Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast

Clara Melia
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Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast, is hosted by Equitory founder and CEO, Clara Melia. The purpose of Enquire is to bring together Investor Relations and Capital Markets professionals to share their experiences, best practice and offer listeners insights and ideas in the dynamic world of Investor Relations. Clara and occasional guest hosts from the Equitory team have the pleasure of having fascinating and informative conversations with some of the most experienced and well-respected people in the world of Investor Relations.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 63: Chris Kinder - Inside the Investor Forum: Driving High Quality Engagement to Improve Value Creation

    In this episode of Enquire, Clara Melia speaks with Chris Kinder, CEO of the Investor Forum, about his 20+ year transition from UK equity fund manager to leading one of the market's most prominent stewardship bodies. Chris explains how the Investor Forum distils shareholder feedback to help boards navigate complex capital allocation, takeover bids, and valuation discounts. He highlights new initiatives like the Investor and Issuer Forum and the Board Dialogue Service, breaks down real-world case studies and shares why companies should start treating investor meetings as a two-way street to drive long-term value creation. In this Episode: The origin story of the Investor Forum following the 2012 Kay Review.How collective engagement works step-by-step from escalation to chair meetings.The difference between the member-led Investor Forum and the Investor & Issuer Forum.How to balance share buybacks with long-term capital allocation (R&D, Capital Expenditure, M&A).Why collective engagement is distinct from public corporate activism.Practical benefits of the Board Dialogue Service for C-suite and Board Chairs.How IR teams can use price-in data and investor expectations to challenge internal consensus.Key stewardship trends including pass-through voting, non-executive pay, and cyber governance.How corporate boards can get actionable, unfiltered feedback from institutional shareholders. Quotes "What we offer to the companies is a distillation of the investor concerns... taking all the feedback that we get and distilling it down into three to five key messages that the company needs to hear.""We are never telling companies what to do... It's not the 'naughty step'. We are a venue to have high-quality engagement between companies and their investors with a view to improving value.""The IR is a critical link between investors and companies... Done well, it is the first call. They should be the disciplinarian that keeps the consensus in check."Resources Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

  2. Sep 2

    Episode 62: Anthony Hamilton - Driving IR Value Through Cross-Functional Leadership and 'IR Plus'

    In this episode of Enquire, Clara Melia speaks with Anthony Hamilton, Director of Investor Relations at WPP, about his 20-year career evolution across heavy industry, telecommunications, and tech-driven marketing services. Anthony details how to transition from an execution specialist into a strategic advisor to the C-suite, how to deliver uncomfortable market feedback to leadership, and how serving in non-executive governance roles enriches board interaction. The conversation explores navigating AI narrative risks, utilising AI as a supportive team member, engaging constructively with activist shareholders, and why future leaders must adopt an "IR Plus" cross-functional mindset to drive long-term business value.  In this Episode: How to transition from tactical execution to a strategic advisor to the C-suite. Core IR fundamentals that transfer across diverse sectors, from heavy industry to tech. Practical strategies and timing for delivering uncomfortable market feedback to executives. How non-executive governance roles enhance your understanding of board dynamics and AGMs. The shift from AI adoption to deep engagement in daily corporate communications. How to reframe "AI risk" market narratives and demonstrate tech enablement over replacement. Early warning technical signals for spotting activist shareholders on your register. Why cross-functional rotations ("IR Plus") build superior, well-rounded IR leaders. How to proactively address market scepticism through communication and register alignment. How to measure IR success beyond meeting volume, including the value of internal IR. Quotes: "We use it as the extra person in the team... a way of just pulling together vast amounts of information in a very succinct and easy fashion, freeing us up to do the critical part of IR: networking and human relationships." "IR plus means IR as a cross-functional leadership solution, rather than a standalone silo... when linked closely with strategy, FP&A, treasury, and finance, one plus one equals three." "The most valuable activity in investor relations is networking, whether that's internal or external." Resources: Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn

  3. May 19

    Episode 61: Sarah Webster - How Sustainability Becomes Part of the Investment Case

