Ned Capital Podcast

Adrian

Welcome to the official podcast of NED Capital — the UK's trusted partner in non-executive recruitment and boardroom excellence. Our mission is to connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking organisations, and this podcast brings that mission to life through candid conversations, expert insights, and board-level perspectives.

  1. 15 DEC

    NED Capital Spotlight Podcast — your gateway to boardroom leadership and strategic impact

    Welcome to the NED Capital Spotlight Podcast — your gateway to boardroom leadership and strategic impact. Whether you’re a seasoned Non-Executive Director, aspiring chair, fractional executive, or senior professional looking for your next high-impact opportunity, this episode is for you. At NED Capital, we believe leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about influence, governance, insight, and outcome. And that’s exactly what the NED Capital Jobs Board delivers: a curated gateway to exceptional Non-Executive Director and senior advisory roles across sectors.  🔍 So what makes this Jobs Board truly special? First, it’s purpose-built for strategic leadership roles. You won’t find generic listings — every opportunity has been carefully selected to connect experienced professionals with organisations seeking real boardroom impact. From industrial products and digital transformation to hospitality, financial services, and private equity-backed ventures — the opportunities are diverse, challenging, and meaningful.  Here’s what you’ll discover: ✔️ Exclusive Non-Executive Director roles — appointments where your expertise shapes long-term strategy, governance, and value. ✔️ Board Chairs and Advisory positions — lead committees, influence culture, and drive accountability. ✔️ Fractional and part-time C-Suite opportunities — from CFOs to specialist advisors — perfect for portfolio careers and flexible engagement. ✔️ Roles across sectors and geographies — whether you’re in London, the Midlands, or beyond, there’s something that fits your expertise and ambition.  And it’s not just about what you’ll find — it’s about why it matters. In today’s dynamic business world, companies increasingly value independent oversight, rigorous governance, and strategic insight. Non-Executive Directors are no longer optional — they’re essential. They bring a fresh perspective, foster stronger decision-making, and help boards navigate complex environments with confidence.  At NED Capital, we understand that matching talent with opportunity requires more than algorithms. It takes human insight, deep networks, and strategic alignment. Our jobs board reflects this commitment — offering curated vacancies that respect your experience, expand your influence, and introduce you to organisations that are serious about impact.  So how can you get started? 👉 Visit nedcapital.co.uk/jobs — explore current listings and discover which opportunities match your expertise. 👉 Register or sign up to receive tailored alerts — so you never miss a role that fits your portfolio. 👉 And if you’re building your board career or considering your first Non-Executive appointment, this is the moment to act.  📌 These roles are not just jobs — they are invitations to shape strategy, challenge conventions, and make a lasting contribution to organisations across the UK. Imagine using your years of experience to strengthen governance, guide strategic growth, and mentor executive teams — all through roles that fit your lifestyle and aspirations.  🎯 Whether you’re an established board leader or transitioning into governance roles for the first time, the NED Capital Jobs Board is your platform to connect with organisations that value what you bring to the table. Thanks for tuning in to the NED Capital Spotlight Podcast. Head over to www.nedcapital.co.uk/jobs today — your next leadership chapter starts now.  Your might also enjoy The News Tiny one of our news blogs.

    1 min
  2. 14 DEC

    Private Equity Boards: The Strategic Edge of Independent Leadership

    Welcome to the NED Capital Podcast, where we explore leadership, governance and boardroom excellence for fast-growth and private equity-backed businesses. I’m Adrian Lawrence, and today we’re talking about a topic at the intersection of strategic investment and governance — Private Equity and the role of Non-Executive Directors. At NED Capital, we specialise in placing exceptional independent directors on boards with purpose — helping organisations scale, navigate risk and unlock value. Today, we’ll look at why private equity boards increasingly rely on strong independent voices to create value and drive transformation.  🎯 Segment 1: What Is Private Equity — In Plain Terms Host: Let’s start with the basics. What do we mean by private equity? Private equity firms raise capital from institutional and private investors, pool that capital, and invest it into private companies with the goal of improving performance and ultimately selling at a profit down the line. These investments can involve buyouts, growth capital, recapitalisations and other structures focused on unlocking value.  In a private equity investment lifecycle, the focus isn’t just on numbers — it’s on strategy, execution, operations, governance and leadership. 🎙 Segment 2: Boards and Private Equity — Why It Matters Host: Boards in private equity-backed companies look quite different from traditional corporate boards. They’re often smaller, performance-driven, and intensely focused on monitoring value creation and exit strategy. Enter the NED — the Non-Executive Director. Non-executives bring independent insight, governance oversight, strategic challenge, and credibility — all crucial when a PE firm is accelerating growth, entering new markets, or preparing a business for sale.  Think of a NED as: A trusted governance partnerA strategic sounding boardAn experienced navigator of complex deal dynamicsIn many PE portfolios, NEDs help bridge the gap between CEO execution and investor expectations. 🎤 Segment 3: Interview — With a Guest Expert Questions: Can you describe how a private equity board functions differently to a traditional corporate board?In your experience, what are the most valuable contributions a NED brings to a PE portfolio company?How do private equity sponsors select the right NEDs for their boards?Can you share a time when independent board leadership materially influenced a transaction or turnaround?What trends are you seeing in how PE firms leverage governance for competitive advantage?⭐ Segment 4: Practical Takeaways for Leaders & Founders Host: Whether you’re leading a PE-backed business or preparing for investment, here are three things to remember: 🔹 Governance Equals Value Creation Good boards do more than meet compliance — they shape strategy, mitigate risk and drive performance. 🔹 Independent Insight Boosts Confidence Experienced NEDs bring external perspectives that challenge assumptions and strengthen decision-making. 🔹 Culture & Chemistry Matter Technical skill isn’t enough. Fit with team, investor alignment, and shared vision are essential.  visit nedcapital.co.uk.

    1 min
  3. 13 DEC

    Unlocking Your Next Board-Level Opportunity

    Hello and welcome to Boardroom Insights, the podcast that helps current and aspiring leaders transition into board roles with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I’m your host, Adrian Lawrence and today we’re diving into something that every aspiring non-executive director—or NED—should know about: how to build a rewarding board-level career in 2026 and beyond Today we’re talking about how you can discover, prepare for, and secure the right non-executive director opportunities with the support of the Career Hub brought to you by NED Capital. 🎧 Segment 1 — Why Board Roles Matter HOST Board opportunities don’t fall into your lap. They’re not listed on every job board. They require networking, credibility, and the right positioning. That’s where the NED Capital Career Hub comes in. 💡 Segment 2 — What Is the Career Hub? HOST: So, what exactly is the Career Hub? It’s your centralised source for building a successful non-executive career The Career Hub offers: ✅ Clear, strategic guidance on how to transition from executive or senior leadership into non-executive work. ✅ Actionable frameworks on board readiness and personal positioning. ✅ Resources and tools that help you communicate your value to boards. ✅ Insights into real market demand for NEDs across different industries. 📌 Segment 3 — What You’ll Get From the Career Hub HOST: Let’s break down what you’ll actually find inside: 📍 Role Insights Understand what boards are really looking for today—what skills matter, what gaps exist in the market, and how you can fill them. 📍 Profile Building Tools Your CV and bio are your calling card. The Career Hub helps you craft narratives that resonate with nomination committees and search partners. 📍 Interview Preparation Board interviews are different from executive interviews. You need to think in terms of governance, risk oversight, and stakeholder value. The hub gives you frameworks to prepare with confidence. 🎯 Segment 4 — Who Should Use the Career Hub? HOST: You might be wondering: Is this for me? Here are the types of professionals who benefit the most: 🔹 Senior executives ready to step into board work 🔹 C-suite leaders looking for portfolio careers 🔹 Entrepreneurs and founders with strategic experience 🔹 Professionals with specialised expertise—finance, risk, technology, ESG—looking to translate it into board value If that sounds like you, the Career Hub can be a game changer. 📣 Segment 5 — Real Stories (Optional) HOST: Now, imagine a senior executive who’s spent 20 years leading in healthcare. They know strategy, compliance, and stakeholder engagement inside out—but they’re not sure how to position those capabilities for a board role. With the Career Hub, they can: ✨ Map their experience to board expectations  ✨ Understand governance fundamentals  ✨ Build a compelling board profile  ✨ Connect with opportunities that value their expertise Success starts with clarity—and that’s exactly what the Career Hub delivers. 🔗 Segment 6 — How to Get Started Head over to: 👉 nedcapital.co.uk/non-executive-director-career-hub That’s nedcapital.co.uk/non-executive-director-career-hub. Explore the resources, sign up for updates, and start shaping your board career—today. And if you’re serious about board service, take a moment right now and bookmark that link. Your future board roles depend on consistent action.

