Diversity delivers value.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte Otter talks to Barbara Salopek - Founder & CEO of Vinco Innovation, TEDx speaker, lecturer at BI Norwegian Business School, board member, and author of Future Fit Innovation - to unpack a powerful leadership truth: the very things that make you different can become your biggest advantage.

Barbara, Croatian-born and Norway-based, challenges the modern obsession with innovation shortcuts. She argues that real, sustainable innovation isn’t delivered by a single workshop or the latest fashionable framework. It’s built by doing the deeper work: understanding individuals, how they form teams, and how teams operate inside organisations shaped by technology, markets, and society. Her three-level lens makes innovation feel less like hype and more like a capability leaders can intentionally grow.

A standout theme is the link between diversity and psychological safety. Barbara makes the case that diversity can’t deliver value if people don’t feel safe enough to speak. When the loudest voices dominate and everyone else goes quiet, organisations end up with echo chambers, weak decisions, and missed customer insight. Her memorable analogy lands the point: we don’t expect everyone to wear the same shoe size - so why would we design one-size-fits-all products, solutions, or cultures?

The conversation also explores Barbara’s leadership journey: learning under pressure early in her career, developing a practical, action-oriented style, and navigating cultural differences between direct Croatian communication and more conflict-avoidant Norwegian norms. Barbara shares what it took to write Future Fit Innovation alongside full-time work - including reviewing 50–60 scientific articles - and why she ultimately enjoyed the process more than she expected. Follow Barbara on LinkedIn · Buy Barbara's book · Barbara and her work · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Just because I feel it, doesn't make it true.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to Susan Ní Chríodáin - facilitator, leadership coach, podcaster, and award-winning author of Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work - to unpack what happens when we stop pretending work is purely rational.

Susan shares a deceptively simple idea with massive consequences: our brains predict what’s about to happen next, and we often treat those predictions (and the emotions that follow) as facts. But just because my brain thinks it, it doesn’t make it true - and the same goes for feelings. Charlotte and Susan explore how workplace assumptions harden into permanent impressions, why personal responsibility is the antidote to reactive leadership, and how a shift from empathy-as-assumption to compassion-as-curiosity can transform relationships, performance, and trust.

They talk body budgeting (sleep, movement, hydration), the grind of book marketing, the danger of outsourcing self-worth to external validation, and the leadership liberation that comes from three words: “I don’t know.”

This is one of those episodes that lands in both head and heart — neuroscience with warmth, strategy with humanity, and a clear call to build leadership cultures where every voice counts.

What you’ll learn:

* Why your brain’s predictions can sabotage workplace relationships (and how to change them)

* The “accounting for emotions” model: a balance sheet for energy, identity, and sustainability

* Why Susan prefers compassion over empathy — and the question that changes everything

* How body budgeting (sleep, movement, breaks) impacts performance and decision-making

* The leadership power move hiding in plain sight: admitting you don’t know Follow Susan on LinkedIn · Learn more about Susan's work · Buy Susan's book · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

What happens when a company becomes employee-owned?

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte Otter sits down with Eithne Devine-Hynes, CEO of DeltaXignia, to unpack the leadership and cultural shift that comes with becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Eithne explains why becoming an EOT is not a switch you flip, but a story you have to bring to life through governance, education, transparency, and culture. She explains the practical structure behind EOTs, including trustees and quarterly governance rhythms.

On leadership: Eithne’s most formative training came from leading large projects without authority, learning how to win buy-in through clarity, metrics, and mission rather than hierarchy. She also offers a powerful reframing of diversity as diversity of thought and argues that employee ownership could play a role in tackling long-term wealth imbalance by keeping value inside communities.

Eithne’s advice for emerging leaders is clear and energising: be yourself, stay authentic, and don’t dim your light for anyone.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

* What an Employee Ownership Trust is and how it works in practice

* Why culture is the heartbeat of employee-owned companies

* How financial transparency helps employees think and act like owners

* The underrated leadership superpower of leading without authority

* How to challenge outdated leadership archetypes with authenticity

This is a thoughtful exploration with an insightful leader of how employee ownership, culture, and authentic leadership come together to create businesses where people don’t just work for success, they collectively own it. Follow Eithne on LinkedIn · Read Eithne's story · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

How a defence analyst became a reinvention coach.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte talks with coach, speaker, and author Katia Vlachos about what it really means to become uncaged as a leader and as a human.

