What happens when higher education meets the dynamic world of apprenticeships?
In this episode Safaraz is in conversation with Lisa Davies about her role as Business Development Director at Birmingham City University, where she is delivering employer led Apprenticeship recruitment and training solutions. They talk about the shifting landscape of apprenticeship funding, focusing on Level 7-degree apprenticeships and the impact of upcoming changes.
With an institution housing over 30,000 students and more than 3,000 staff, Lisa navigates the complexities of adapting apprenticeship programs to meet the ever-shifting demands of industry and commerce. We also hear how BCU is positioning itself as a national leader in providing apprenticeship opportunities.
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Can apprenticeships be more than just a backup plan? Join us as we converse with Danny from Birmingham City University, who passionately argues for apprenticeships as a first-choice pathway. With Danny at the helm of apprenticeship programs, he sheds light on the transformative power of these initiatives, challenging outdated perceptions.
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Kirsty Donnelly, CEO of City & Guilds, talks to Safaraz Ali about her remarkable journey as she takes the helm under the new ownership of PeopleCert.
In this powerful episode of Canny Conversations, Safaraz Ali sits down with Kirstie Donnelly MBE, the Chief Executive Officer of City & Guilds, to explore a career shaped by transformation, vision, and values-driven leadership.
Now leading City & Guilds through one of the most significant turning points in its 145-year history, Kirstie reflects on her remarkable journey - from navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to steering a bold new chapter through the acquisition by global certification leader PeopleCert. It’s a candid and timely conversation about what it takes to lead a legacy organisation through disruption, remain focused on mission, and adapt for the future of work.
This episode is more than a leadership story - it’s a frontline account of how the UK’s most recognised awarding body is repositioning itself to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, embracing digital credentials, globalisation, and lifelong learning, while staying anchored in purpose and social mobility.
Kirstie opens up about the pressures of leadership during the pandemic, the strategic reflections that led to the PeopleCert deal, and how she sees City & Guilds playing a renewed role in the global skills ecosystem. Her belief that “talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not” is a theme that runs deeply throughout the episode - as does her call for system-wide reform, cross-sector collaboration, and courageous leadership.
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Welcome to the second half of Safaraz's conversation with Lisa Capper MBE, the CEO and Principal of Sandwell Colleges. In this episode, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of the Sector Work-Based Academy Programmes (SWAPS), revealing how these innovative initiatives are equipping adults with the skills needed to thrive in hospital settings and through collaboration with community organizations, schools, and employers, individuals are overcoming personal challenges and finding new pathways to success.
Lisa also opens up about her passionate commitment to inclusive education, inspired by her son's experience with unilateral hearing loss. As the first female chair of the National Deaf Children's Society, Lisa shares her personal mission to create resources and support for children with disabilities.
Finally, we learn the value of building high-performing teams through a culture of shared vision and alignment, where empowerment and development are key.
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Welcome to Lisa Capper MBE, the inspiring CEO and principal of the Sandwell Colleges Group. Lisa takes us through her journey of leading the largest college network in the West Midlands, shedding light on how these institutions are pivotal in transforming lives in communities marked by high deprivation. She shares the innovative steps Sandwell Colleges are taking, like the introduction of T-levels, to prepare learners for a future entwined with AI and technology, making education a powerful catalyst for social mobility.
Lisa highlights the remarkable milestones achieved by Sandwell College in student safety and diversity, earning top accolades for safeguarding and fostering an inclusive environment. With a large percentage of learners from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, Lisa talks to us about the college's commitment to diversity and its impactful 'swaps program,' which successfully integrates adults into NHS employment. These stories underscore the adaptability and community-focused ethos of Sandwell Colleges amidst the challenges of a competitive educational landscape.
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Welcome to this very special Canny Conversations podcast. We continue our break from our usual format to bring you the second half of Safaraz’s conversation with Mo Chaudry, British-Pakistani entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
Mo Talks about his connection to, and love of Stoke-on-Trent. He tells us about taking the risk of buying Water World in Staffordshire, even when the bank would not lend him the money and the deciding to sell just at the right time.