    1 min
  4. 7 DEC

    Why Strong Boards Need Smart NEDs — and How to Get There

    Hello and welcome to “Boardroom Insights,” the podcast for leaders, founders, and board-goers keen to make a real impact. I’m your host, Adrian Lawrence. In today’s world, boards aren’t just ceremonial — they’re strategic, dynamic, and under more pressure than ever. That’s why having the right non-executive directors matters more than ever. Today we’re spotlighting the Non-Executive Director & Board Leadership Knowledge Centre from NED Capital — a resource designed to help aspiring and established NEDs, boards, and investors navigate modern governance and board leadership. [Why this matters] Boards have changed. With fast-moving markets, digital disruption, ESG scrutiny, more complex regulation, and scaling challenges — especially in private equity and high-growth companies — boards need to evolve too. The role of a non-executive director (NED) is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s often critical.  NEDs bring independent judgement, governance knowledge, and external perspective, helping ensure strategy, risk, compliance, and growth are well-balanced.  [What NED Capital’s Knowledge Centre offers] If you’re aspiring to become a NED, already have board experience, or run a company and need to strengthen your board — NED Capital’s Knowledge Centre is built for you.  It provides: A full map of what being a NED involves — responsibilities, legal duties, governance expectations, and how the modern board operates. Guidance on building a “board-ready” profile: how to craft a NED-style CV (different from an executive CV), how to build your personal brand, what skills to highlight (e.g. finance, ESG, digital, risk, growth, private-equity experience). Practical templates and tools — from board-skills matrices and board-evaluation checklists to interview guides and first-time NED roadmaps — to make the sometimes opaque world of board recruitment and governance more navigable. Deep dives into different kinds of boards: whether you’re looking at SME boards, PE-backed high-growth companies, or even turnarounds or hybrid roles (e.g. CFO + NED). And for boards or investors, it serves as a reference to design better boards — think board composition, succession planning, governance structure, evaluation frameworks.  [Who’s it for] This resource is aimed at three core groups: Individuals who aspire to — or already hold — a NED or board-level role, who want to upskill, understand expectations, and build a portfolio. Boards, founders, CEOs who want to recruit NEDs thoughtfully, improve governance, prepare for growth or private-equity transitions. Investors and private-equity/venture-capital firms who need strong independent board oversight to support high-growth or portfolio companies. [Why this resource stands out] What makes this Knowledge Centre special isn’t just theory — it’s practical, actionable, and tailored to the full spectrum of real-world board contexts: from SMEs to PE-backed scale-ups, from first-time NEDs to seasoned Chairs For someone considering a board role — or a company seeking board strength — that clarity and structure can make the difference between confusion and confident, strategic action. To find out more visit https://www.nedcapital.co.uk/non-executive-director-board-leadership-knowledge-centre/

    1 min
  5. 16 NOV

    Boardroom Forward: Unlocking Leadership with Ned Capital

    Welcome to Boardroom Future, the show where we explore what great governance really looks like. I’m your host, and today we’re diving into one of the most important strategic decisions any organisation makes: choosing the right board members. We’re spotlighting Ned Capital — a firm specialising in board and Non-Executive Director recruitment for organisations that want boards capable of leading through complexity, not just sitting in oversight. Why Board Recruitment Matters More Than Ever Host: Today’s world isn’t slowing down. Regulation is tightening, digital transformation is accelerating, and stakeholders expect more transparency, more accountability and more vision from leadership. This is where Ned Capital comes in. What Sets Ned Capital Apart Host: Ned Capital takes a highly tailored approach to board recruitment. They don’t produce standard shortlists or recycle candidates. Instead, they begin with a clear understanding of the organisation — its ambitions, challenges, culture and governance maturity. .Their strength lies in the depth of their networks — from experienced Chairs to specialist NEDs across sectors including finance, technology, private equity, family business, scale-ups and the non-profit world. And crucially, they place a strong emphasis on diversity and balanced decision-making. Boards thrive when they include a range of perspectives, backgrounds and professional experiences. How the Process Works Host: Ned Capital’s recruitment process is structured but flexible: Discovery: They engage deeply with the board and leadership team to understand goals and gaps.Competency mapping: They define the skills and mindset the board needs for the next stage of its journey.Targeted search: They identify candidates through global networks, research and direct engagement — often uncovering individuals not actively seeking roles.Assessment: Beyond CVs, they examine judgement, style, cultural alignment and governance capability.Shortlist and selection: Clients receive insightful profiles, not just résumés.Onboarding support: They ensure new board members integrate effectively and contribute quickly.This end-to-end approach results in appointments that strengthen governance today and prepare organisations for tomorrow. Who Benefits Most Host: Ned Capital works with listed companies, private equity-backed businesses, high-growth scale-ups, family enterprises, charities and mission-driven organisations. Whether the need is a new Chair, a committee specialist, a commercial NED or an advisory-board member, they help organisations build boards capable of providing clarity, challenge and long-term direction. Why This Matters Host: A well-constructed board is one of the greatest assets any organisation can have. It brings stability during disruption, insight during change and accountability during growth. And with the right people around the table, decisions become sharper, risks become clearer and opportunities become easier to seize. Call to Action Host: If your organisation is planning growth, preparing for transition or simply needs stronger governance, now is the moment to rethink your board composition. To explore how Ned Capital can support your next board or NED appointment, visit nedcapital.co.uk/board-recruitment and start a confidential conversation. Host (closing): Thanks for joining us on Boardroom Future. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your leadership team and check back for more insights on effective governance and board leadership.

