Thoughtful Leadership from AMBITIOUS

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Welcome to the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS. In this series we will look to explore some of the challenges that today’s leaders face when leading a business and what it takes to be a thoughtful leader. Hosted by AMBITIOUS Deputy MD, Laura Lear, an expert in corporate communications and leadership advisory. Laura will be talking to a host of individuals from a range of organisations and sectors including entrepreneurs, business experts, and academics, to dig a little deeper into the challenges, opportunities, and threats being faced by these inspirational leaders - from building purpose and your north star, to ESG and culture. Thoughtful leadership comes in many different shapes and sizes, and this series will look to uncover just that and why it is so crucial for today’s world.

  1. Apr 29

    Leading through Uncertainty: Banking, Business and Growth with Carmen Peacock

    In this episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura Lear speaks with Carmen Peacock, Head of Corporate Banking for Lloyds Bank, Chair of the CBI South West and a senior leader helping to shape the region’s economic future. Originally from Romania, Carmen moved to the UK to study banking before building a career across some of the UK’s largest financial institutions. From working at the Bank of England during the financial crisis to leading national teams through the pandemic, her journey has been shaped by a consistent focus on creating value for businesses, communities and people. Now based in the South West, Carmen brings a rare regional, national and board-level perspective to leadership. Through her role at Lloyds, her work with the CBI, and as a non-executive director with South West Investment Group, she has a unique view of how SMEs, scale-ups and large corporates are navigating growth, disruption and uncertainty. In this episode, Laura & Carmen explore:   Carmen’s leadership journey from international student to senior bank leader What makes the South West one of the UK’s most dynamic and investable regions Using your voice and creating value at the table in male‑dominated environments How businesses are approaching AI adoption in practical, productivity‑led ways Supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs through growth, funding and uncertainty Balancing senior leadership, purpose and family life To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram,& TikTok. Produced by AMBITIOUS

    29 min

  2. Mar 26

    From Policy to Practice: A Leadership Journey in Health Innovation with Ruth Cousens

    In this episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with Ruth Cousens, Founder and CEO of Thiscovery - a Cambridge University spin‑out transforming how organisations gather insight to design meaningful health and care innovation. With a career spanning the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, the NHS, major charities, and Nesta’s social innovation ecosystem, Ruth brings rare cross‑sector experience to one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: how to truly understand the needs of patients, staff, and communities at scale. Her leadership journey is rooted in values, purpose, and a deep belief in amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Moving from academia into startup life, Ruth has navigated funding, growth, and rapid change while building a culture grounded in pragmatism, empathy, and impact. In this episode, Laura and Ruth explore: The journey from Cambridge research institute to commercial spin‑out Why user insight is essential to meaningful innovation across the NHS Transitioning from public sector roles to leading a fast‑moving startup Building a values‑led culture that balances empathy with commercial focus Overcoming “pilotitis” and the challenge of scaling solutions nationally How AI and large language models are reshaping qualitative research Ruth’s long‑term ambition for more inclusive, insight‑driven health innovation To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & TikTok. Produced by AMBITIOUS

    34 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    The Yes Effect: How Embracing Chances Transforms Careers with Emma Foster

    In this episode, host Laura Lear is joined by Emma Foster, Managing Director at Kohler Mira - the global business behind sector.-leading brands such as Mira Showers.   With a 20-year career at Kohler Mira, Emma has progressed through the organisation, building deep expertise and earning her leadership role through consistent performance, commitment, and impact. Her journey reflects a mindset of saying yes to opportunity - taking on new challenges, broadening her experience, and continuously raising the bar for herself and her teams.   In this open and engaging conversation, Emma reflects on the choices and experiences that have shaped her leadership journey. She shares thoughtful insights on backing yourself, staying curious, and maintaining momentum as responsibilities grow. Her story highlights that strong leadership isn’t about waiting until you feel “ready”, it’s about committing fully, learning continuously, and leading with purpose.   Laura and Emma discuss:   How saying “yes” has helped accelerate Emma’s careerMira's people-first culture and the benefits this bringsBuilding confidence while taking on bigger challengesWhy attitude, energy, and collaboration are key leadership strengthsThe value of investing in people - both others and yourself  To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok.   Produced by AMBITIOUS

    28 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    From NHS Surgeon to Health Tech CEO: How Tympa Health is Transforming Hearing Care with Dr Krish Ramdoo

