Notes From A NED

Samuel Kasumu

A former Number 10 advisor hosts this podcast that takes you behind the scenes of boardrooms across a wide range of industries. It explores the untold stories and hidden dynamics that influence key leadership decisions at the highest levels of corporate governance. Samuel Kasumu is a former Special Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson where he held the Civil Society and Communities brief. He has extensive senior leadership and board experience, and is the founder of Inclusive Boards, an executive headhunting firm specialising in non-executive board appointments across sectors. Under former Prime Minister Theresa May he was a member of the Race Disparity Audit Advisory Board. The podcast features high profile non-executives including Mary O’Connor, the first and only woman to lead a Big 4 accounting firm. Meri Williams currently CTO at FinTech firm Pleo. She previously worked as CTO at Monzo, Moo, and M&S. Alice Maynard, former chair at disability charity Scope and current non-executive director at the Financial Conduct Authority is also a guest. Each episode features strategic leadership insights from non-executive directors and industry leaders, offering you a rare glimpse into corporate decision-making. Whether you're an aspiring board member, an experienced professional, or simply curious about how boardroom dynamics shape organizations, Notes from a NED delivers business leadership takeaways and practical insights. Brought to you by Inclusive Boards, pioneers in executive search and champions of boardroom diversity for over eight years. Tune in and discover the real conversations that shape corporate leadership and strategy. Find out more about Inclusive Boards at: https://www.inclusiveboards.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Beyond the Pitch: Eni Aluko on Football, Law & Leadership

    03/19/2025

    Beyond the Pitch: Eni Aluko on Football, Law & Leadership

    Eni Aluko: Breaking Barriers in Football, Law & Leadership In this episode of Notes from a NED, Eni Aluko shares her remarkable journey from playing football as a young girl in Birmingham to becoming a professional athlete, lawyer, media personality, and boardroom leader. With over 100 caps for England and a career spanning Chelsea, Juventus, and punditry on Match of the Day, Eni has continuously broken new ground. She dives into the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sport, how she leveraged her law degree to navigate corporate spaces, and why upskilling is critical for career longevity. Eni also discusses the importance of resilience in the face of negativity, the role of diversity in governance, and why investing back into communities—especially in the diaspora—is essential. Key Takeaways: How Eniola balanced football with a first-class law degreeThe lessons she learned negotiating contracts for David Beckham & One DirectionWhat it takes to transition from professional sports to business leadershipThe importance of self-advocacy and creating your own opportunitiesWhy investing in women and diverse leadership benefits everyone Perfect for aspiring leaders, athletes, and professionals looking to navigate career transitions, this episode is a must-listen! #Football #Leadership #Diversity #CareerDevelopment #WomenInSports #SelfGrowth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. From Tokenism to True Representation: The Governance Shift

    03/12/2025

    From Tokenism to True Representation: The Governance Shift

    In this episode of Notes from a NED, we sit down with governance consultant and board member Ethel Tambudzai to discuss the evolving landscape of governance, diversity in leadership, and the fine line between tokenism and true representation. Ethel, who has worked with The Africa Center, Practical Governance, and Planet Positive Ventures, shares insights from her journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and how her diverse experiences have shaped her governance philosophy. She dives into the role of governance in startups, charities, and high-growth organisations, emphasising the importance of mentorship, effective board dynamics, and why governance is for every organisation—not just large corporations. Key Takeaways: The difference between tokenism and genuine diversity in boardroomsWhy mentorship and sponsorship are game-changers for aspiring board membersThe role of governance in startups, charities, and social enterprisesHow The Africa Center supports the African diaspora in the UKSteps to build confidence and credibility as a new board member Who Should Listen? Aspiring and current board members looking for insights on navigating governance Startup founders & charity leaders who want to build strong governance structuresDiversity & inclusion advocates interested in creating meaningful change in leadershipMentors and mentees looking to understand the value of sponsorship in governance Tune in now and be part of the conversation on how governance can drive real change! #Governance #BoardLeadership #Diversity #Mentorship #Tokenism #Startups #Charities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  3. What Enron Taught Us: Risk, Audits & Board Accountability

