Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Marina Robertson, who is the Owner and Founder of BERKANO Consulting. Marina shares how her love for learning, her journey from Greece, and years in construction shaped her business. She talks about leadership, building confidence, and helping others grow with the right tools.

Marina isn’t just a founder; she’s focused on helping future leaders grow. Her journey from Greece to Group MD shaped her mission with Berkano. By sharing tools from real-world experience, she proves that learning, purpose, and courage can turn career changes into a powerful way to guide and support others.

She spent over 20 years in the built environment before starting Berkano to help leaders grow their impact. Her tools share real lessons on strategy, people, and change. With a passion for learning and purpose, she turns deep experience into clear support that helps others lead better, feel confident, and build strong careers.

Key Takeaways:

• Marina’s journey from public sector leader to founder.
• Simple tools that help leaders make better decisions.
• How lifelong learning shaped her growth.
• Facing fears and building confidence in public speaking.
• Leading with purpose to help others grow.

Additional Insights:

• How Marina’s tools support leaders with real-world challenges.
• Lessons from shifting careers after decades in leadership.
• The role of strategy models like the Balanced Scorecard.
• Why structure and purpose matter in leadership.
• Embracing change to build something meaningful.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Life is to be lived - and whatever that looks like for you.” - Marina Robertson
• “Everything you learn, unless you apply it, doesn’t become part of you.” - Marina Robertson
• “You create neural pathways by doing - not just by thinking.” - Marina Robertson

Join Marina Robertson as she shares how leadership tools, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven work are helping future leaders grow their impact, gain confidence, and lead with clarity.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[02:01] - Intro & Guest Welcome

[02:50] - Why Marina Started Berkano

[07:02] - Her Passion for the Built Environment

[12:45] - Greek Roots and the Search for Freedom

[17:40] - Are Founders Wired Differently? Psychology and Risk

[21:21] - Tackling Tough Roles & Lifelong Studying

[25:44] - Lessons from the MBA & Balanced Scorecard

[35:28] - Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

[41:10] - Future of Work, AI, and Purposeful Living

[49:38] - Building “Leadership Hardware” for Leaders

[53:48] - Reflections, Gratitude, and Staying Connected

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

• Marina Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-robertson-mba-mrics-fcmi-6b531312/ 
• Croydon Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/croydon-council/ 
• BERKANO Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/berkano-consulting/ 

Websites:   

• Croydon Council: http://www.croydon.gov.uk/ 
• BERKANO Consulting: https://berkanaconsultinggroup.com/ 

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnalowen/ 
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-engine-growth/ 
• Website: https://www.theengine.uk/ 
• Email: [email protected]