We Are PoWEr Podcast

Ever wondered how a four-day workweek could revolutionise your workplace? 

This week, we’re joined by Alison Dunn, our 2024 Levelling Up Leader and CEO of Citizens Advice Gateshead, who’s done just that. 

She takes us through her incredible career journey and shares how the Northern Power Women Awards supercharged her organisation’s mission. 

Alison’s passion shines through as she encourages leaders to stand up for their communities and always think about the real people behind their decisions.

Listen to learn:

• How Alison is fighting poverty and driving economic growth in Gateshead.
• The urgent need to tackle staff burnout.
• Why support services should be available to everyone, no matter their situation.
• How introducing a four-day workweek turned sceptics into believers. 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Join us this week as we chat with Hayley Roberts, CEO of Distology and our 2024 Outstanding Entrepreneur Winner! 

Hayley shares the emotional story behind winning the award and what it means to her. 

Discover the importance of staying true to yourself how being authentic has led to Hayley's achievements.

And she shares her nostalgic love for perms and why she’s still proud of her hair days gone by! 

Listen to learn:
- The challenges and rewards of building a tech business in the North 
- The power of being yourself 
- Why it's essential to keep pushing boundaries 
- How to celebrate your achievements and not be afraid to share your wins

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Join us as we sit down with Jayne Little, the founder and CEO of Skills4, and our 2024 Agent of Change!

Jayne opens up about her incredible journey from leaving school with limited qualifications to overcoming personal losses and setting up her own business.

Facing bias and microaggressions in male-dominated fields? Janye shares her experiences of confronting gender inequality, particularly within STEM.


Listen to learn:
- how Jayne has impacted the lives of over 10,000 women 
- the role of allies and advocates in creating supportive networks 
-  the impact of small, bold actions in growing your confidence
- how to make STEM more inclusive and accessible 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Ever wondered what it takes to balance purpose and profit? Gill Hunter takes us behind the scenes of Square One Law's two-year journey to achieve B Corp certification.

She shares candid insights into building an inclusive workplace,  why cultural change is crucial for any organisation. 

Discover how she and her team are not just aiming for financial success, but also making a positive impact on people and the planet. 

Listen to Learn:
- What winning at the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards meant to Gill
- How Square One Law became a B-Corp
- The hurdles women face in the legal profession
- The importance of recognising unsung heroes

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

This week on the We Are Power podcast, we chat with Chloe Fletcher, co-founder of the Job Share Revolution and 2024 Northern Power Women Awards' Mentor of the Year commended winner.

Chloe shares how her award nomination came at a pivotal moment in her career, and the moving testimonials from her mentees.

Join us to explore the power of mentorship and advocacy through the inspiring story of a finance director turned passionate mentor.

Listen to learn;
-  about the Northern Power Women Awards' mentoring programme 
-  the multiplier effect of mentorship 
-  the benefits of job sharing
-  where Chloe keeps her trophy!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Join us as we chat with Nicola Johnson, Director of the HR Centre of Excellence at Bentley , as she opens up about balancing a high-powered career and being a mum.

From her return to work after maternity leave to the thrill of driving a Continental GT Speed at Silverstone, Nicola's stories are all about breaking boundaries.

And find out about Nicola's role models, like Michelle Obama and Katie Piper, and key figures in the automotive world who have paved the way.

Listen to learn:

🎙️the importance of authenticity
🎙️how to address subconscious biases
🎙️the impact of strong female role models
🎙️how Bentley creates a inclusive workplace culture

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Get ready for a captivating episode with Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, the brilliant mind behind 'Gender Reboot: Reprogramming Gender Rights in the Age of AI'.

Eleonore shares her path from a shy teenager in Model UN to a trailblazing data scientist at the UN. 

Listen as she dives deep into the motherhood penalty and the urgent need to challenge stereotypical gender roles in caregiving. 

Listen to learn:
- Why women’s participation in AI development is essential
- How AI tools often reinforce traditional gender roles 
- Ways that AI can be used for the greater good.
- How we can all fight gender biases and promote equality 

 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

This week we are joined by Simon Calderbank, Positive Leadership Mindset Coach and 2024 Northern Power Women Awards Advocacy Lister.

Listen as Simon shares how a cancer scare led to him finding a passion-driven career.

Learn about Simons work in coaching, with everyone from corporate leaders to troubled teenagers.

And hear the inspiring story of a woman who overcame a toxic work environment to land her dream job with the help of Simon's coaching.

Listen to learn:

• How to use your privilege for good
• The importance of self-reflection in allyship
• The role of empathy in leadership
• How Simon earned the nickname 'The Mindset Magician'

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Meet Angela Owen OBE, the founder of Women in Defence UK and a 2024 Northern Power Women Awards finalist!

Discover how Angela transitioned from a military career to founding an organisation advocating for gender equality in the defence sector. 

And hear Angela's story of being the second ever mother to re-join the military...

Listen to learn:
- The evolving policies and attitudes towards women in the military
- About the Women in Defence UK mentoring programme 
- Angela's experience competing at the Commonwealth Games
- How a small LinkedIn group grew into an organisation for gender equality

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

2024 Northern Power Women Awards Future Lister, Dr Beth Barnes shares her journey into the world of engineering.

From her accidental discovery of civil engineering to her dedication to building inclusive spaces, Dr. Barnes provides valuable insights for listeners from all walks of life. 

And find out how she founded the Durham Women's Engineering Society to create a safe space for women to discuss challenges and support each other. 


Listen to learn:
-  How we can create inclusive spaces within engineering
- The role of representation and mentorship in retaining women in engineering
- How to cope with feelings of 'mum guilt' 
- Dr Beth's advice to her younger self 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