    In this episode, host Laura Lear sits down with Dr. Krish Ramdoo  - former ENT surgeon turned founder and CEO of Tympa Health, one of the UK’s fastest-growing health-tech companies. Krish’s unusual path from operating theatre to boardroom has given him a rare blend of clinical expertise, commercial insight, and mission-driven leadership. What began as a problem he saw daily in the NHS - delayed access to ear and hearing care - has evolved into a global platform now supporting over 45,000 patients every month. From raising millions in investment to scaling teams and expanding internationally, Krish has had to learn fast and lead differently. In this conversation, he shares what it really takes to transition from clinician to CEO, build a purpose-led organisation, and create lasting impact in a stretched healthcare system. Laura and Krish explore: How “living the problem” inspired the creation of Tympa HealthThe transition from surgeon to business leaderWhy purpose, clarity, and storytelling are essential for scaling a health-tech companyLessons from raising investment and building high-performing teamsThe long-term vision for making ear and hearing care accessible worldwideTo find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok. Produced by AMBITIOUS

    28 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    Zig When They Zag: Inside Apple’s Creative Culture with Sam Oliver

    The Thoughtful Leadership Podcast is back! In this episode, host Laura Lear sits down with Sam Oliver, Creative Director and former Apple leader whose career spans some of the world’s top agencies, including Ogilvy, BBH, and Wieden+Kennedy - and one of the most influential brands on the planet. At Apple, Sam helped shape the creative culture behind some of the most iconic product launches in tech history. Leading a cross-functional team of 18 creatives inside Apple’s in-house agency, he worked at the intersection of design, strategy, and global storytelling, managing creative ownership, collaboration, and speed at scale. In this conversation, Sam shares what it takes to build and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Laura and Sam explore: What it’s really like to lead creative strategy inside AppleHow to build high-performing teams in fast-paced environmentsNavigating ownership and ego in creative workCultural contrasts between British and Silicon Valley leadershipWhy speed, trust, and clarity are vital to creative successTo find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok. Produced by AMBITIOUS

    30 min

  6. Season 2 Trailer

    The Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS is BACK!

    Welcome to season two of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS! In this series, we continue to explore the challenges that today’s leaders face when leading a business—and what it takes to be a thoughtful leader. We'll be talking to a host of individuals from a range of organisations and sectors including founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. Together, we’ll dig deeper into what it means to lead in today’s world, with a particular focus on innovation, creativity, and AI - the hot topic on everyone’s lips. Thoughtful leadership continues to come in many different shapes and sizes, and this series will uncover just that - along with why it’s more crucial than ever. Produced by AMBITIOUS Produced by AMBITIOUS

    1 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    Workplace Evolution: Helen Hodgkinson on The New Era of HR

    In the final episode of season one of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with Helen Hodgkinson, an influential leader in the HR and people development space.   As the Chief People & Places Officer at law firm TLT, Helen is passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, driving cultural transformation, and championing people-first leadership. With extensive experience in HR strategy, she has played a key role in shaping environments where individuals and teams can thrive.   In today’s episode, Helen shares insights from her career journey, discussing the evolving role of HR in modern business, the importance of human-centric leadership, and the strategies she uses to create meaningful change within organisations.   Laura and Helen explore topics including:   The evolving role of HR in shaping company cultureStrategies for building inclusive and high-performing teamsHow leaders can drive meaningful change within their organizationsThe importance of authenticity and emotional intelligence in leadershipTo find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok. Produced by AMBITIOUS

    36 min

  8. 03/04/2025

    Shaping Resilient Cultures: Leadership Lessons from Naz Sarkar

    In episode five of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura speaks with Naz Sarkar, an experienced business leader with a proven track record in steering organisations through crises.   As the former CEO of a division at ComputerShare, a global share transfer company, and a senior leader at Lloyd’s Bank for over two decades, Naz has firsthand experience of leading businesses through turbulent times – including the COVID-19 pandemic.   Naz is a firm believer in purpose-driven leadership, making tough decisions with integrity, and fostering strong company cultures – even in the most challenging circumstances.   In this episode, Laura and Naz explore: Leading a global business through crisis and uncertaintyBalancing operational success with employee well-being during the pandemicThe evolving nature of work, from remote setups to hybrid modelsThe role of leadership in shaping company culture across different markets and doing ‘the right thing’Why diversity in leadership is essential for long-term business success  To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, & TikTok. Produced by AMBITIOUS

    38 min
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Welcome to the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS. In this series we will look to explore some of the challenges that today’s leaders face when leading a business and what it takes to be a thoughtful leader. Hosted by AMBITIOUS Deputy MD, Laura Lear, an expert in corporate communications and leadership advisory. Laura will be talking to a host of individuals from a range of organisations and sectors including entrepreneurs, business experts, and academics, to dig a little deeper into the challenges, opportunities, and threats being faced by these inspirational leaders - from building purpose and your north star, to ESG and culture. Thoughtful leadership comes in many different shapes and sizes, and this series will look to uncover just that and why it is so crucial for today’s world.

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