“Voices on the Edge of Change”

Lou Robey

🎙 Voices on the Edge of Change is hosted by transformation trailblazer Lou Robey — a force in business change with 40 years of experience across sectors, including 25 years in broadcast media. In this debut series, Lou speaks with bold leaders and changemakers driving real impact across organisations and society. From leading the launch of BBC iPlayer to shaping the BBC’s award-winning Culture Change programme, Lou now uses her voice to amplify others at the edge of transformation. Commissioned by Women in Change, and supported by Marlowe Consulting, this powerful series explores what it really means to lead from the edge. All podcasts are made by Lou Robey and her team. 🎧 Amplifying change, one voice at a time. Subscribe and join the conversation. 🌐 www.lourobey.com (coming soon) 📩 Email: lou@lourobey.com 💼 LinkedIn: Lou Robey https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-robey-6622455 #VoicesOnTheEdge #WomenInChange #Leadership #Transformation

  1. Nikki Barua on Reinvention, AI, and What It Really Takes to Lead

    Apr 23

    Nikki Barua on Reinvention, AI, and What It Really Takes to Lead

    So what does it actually take to lead through disruption, not just survive it, but reshape it? Lou Robey sits down with Nikki Barua, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and CEO & Co-Founder of FlipWork, for a conversation that goes beyond strategy into the human truth of transformation. Nikki has spent over 25 years guiding some of the world's most iconic brands through digital transformation and workforce reinvention. Her journey from humble beginnings to global recognition, featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Forbes, isn't just a success story. It's a masterclass in reinvention. In this episode, they explore: The inner shift that mattered more than any external milestone What most leaders are getting dangerously wrong about AI adaptation Which fears about AI deserve serious attention — and which are just noise What's really happening beneath the surface for leaders who feel successful yet unsettled How to reinvent without burning everything down The moment reinvention was forced on Nikki — and what it taught her How work culture must evolve as AI reshapes roles, identity, and purpose The skills that will matter most when technical skills keep changing  The conversation more leaders need to be brave enough to have  One grounded step for anyone standing at the edge of change right now If you're navigating change — leading it, living it, or bracing for it — this one is for you.   Voices on the Edge of Change is hosted by Lou Robey, business transformation expert, keynote speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice on Change. Connect with Nikki Barua: nikkibarua.com | flipwork.ai | @NikkiBarua

    1h 2m
  2. Will the UK adopt a Social Media ban - this is the question!

    Apr 7

    Will the UK adopt a Social Media ban - this is the question!

    What does it really take to protect our children online?   In this episode, I sit down with Baroness Luciana Berger — former MP, now working in the House of Lords on two of the most significant issues of our time: assisted dying and the campaign to safeguard under-16s on social media.   What she shared stopped me in my tracks.   The average child spends 21 hours a week on social media. Not on screens generally. On the most sophisticated, addictive apps ever created. And that is only the beginning.   We talk about the work happening behind the scenes to get the social media bill right.   We talk about why Snapchat, the app most associated with grooming, bullying, and real-world harm, is so often the first one we hand our children.   We talk about FOMO, comparison, and how constant exposure to a curated highlight reel is quietly dismantling children's self-worth before they even know who they are.   Luciana brings in the medical evidence. The rise in anxiety medication. The surge in therapy referrals. The heartbreaking reality of children are taking their own lives because of what they encounter online. And she talks about the precautionary principle: once you have evidence of harm, you act.   We also compare our own childhoods. We were naïve. And that naïveté protected us. Today's children do not have that same protection.   The consultation is open now to anyone aged 10 and above. This is your chance to have a voice. To stand up. To be counted.   75% of people in this country want some form of policy to protect under-16s online. The concern is real. The need is urgent. And the conversation is only just beginning.   Are you ready to help our children stay safe?  Have your say here.

    1h 10m
  3. The Future of Leadership Is A Conscious One

    Feb 28

    The Future of Leadership Is A Conscious One

    What separates high performing CEOs from those who burn out under pressure? In this powerful conversation, leadership expert Natasha Wallace reveals the science behind resilience, clarity and building cultures that drive both wellbeing and bottom line results. Natasha has advised senior leaders and executive teams at organisations including JPMorgan Chase, UK Ministry of Defence and Xero, helping them build high trust cultures that drive both wellbeing and bottom line results. Her work has contributed directly to improved performance and successful company exits, proving that humanity and commercial success are not mutually exclusive. As the author of the bestselling book The Conscious Effect, Natasha combines science, strategy and deep humanity in a way that few leaders can. In this episode, we explore how leaders can stay clear headed under pressure, build resilient cultures and lead with self awareness and confidence in increasingly complex markets. If you are a CEO, founder, senior leader or someone passionate about the future of leadership, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. What You’ll Learn: ✔ Why wellbeing is not a soft topic but a strategic advantage ✔ How conscious leadership improves performance and long term results ✔ The science behind resilience and clarity under pressure ✔ How to build high trust cultures in overstretched environments ✔ The link between self awareness, empathy and commercial success ✔ What the next evolution of leadership looks like 💡 Why You Should Listen Leadership today is harder than ever. Time pressure, complexity and constant change are the norm. Natasha shares practical insights from working with hundreds of senior leaders across global organisations. This episode goes beyond theory and into real world strategies that drive measurable impact. If you want to lead with confidence without sacrificing wellbeing or results, this episode is for you.

