Thoughtful Leadership from AMBITIOUS

In the season two finale of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura Lear speaks with Stuart Harrison, Founder and Director of FinTech West and Invest West, and one of the leading figures behind the South West's thriving fintech ecosystem.

With a background in high-growth technology businesses and startup leadership, Stuart has spent the past decade helping to build one of the UK's most vibrant fintech communities. Through FinTech West, he brings together founders, investors, financial institutions, academics and industry leaders to tackle challenges, support innovation and drive positive change across the region.

From Bristol's emergence as a fintech powerhouse to the opportunities and risks presented by AI, Stuart shares his perspective on the future of financial services, the importance of purpose-driven leadership and why collaboration remains one of the South West's greatest strengths.

In this episode, Laura & Stuart explore:

What fintech really means and why it's become an essential part of everyday life
How Bristol and the South West have developed into one of the UK's leading fintech hubs
The role of FinTech West in connecting people, solving problems and supporting innovation
The challenges facing fintech founders, from accessing funding to scaling beyond start-up stage
Why experienced advisers and non-executive directors can be critical to business growth
How fintech is helping tackle issues such as financial inclusion and social mobility
The opportunities and challenges AI presents for financial services and wider society
What purpose-led leadership looks like in fintech and technology businesses
To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In this episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura Lear speaks with Carmen Peacock, Head of Corporate Banking for Lloyds Bank, Chair of the CBI South West and a senior leader helping to shape the region’s economic future.

Originally from Romania, Carmen moved to the UK to study banking before building a career across some of the UK’s largest financial institutions. From working at the Bank of England during the financial crisis to leading national teams through the pandemic, her journey has been shaped by a consistent focus on creating value for businesses, communities and people.

Now based in the South West, Carmen brings a rare regional, national and board-level perspective to leadership. Through her role at Lloyds, her work with the CBI, and as a non-executive director with South West Investment Group, she has a unique view of how SMEs, scale-ups and large corporates are navigating growth, disruption and uncertainty.

In this episode, Laura & Carmen explore:

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram,& TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In this episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with Ruth Cousens, Founder and CEO of Thiscovery - a Cambridge University spin‑out transforming how organisations gather insight to design meaningful health and care innovation.

With a career spanning the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, the NHS, major charities, and Nesta’s social innovation ecosystem, Ruth brings rare cross‑sector experience to one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: how to truly understand the needs of patients, staff, and communities at scale.

Her leadership journey is rooted in values, purpose, and a deep belief in amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Moving from academia into startup life, Ruth has navigated funding, growth, and rapid change while building a culture grounded in pragmatism, empathy, and impact.

In this episode, Laura and Ruth explore:

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In this episode, host Laura Lear is joined by Emma Foster, Managing Director at Kohler Mira - the global business behind sector.-leading brands such as Mira Showers.

With a 20-year career at Kohler Mira, Emma has progressed through the organisation, building deep expertise and earning her leadership role through consistent performance, commitment, and impact. Her journey reflects a mindset of saying yes to opportunity - taking on new challenges, broadening her experience, and continuously raising the bar for herself and her teams.

In this open and engaging conversation, Emma reflects on the choices and experiences that have shaped her leadership journey. She shares thoughtful insights on backing yourself, staying curious, and maintaining momentum as responsibilities grow. Her story highlights that strong leadership isn’t about waiting until you feel “ready”, it’s about committing fully, learning continuously, and leading with purpose.

Laura and Emma discuss:

• How saying “yes” has helped accelerate Emma’s career
• Mira's people-first culture and the benefits this brings
• Building confidence while taking on bigger challenges
• Why attitude, energy, and collaboration are key leadership strengths
• The value of investing in people - both others and yourself

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In this episode, host Laura Lear sits down with Dr. Krish Ramdoo  - former ENT surgeon turned founder and CEO of Tympa Health, one of the UK’s fastest-growing health-tech companies.

Krish’s unusual path from operating theatre to boardroom has given him a rare blend of clinical expertise, commercial insight, and mission-driven leadership. What began as a problem he saw daily in the NHS - delayed access to ear and hearing care - has evolved into a global platform now supporting over 45,000 patients every month.

