“Voices on the Edge of Change”

Lou Robey

🎙 Voices on the Edge of Change is hosted by transformation trailblazer Lou Robey — a force in business change with 40 years of experience across sectors, including 25 years in broadcast media. In this debut series, Lou speaks with bold leaders and changemakers driving real impact across organisations and society. From leading the launch of BBC iPlayer to shaping the BBC’s award-winning Culture Change programme, Lou now uses her voice to amplify others at the edge of transformation. Commissioned by Women in Change, and supported by Marlowe Consulting, this powerful series explores what it really means to lead from the edge. All podcasts are made by Lou Robey and her team. 🎧 Amplifying change, one voice at a time. Subscribe and join the conversation. 🌐 www.lourobey.com (coming soon) 📩 Email: lou@lourobey.com 💼 LinkedIn: Lou Robey https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-robey-6622455 #VoicesOnTheEdge #WomenInChange #Leadership #Transformation

  1. Why Being a Generalist Might Be Your Biggest Career Advantage especially in the World of AI

    FEB 3

    Why Being a Generalist Might Be Your Biggest Career Advantage especially in the World of AI

    What if being good at lots of things is not a weakness but your biggest advantage? In this episode, I am joined by Dr Mansoor Soomro researcher, educator and thought leader whose work challenges the idea that success only comes from specialising and picking one narrow path. Dr Mansoor Soomro explores what he calls the generalist advantage, why broad thinking, adaptability and the ability to connect ideas across domains are becoming some of the most valuable skills in a complex, fast changing world. We talk about careers, leadership, AI and neurodiverse talent and why many people who have never quite fit the traditional mould may actually be exactly who organisations need right now. If you have ever felt like you are good at many things but unsure how that fits into a world obsessed with specialisation this conversation is for you.  I can't wait to hear what resonates with you and get your reaction! For more information on Dr Mansoor Somoro, check out: - @Heymonsor (instagram) - TEDXTeeside: https://youtu.be/S4gZX0bExnQsi=hrsUxoPjG9YO6jVN -Checkout his book!  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generalist-Advantage-Framework-Potential-Generalists-ebook/dp/B0F5Z1TYML It is a game-changing book for our era of specialisation! – Des Dearlove, Thinkers50 The Generalist Advantage is a useful framework for firms in transition, preparing themselves for a high-tech future. – Yuri Bender, Financial Times The Generalist Advantage: Proven Framework to Explore the Potential of 4 Types of Generalists at Work delivers a compelling argument as to why generalists—those with diverse skill sets and broad industry exposure—hold a unique advantage in shaping the future of work. This book provides actionable insights for those who are still going down the path of the specialist in this age of AI.

    1h 7m
  2. Science Wasn’t ‘For People Like Me’ — Until She Proved Everyone Wrong

    JAN 14

    Science Wasn’t ‘For People Like Me’ — Until She Proved Everyone Wrong

    What if the reason people don’t pursue science isn’t a lack of ability, but a lack of representation? In this powerful episode of Voices on the Edge of Change, Lou Robey sits down with Holly Ellis, better known as “The Scouse Scientist” a clinical geneticist working in the NHS who is quietly redefining what a scientist looks and sounds like. Growing up in Liverpool, Holly never imagined science was “for people like her.” With a Scouse accent, a love of fashion, and no family history of university, Oxford felt like an impossible dream until she took the leap. Today, Holly works at the forefront of genetics and proactive healthcare, helping diagnose rare diseases, prevent inherited cancers, and shape a future where medicine is personalised rather than reactive. At the same time, she’s built a powerful online platform to show young people, especially girls from working-class backgrounds, that you don’t have to change who you are to succeed in science. In this conversation, we explore:  🧬 How genetics is transforming healthcare and saving lives  🎓 Imposter syndrome, class, accent & belonging at Oxford  👩‍🔬 Why the “mad scientist” stereotype is still holding people back  👶 Motherhood, ambition & the invisible load women carry  🎥 Why representation in science — on TV and online — truly matters  💥 The power of saying yes before you feel ready Holly’s story isn’t just about science. It’s about identity, confidence, and refusing to shrink to fit outdated expectations. If you’ve ever thought “people like me don’t do that”, this episode is for you.

    1h 5m
  3. Bolder, Older, Greener: Sharon Sinclair-Williams on Leading Change in the Digital Age

    09/29/2025

    Bolder, Older, Greener: Sharon Sinclair-Williams on Leading Change in the Digital Age

    In this episode, I’m joined by Sharon Sinclair-Williams, a true trailblazer working at the intersection of carbon literacy, digital wellbeing, midlife storytelling, EFT, and sustainable design. Sharon is on a mission to help us live, work, and age more boldly and more responsibly. Together, we explore how wellbeing, sustainability and storytelling connect and what it really takes to lead change in today’s digital world. We cover: • The first accredited Carbon Literacy course for the digital industry and how tech leaders are responding • Why sustainability, wellbeing, and storytelling belong together • Ageism, visibility, and voice for women in their 60s and beyond • Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to support grief, ADHD, and midlife transitions • Greener websites, WordPress rescue stories, and digital responsibility • The community power of Best Before End Date and what keeps Sharon learning and leading ✨ This episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and practical ideas for creating meaningful change — in your work, your community, and your own life. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Sharon’s journey 4:05 “Bolder, Older, Greener” 8:40 Digital leadership challenges 12:15 Personal stories & lessons 16:50 Leading change 20:30 Green citizenship 24:10 Key takeaways 26:00 Outro 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders and changemakers on the edge of transformation. Find Sharon online: Instagram: @loveyourselffirsteft thedigitalgene.co.uk sharonsinclairwilliams.co.uk bestbeforeenddate.substack.com

    1h 22m
  4. How Today’s Leaders Must Think, Act & Build Differently

    07/10/2025

    How Today’s Leaders Must Think, Act & Build Differently

    In the powerful second part of our Series 2 opener, Marsha Shenk returns with a bold continuation of her unforgettable story of resilience — first shared in “How a Life-Changing Illness Forged Her as an Unbreakable Leader.”   This time, she goes even deeper.   Drawing on her unique perspective as a business anthropologist and leadership coach, Marsha explores what truly makes a workplace thrive. With honesty and clarity, she shares decades of insight on why today’s leadership demands more than just strategy; it calls for deep human understanding.   In times of uncertainty, she argues, it’s the North Star leaders we rely on, those anchored in purpose, connection, and courage.   Expect a raw, honest conversation on: The cost of siloed working Human behaviour in the workplace Why high-performing teams are the heartbeat of meaningful progress   Packed with real stories and practical wisdom, this episode will challenge and reframe how you think about leadership, culture, and the environments we create.   🎧 This is one to lean into.   👇 We’d love to hear what resonated with you.   📌 Subscribe for more stories from the edge of change 💬 Comment: What part of Marsha’s journey impacted you most? 🔔 Follow so you never miss an episode   #Podcast #Leadership #Resilience #Mindset #MarshaShenk #VoicesOnTheEdgeOfChange #OvercomingAdversity #TrueStory #HumanCenteredLeadership #PurposeDriven #TeamCulture #BusinessAnthropology

    57 min

About

🎙 Voices on the Edge of Change is hosted by transformation trailblazer Lou Robey — a force in business change with 40 years of experience across sectors, including 25 years in broadcast media. In this debut series, Lou speaks with bold leaders and changemakers driving real impact across organisations and society. From leading the launch of BBC iPlayer to shaping the BBC’s award-winning Culture Change programme, Lou now uses her voice to amplify others at the edge of transformation. Commissioned by Women in Change, and supported by Marlowe Consulting, this powerful series explores what it really means to lead from the edge. All podcasts are made by Lou Robey and her team. 🎧 Amplifying change, one voice at a time. Subscribe and join the conversation. 🌐 www.lourobey.com (coming soon) 📩 Email: lou@lourobey.com 💼 LinkedIn: Lou Robey https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-robey-6622455 #VoicesOnTheEdge #WomenInChange #Leadership #Transformation