IPI Insights

“All you need to do is gently steer. You are the core and everything is coming to you.” – William Thomson

In this powerful episode, adventurer, sailor, author, and speaker, William Thomson, shares his Wayfinder Philosophy: a nautical navigation-inspired roadmap of the four essential secrets to directing your life and leadership with purpose. Drawing on personal stories, expeditionary challenges, and business case studies, William reveals how to face unpredictability, connect with core values, and live in the moment in both professional and personal spheres – all whilst using the the ocean as the grounding force.

“Take your passion and make it happen.” – Claire Mould

How do you lead not just with strategy, but with emotional intelligence? In this episode, Claire Mould – IPI Academy speaker and seasoned leader with three decades’ experience across public, corporate, and charitable sectors – sits down with Ella to unpack both the art and science of compassionate leadership.

You’ll hear Claire draw on her work in neuroscience (emotionalvs. cognitive intelligence), her years as a CEO, and herconsultancy practice to explore three core themes:

• Why emotionally intelligent leadership isn’t “soft” – and how it drives growth

• How organisations can embed wellbeing into culture, not just as a buzzword
• Real-world stories of transformation and the challenges of leading with heart

Whether you’re an executive, manager, HR professional, orsimply someone who cares about work that works – this episode balances insight and inspiration, evidence and empathy, theory and practice.

For Claire's full range of courses with us, please click here.

“If you can help someone tomorrow, help them today.” – Graham Howieson

In this fascinating episode, Graham Howieson, the patient-centric specialist, joins Ella from IPI Academy for a wide-ranging conversation on his journey into the industry, his thoughts on technology in pharma and how the correct packaging can save lives. Drawing on his 30+ years working with global leaders like GSK, AstraZeneca and Sanofi, this episode will be truly fascinating for anyone in the pharma industry.

For Graham's full range of exciting course with us, please click here.

“Remember the 3Cs – clarity, constant learning and connection.” – Clare Hole

What can high-performance sports teach us about leadership, mindset, and resilience? In this illuminating podcast chat, Clare Hole – Cambridge-educated scientist, former international dressage athlete, and Cambridge University rower oj 2024's winning boat race team – joins us to trace her journey across equestrian arenas and the River Cam.

In conversation with Ella, Clare reveals three core threads that weave through both sport and leadership:

• The discipline and mental stamina required at the top levels of horse riding and rowing
• How she transitioned from elite athlete to scientist and leader, applying performance principles off the track and water

• Lessons in teamwork, goal-setting, and accountability drawn from sport that transform how organisations perform

Whether you’re curious about peak performance, leadership under pressure, or the role of teamwork in international sport – this episode offers stories, practical takeaways, and a fresh lens on what’s possible when grit meets purpose!

"Open doors. Have a look inside. And if you like it, step in and have a go!” – Dr. David Bryon

In this episode, Dr. David Bryon, former Managing Director of the bmibaby airline and expert in creative business strategy, joins Ella from IPI Academy for an engaging discussion on how innovators and entrepreneurs can unlock new revenue streams. Together, they explore both practical and transferrable strategies; case studies from his extensive career; and actionable insights that go beyond traditional business thinking. David also discusses his new book on the geological history of Britain, designed to inspire more people to get into geology.

This episode is perfect for business professionals seeking to explore innovative and future-facing pricing models.

To view David's upcoming courses with us, please click here.

“Copyright protects the expression of ideas – not the ideas themselves.” — Mark Weston

What does it really take to protect, manage, and monetise creative work in music, film, and TV? In this special interview, expert lawyer and IPI Academy speaker, Mark Weston, sits down with Ella, IPI Academy team member and musician, for an engaging conversation covering three essential areas: the foundations of copyright, the role of collecting societies, and the practical realities of licensing music for business use.

From untangling legal complexities to sharing real-world examples, Mark brings the law to life for creatives, businesses, and legal professionals alike – while Ella draws on her own experience as a musician to bring her own perspective from inside the creative industry.

To find out more about Mark's Media & Entertainment Law courses with us, please click here.

For his full range of legal courses, click here.

"Winning starts with your next step – not your end goal.” – Ed Jordan

What does it mean to "walk in winning"? In our first episode, renowned musician, broadcaster, and business coach Ed Jordan brings us his earlier IPI Academy keynote to our podcast.

Blending storytelling, science, and practical inspiration, Ed will help you build confidence, navigate change, and lead with clarity.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

• Cultivate confidence as a skill, not a personality trait

• Use visualisation and belief to shape your mindset and direction

• Improve mental resilience through physical care and daily habits

• Take bold action without waiting for permission or perfection

• Inspire positive change in yourself and the people around you

Perfect for:

• Managers and leaders facing change

• Professionals seeking more clarity and energy

• Teams needing a fresh, motivational spark

• Anyone ready to rewrite their mindset and “walk in winning”