    1h 7m
  4. Why Being a Generalist Might Be Your Biggest Career Advantage especially in the World of AI

    Feb 3

    Why Being a Generalist Might Be Your Biggest Career Advantage especially in the World of AI

    What if being good at lots of things is not a weakness but your biggest advantage? In this episode, I am joined by Dr Mansoor Soomro researcher, educator and thought leader whose work challenges the idea that success only comes from specialising and picking one narrow path. Dr Mansoor Soomro explores what he calls the generalist advantage, why broad thinking, adaptability and the ability to connect ideas across domains are becoming some of the most valuable skills in a complex, fast changing world. We talk about careers, leadership, AI and neurodiverse talent and why many people who have never quite fit the traditional mould may actually be exactly who organisations need right now. If you have ever felt like you are good at many things but unsure how that fits into a world obsessed with specialisation this conversation is for you.  I can't wait to hear what resonates with you and get your reaction! For more information on Dr Mansoor Somoro, check out: - @Heymonsor (instagram) - TEDXTeeside: https://youtu.be/S4gZX0bExnQsi=hrsUxoPjG9YO6jVN -Checkout his book!  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generalist-Advantage-Framework-Potential-Generalists-ebook/dp/B0F5Z1TYML It is a game-changing book for our era of specialisation! – Des Dearlove, Thinkers50 The Generalist Advantage is a useful framework for firms in transition, preparing themselves for a high-tech future. – Yuri Bender, Financial Times The Generalist Advantage: Proven Framework to Explore the Potential of 4 Types of Generalists at Work delivers a compelling argument as to why generalists—those with diverse skill sets and broad industry exposure—hold a unique advantage in shaping the future of work. This book provides actionable insights for those who are still going down the path of the specialist in this age of AI.

    1h 7m
  5. Science Wasn’t ‘For People Like Me’ — Until She Proved Everyone Wrong

    Jan 14

    Science Wasn’t ‘For People Like Me’ — Until She Proved Everyone Wrong

    What if the reason people don’t pursue science isn’t a lack of ability, but a lack of representation? In this powerful episode of Voices on the Edge of Change, Lou Robey sits down with Holly Ellis, better known as “The Scouse Scientist” a clinical geneticist working in the NHS who is quietly redefining what a scientist looks and sounds like. Growing up in Liverpool, Holly never imagined science was “for people like her.” With a Scouse accent, a love of fashion, and no family history of university, Oxford felt like an impossible dream until she took the leap. Today, Holly works at the forefront of genetics and proactive healthcare, helping diagnose rare diseases, prevent inherited cancers, and shape a future where medicine is personalised rather than reactive. At the same time, she’s built a powerful online platform to show young people, especially girls from working-class backgrounds, that you don’t have to change who you are to succeed in science. In this conversation, we explore:  🧬 How genetics is transforming healthcare and saving lives  🎓 Imposter syndrome, class, accent & belonging at Oxford  👩‍🔬 Why the “mad scientist” stereotype is still holding people back  👶 Motherhood, ambition & the invisible load women carry  🎥 Why representation in science — on TV and online — truly matters  💥 The power of saying yes before you feel ready Holly’s story isn’t just about science. It’s about identity, confidence, and refusing to shrink to fit outdated expectations. If you’ve ever thought “people like me don’t do that”, this episode is for you.

    1h 5m
  6. Bolder, Older, Greener: Sharon Sinclair-Williams on Leading Change in the Digital Age

    09/29/2025

    Bolder, Older, Greener: Sharon Sinclair-Williams on Leading Change in the Digital Age

    In this episode, I’m joined by Sharon Sinclair-Williams, a true trailblazer working at the intersection of carbon literacy, digital wellbeing, midlife storytelling, EFT, and sustainable design. Sharon is on a mission to help us live, work, and age more boldly and more responsibly. Together, we explore how wellbeing, sustainability and storytelling connect and what it really takes to lead change in today’s digital world. We cover: • The first accredited Carbon Literacy course for the digital industry and how tech leaders are responding • Why sustainability, wellbeing, and storytelling belong together • Ageism, visibility, and voice for women in their 60s and beyond • Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to support grief, ADHD, and midlife transitions • Greener websites, WordPress rescue stories, and digital responsibility • The community power of Best Before End Date and what keeps Sharon learning and leading ✨ This episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and practical ideas for creating meaningful change — in your work, your community, and your own life. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Sharon’s journey 4:05 “Bolder, Older, Greener” 8:40 Digital leadership challenges 12:15 Personal stories & lessons 16:50 Leading change 20:30 Green citizenship 24:10 Key takeaways 26:00 Outro 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders and changemakers on the edge of transformation. Find Sharon online: Instagram: @loveyourselffirsteft thedigitalgene.co.uk sharonsinclairwilliams.co.uk bestbeforeenddate.substack.com

    1h 22m

About

🎙 Voices on the Edge of Change is hosted by transformation trailblazer Lou Robey — a force in business change with 40 years of experience across sectors, including 25 years in broadcast media. In this debut series, Lou speaks with bold leaders and changemakers driving real impact across organisations and society. From leading the launch of BBC iPlayer to shaping the BBC’s award-winning Culture Change programme, Lou now uses her voice to amplify others at the edge of transformation. Commissioned by Women in Change, and supported by Marlowe Consulting, this powerful series explores what it really means to lead from the edge. All podcasts are made by Lou Robey and her team. 🎧 Amplifying change, one voice at a time. Subscribe and join the conversation. 🌐 www.lourobey.com (coming soon) 📩 Email: lou@lourobey.com 💼 LinkedIn: Lou Robey https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-robey-6622455 #VoicesOnTheEdge #WomenInChange #Leadership #Transformation