From raising millions in investment to scaling teams and expanding internationally, Krish has had to learn fast and lead differently. In this conversation, he shares what it really takes to transition from clinician to CEO, build a purpose-led organisation, and create lasting impact in a stretched healthcare system.

Laura and Krish explore:

• How “living the problem” inspired the creation of Tympa Health
• The transition from surgeon to business leader
• Why purpose, clarity, and storytelling are essential for scaling a health-tech company
• Lessons from raising investment and building high-performing teams
• The long-term vision for making ear and hearing care accessible worldwide

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

The Thoughtful Leadership Podcast is back! In this episode, host Laura Lear sits down with Sam Oliver, Creative Director and former Apple leader whose career spans some of the world’s top agencies, including Ogilvy, BBH, and Wieden+Kennedy - and one of the most influential brands on the planet.

At Apple, Sam helped shape the creative culture behind some of the most iconic product launches in tech history. Leading a cross-functional team of 18 creatives inside Apple’s in-house agency, he worked at the intersection of design, strategy, and global storytelling, managing creative ownership, collaboration, and speed at scale.

In this conversation, Sam shares what it takes to build and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Laura and Sam explore:

• What it’s really like to lead creative strategy inside Apple
• How to build high-performing teams in fast-paced environments
• Navigating ownership and ego in creative work
• Cultural contrasts between British and Silicon Valley leadership
• Why speed, trust, and clarity are vital to creative success

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

Welcome to season two of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS! In this series, we continue to explore the challenges that today’s leaders face when leading a business—and what it takes to be a thoughtful leader.

We'll be talking to a host of individuals from a range of organisations and sectors including founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. Together, we’ll dig deeper into what it means to lead in today’s world, with a particular focus on innovation, creativity, and AI - the hot topic on everyone’s lips.

Thoughtful leadership continues to come in many different shapes and sizes, and this series will uncover just that - along with why it’s more crucial than ever.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In the final episode of season one of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with Helen Hodgkinson, an influential leader in the HR and people development space.

As the Chief People & Places Officer at law firm TLT, Helen is passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, driving cultural transformation, and championing people-first leadership. With extensive experience in HR strategy, she has played a key role in shaping environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

In today’s episode, Helen shares insights from her career journey, discussing the evolving role of HR in modern business, the importance of human-centric leadership, and the strategies she uses to create meaningful change within organisations.

Laura and Helen explore topics including:

• The evolving role of HR in shaping company culture
• Strategies for building inclusive and high-performing teams
• How leaders can drive meaningful change within their organizations
• The importance of authenticity and emotional intelligence in leadership

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In episode five of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with Naz Sarkar, an experienced business leader with a proven track record in steering organisations through crises.

As the former CEO of a division at ComputerShare, a global share transfer company, and a senior leader at Lloyd’s Bank for over two decades, Naz has firsthand experience of leading businesses through turbulent times – including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naz is a firm believer in purpose-driven leadership, making tough decisions with integrity, and fostering strong company cultures – even in the most challenging circumstances.

In this episode, Laura and Naz explore:

• Leading a global business through crisis and uncertainty
• Balancing operational success with employee well-being during the pandemic
• The evolving nature of work, from remote setups to hybrid models
• The role of leadership in shaping company culture across different markets and doing ‘the right thing’
• Why diversity in leadership is essential for long-term business success

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

In episode 4 of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with the fascinating Marti Burgess: a lawyer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in leadership.

Marti is a partner at Knights Solicitors, chair of the South West Black Network, and a co-owner of the legendary Lakota Nightclub in Bristol. With a career spanning law, business, and community leadership, she is passionate about driving change and increasing representation in professional spaces.

In this episode, Marti shares her experiences growing up as a woman of colour in a predominantly white community, her journey into law, and the challenges of breaking barriers in traditionally exclusive industries.

Laura and Marti discuss:

• The barriers to funding and opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs
• The importance of visible representation in leadership roles
• How businesses can create more inclusive cultures
• The evolving legal industry and new pathways into the profession

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.

Produced by AMBITIOUS