UMicast

Steve Pugh is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Management Consultant, author, GB basketball player, and Founder of social impact start-up Roadmap MBA. With more than 20 years’ learning and board-level experience leading organisations through stock market floatation, recession and the pandemic, Steve is passionate about making business education more accessible for all. In this conversation, he shares how authentic and transparent leadership can positively impact people’s lives, and the importance of drawing on support to accelerate your learning.    

Kat Sykes has been described by clients as the Mary Poppins of Business Change. As the Founder of GameChanging Outcomes Ltd, Kat has drawn on her varied career as a primary school teacher, construction project manager and digital change manager to create a completely new type of service that encompasses the best of all worlds. In this conversation, she explains why it’s important to understand people’s ‘real KPIs’ in business, how play can encourage creativity and break down barriers to change in organisations, and the work she’s doing with Durham University on supporting entrepreneurs’ self-worth. 

Listen to this episode to learn how you can improve your self-awareness and understanding of yourself and colleagues, and ultimately create a more confident and resilient you/workforce.

Ian Kinnery, a multi-accredited business coach, has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs experience what he calls ‘true entrepreneurial freedom’ through a mixture of industry techniques and personal experience. Listen to this episode to hear how you can achieve your goals, grow you business and become a great leader, all whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Amanda Rowan, International Trade Advisor and Caroline Wilson, Strategic Partnership Manager from the Department for Business and Trade delve deep into the exciting world of exporting within the Northern Powerhouse region. The Northern Powerhouse, renowned for its economic vibrancy, encompasses a network of dynamic cities and regions, boasting a diverse range of industries and resources. We shed light on the key aspects of exporting and how businesses can leverage the unique advantages offered by the Northern Powerhouse. Exploring the various trade opportunities available to entrepreneurs and established companies alike, showcasing success stories of businesses that have thrived through international expansion from this thriving economic hub.

Jessica Williams, Founder and CEO of Just Williams, launched her business 2015 as a go-to solution to the age-old issues of hiring, training, managing and retaining sales professionals. In 2019 she created The Just Williams Sales Academy during the pandemic to create an entry level for all sales professionals which has now trained over 1000 delegates. Hear about hear journey and learn from her driving passion for all things sales.

Elaine Morris is the Founder of Curious Edge, which she set up to make research more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. She’s an experienced leader of high achieving teams, a coach and sounding board for managers and leaders. With demonstrable experience as a researcher, Elaine brings a deep understanding of consumer behaviour to her work. In this conversation, she explains why it’s beneficial for businesses to stay curious about themselves and their customers, and shares some tips for getting started with customer research.  

Minister Ivan McKee is a member of Scottish Parliament, and Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise. Prior to embarking on a full-time political career in 2016, Minister McKee enjoyed a 30-year career in manufacturing and consulting where he lived, owned and ran businesses in many countries. In this conversation, he reflects on the progress of Scotland’s trade ambitions and the opportunities for businesses in the future. 

Louise Kennedy is Owner and Director of Oculus HR. After 17 years’ experience running HR teams across many different sectors including fast-paced automotive, Louise stepped out into the light as a self-employed HR consultant. In this conversation, she shares stories about some of the challenges of supporting teams through the pandemic and gives her tips for attracting and retaining talent as a small business.

The latest episode is the fifth and final instalment of the special series UMi is producing in collaboration with Innovation SuperNetwork. Hermina Ely is an Innovation Manager at Innovation SuperNetwork leading on Challenge North Tyne's mission to support older people at home, work and play working closely with Innovation Challenge Programme Director Sarah Cox and Sandi Rickerby, Trustee and Research Coordinator at The Third Age Trust. In this conversation, Hermina, Sandi and Sarah discuss the important issue of healthy ageing and longevity and how we create more inclusive products and services for older people.  
Challenge North Tyne is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority

The latest episode of the podcast is the fourth in the special series UMi is producing in collaboration with Innovation SuperNetwork. Lysa Morrison is an Innovation Manager at Innovation SuperNetwork leading on Challenge North Tyne's 'delivering energy efficient, low carbon homes' challenge, working closely with Innovation Challenge Programme Director Sarah Cox and David Lynch, Energy Innovation Partnership Manager at the North East LEP. In this conversation, David, Lysa and Sarah discuss the progress being made in the North East on net zero and explain why decarbonising homes is one of the most powerful tools to help us transition to a low carbon economy. 

Challenge North Tyne is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority. 

The latest episode of the podcast is the third in the special series UMi is producing in collaboration with Innovation SuperNetwork. Estelle Blanks is the CEO of Innovation SuperNetwork and someone who is incredibly passionate about making sure that companies in the North East have the opportunities, finance and support they need to innovate and grow. With that in mind, in this conversation, Estelle explains how robust innovation ecosystems can be catalysts for economic growth and regeneration.

Digital Cluster North of Tyne is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority.