Money Made Human Podcast

1st Class Credit Union

Highly Commended at the Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 The Money Made Human podcast celebrates, at its heart, the work of credit unions and their vital role in enriching our lives and communities. Brought to you by 1st Class Credit Union, each episode features insightful discussions with industry leaders and influential voices from society, revealing the meaningful impact that can be made through economic collaboration.  Mostly, it’s a collection of compassionate conversations about navigating life and the individual journeys we take. The host, Gayle Lloyd

  1. 6d ago

    Karen Scott – Chief Executive Officer of Scotmid Co-operative and its First Female CEO (#38)

    Episode #38 of the Money Made Human podcast features Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Scotmid Co-operative and the first woman to hold the role in the organisation’s history. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Karen about her childhood and school years, her journey from checkout operator to CEO, and the strong work ethic and values that have shaped her career. Karen also reflects on what becoming CEO has meant to her and what the role has taught her about herself. The conversation explores Scotmid’s importance to local communities, the value of mutual organisations, and the challenges posed by rising grocery costs. Karen also discusses Scotmid’s response to the pandemic and its wider social impact, including its partnership with St Andrew’s First Aid, support for Hey Girls’ “buy one, give one” initiative, funding for school breakfast clubs through its Community Grant scheme and the Member Choice Awards. Some highlights from the episode: Karen’s childhood, school years and journey from checkout operator to CEOThe work ethic and values that shape her leadershipWhat becoming Scotmid’s first female CEO has meant to her.Scotmid’s role within local communitiesThe continued importance of mutual organisationsThe cost-of-living crisis and rising grocery pricesScotmid’s community initiatives and response to the pandemicKaren’s hopes for Scotmid and ambitions within her roleThe best advice she has received and what makes her happy outside workAn inspiring conversation about Karen’s remarkable career journey, the power of community-focused leadership and her ambitions for Scotmid’s future.

  2. Sep 4

    Lord Robertson – Former NATO Secretary General and UK Defence Secretary (#34)

    Episode 34 of the Money Made Human podcast welcomes one of Scotland’s most distinguished public figures, Lord George Robertson, former Secretary General of NATO, UK Defence Secretary and MP for Hamilton and Hamilton South. Lord Robertson joins host Gayle Lloyd to reflect on the experiences and values that shaped his extraordinary career in public service. From his early life on the Isle of Islay and involvement in campaigning as a young man to representing Hamilton in Parliament, he shares the journey that ultimately took him to the highest levels of British and international politics. He discusses living in Dunblane at the time of the school tragedy and the work he undertook in its aftermath, before reflecting on his appointment as UK Defence Secretary and the responsibility that came with the role. Lord Robertson also shares the remarkable story of his journey to NATO and recalls where he was when the 9/11 attacks took place. Drawing on decades of experience, he explores the qualities required to lead through a crisis, make difficult decisions and carry the weight of public responsibility. The conversation also considers the changes he has witnessed throughout his career, what continues to motivate him, the legacy he hopes to leave and why credit unions remain so important to communities. Key topics include: The early experiences and values that shaped Lord RobertsonHis journey from campaigning to a career in politicsRepresenting Hamilton and Hamilton SouthServing as UK Defence SecretaryBecoming Secretary General of NATOResponsibility, resilience and leadership during a crisisHis reflections on motivation, public service and legacyThe importance of credit unions to local communities

About

Highly Commended at the Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 The Money Made Human podcast celebrates, at its heart, the work of credit unions and their vital role in enriching our lives and communities. Brought to you by 1st Class Credit Union, each episode features insightful discussions with industry leaders and influential voices from society, revealing the meaningful impact that can be made through economic collaboration.  Mostly, it’s a collection of compassionate conversations about navigating life and the individual journeys we take. The host, Gayle Lloyd