    In this episode of Enquire, Sarah Webster shares her perspective on the evolving role of investor relations at the intersection of strategy, sustainability and financial reporting. Drawing on experience across IR leadership and sustainability roles, Sarah explores how companies can better communicate long-term value while meeting short-term market expectations. The conversation covers ESG integration, board engagement, AI-driven disclosure and the importance of linking non-financial data to financial outcomes. A practical and insightful discussion for IR professionals navigating an increasingly complex reporting landscape. In this Episode: How investor relations connects strategy, finance and storytelling Why quarterly reporting can limit long-term communication How sustainability has evolved within investor dialogue Ways to link non-financial metrics to financial valuation How IR can influence board-level decision-making Why credibility depends on clarity and honesty How AI is changing how disclosures are consumed The importance of data quality in reporting How to build a long-term investment case What defines the next generation of IR leaders Quotes: “IR professionals need the courage to hold up a mirror to the business.”“Sustainability conversations need to move beyond values and connect to commercial reality.”“Boards need clarity on both financial and non-financial risks and how they connect.”“IR now sits at the intersection of strategy, communication and market intelligence.”Resources: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

  4. Apr 21

    Episode 60: James Ashton - Advocating for the UK’s Growth Economy

    In this episode of Enquire, James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), joins Clara Melia to discuss the health and future of the UK’s growth company ecosystem. Drawing on his background as a leading financial journalist, James provides a candid look at the challenges facing small and mid-cap boards, from the rising costs of audit and compliance to the pressures of valuation and liquidity. The conversation explores the findings of the 2026 QCA City Debate, the evolution of the QCA Corporate Governance Code, and the critical importance of better (not just more) investor engagement. James also shares his vision for London as the "capital of growth capital" and explains why a level playing field between public and private company reporting is essential for long-term market success. In this episode: How to apply journalistic storytelling to corporate communications.What differentiates "better" engagement from "more" engagement.How to balance the cost and complexity of a public listing against its benefits.Ways to effectively engage with a retail investor base.How to apply the QCA Corporate Governance Code flexibly rather than as a tick-box exercise.The role of pension reform and capital flows in supporting UK growth companies.How to manage relationships with proxy advisors during transition years.What defines a successful hybrid or digital AGM strategy.The traits that differentiate high-performing CEOs and board leaders.Quotes: "The best leaders have the purpose, authenticity, and delivery... they lead people where they've never been before, which is the future." "The absolute takeaway... it probably isn't more [engagement], it is better." "We're the second biggest asset management centre in the world, and our assets are not backing our great prospects. We need to... unite those two sides together." Resources:  Connect with James Ashton on LinkedIn

  5. Mar 31

    Episode 59: Bojana Flint - Global IR: Strategy, Culture and Communication in a Changing Market

    In this episode of Enquire, Bojana Flint shares her experience working across different sectors and regions, offering a global perspective on modern investor relations. From navigating a US Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) listing and engaging retail investors to adapting to different investor cultures, Bojana explains how IR operates across borders and sectors. The conversation explores AI, data infrastructure, capital markets events and the evolving strategic role of IR. A practical and insightful discussion for anyone working in investor relations in a fast-moving global market. In this episode: How IR skills transfer across countries and sectorsLessons from a US SPAC listing and cross-border communicationHow to engage retail investors effectivelyWhat defines Nordic investor cultureWhat makes a successful Capital Markets DayHow AI is transforming IR workflowsHow to measure success beyond KPIsWhy adaptability is key to a successful IR careerQuotes: “IR transcends borders and sectors. The fundamentals are the same, but the context changes.” “AI can process information faster, but it cannot replace judgement and context.” “IR has become far more strategic. It sits at the intersection of strategy, communication and market intelligence.”Resources:  Connect with Bojana on LinkedIn

  6. Mar 4

    Episode 58: Dami Tanimowo - IR Under Pressure: Building Trust When Markets Wobble