    1 min
  6. 6 NOV

    Boardroom Horizons: Navigating the Evolving Role of the NED

    Welcome to Boardroom Horizons, the show where we explore the changing world of board leadership, governance and non-executive roles. I’m Adrian Lawrence, and today we’re diving into how non-executive directors (NEDs) are adapting in a rapidly shifting landscape. We’re doing this in the context of the free online events that our friends at NED Capital are running. Segment 1 – Why the NED Role is Changing (1:30–10:00) Let’s start by setting the scene. At NED Capital, they emphasise that “the role of the NED is evolving fast — with new expectations around ESG, stakeholder engagement, digital disruption and agile governance.”  So what does that mean in practice? ESG and non-financial risk: Boards aren’t just about strategy and finance anymore — social, environmental and governance issues now carry real weight.Digital disruption: Whether it’s tech adoption, cyber risk or business model change, boards need to understand the digital dimension.Stakeholder focus: There’s more pressure from employees, customers, regulators, communities. Boards must reflect this.Agile governance and flexibility: The idea of a static governance model is outdated; boards need to pivot when circumstances change.Excellent. So if we were to summarise: the evolving role means deeper strategic engagement, broader risk oversight, and more dynamic board-member input. Segment 2 – Skills & Mindsets for Today’s NED (10:00–18:00) Now that we’ve set the scene for the changing role, let’s talk about the skills and mindsets needed. At their events, NED Capital list topics like board composition and succession, diversity & culture, digital oversight, ESG, private equity boards, fractional directors.  https://www.nedcapital.co.uk/events/ What are the three key capabilities that you believe every NED should cultivate today? Strategic curiosity — not just asking for updates, but probing “what if” questions.Sector agility — the ability to door-open insights across sectors (especially if you’re on multiple boards).Adaptive mindset — comfortable with ambiguity, comfortable with technology, comfortable with changing stakeholder expectations. For those listening who want to transition into a non-exec role, what practical steps would you suggest? Eventbrite UK Eventbrite USA  Eventbrite ES  Eventbrite DE  Eventbrite CH Eventbrite SE Eventbrite FR Eventbrite DK Map your board-ready CV: emphasise oversight, governance, strategic input over just operational role.Build board-centric networks: attend events, speak to board search firms (like NED Capital).Segment 3 – Making the Most of Online Board-Level Events (18:00–24:00) H: Let’s talk about online events. NED Capital emphasise that their sessions are free, online (so accessible from anywhere), interactive, and built for busy professionals.  Why attend? Access to expert practitioners without cost.Connect with peers.

