Empowerment champion and four-time finalist, Ann Stonehouse, joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast to share the journey behind her well-earned recognition at the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards.

From starting a podcast club in lockdown to launching a book club to hold herself accountable, Ann reveals how community, creativity, and connection fuel her drive. She opens up about what it meant to be nominated, how mentoring through Northern PoWEr Women helped her grow, and — yes — the time she met the Queen (who was taller than expected!).

In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 – Welcome to the We Are PoWEr Podcast
01:02 – Ann Stonehouse: NPWAwards finalist
06:22 – Creating the Assist Network
10:49 – The Sisterwood: Honouring women's achievements
13:35 – Walk and Talk: Accountability in motion
17:33 – Project Visibility: Stepping out of comfort
24:40 – The value of being nominated

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

This week on the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we're joined by Nicola Gleave founder of Worn by Us, entrepreneur, and unstoppable force for good, as she shares the moment her life pivoted forever.

Nicola’s story is more than inspiring - it’s a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, there’s space to create, connect, and lead.

Chapters:
0:00 – Introducing Worn by Us
1:44 – Breast Cancer Diagnosis 
5:37 – Finding Purpose Through Adversity
9:02 – Building a Business Through Networks
14:16 – The Power of Networking
20:14 – Wayne Rooney's Makeup Story
23:45 – The Future of Worn by Us

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

What does it mean to work at a company that encourages growth, mentorship, and innovation? This episode, we chat with Richard and Amy from Bank of America, our Co-Headline Partners for the NPWAwards, about exactly that.

🌟 Richard (25 years at Bank of America) shares why he’s changed roles every 20 months and how curiosity has shaped his career.
🌟 Amy (celebrating 10 years) reflects on why she never wanted to leave the North—and how finding Bank of America in Chester was a perfect fit.

Plus, we talk about:
🔹 How mentorship has evolved to be more strategic and impactful.
🔹 Why job descriptions need a refresh to attract diverse talent.
🔹 How advocacy and inclusion are at the heart of Bank of America’s culture.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we speak with Marianna Vaszilyiv, the driving force behind United for Ukraine an organisation that supports displaced Ukrainians with employment opportunities, courses, and essential services since the 2022 Russian invasion.

Marianna shares how what started as a two-week support initiative quickly evolved into a long-term, high-impact operation. Drawing on her multicultural heritage Ukrainian, Hungarian, Polish, and Jewish, as well as her academic background Marianna has become a powerful advocate for Ukrainian culture and humanitarian support.

Chapters:
How United for Ukraine grew beyond a two-week pilot to a full-scale support organisation
The employment success rate of Ukrainians in the UK under sponsorship schemes
Insights into the 2023 Game Changer Award and being named on the 2025 Future List at the #NPWAwards
Why businesses and individuals must continue to support displaced professionals
The lasting power of cultural exchange and unity

To find out more or offer you support for United for Ukraine follow the link: https://www.unitedforukraine.org.uk/

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

Dr. Chrissi McCarthy's candid conversation takes us through her story of growing up in a council house in Bracknell to holding a PhD and founding the Centre of Behavioural Equality.

Dr Chrissi opens up about mental health struggles that doctors dismissed because she 'was smiling' and an alcohol dependency that society refused to recognise because it didn't fit the stereotypical image of alcoholism.

Listen to learn:

👷‍♀️ Taking a break during her PhD after experiencing miscarriages, business challenges, and mental health struggles
💪 How Dr Chrissi reframed her relationship with alcohol
🎓 Completing a nine-year PhD and being from a background where such achievements were rare
💫 Founding the Centre of Behavioural Equality to develop research-backed, context-driven EDI strategies
🔋 The poWEr of resilience 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Donna Scully, Joint Owner and Director at Carpenters Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of insurance and legal services.

Donna shares her experience of moving from London to Liverpool for a fresh start, and how she built a successful career as a lawyer and entrepreneur. She reflects on key moments along the way including being once called a “Scally” at school which have stuck with her and shaped her perspective. Donna speaks openly about imposter syndrome, building credibility in new spaces, and what it means to lead with authenticity.

We also explore her powerful belief that kindness is one of the greatest tools for leadership and impact—free, meaningful, and available to everyone.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Jo Milne, founder of Cure Usher Syndrome, to talk about her mission to find a cure and amplify the voices of those living with Usher syndrome.

Jo shares her personal experience of being misdiagnosed, only to learn at 29 that she had been living with the condition all along. As someone who grew up partially sighted without a role model to look up to, she is now determined to be that person for others—empowering more people to speak up and embrace their identity.

Beyond her work as a mother and advocate, Jo discusses the power of support, from the people who helped her build confidence to her partner, who encouraged her to fully embrace who she is.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact of community, resilience, and using your voice to drive change.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Calvin Eden, founder and brand director of Loud Speaker, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through confidence-building workshops.

Calvin shares how Loud Speaker grew from an idea during lockdown to reaching over 200,000 students, creating life-changing opportunities along the way. He opens up about his personal journey, including the tragic loss of a friend to knife crime at just 15 years old, and how that experience fuels his mission to inspire and uplift the next generation.

We also explore Loud Speaker’s international growth, collaborations, and Calvin’s vision for the future of education—plus, what he would change if he had a magic wand.

If you’re looking for motivation, a fresh perspective on leadership, or a reminder that speaking up can change lives, this episode is for you. 🎙✨

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

🎙️ In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Foluso Falade — last years candidate on The Apprentice UK and founder/CEO of Brandin’ It, the first-ever social enterprise to feature on the show.

Foluso shares the story behind her pioneering organisation, which helps young people across the UK create and launch their own brands — a mission that’s rapidly building a platform set to reach 9 million teens.

She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her time on The Apprentice — from being cut off from friends and family, to competing in a high-pressure environment with people she was up against. Throughout it all, she developed incredible resilience and proved the power of staying authentic under pressure.

Foluso also reflects on her early curiosity — including how she built a robot as a child, and why she’s always been passionate about challenging stereotypes and doing things differently.

Winner of the "One To Watch" award at the 2025 Northern Power Women Awards, Foluso gives an inspiring insight as to why this category meant the most to her.

And if she had a few seats at the table to invite anyone she liked… would Lord Sugar get one? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Bentley Motors, our #NPWAwards PoWEr List partner, to explore their commitment to innovation, from electrification by 2026 to a £2 billion investment in sustainability.

We also discuss:
🚘 The importance of skills in transforming industries
⚡ The challenges and opportunities of going all-electric
🎓 Bentley’s role in developing future talent through education and apprenticeships

Plus, an unexpected twist—Harry discovered during his second job interview that his grandfather once worked at Bentley! Proof that while skills evolve, passion stands the test of time.

💡 And to close, Aimee shares her biggest lesson: learning what she stands for and what she wants to be known for. So, we ask you—what’s the one thing YOU want to be known for?

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