    03/05/2025

    What Enron Taught Us: Risk, Audits & Board Accountability

    Can financial expertise be a game-changer in leadership? In this episode of Notes from a NED, finance director and leadership coach Naomi Connell returns for another insightful discussion on navigating the boardroom, managing risk, and driving inclusive leadership. With decades of experience spanning CFO roles, audit committees, and executive coaching, Naomi shares essential strategies for financial resilience, cash flow mastery, and the critical role of diversity in board decision-making. 🔑 Key Takeaways:  Cash Flow is King: Why understanding free cash flow is non-negotiable for financial stability.Lessons from Enron: What the collapse taught us about risk management, governance, and accountability.The Portfolio Career Path: Transitioning from executive to NED and why flexibility is the future.Coaching for Impact: How leadership coaching transforms board effectiveness.Inclusive Boards, Better Decisions: Why diversity of thought drives long-term success.Perfect for: Aspiring and experienced Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)Finance professionals navigating leadership transitionsExecutives looking to strengthen their boardroom impactBusiness leaders committed to diversity and inclusionTune in to gain expert insights from one of the most seasoned voices in finance and leadership! #Finance #Leadership #BoardDiversity #CashFlow #Coaching #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  4. Leadership Lessons from Kids Company’s Collapse

    01/29/2025

    Leadership Lessons from Kids Company’s Collapse

    Episode Highlights: Governance, Leadership, and Lessons from Kids Company In this episode, we dive into the powerful case study of Kids Company, exploring how its dramatic downfall reshaped the conversation around charity governance, leadership dynamics, and organisational sustainability. Host Samuel Kasumu is joined once again by Rob Macmillan, a leading researcher on the third sector and community development, with over two decades of experience studying the challenges and opportunities facing charities today. Rob shares candid insights on: The leadership pressures that charity heads face todayGovernance failures that contributed to Kids Company’s collapseThe sector-wide need for impact measurement and accountabilityWhy burnout among charity leaders demands immediate attentionThe importance of diversity and inclusion in driving the sector forward Whether you’re navigating the complexities of charity governance, leading an organisation, or passionate about social impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in now to learn how we can collectively build a more sustainable and resilient voluntary sector! Keywords: charity governance, leadership challenges, voluntary sector trends, Kids Company case study, nonprofit sustainability, impact measurement, voluntary sector, charity governance, leadership, Kids Company, impact measurement, sector challenges, organizational change, fundraising, social enterprise, burnout Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

About

A former Number 10 advisor hosts this podcast that takes you behind the scenes of boardrooms across a wide range of industries. It explores the untold stories and hidden dynamics that influence key leadership decisions at the highest levels of corporate governance. Samuel Kasumu is a former Special Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson where he held the Civil Society and Communities brief. He has extensive senior leadership and board experience, and is the founder of Inclusive Boards, an executive headhunting firm specialising in non-executive board appointments across sectors. Under former Prime Minister Theresa May he was a member of the Race Disparity Audit Advisory Board. The podcast features high profile non-executives including Mary O’Connor, the first and only woman to lead a Big 4 accounting firm. Meri Williams currently CTO at FinTech firm Pleo. She previously worked as CTO at Monzo, Moo, and M&S. Alice Maynard, former chair at disability charity Scope and current non-executive director at the Financial Conduct Authority is also a guest. Each episode features strategic leadership insights from non-executive directors and industry leaders, offering you a rare glimpse into corporate decision-making. Whether you're an aspiring board member, an experienced professional, or simply curious about how boardroom dynamics shape organizations, Notes from a NED delivers business leadership takeaways and practical insights. Brought to you by Inclusive Boards, pioneers in executive search and champions of boardroom diversity for over eight years. Tune in and discover the real conversations that shape corporate leadership and strategy. Find out more about Inclusive Boards at: https://www.inclusiveboards.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.