CEO Stories

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
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CEO Stories

CEO Stories is a podcast series that delves into the stories behind some of the Greater Birmingham region's leading or up-and-coming CEOs. The series is hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest CEO in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's 208-year history. Listen to find out what makes some of the region's finest leaders tick, who inspired them and what advice they would offer to aspiring CEOs. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is the West Midlands' leading business support organisation, having acted as the voice of local business since 1813.

  1. NOV 3

    Andrew Davies | Shaping the vision of an infrastructure giant

    As CEO of infrastructure services and construction giant Kier Group, Andrew Davies is at the helm of a company that impacts the lives of millions of people. Many of those are in Birmingham where Kier is responsible for operating all roads and has built a number of landmark buildings.  In his conversation with Henrietta Brealey, he discusses the importance of having a clear vision and purpose for an organisation that employs around 10,000 people and is involved in more than 400 live projects across the UK.  He also discusses changes in the construction and infrastructure services industry and its relationship with Government, as a result of the collapse of Carillion in 2018.  And we hear about Andrew's passion for helping to further the careers of his employees, the importance of seizing opportunities and his personal interests outside of the business.  Key topics: · Introduction to Kier Group · What Andrew learnt at BAE Systems · The collapse of Carillion and changes in the industry · Working with Government · Having a clear vision and purpose · Helping to further careers of others · Andrew's advice to aspiring leaders More about Kier Group: Website: https://www.kier.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kier-group X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/KierGroup Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    32 min

  2. OCT 6

    Jodh Dhesi | We want to make Birmingham the best place to be educated

    As chief executive of King Edward VI Foundation in Birmingham, Jodh Dhesi is on a mission to make Birmingham the best place to be educated in the UK. In this episode of CEO Stories, he admits to Henrietta Brealey: "It was a bit daunting when I applied for the job, but the Chair of Governors explained it well, saying that somewhere has to be, so why not Birmingham?" Jodh talks Henrietta through an impressive career, from French teacher to leader of 13,000 students across 14 schools. He discusses his experiences teaching in the UK and United Arab Emirates, the importance of breaking down barriers in education and personal influences from his career. Key topics: · Early life and family influence · His first job and path to education · The transition to leadership in education · Experiences in the United Arab Emirates · Joining the King Edward VI Foundation · His role and vision as CEO · Collaboration with business · Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders More about Jodh Dhesi: Website: https://kingedwardvifoundation.co.uk/our-people/jodh-dhesi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodh-dhesi-3332719/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    31 min

  3. SEP 1

    Professor Aleks Subic | The academic leader inspired by Da Vinci

    In this episode of CEO Stories, Henrietta Brealey speaks with Professor Aleks Subic, vice chancellor and chief executive of Aston University. Professor Subic shares his journey from his early life as a migrant in Australia, through his career transition from industry to academia, to leading significant technological innovations. Highlights include his formative experiences in both Belgrade and Melbourne, his role in the Australian Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 taskforce and his current strategic initiatives at Aston University aimed at driving digital transformation and industry collaboration. He also offers key insights on leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion and strategies for managing change. Key topics: · Aleks' early life and career · Impact of migration on leadership · Journey back to academia · Leadership lessons from Australia · Aston University 2023 Strategy  · Driving digital innovation · Birmingham Innovation Quarter · Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders More about Professor Aleks Subic: Website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/about/governance-management/professor-aleks-subic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-aleks-subic-2b7b87/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_alekssubic/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    58 min

  4. AUG 4 · BONUS

    QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS | Battle of the bands, Curry World and Carrie Bradshaw the brand ambassador

    As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which our Series Three guests answer some quickfire questions. Listen to find out: Who would hire Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw as their brand ambassador? Who has the most unusual item on their office desk? Who would call Albert Einstein as their 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' phone-a-friend? We also have our very own Battle of the Bands as guests are asked to choose between two iconic Birmingham music groups. In this episode, you will hear from: Harvir Sahota, Mahirs Experience Paul Faulkner and Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, Kids' Village Zoe Bennett, Motivational Queen Jas Rohel, Education Awards/Titan Partnership Abbie Vlahakis, Millennium Point Wade Lyn, Cleone Foods Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    17 min