Saf and Mo also touch his appearance on The Secret Millionaire TV show and finish their conversation with Mo’s thoughts on role models for business and life.
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We are delighted to welcome Mo Chaudry, a British-Pakistani entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for having owned and transformed Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent from 1999 until its sale in 2025.
Mo is now focused on his roles at M Investment Group and Pulse Global, as well as his ongoing work in community development, mentoring, and philanthropy. His journey is one of vision, tenacity, and reinvention - from immigrant roots to building one of the UK’s most recognised leisure brands, and now stepping into a new phase.
In this special episode, Mo Chaudry, the dynamic entrepreneur opens up to Safaraz about his career transition, shedding light on his involvement with Pulse, a global gym equipment company, and his embrace of tech investments. Through his experiences, Mo illustrates the power of passion and innovation in entrepreneurship, offering listeners a unique perspective on the courage it takes to embrace change and seize new opportunities. By moving away from a victim mentality and embracing accountability, Mo demonstrates how personal and professional growth can be unlocked. This episode is a testament to the mindset and attributes necessary to achieve one's goals, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Mo's commitment to philanthropy and diversity underscores his inspiring journey. From supporting creative talents and Oscar-winning projects to establishing the Al Amir Foundation, Mo's active involvement in charitable endeavours shows his dedication to making a meaningful impact. We discuss his adventures in challenging bike rides and the M Club Foundation's mission to empower young people through sports. These stories highlight how Mo's hands-on approach to charity and his belief in the transformative power of sports create opportunities for young individuals to fulfil their potential, regardless of their backgrounds.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mochaudry/
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This week we hear the second half of Safaraz’s conversation with Jon Hornagold, the apprenticeship manager at Amey. They look at the differences between apprenticeships and degrees and how the different paths suit different people. It is all about having an alternative choice in training and education.
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This time Safaraz is in conversation with John Hornagold, the apprenticeship manager at Amey. In the first half of this two-part chat, John tells us about his journey from NATO HQ in the Netherland as part of the British army to his role at the civil engineering company, Amey drawing on his love of training gained in the army.
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Dedicated feline behaviour expert and volunteer, Nadia, invites us to explore the complex and often misunderstood world of cats. Forget the notion that cats are merely "not dogs"—Nadia provides a wealth of insights into their unique motivations and survival instincts that remain even in a domestic setting. Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss redefining career success, especially within the educational sector.
Finally this episode rounds off with an uplifting discussion on the power of authenticity and kindness in both personal and professional spheres.
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This week we hear the first half of Safaras conversation with Nadia Davies, a dedicated and inspiring leader, sharing her incredible journey at Solihull College and University Centre, where she has passionately advanced from a vocational assessor to the Director of Business Development over the past 18 years. Nadia offers a unique perspective on how the college thrives by fostering a people-centric, inclusive, and vibrant culture that mirrors its community. Her insights reveal how Solihull College not only stands out as an educational institution but also as a nurturing ground for both professional and personal growth, supporting staff and students alike in bringing their full selves to the table.
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This week we hear the second half of Safaraz’s conversations with Caren Alderwick, Head of apprenticeships at Cross Country Trains. Caren talks about how the power of education and confidence building can transform the journey back into the workforce as well as recognising and harnessing transferable skills from everyday life.
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Join us for a conversation with Caren Alderwick, Head of Apprenticeships and Operational Training at Cross Country Trains, who shares her remarkable journey with the company and her passion for education.
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Join us for Safaraz Ali's conversation with Jay Phillips, Head of Business Engagement at ATHE. They explore the dynamic partnership between ATHE and Pathway Group. Jay shares his journey from key account manager to his current role, emphasizing the importance of building strong B2B relationships with training providers and educational centres. We also find out how ATHE's global presence and offerings in vocational qualifications from Levels 3 to 7 serve as vital pathways to higher education. Safaraz and Jay also talk about Jay's passion for global cultures and how travel transitioned into a fulfilling career in education. They also talk about ATHE's collaborations with universities such as Bangor University and De Montfort University. These partnerships provide flexibility and opportunities for students, especially in challenging times when many universities face deficits.
