WABChats

In this episode, we chat to the remarkable Rebecca Aycheng Ajulu Bushell, CEO of the 10,000 Interns Foundation and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.

Rebecca’s journey is one of exceptional achievement, from being the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain (former British Champion and former number 1 world-ranked), to founding NKG, a social change-focused media and communications agency.

We delve into Rebecca’s diverse leadership experiences and her current pivotal role at the 10,000 Interns Foundation, exploring their vital work in addressing employment disparity for Black and Disabled students. Rebecca provides strategic insights into why diverse workforces are crucial for business success and outlines practical steps leaders can take to foster greater inclusivity within their organisations.

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Peter Higgins is Co-Founder and now Non-Exec Director of Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts, which is a multi-channel clothing retailer, specializing in smart and smart casual wear. He is former director of luxury fashion retailers MeandEm and Peter also spent 4 years serving as Chairman at Cath Kitson, and 10 years and clothing brand Joe Browns, as well as some time at LK Bennet. Peter is also a NED at Mary’s Meals. Mary’s Meals is a global charity that serves life-changing school meals to some of the world’s poorest children. Their vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and they are already reaching 2.4 million school children every day.

In this episode, we gain insights from Peter Higgins, Co-Founder and now Non-Executive Director of the renowned multi-channel clothing retailer Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts. Peter, who also brings extensive experience as a former director of luxury fashion retailers MeandEm and Chairman at Cath Kidston and Joe Browns, shares his entrepreneurial journey and strategic guidance.

We discuss the co-founding of Charles Tyrwhitt, navigating the business through challenging periods like the Covid19 lockdown during 2020 – 2022 in the UK, and, crucially, what B2B businesses can learn from the customer-centric approaches that have driven success in the B2C sector. Peter also touches on his role as a Non-Executive Director at Mary’s Meals, highlighting the importance of purpose alongside profit.

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James Wilkes is a highly experienced trouble shooter in global shipping, marine and international trade. He has been helping companies manage issues arising from corporate malfeasance, criminal activity, political instability, terrorism and other complex problems, for over twenty years.

In this episode, we speak with James Wilkes. James is an expert in global shipping, marine, and international trade, specialising in high-stakes problem-solving. With over two decades of experience, James has guided companies through critical issues arising from corporate malfeasance, criminal activity, political instability, terrorism, and other highly complex challenges.

He is the Founder and Head of Gray Page, a specialised investigations and intelligence consulting company providing crucial knowledge, insight, and strategic advice to private and public sector clients worldwide, primarily in the marine, aviation, energy, and commodities sectors. James shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building Gray Page and the challenges encountered to his initial motivation for starting the firm. We also explore the role of big data and AI in the intelligence and security landscape, alongside the enduring and irreplaceable value of Human Intelligence (‘tradecraft’) in navigating complex global risks.

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In this episode, we chat to Jess Annison OBE, a leadership expert with a distinguished career across the Civil Service (including her OBE for the 2012 Olympics), education, and management consulting. Jess shares her unique perspective on leadership, now honed through her own coaching practice, where she guides Middle and Senior Management through a range of organisational challenges.

In this discussion, we delve into the pressing issue of burnout and explore strategic approaches for managers to build resilience within their teams and manage their own well-being.

Jess highlights the importance of a comprehensive strategy for tackling burnout and underscores how a strong sense of purpose at work can be a powerful tool in reducing stress and fostering a more sustainable and productive work environment.

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In this episode, we chat to CEO of Blenheim Palace Dom Hare. Born in Liverpool and studying Law at Oxford, Dom spent ten years in corporate finance and investment banking before becoming Finance Director of Blenheim for 13 years, followed by his role as CEO.

Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and a historic landmark near Oxford, is also a surprising blueprint for modern business. Dom shares his journey to leading this iconic estate and explores how he is maximising Blenheim’s value by prioritising innovation across all operations, embedding a deep commitment to sustainability. Dom shares how he and his team are driving the entire organisation with a clear and compelling purpose rooted in Blenheim’s long-term vision. Listen now and learn how these interconnected strategies are not only preserving a legacy and benefiting the local community but also creating a model for long-term value creation – insights every business leader navigating tradition and future-forward thinking needs to hear.

You can read more about this conversation in our WABChats Readable Insight, here.

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In this episode, we chat to the remarkable Erin Kennedy, OBE, a Paralympic Champion and decorated Coxswain with the GB Rowing Team. Erin shares her incredible journey of achieving peak performance in elite sport, including multiple Olympic, World and European Championship titles.

We delve into the extraordinary mental resilience she demonstrated in winning a World Cup Gold medal just days after her breast cancer diagnosis and a European Gold medal during her chemotherapy. Erin discusses how the delayed gratification and ability to compartmentalise, honed through years of strategic focus in competitive rowing, provided her with invaluable tools to navigate and overcome significant personal challenges.

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William Proger is the Founder and CEO of William and Partners. We discuss spotting opportunities and starting a business in the middle of a global pandemic, how the pandemic led William and Partners to do things differently and why and how one should consider engaging wealth managers pre-deal completion.

In this episode, we chat to William Proger, Founder and CEO of William and Partners. We explore the strategic considerations of launching a business during a global pandemic and the unique opportunities it presented William. He shares how this unprecedented time shaped William and Partners’ approach to wealth management. We discuss why and how business leaders should strategically engage with wealth managers before deal completion to maximise value and mitigate potential risks. With over two decades of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and institutions at firms like C Hoare & Co and Barclays Wealth, William offers invaluable insights for those navigating significant financial events. in London.

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In a special episode of WABChats, we speak with Katie, the 14-year Captain, and rising stars Harriet and Lili from the Witney Women’s 1st XI hockey team. Sponsored by White & Black, their remarkable achievement of four promotions in the last six years showcases exceptional teamwork and leadership.

In this episode, we discuss the transferable skills that have fuelled their rapid ascent through the English hockey system and discuss how these qualities – strategy, collaboration, and effective leadership – are directly applicable to driving rapid growth and success in the business world. We also touch on the discipline and time management required to excel in elite sport while balancing academic pursuits.

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We chat with the CEO and Chairman of Oxford Engineering, Karim Sekatt. We discuss what world-class really looks like, what Lego has to do with switching from batch to one-piece flow manufacturing and allowing your team to ask questions and challenge things.

In this episode, we chat to Karim Sekatt, CEO and Chairman of Oxford Engineering, a company renowned for its world-class engineering capabilities. Karim unpacks what it is that truly defines “world-class” in a high-precision industry. He explains more about Oxford Engineering’s journey to excellence in machining, welding, assembly, and testing for global leaders in the medical, aerospace and nuclear sectors.

Karim shares insights on innovative manufacturing approaches, including the surprising role of Lego in their transition to one-piece flow. He emphasises the strategic importance of fostering a culture where team members are empowered to ask questions and challenge processes.

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In this episode of WABChats, we speak with Tess Taylor, Co-Founder of The Tap Social Movement, an Oxford-based craft brewery and hospitality social enterprise with a unique approach to workforce development.

Tess shares the fascinating story of setting up and scaling a business that provides training and employment opportunities to ex-offenders and low-category prisoners, with 28% of their current team having lived experience of the criminal justice system.

We explore the strategic considerations of building a successful social enterprise, the benefits of inclusive hiring practices, and practical advice for businesses considering supporting or employing individuals reintegrating into society.ng on the women of the brewing industry.

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