  5. JUN 30

    Wade Lyn | How my Jamaican patties spiced up the UK market

    Wade Lyn gave supermarket bosses food for thought by introducing them to the Jamaican patty. The Jamaican-born entrepreneur owns Hockley-based Cleone Foods which produces Island Delight, the UK’s biggest selling Jamaican patty which is stocked on most major supermarkets. In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about his role in spicing up the UK food market by introducing the Caribbean culinary staple to a new audience. Wade, a former High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also reveals how his approach to business was influenced by his entrepreneurial parents and his athletics career, where he had the opportunity to observe track and field stars such as Steve Cram and Steve Ovett up close.  Key topics: · Wade's upbringing in Jamaica · Moving to Smethwick in the 1960s · First job working at his parents' petrol station · His athletics career · Developing his entrepreneurial mindset   · How he started Cleone Foods · His ability to "see into the future" · The importance of mentoring during his career · His various roles and accolades outside of business More about Cleone Foods/Island Delight: Website: https://www.island-delight.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleone-foods-limited/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islanddelightuk Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    50 min

  6. JUN 2

    Jas Rohel | Driving change and recognition in education

    Jas Rohel openly admits her younger self would have dismissed the idea of a career in education. Fast-forward to the present day, however, and the entrepreneur and radio presenter is banging the drum for the sector in her dual role as Education Awards founder and co-CEO of charitable organisation the Titan Partnership. In this episode, Jas talks to Henrietta about how a spell teaching at Solihull College & University Centre led to her becoming a ‘disruptor’ who was determined to drive change in the education world. She did so through founding the Education Awards - designed to inspire and recognise success in the sector. It was her first foray into being an entrepreneur and she admits: “I did everything backwards!” Jas, who spent her early career working in the media, also discusses her passion for telling and sharing other people’s stories in her role as a presenter for On Your Radio Solihull, where she hosts shows about education, business and hospitality. Key topics: · Moving to London to pursue a media career · How she “fell into” education and teaching · Driving change in the education sector · Her “itch” to set up the Education Awards · Giving recognition to those working in the sector   · Stepping out as an entrepreneur for the first time · The job-sharing dynamic of her co-CEO role · Giving people a voice through her radio shows · Who has inspired and helped her career? Connect with Jas Rohel: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/JRohel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-rohel-961519152/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jas_rohel Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    1h 3m
  7. Abbie Vlahakis | The STEM champion with a passion for people

    MAY 5

    Abbie Vlahakis | The STEM champion with a passion for people

    Abbie Vlahakis was seeking a career change when Millennium Point “found her”. In this episode, South Wales-born Abbie talks to Henrietta about how her passion for learning developed into a career in finance, before ultimately leading to her current role as CEO at one of Birmingham’s most recognisable venues. We learn why Millennium Point’s dual purpose of being both commercial and charitable was a perfect fit for Abbie – and how her past experiences have led to ‘culture’ being firmly at the heart of her leadership. Abbie also discusses Millennium Point’s mission to create opportunities for the next generation through its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiatives. Key topics: · Lessons learned from growing up in South Wales · The importance of her education · Why she chose a career in finance · Why she moved to Birmingham · How Millennium Point "found me" · What surprised her about becoming a CEO · Millennium Point's support for STEM education · Why culture is the most important element of a business · Her advice for aspiring CEOs Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by the Birmingham Black Business Show, taking place on Saturday 15th June. Tickets are £40. However, we have around 50 FREE tickets to give away - use he code CHAMBERFREE at the checkout to secure yours. Go to https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/ More about Millennium Point: Website: https://www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/millenniumpoint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-point-property-limited/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    48 min

  8. APR 1

    Harvir Sahota | From sweet beginnings to catering for star names

    Mahirs Experience chief executive Harvir Sahota reveals his recipe for success – including how he scaled up his family’s Indian sweet shop business into an award-winning catering and events company that has been used by a string of illustrious names. Harvir and Henrietta discuss the firm’s evolution over the years and how his leadership has been shaped by the many different roles he has held within the organisation. We also learn about how Harvir and the Mahirs team used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity for a reset. And Harvir reveals some of the A-list clients who have utilised the firm’s services – from spiritual leaders to elite sportspeople and huge stars from Bollywood. Key topics: · The origins of Mahirs Experience · Harvir’s first steps into the business as a teenager · His approach to processes and operations · How Harvir became CEO of the business · Leading the company through the pandemic · Career highlights and Mahirs’ illustrious clients · The famous name Harvir would most like to cater for · The role of networking in Mahirs’ success · Mahirs’ future scale-up and expansion plans · The firm’s community and charity work · The entrepreneurs who have inspired Harvir More about Mahirs Experience:Website: https://mahirs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MahirsExpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mahirs-experience/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencemahirs Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

    31 min
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About

CEO Stories is a podcast series that delves into the stories behind some of the Greater Birmingham region's leading or up-and-coming CEOs. The series is hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest CEO in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's 208-year history. Listen to find out what makes some of the region's finest leaders tick, who inspired them and what advice they would offer to aspiring CEOs. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is the West Midlands' leading business support organisation, having acted as the voice of local business since 1813.

Information

  • Creator
    Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
  • Show Website
    CEO Stories

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