    1 min
  7. 25 OCT

    Inside NED Capital: Matching Boards with Specialist Experience

    Welcome to Boardroom Insights, the podcast where we dive into what makes boards work — the real drivers behind great governance, strategic growth, and leadership at the non-executive level. I’m your host, Adrian Lawrence, and today we’re talking about how boards can be strengthened by specialist non-executive directors — and how NED Capital helps make that happen. If you’re a CEO, Chair, Executive Director, or aspiring non-executive looking to join a board — this episode is for you. We’ll be exploring how the right non-executive appointment can transform an organisation, and we’ll walk you through the seven core specialisms that NED Capital uses to match organisations with directors who add genuine value.  Let’s set the scene: In today’s business environment, boards face unprecedented complexity — whether regulatory change, rapid digital transformation, ESG scrutiny, supply-chain risk, or investor expectation.  That’s where a well-chosen non-executive director (NED) can make a difference. Someone who brings not just a CV, but relevant lived experience, strategic insight, and the ability to challenge and guide at board level.  Now let’s unpack the seven specialisms that NED Capital uses to structure its search & network. This gives you a framework to think about what your board may need — and why a tailored appointment matters. Finance & Governance (CFO/FD/Audit) When it comes to governance, financial oversight is foundational. NED Capital’s finance specialists include former CFOs, Finance Directors, Audit Committee Chairs who’ve lived through IPOs, restructures, M&A. Commercial & Marketing (CEO/CCO/CMO) Growth is rarely accidental — it’s driven by vision, customer insight, brand, go-to-market execution. NED Capital’s commercial/marketing specialists bring that board-level lens: CMOs from global brands, CEOs who scaled businesses, commercial directors with digital impact. Technology & Digital (CTO/CIO/CDO) Every organisation is in some sense a tech organisation now — and boards not only need to ask about systems and cyber-risk, but about transformation, data, analytics. NED Capital’s technology & digital specialists include CTOs, CIOs, Chief Digital Officers with experience in large-scale transformation. People & Culture (CHRO/HRD/ESG/Diversity) Strategy is only as good as the people who execute it. Boards increasingly recognise that culture, diversity, people-risk and the “S” in ESG are central. NED Capital’s people & culture specialists are HR directors, ESG leads, diversity experts with board/committee experience. Operations & Supply Chain (COO/Manufacturing/Logistics) For production, distribution, manufacturing, supply chain – operational excellence, resilience, continuity matter. NED Capital’s operational specialists bring scaled experience from complex, multi-site, international operations and supply chains. Sector Expertise Beyond functional roles, every industry has its own challenges: regulation, consumers, investors, technology. NED Capital maintains a network of sector-specialist NEDs: financial services, technology & SaaS, consumer & retail, healthcare & life sciences, professional services, charities, etc. Fractional & Portfolio Executives Not every organisation needs a full-time executive, but many can benefit from part-time, fractional or portfolio leadership. NED Capital offers experienced professionals who act as NEDs but also as part-time executives/advisors: fractional CFOs, interim CEOs, portfolio executives. Visit to find out more https://www.nedcapital.co.uk/specialisms/

    1 min
  8. 21 OCT

    Board Talk — the podcast that brings you inside the boardroom

    Welcome to Board Talk — the podcast that brings you inside the boardroom, explores leadership, governance and the strategic roles that make organisations thrive. I’m your host, Adrian Lawrence. Today we are shining a light on an increasingly vital but sometimes under-appreciated area: the non-executive director. More specifically, the role of a specialist recruitment partner when it comes to finding the right independent board member. If your organisation is scaling, navigating change, facing regulatory pressure or just wants to strengthen oversight and strategic direction — you’re going to want to listen in. Today’s guest: the team from NED Capital, the UK’s dedicated non-executive recruitment boutique. They’ve made it their focus to connect organisations with high-calibre board-level talent and help boards perform at their best. Let’s dive in. Segment 1: Why Non-Execs matter Host: So, to kick off — let’s talk about the non-executive director (the “NED”). What is the role, and why is it so important right now? Guest from NED Capital: Thank you [Host]. In short, a good NED brings independent challenge, strategic insight and governance rigour to a board. It’s not just a seat-filler. In today’s environment — with shifting regulation, investor scrutiny, ESG pressures, digital transformation, global uncertainty — boards need people who have been there before and can add real value, rather than simply rubber-stamp. At NED Capital, we emphasise that the right NED can be a game-changer for an organisation. They strengthen oversight, bring fresh perspective, help executive teams stay sharp and aligned, help boards anticipate rather than merely react. Host: And you talk about “first-team” board dynamics, culture fit, sector expertise. It sounds like the nuanced stuff really matters. Guest: Exactly. It’s not enough that a candidate looks good on paper. They must have the right mix of experience, personality, independence and the ability to challenge constructively. We see many organisations struggle when a NED is brought in too late, or without clarity on role and expectation. That’s where we help. Segment 2: Introducing NED Capital Host: Let’s turn the spotlight onto NED Capital. Tell us: what makes your firm different? Why should a company or a prospective NED come to you? Guest: Thanks. At NED Capital, our entire focus from day-one has been on non-executive recruitment — we don’t split our time across many unrelated hiring mandates. Over 15 years we’ve built a deep network of board-level talent, many of whom are former CEOs, CFOs, founders, board chairs.  Furthermore: We work across sectors — from private companies, non-profits, listed companies, growth businesses. We also handle fractional roles (non-execs, fractional C-suite) for companies that want flexible leadership. Our process is consultative — we help define the role, benchmark compensation, align culture and strategy, shortlist and onboard. In short: we’re specialists, not generalists. Host: That depth of focus and network must make a difference in outcome. Guest: Yes — we hear from clients that the value is real. For example, one managing partner said: “What stood out about NED Capital was their deep network and their consultative approach… The NED we hired through them has transformed the way our leadership team thinks about governance and risk. Visit our website Find us on Yell.com Find us on ThomsonLocal

    1 min

About

Welcome to the official podcast of NED Capital — the UK's trusted partner in non-executive recruitment and boardroom excellence. Our mission is to connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking organisations, and this podcast brings that mission to life through candid conversations, expert insights, and board-level perspectives.