Katia shares her journey from high-flying defence analyst to reinvention coach and author of A Great Move and Uncaged: A Good Girl’s Journey to Reinvention. She explains how invisible cages like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice quietly shape our careers and relationships – and how learning to self-validate, rather than chasing external approval, changes everything.

Together, Charlotte and Katia explore:

* How to spot your own cages and start breaking free

* Why reinvention is never starting from scratch, but building bridges from what you already know

* The link between purpose, self love, and true authority

* Katia’s idea of uncaged leadership – leading from deep self awareness, integrity, and inner security

* Why vulnerability, feedback, and inner work are non-negotiable for modern leaders

Katia closes with three powerful tips for emerging leaders: do the inner work, become your own secure base, and be a secure base for others so they can take risks and grow.

Also there's a shout-out to one of Charlotte's favourite authors and podcasters, Glennon Doyle.

If you care about reinvention, personal growth, and building a more humane style of leadership, this conversation will land with you. Follow Katia on LinkedIn · Katia's website · Buy Uncaged here · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Building the future of social impact.

In this episode, host Charlotte Otter talks with Zoë Colosimo, a founding member and Chief Operating Officer at Neighbourly, the UK platform connecting big brands with local communities. Neighbourly helps companies turn brand purpose into real-world impact through volunteering, grants, and redistribution of surplus food and products – delivering more than £1.7 billion in social value and over 270 million meals across the UK and Ireland.

Zoë shares how corporate social responsibility has moved from the edge of business to its heart, driven by ESG, reputation, and rising expectations from employees and customers. She explains how Neighbourly’s data shines a light on what every neighbourhood needs, and how partnerships with companies like Microsoft are tackling digital poverty through AI skills training for community organisations and the people they support.

Breaking news: Since this episode was recorded, Zoë, the Neighbourly team and other advocates (convened by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)), celebrated the announcement in the 2026 Budget that the British government will introduce VAT relief on qualifying business donations of goods to charity. As Zoë says, this is a game changer for business, the charity sector, and channeling excess products to those in need instead of letting them go to waste.

Charlotte and Zoë also explore:

• Why trust, social justice, and equitable communities sit at the centre of Zoë’s leadership

• How AI can both widen and close inequality gaps – and why diverse groups must help shape it

• Practical ways leaders can stay resilient, positive, and principled in an AI-led world

• Why local causes boost the reputation of the businesses that back them

This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, communicators, impact investors, and anyone who believes business should be a force for good. Follow Zoë on LinkedIn · Learn more about Neighbourly · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Exploring the art, craft, and science of story with two experts.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte welcomes David Pullan and SarahJane McKechnie, who are actors turned coaches, authors, and co-founders of The Story Spotters. Their journey began in a rehearsal room, grew into a love story, and eventually evolved into a business where they now help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection.

With clients across industries, David and Sarah-Jane teach leaders how to use storytelling to cut through noise, win attention, and bring ideas to life. Together they’ve written two books: The DNA of Engagement and their latest release, The Art of the Unignorable Email, helping professionals communicate in ways that spark action, not delete buttons.

Charlotte, Sarah Jane and David talk about:

* Why stories activate the brain and make ideas memorable

* The secret to communicating in overwhelmed workplaces

* The real dynamics of building a business, writing books, and staying married

* Lessons learned from leaders they’ve coached across industries and continents

* Why listening, presence, curiosity and generosity matter more than volume or status

This episode is full of humour, humanity, and practical insights for anyone who wants to influence with integrity and communicate in a way that inspires.

If you’re a leader, communicator, coach, or simply someone who wants their ideas to be heard, you’ll love this one. Connect with David on LinkedIn · Connect with Sarah-Jane on LinkedIn · The Story Spotters · Buy their books · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

How your digital reputation opens possibilities.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks with Australian reputation strategist Roger Christie; founder of Propel and host of Your Digital Reputation. Together they explore how leaders can use platforms like LinkedIn to earn trust, amplify impact, and change outdated archetypes of leadership – especially for women and under-represented leaders.

Roger argues that your digital reputation is no longer a nice to have – it’s the gateway to opportunities, stakeholder trust, and commercial success. He explains why LinkedIn isn’t about vanity metrics or broadcast content, but about listening first, finding your tribe, and building high-trust relationships at scale.