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With roots as a cordon bleu chef and experience in managing a bustling restaurant, Alex ventured into corporate life, where his passion for business transformation flourished. Bridging the gap between vocational training and traditional academia, Alex discusses the evolving landscape and how ATHE has strategically positioned itself as a leader in the field. Emphasising the value of opportunistic partnerships and the empowerment of learners through technology, he shares how these initiatives have enhanced ATHE's presence both in the UK and globally. As universities increasingly recognise the merit of vocational pathways, Alex highlights the importance of flexibility and being prepared to seize emerging opportunities, a strategy that has fuelled ATHE's success.
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In this weeks episode we continue to discover the inspiring transformation of Sophie Azam, who transitioned from a civil servant to a vibrant grassroots leader. Her hands-on leadership style and embrace of digital platforms like TikTok and Shopify are helping to reshape the UK economy. Sophie shares her incredible journey, marked by resilience in the face of rejection, culminating in impactful partnerships, such as those with Think Rise by Barclays. Her story is an ode to perseverance and community-cantered entrepreneurship, offering invaluable lessons for budding entrepreneurs.
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Trailblazing entrepreneur Sophie Azam joins us to share her inspiring journey from the daughter of Pakistani immigrants to a pioneering force in Birmingham's business landscape. With a deep-rooted passion for education and a mission to integrate entrepreneurship into the British education system, Sophie recounts the creation of Ignite Qualifications—a venture born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is not just about building a company; it's a testament to the power of resilience, diversity, and redefining success through alternative education.
Sophie’s innovative mindset extends to Skills 4 Startups, the UK's first mobile business school dedicated to reducing the staggeringly high failure rates of startups. Her goal? To empower 100,000 startups by 2034. We look at the unique challenges faced by solo entrepreneurs and discuss the creative ways to overcome them, inspired by the journeys of iconic entrepreneurs like Richard Branson. Sophie reveals how managing energy levels and fostering a supportive network can transform the often daunting entrepreneurial journey into a thriving endeavour.
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Derrin Kent and Safaraz Ali look at how to shift you perspective on AI tools in coaching as they explore the balance between automation and the human touch. While AI-generated content might lack personal warmth, the presence of mentors and coaches in the workplace remains invaluable. They talk about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Co-Pilot can revolutionise routine tasks with personalised insights and efficient email summarisation, making them powerful allies rather than mere shortcuts. Derrin and Saf also discuss a variety of prompt engineering frameworks, including a sneak peek into the ROSES model, promising future discussions that will align with the ROPE framework.
https/://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460207/co-intelligence-by-mollick-ethan/9780753560778
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In the first part of this two-part conversation, we explore the transformative power of AI in education and the workplace, with Derrin Kent from TDM Limited returning to share his insights on the evolving landscape of apprenticeships and AI's revolutionary role. From enhancing learning with GPT tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, to envisioning future skills in a knowledge-driven workforce, we see how AI is reshaping educational approaches and business operations.
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460207/co-intelligence-by-mollick-ethan/9780753560778
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Joanna Hughes, a champion for accessible legal education, shares her journey from a distinguished 25-year career in law to pioneering solicitor apprenticeships that eliminate the burden of student loans. As co-CEO of City Century, Joanna collaborates with over 50 international law firms to transform legal training and has seen a remarkable 240% increase in firms adopting apprenticeship schemes.
Together with Patrick McCann, Joanna is reshaping the landscape of legal education and opening doors for aspiring lawyers from all walks of life. From leveraging TikTok and Instagram to engaging with parents and educators, she tells us how to shift perceptions away from traditional university routes. Joanna’s advisory role with UCAS and the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance, sees her championing social mobility through cross-sector collaboration. We also get an insight into the practicalities for law firms integrating apprenticeship schemes, offering guidance and fostering community to ensure a smooth transition.
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https://www.1386audio.com/have-a-listen