    In this episode of Enquire, Dami Tanimowo, Head of Investor Relations at Robert Walters, shares a candid perspective on building and leading an IR function under pressure. From establishing IR from scratch to navigating activist interest and AI-driven valuation concerns, Dami explains how clarity, consistency and strategic alignment build trust when markets are unsettled. The conversation explores investor psychology, disclosure strategy, board engagement and how IR success is measured when sentiment shifts. A practical and thoughtful guide for IR professionals operating in today’s complex market environment. In This Episode How to transition into investor relations from finance and strategyWhat it takes to build an IR function from scratchWhy human psychology plays a central role in market behaviourHow IR adds the most value during moments of stressHow to adapt IR strategy across very different sectorsWhat AI means for sentiment and disclosure in recruitmentHow to think about analyst coverage in a constrained environmentWays to gather and interpret investor feedback effectivelyHow to engage boards with clear, relevant IR insightsWhy clarity and consistency matter more than ever in IRQuotes “A strong IR function comes into its own in moments of stress.” “Challenge yourself to explain why the company exists in as few words as possible.” “We are still in the foothills of understanding how AI will reshape the labour market.” “IR credibility comes from connecting market signals to strategic decisions.” Resources Connect with Dami on LinkedIn

  7. Feb 11

    Episode 57: Peter Russell - What Really Matters in Investor Storytelling? Lessons from Peter Russell

    In this episode of Enquire, we're joined by Peter Russell, an experienced FTSE 100 IRO at Rentokil Initial and Avast. Peter shares what he's learned throughout his career in IR, and why the role is far more human than people expect. We hear about his experience managing some of IR's toughest challenges, such as dealing with activist investors, maintaining investor confidence through leadership changes and communicating effectively during periods of share price pressure.  Peter explains why staying calm matters more than shouting louder, and how IR becomes a steady point of connection when businesses need it the most. You'll also hear Peter's thoughts on measuring success in IR, including why you need hard metrics and soft sentiment, and practical advice on everything from getting feedback from investors to presenting to the board effectively.  In This Episode Why Peter describes IR as "psychology with a calculator"  The human side of investor relations that often gets overlooked How IR can maintain continuity and credibility during leadership transitions Understanding what information investors actually find useful versus treating everything as key Measuring success in IR: balancing quantitative metrics with qualitative sentiment Why the numbers tell you how much you're doing but sentiment tells you how well you are doing itBoard communication and the power of one-pagers The role of AI in IR and why it remains a human business  Career advice for anyone moving into investor relations Quotes: "IR is far more human than people expect. One banker put it to me that it’s psychology with a calculator. Markets don’t move on mass; they move on belief. It’s your job as IR to keep that belief grounded, but alive enough to keep people interested.” "If you spend enough time inside the business with people who make it work, you can learn to tell the story, whatever the sector. I made a point of going out and talking to anyone who could explain why the company created value. Then you start to see the rhythms of the business.” "AI will probably give us some more capacity by taking on a lot of the heavy lifting and processing analytics. But it’s still way off from matching the judgement and nuance that comes from real conversations.”  Resources Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

  8. Jan 21

    Episode 56: Andrew Foster - The Future of Corporate Broking; And Why IR Must Lead the Story

    In this episode of Enquire, Clara is joined by Andrew Foster, Chairman of Corporate Broking at Morgan Stanley, to unpack how the UK’s uniquely British corporate broking model has evolved, and what that evolution means for boards, IR teams and listed companies today. Drawing on a career that spans regulation, investment banking and decades advising FTSE 100 companies, Andrew offers a clear-eyed view of what corporate brokers can and crucially cannot do in modern equity markets. What you'll learn in this episode: How corporate broking has changed since the “Big Bang” and MiFIDWhy sales force size and research coverage matter less than they used toWhat brokers can realistically deliver and what they can’tWhy IR teams must own the equity storyHow to think about investor targeting and time allocationWhen and how to engage with hedge funds and short sellersHow activism and takeover risk really developWhat makes an effective broker and advisory line-upWhy IR must sit at the centre of strategyHow to align shareholders with long-term corporate objectivesQuotes: “The question companies should ask is not what their broker promises, but what they can actually control.” “IR should be absolutely front and centre in the strategic direction of the business.” “You want critical friends, not people who just tell you what you want to hear.” “Every interaction with the market should reinforce the long-term story.” Resources: Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

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About

Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast, is hosted by Equitory founder and CEO, Clara Melia. The purpose of Enquire is to bring together Investor Relations and Capital Markets professionals to share their experiences, best practice and offer listeners insights and ideas in the dynamic world of Investor Relations. Clara and occasional guest hosts from the Equitory team have the pleasure of having fascinating and informative conversations with some of the most experienced and well-respected people in the world of Investor Relations.

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