Charlotte and Roger discuss:

* Why your online reputation often speaks louder than your offline one

* How to shift from thinking social media is superficial self-promotion to it's a critical business tool

* A CEO case study: from sceptic to confident, visible digital leader

* How women and leaders from diverse backgrounds can use digital channels to bypass traditional barriers

* Safety, trolls, and why opting out of digital spaces is actually the bigger risk

* Reinvention, purpose, and Roger’s Purpose Pyramid as a practical tool for emerging leaders

* Why the old navy-suit, loud, confident archetype of leadership is breaking down – and what’s replacing it

Roger also shares his own leadership journey, what it’s like to co-lead Propel with his wife Gemma, and the experiences around social media that shaped his thinking and their business.

If you’re an emerging or established leader who wants to build online visibility, protect your reputation, and lead as your whole self, this conversation will give you practical steps – and permission – to start showing up differently today. Follow Roger on LinkedIn · Propel · Your Digital Reputation Podcast · Subscribe to Roger's newsletter · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

PE teachers could run the world.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to award-winning entrepreneur and campaigner Antoinette Daniel — founder of Just Helpers, an ethical London cleaning agency on a mission to transform the cleaning industry.

Antoinette runs three businesses, has campaigned against modern slavery, and is a TEDx speaker. She believes business should create win–win–win situations for workers, clients, and the company. She shares how Just Helpers pays fairly, fights for better working conditions for cleaning staff, and challenges purpose-washing by showing what truly values-based leadership looks like in practice.

Antoinette also talks about her path from PE teacher to founder. She argues that great PE teachers could run the world: they learn to read the room, negotiate constantly, manage big budgets, and lead under pressure — all critical skills for entrepreneurship.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Antoinette’s philosophy of interdependence. Growing up in the UK care system, she learned to be radically self-reliant. In her TEDx talk, she challenges the cult of independence and makes the case for asking for help, building trust, and borrowing the metaphorical ladder from your neighbour. That shift — from “I must do it alone” to “we can do this together” — is at the heart of how she now leads.

We also explore inclusive leadership, reputation, and how emerging leaders can challenge discrimination.

If you care about ethical business, leadership that’s human, and building systems that help people thrive — this one is for you. Follow Antoinette on LinkedIn · Book Antoinette as a coach or speaker · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

How former MD Liz Bradford found purpose, resilience, and visibility.

In this powerful first episode of Season 2 of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to Liz Bradford, former MD and banking leader with an impressive career at HSBC, Merrill Lynch America, and SWIFT.

After hitting burnout, Liz rebuilt her life and leadership from the inside out — discovering how physical resilience and a renewed sense of purpose helped her not only recover, but thrive.

A self-confessed hardcore introvert, Liz shares how she rose to senior leadership by leaning into strategic visibility — becoming active in an Employee Resource Group for women, showcasing her transferable skills, and learning how to be seen for the impact she was already making.

She challenges the idea that visibility is selfish, reframing it as a key part of career growth:

“Being seen to be doing a good job is just as important as doing one.”

Liz also explores what it means to bring your whole self to work, warning against the energy drain of maintaining separate work and home personas. Her message is clear:

“Being yourself is more important than conforming and falling in line.”

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, self-promotion, or the pressure to fit in, this episode offers insight, empathy, and actionable wisdom from someone who’s been there — and rebuilt stronger. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn · Learn more about Liz's work · Watch this episode on YouTube · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders

Inclusion isn't optional.

'It is extremely vulnerable to show up to work as your whole self.'

Laurence Paquette is the head of marketing at Vestas in Denmark, a neurodivergent executive, queer mum, leadership coach, podcaster, and brand strategist.

She also produces short, no fluff videos on leadership, burnout, imposter syndrome, and navigating work as your full self.

These have earned her an audience of over 70,000 followers on TikTok and her thought leadership on LinkedIn has gained a following of 14,000 people. Her podcast, Original Minds, is about leadership for introverts, people who are neurodivergent, and non-traditional leaders.

In this episode with host Charlotte Otter, Laurence talks about her non-linear leadership journey, leading as an introvert, and breaking traditional leadership archetypes.

This is an episode with a leader who's living her diversity out loud, and shining a light on the path for others to do the same. Follow Laurence on LinkedIn · Laurence's website · Follow Laurence on TikTok · · Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn · Subscribe to Speech Bubbles the newsletter · Link to buy We Need New Leaders