Walking the Talk

Join our host, Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE, as he walks and talks with Sarah Jones, CEO of FinTech Wales, exploring her unexpected journey into leadership and the people, collaboration and “Welsh magic” helping to drive Wales’ growing FinTech community. Sarah shares her refreshingly human approach to leadership, why kindness is a strength, the importance of trusting great people, and why she believes the future for Wales is incredibly exciting.

From Sandhurst to Cardiff Bus, Craig Hampton-Stone shares the leadership lessons forged through military service and refined in civilian life. In this inspiring conversation, he reflects on resilience, accountability, emotional intelligence and why great leadership starts with serving others. In conversation with our host, Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE, Craig explores how values, purpose and people remain at the heart of everything he does.

In this episode of Walking the Talk, our host, Robert Lloyd Griffiths takes a walk through Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff with Rosaline Moriarty-Simmonds OBE, known to most as Rosie - a powerful voice for equality, inclusion and change.

Born with impairments caused by thalidomide, Rosie’s life is a story of resilience, independence and determination. From early experiences of difference and discrimination to becoming an accomplished artist, author, advocate and former High Sheriff, she reflects on the moments that shaped her and the mindset that carried her forward. 

Through honest and often moving conversation, Rosie shares why having a voice matters, how small actions can create lasting change, and what true leadership looks like in practice.

This is a conversation about courage, kindness and the power of lived experience - a reminder that leadership doesn’t start with a position, but with the choice to speak up and make a difference.

Note: Our episodes are recorded outdoors, so you may notice some wind and movement in the audio - apologies, but the conversation is well worth leaning into.

In this episode of Walking the Talk, Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE is joined by Rhuanedd Richards, Interim Director of Nations at the BBC. What shapes a leader's sense of purpose? For Rhuanedd, it begins with community. Walking through Cardiff's Bute Park, Rhuanedd shares how growing up in the Welsh valleys instilled a deep belief in public service, collaboration, and giving something back. From student politics and journalism to the BBC's senior leadership team, she reflects on the importance of staying true to your values, finding your voice, and helping Wales tell its story with confidence and pride.

In this episode of Walking the Talk, Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE is joined by Jessica Shipman, Chair of NatWest Cymru, for a walk up the Cribarth mountain in the Bannau Brycheiniog. Jessica shares her personal journey into leadership, shaped not by a single defining moment, but by the people, experiences and challenges that built her over time.

She reflects on stepping into senior roles, and learning that leadership isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about showing up with authenticity, active listening, and creating space for others to thrive.

Rooted in a strong sense of community, Jessica talks about the responsibility that comes with leadership, and her commitment to using her position to support others and make a meaningful difference across Wales.

*Recorded in October 2025

In this episode of Walking the Talk, Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE takes a stroll through the Bannau Brycheiniog with Dan Langford OBE - Managing Director of The Skills Centre and Co-founder of Wales Week London.

Together they explore Dan’s remarkable career journey; from his early days in marketing to becoming one of the driving forces in promoting Welsh business on the global stage. Along the way, Dan shares reflections on leadership, collaboration, and why being “in the room” matters more than ever.

From the origins of Wales Week to the importance of brand Wales, this is an inspiring conversation about connection, creativity and the value of doing things together.

In this episode, Call of the Wild's Head of Professional Practice, Dr Barrie Kennard, reflects on his journey from training for the Merchant Navy as a young man to becoming a passionate advocate for effective leadership. He shares how his early career struggles with poor management at BT inspired him to lead differently - with empathy, honesty, and humility.

The conversation explores why Barrie believes leadership is too often overcomplicated, and how he makes complex ideas relatable and practical. Key themes include emotional intelligence, communication, mentoring, and the power of admitting when you’re wrong.

Barrie’s down-to-earth approach and belief in the strength of “ordinariness” have shaped leaders across the UK and beyond. Join us to hear how his positivity and genuine outlook continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of Walking the Talk, we take a walk with Ben Cottam, Head of Wales at the Federation of Small Businesses, as he reflects on nearly a decade of championing small businesses and looks ahead to his next chapter at the Canal & River Trust.

From political roots to purpose-led leadership, Ben shares how staying true to values, listening closely, and putting people first has shaped every step of his career.

In this powerful first episode of Walking the Talk, host Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE takes a walk up the Cribarth in South Wales with Sharon James-Evans, Principal of Cardiff and Vale College. From her school days in Merthyr Tydfil to leading one of the UK’s largest FE colleges, Sharon shares the stories, people, and purpose that have shaped her remarkable journey. It’s a conversation full of grit, passion, and the unshakable belief that education can transform lives — especially for those who need it most.