In this powerful and profoundly moving episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe speaks with journalist, advocate, and changemaker Sophie Dow—whose life has been defined not only by global headlines and celebrity interviews, but by a deeply personal mission to reframe how society understands neurodiversity.

Sophie shares the remarkable journey that took her from the newsrooms of Swedish television to the glittering world of film star interviews in London, and ultimately to the founding of Mindroom, a charity dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. Born of love and necessity following the birth of her daughter Annie—who lives with a rare neurological profile now known as “Annie’s Syndrome”—Mindroom has become Sophie’s third child and life’s calling.

With grace, humour, and unwavering conviction, Sophie reflects on the challenges of navigating an often unsympathetic system, the transformative power of listening, and the urgent need for societal change. Together, Marlene and Sophie explore what it means to lead with empathy, the importance of inclusive narratives, and why dignity must be at the heart of every conversation about difference.

This episode is both a tribute to the power of personal resolve and a clarion call for a kinder, more compassionate world. It’s about journalism and justice, science and spirit—and the quiet but unshakable belief that every life deserves to be understood, celebrated, and loved.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe interviews Richard Scaife, a director at the Keil Centre, who shares his journey from aspiring pilot to psychologist. Richard discusses his early interest in psychology, the importance of human factors in various industries, and his experiences in occupational psychology. He emphasises the significance of understanding human behaviour in safety and performance improvement, as well as the challenges of leadership and the balance between personal and professional life.

In this engaging conversation, Richard and Marlene explore the complexities of personal and business identity, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating modern challenges. They discuss fostering creativity and psychological safety within organisations, the potential for life beyond Earth, and the significance of building trust while embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The dialogue emphasises the need for leaders to unlock hidden talents within their teams and adapt to the evolving landscape of work.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe interviews Rosemary Eribé, founder of Eribé Knitwear. Rosemary shares her journey from a naive graduate to a successful entrepreneur in the textile industry. She discusses the challenges she faced starting her business, the importance of education and mentorship, and her vision for creating beautiful knitwear that honours Scottish heritage. Rosemary emphasises the significance of understanding customer needs and adapting to change in business, reflecting on her proudest moments and achievements along the way.

In this conversation, Marlene and Rosemary explore the themes of embracing opportunities, resilience in the face of challenges, and the importance of creativity and imagination in business. They discuss the unexpected pivots in Rosemary's career, the balance between boundaries and creativity, and the significance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. The conversation highlights the joy that can be created through business and the need for personal expression in fashion.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, host Marlene Lowe interviews Ken Thompson, a recently retired principal of Forth Valley College. Ken shares his fascinating journey from aspiring animal behaviourist to a leader in education, discussing his innovative approaches to leadership, the importance of creating a culture of innovation, and his experiences engaging with staff and students.

He emphasises the significance of belief in leadership and the need for collaboration across disciplines to foster creative learning initiatives. In this engaging conversation, Ken Thomson shares his innovative approaches to health and safety training, emphasising the importance of real-world experience for students. He discusses the significance of passion in job interviews and the need to streamline bureaucracy in education.

Ken introduces his 'Pandas' initiative aimed at identifying and eliminating unnecessary processes while also highlighting the importance of empowerment and responsibility in leadership. He reflects on the value of learning from experience, taking risks, and the role of innovative projects in education. The discussion also touches on leadership lessons, the importance of reflection and journaling, and Ken's fulfilling life after retirement.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe and Claire Winskill engage with Joanne Alday, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Port of Cromarty Firth. The conversation explores various themes of leadership, particularly focusing on the evolution of leadership styles, the importance of authenticity, and the dynamics of gender in leadership roles.

Joanne shares her experiences in a male-dominated industry, the significance of supportive networks among women, and her journey in inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in green industries.

The discussion also touches on non-traditional career paths and the value of diverse experiences in professional development. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences with education, professional development, and the challenges of leadership. They explore the importance of in-person learning, overcoming exam anxiety, and the impact of imposter syndrome.

The discussion also delves into governance in organisations, the challenges faced in the third sector, and the significance of qualified directors. Additionally, they reflect on the appeal of living in the Highlands and the importance of connecting with nature.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe speaks with Cameron McCready, Chief Executive at Homestar Aberdeen. They discuss Cameron's extensive experience in the third sector, the importance of addressing stigma around seeking help, and the pressing issue of poverty affecting families in Aberdeen. Cameron shares insights on how social isolation impacts parents of young children and emphasises the need for community support and resilience-building initiatives.

The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of various social issues and the importance of grassroots efforts to create meaningful change. In this conversation, Cameron discusses the multifaceted challenges individuals and families face, emphasising the importance of prevention and early intervention in addressing these issues. He highlights the economic sense of supporting those in need before they reach a crisis point.

Cameron also shares insights into his leadership style, the value of volunteering, and the impact of lived experiences on his approach to leadership. The discussion touches on the significance of recognising when to seek help and the importance of community support while also addressing the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among leaders.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene and Catherine discuss the Institute of Directors' focus on its three pillars: connect, develop, and influence. They reflect on the past year's achievements, including the addition of over 220 new members and the successful delivery of numerous events.

The conversation also highlights the importance of the State of the Nation survey in shaping policy discussions and amplifying members' voices in the political landscape. In this conversation, Catherine and Marlene discuss the embedding of entrepreneurial skills in education, the insights from the State of the Nation report, and the preparations for the upcoming Scottish elections. They delve into the Chartered Director Program and its impact on leadership development, the expansion of educational opportunities in Scotland, and the importance of professional development for members.

The conversation emphasizes the value of membership benefits and the need for ongoing engagement with members to shape future directions.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe interviews Lucinda Godfrey, the Chief Executive of ACOSVO. They discuss Lucinda's journey in leadership, her evolving perspective on what it means to be a leader, and the importance of authenticity and creativity in leadership roles. Lucinda shares her passion for empowering young voices and her commitment to social justice. The conversation also delves into the challenges of leadership, the significance of self-care, and the new strategic plan for voluntary sector leaders, emphasising the need for resilience, influence, and trust in the sector.

In this conversation, Marlene Lowe and Sam Sheppard delve into the complexities of introversion, exploring its neurobiological underpinnings, societal perceptions, and the challenges introverts face in the workplace.

Sam shares her journey of understanding introversion and the importance of recognising and supporting introverted individuals in corporate environments. The discussion emphasises the need for a shift in workplace culture to value introverted traits and create inclusive environments that cater to diverse personality types.

In this conversation, Sam and Marlene delve into the challenges faced by introverted employees in the workplace, discussing the biases that often lead to their voices being overlooked. They explore the importance of understanding introversion, the impact of workplace culture on mental health, and the need for organisations to adapt to the diverse needs of their employees. The discussion also highlights successful introverts and the role of labels in fostering self-awareness, as well as the complexities of intersectionality in the workplace.

Join Catherine McWilliam and Marlene Lowe as we welcome the festive seasons and set you up for what to expect in 2025.