CEO Stories: Conversations with Greater Birmingham business leaders

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
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CEO Stories: Conversations with Greater Birmingham business leaders

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. APR 6

    Marina Robertson | Finding my voice as a leader in the built environment

    Marina Robertson is the group managing director of Acivico, the Birmingham-based multi-disciplinary firm offering built environment advisory services from design and construction to building control and facilities management.   Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Marina made the crucial decision to study in the UK – which opened the door to working on some key projects such as the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium. Marina talks to Henrietta Brealey about why her dedication to learning has been important along the way and how she has addressed the challenge of finding her voice as a business leader. She also discusses some of the exciting projects Acivico have worked on in the Birmingham city-region. Key topics: · Early life growing up in Athens · The Wembley Stadium project · Moving to Acivico · Public speaking and finding her voice · Succeeding in a male dominated industry · First impressions of Birmingham · Her passion for learning More about Acivico: Website: https://acivicogroup.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acivicogroup/ 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.

    45 min

  2. MAR 2

    Iain McCallister | Boxing, Britpop and building a security powerhouse

    MAN Commercial Protection founder and CEO Iain McCallister joins Henrietta Brealey for the second episode of season four. Iain is a former nightclub doorman who, alongside his father, founded the Solihull-based private security firm in 1993. He scaled it to become the largest privately-owned security business in the West Midlands, employing 1,600 people across the UK. Iain discusses providing security services to rock icons including Oasis, The Who and The Rolling Stones, as well as major boxing shows and Royal occasions. We also hear about Iain and MAN Commercial Protection's efforts to change outdated perceptions of the security industry - and how they are creating new opportunities for people through their training academy. Key topics: · Early career - from butcher to bouncer · Founding MAN Commercial · Discipline learned from boxing · High-profile clients · Security industry challenges and misconceptions · MAN Commercial's training academy · Growth plans and ambitions More about Iain: Website: https://mancommercialprotection.co.uk/about/about-man/welcome-from-our-ceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-mccallister-0486a110/ 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. FEB 2

    Janie Frampton | The football trailblazer making a global impact

    Trailblazing former football referee Janie Frampton joins Henrietta Brealey for the first episode of season four. Janie, who is the co-founder of TeamYou and president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, reveals how her career was sparked by a love of football. She was only the second woman to referee in a men's professional game and has since gone on to work with global sports governing bodies on leadership and development programmes. A staunch advocate for women's equality, Jane opens up about some of the obstacles she has faced in her career and how she found the resilience to rise through the football ranks. She also talks about how Greater Birmingham businesses can seize opportunities in sport. Key topics: · Falling in love with football · Breaking down barriers as a referee · Encounters with famous football personalities · Transition to business leadership · International work and projects · Opportunities in the business of sport · Priorities as Global Chamber president More about Janie: Website: https://teamyou.net/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-frampton-obe/ 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.

    41 min

  4. 12/01/2024

    Fran Nolan and André Picart | Building an agency with a best-in-class culture

    In the final episode of season three, Henrietta Brealey is joined by the co-founders of Tribera - the award-winning creative content agency. Fran Nolan and André Picart run the Birmingham city centre-based agency which has racked up a host of accolades including being named in the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Work' list.  Fran and André join Henrietta to discuss their career-defining moments, how they complement each other as co-founders and the importance of work-life balance - including Tribera's shift to a 32-hour work week. Fran and André also share insights on the impact of AI in marketing, what makes a great business leader and the importance of intuition in decision-making. Key topics: · Defining career moments · Starting Tribera - the early days · The importance of team and culture · Working together as co-founders · The role of a performance coach · Implementing a four-day working week · Redefining the working week - from four days to 32 hours · Personal experiences with flexible work schedules · Impact on recruitment and retention · Embracing AI in the workplace · The evolution of marketing and social media More about Tribera: Website: https://www.tribera.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribera TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetribera 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

  5. 11/03/2024

    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

  6. 10/06/2024

    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

  7. 09/01/2024

    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

  8. 08/04/2024 · 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
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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.

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