We Are PoWEr Podcast

This week we are joined by Stevie Mclaren, Employability Partner at Newcastle Building Society and chair of the Women in Leadership Network. 

Stevie shares how her career was shaped by powerful female role models and a drive to uplift women and boost social mobility. 

We tackle the pressing barriers women encounter today, including gender bias and the struggle for work-life balance. Plus, Stevie reveals innovative solutions that are paving the way for change! 

Listen to learn:
- The key barriers to women’s progression in the workplace.

- The importance of showcasing women’s achievements to inspire others.

- Stevie's top tips on how to advocate for yourself.

- Insights into the impactful work of the Women in Leadership Network.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Join us as we sit down with Claire O'Connor, founder of Baby Ballet, who has revolutionised how children experience dance.

Growing up around ballet, Claire often felt she didn’t measure up to the high standards around her. But her journey is all about overcoming challenges, and defying expectations. 

With Baby Ballet now reaching over 22,000 children each week, Claire's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person's vision can have.


Listen to learn:
How community and support networks can make all the difference

Why inclusivity matters in dance and the arts

How believing in your vision helps you overcome challenges

The power of education and representation in breaking ballet stereotypes

Claire's journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to one's mission.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Join us as we chat with Jade Parkinson-Hill, Canva's Education and Community Manager, about her incredible career journey and how she found her way into the world of Canva.

Jade talks about how Canva’s innovative features, like AI tools and website creation, are empowering freelancers, small business owners, and educators to unlock their creativity. 

She also highlights the importance of self-belief and resilience when navigating a non-linear career path.

In this episode, Jade also discusses:

• The supportive gaming scene in Liverpool
• The crucial role of digital literacy
• How key mentors have shaped her career
• The challenge of staying connected in a fast-paced, tech-driven world

If you're interested in technology, education, or career growth, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

What drives an Olympic Story Teller to become an advocate for gender equality in sports?  

Meet Jamie Mittelman, the driving force behind Flamebearers, who’s on a mission to spotlight Olympians and Paralympians from all corners of the world.

But that’s not all—Jamie also tells us about the progress and setbacks in the push for equal media coverage, pay, and recognition for women and para-athletes.

Listen to learn:
-  How media can be used as a tool for empowerment and education
-   Stories of trailblazing female athletes 
- The ongoing battle for equality in sports 
- Why diverse role models are key to inspiring the next generation of athletes!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Jessica Page's journey from beauty queen to entrepreneur will give you a never seen before insight into the world of pageantry! 👑💪

Instead of letting obstacles slow her down, she turned them into stepping stones on her way to becoming Miss Universe Great Britain in 2023. 

Now, she's sharing her wisdom on building an authentic personal brand, staying true to yourself, and pushing through the tough times.

Listen to learn:

• How her dad’s deli and her mom’s pageant history shaped her unstoppable drive.
• The unique challenges women face in the entrepreneurial world—and how Jessica tackles them head-on!
• The story behind her passion project, Take Care Lead
• Jess' surprising love for scuba diving!

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

"A ship is safe in the harbour, but that's not what ships are made for." Meet Sophie Storm Roberts, an extraordinary adventurer who shares her story on how a powerful mindset, mental resilience, and psychological tools helped her overcome both physical and emotional hurdles. 

You'll learn how she built confidence by confronting challenges head-on, proving that bravery is a skill anyone can develop.

In this episode, Sophie also shares the gripping tale of her Alpine coast-to-coast expedition, where she climbed the highest mountains in eight Alpine countries and cycled between them—all in just 32 days. Her narrative is a testament to how pushing beyond conventional limits can lead to remarkable personal growth and deeper fulfilment.

Sophie also discusses: 
✨ Her inspiring youth empowerment project aimed at uplifting teenage girls from underprivileged backgrounds 
✨ Free diving in the Bahamas 
✨ The profound impact of mentorship
✨ The transformative power of daily actions

Sophie’s experiences highlight the importance of connection and the extraordinary potential within all of us. 

Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and heartfelt stories that will motivate you to take your own leap of faith.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

This week, we're joined by Joanne Henry from NIHR, winners of the 2024 Northern Power Women Inclusive Innovation Award.

Joanne shares how winning boosted their mission to transform healthcare and ensure fair access to health research for underserved communities in Greater Manchester.

From the joy of winning  to a celebration that involved everyone from finance to communications, Joanne’s story highlights the power of teamwork and community.

Listen to learn:

• Joanne’s journey from children’s nurse to leader in health research 
• How the NIHR team is changing the face of healthcare and research for underserved groups 
• Why innovation is essential in tackling health inequalities 
• The importance of celebrating success as a team 

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

This week we are joined by Alex Knight, founder and CEO of STEMazing, about her mission to empower women in STEM and inspire the next generation. 

Alex dives into the power of mentoring, smashing gender stereotypes, and why everyone, no matter their position, can be a role model.

And she reveals the book that reshaped her mindset on lifting others up while pursuing success. 

Listen to learn:
- The power of STEM education and mentorship

- Why harmony is more important than balance

-  Alex’s inspiration for starting STEMazing

- How even the smallest actions can create lasting, positive change

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

Unlock the secrets of successful leadership and career growth with Iwona Szmidt and Michael Howard from Bank of America. 

Discover how resilience and transferable skills can transform your professional journey.

Tune in to hear insightful stories about the role of employee networks in creating inclusive workplaces, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

Listen to Learn:
- How embracing diversity boosts  leadership and drives success.

- The transformative power of active listening.

- Navigating a dynamic career path with confidence.

- The role of being an ally in inclusive workplaces.

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫

This week, we sit down with Julie Baker, Head of Strategic Partnerships at NatWest Group. 

Julie shares her inspiring 42-year journey from aspiring PE teacher to a leading role at NatWest, and her dedication to empowering women in business. 

Discover the power of sponsorship, the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how building the right networks can lead to success. 


Listen to learn:
-The importance of investing in women-led businesses 
-The collective efforts needed to empower female entrepreneurs. 
-The life-changing impact of mentorship, peer support, and community-driven efforts
-How Julie creatively balanced her career with motherhood

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here.  💫