes he’s learned from, and why curiosity has played such a big part in how he leads today. 

They also get into what advocacy really means in practice — supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, navigating complex systems, and why listening properly is often harder (and more important) than it sounds. 

At the heart of it, this is a conversation about trust, responsibility, and the idea that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about making space for other people’s voices. 

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with David Sollis, Chief Executive Officer of South East and Central Essex Mind, about community-led approaches to mental health and what effective leadership looks like in the charity sector. David shares his career journey across the public and third sector, including senior leadership roles in health, youth services, and mental health organisations. 

He also discusses the challenges facing mental health services today, and why stronger community connections are key to improving support and outcomes for people. Tune in to hear a thoughtful and practical conversation on mental health services, leadership, and the power of community to change lives.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal of The Sheffield College, about her journey from Vice Principal to CEO and what stepping into senior leadership in further education really involves. Angela reflects on moving into the CEO role without certainty, and the realities of leading a large FE college through periods of change, inspection, and organisational challenge. She shares honest insights into the early pressures of the role, building the right leadership team, and the importance of creating a strong, student-focused culture. She also discusses the wider value of further education, from transforming student confidence and opportunity to working closely with employers to prepare young people for the world of work.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Acorns Children’s Hospice, about his route into hospice leadership and what the role involves. Trevor discusses the realities of running a children’s hospice, including financial pressure, complex decision-making, and the responsibility that comes with leading a large care organisation. 

He also talks about children’s hospice care in practice, from supporting families to creating meaningful moments for children and their loved ones. A straightforward, honest conversation about leadership, care, and the impact of doing work that really matters.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Pablo Lloyd OBE, author, entrepreneur, and ethical business leader, to explore the true meaning of purpose in business. Pablo shares his journey from finance to education and social impact, and how personal experiences led him to write The Financial Times Guide to Business Ethics.

We unpack why ethics should be operational, not aspirational, how trust has become the most valuable currency in modern organisations, and real‑world examples of leaders putting purpose into practice. Whether you’re stepping into leadership, building a business, or thinking about the impact you want to make, this conversation will challenge how you think about success and responsibility.

📘 Purchase Pablo’s book today, The Financial Times Guide to Business Ethics: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Financial-Times-Guide-Business-Ethics/dp/1292752513

In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, we sit down with Mark Smith, who went from being one of Ada College’s first students to now shaping its programs as part of the staff team. Mark shares his journey of growth, resilience, and the full-circle moments that define his story. 

We talk about Ada’s growth from a single sixth form to a multi-region college, the challenges of tech education, and how Mark approaches leadership, social purpose, and turning ideas into real opportunities.

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.