How a defence analyst became a reinvention coach. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte talks with coach, speaker, and author Katia Vlachos about what it really means to become uncaged as a leader and as a human. Katia shares her journey from high-flying defence analyst to reinvention coach and author of A Great Move and Uncaged: A Good Girl’s Journey to Reinvention. She explains how invisible cages like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice quietly shape our careers and relationships – and how learning to self-validate, rather than chasing external approval, changes everything. Together, Charlotte and Katia explore: * How to spot your own cages and start breaking free * Why reinvention is never starting from scratch, but building bridges from what you already know * The link between purpose, self love, and true authority * Katia’s idea of uncaged leadership – leading from deep self awareness, integrity, and inner security * Why vulnerability, feedback, and inner work are non-negotiable for modern leaders Katia closes with three powerful tips for emerging leaders: do the inner work, become your own secure base, and be a secure base for others so they can take risks and grow. Also there's a shout-out to one of Charlotte's favourite authors and podcasters, Glennon Doyle. If you care about reinvention, personal growth, and building a more humane style of leadership, this conversation will land with you.

Building the future of social impact. In this episode, host Charlotte Otter talks with Zoë Colosimo, a founding member and Chief Operating Officer at Neighbourly, the UK platform connecting big brands with local communities. Neighbourly helps companies turn brand purpose into real-world impact through volunteering, grants, and redistribution of surplus food and products – delivering more than £1.7 billion in social value and over 270 million meals across the UK and Ireland. Zoë shares how corporate social responsibility has moved from the edge of business to its heart, driven by ESG, reputation, and rising expectations from employees and customers. She explains how Neighbourly’s data shines a light on what every neighbourhood needs, and how partnerships with companies like Microsoft are tackling digital poverty through AI skills training for community organisations and the people they support. Breaking news: Since this episode was recorded, Zoë, the Neighbourly team and other advocates (convened by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)), celebrated the announcement in the 2026 Budget that the British government will introduce VAT relief on qualifying business donations of goods to charity. As Zoë says, this is a game changer for business, the charity sector, and channeling excess products to those in need instead of letting them go to waste. Charlotte and Zoë also explore: • Why trust, social justice, and equitable communities sit at the centre of Zoë’s leadership • How AI can both widen and close inequality gaps – and why diverse groups must help shape it • Practical ways leaders can stay resilient, positive, and principled in an AI-led world • Why local causes boost the reputation of the businesses that back them This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, communicators, impact investors, and anyone who believes business should be a force for good.

Exploring the art, craft, and science of story with two experts. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte welcomes David Pullan and SarahJane McKechnie, who are actors turned coaches, authors, and co-founders of The Story Spotters. Their journey began in a rehearsal room, grew into a love story, and eventually evolved into a business where they now help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection. With clients across industries, David and Sarah-Jane teach leaders how to use storytelling to cut through noise, win attention, and bring ideas to life. Together they’ve written two books: The DNA of Engagement and their latest release, The Art of the Unignorable Email, helping professionals communicate in ways that spark action, not delete buttons. Charlotte, Sarah Jane and David talk about: * Why stories activate the brain and make ideas memorable * The secret to communicating in overwhelmed workplaces * The real dynamics of building a business, writing books, and staying married * Lessons learned from leaders they’ve coached across industries and continents * Why listening, presence, curiosity and generosity matter more than volume or status This episode is full of humour, humanity, and practical insights for anyone who wants to influence with integrity and communicate in a way that inspires. If you’re a leader, communicator, coach, or simply someone who wants their ideas to be heard, you’ll love this one.

How your digital reputation opens possibilities. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks with Australian reputation strategist Roger Christie; founder of Propel and host of Your Digital Reputation. Together they explore how leaders can use platforms like LinkedIn to earn trust, amplify impact, and change outdated archetypes of leadership – especially for women and under-represented leaders. Roger argues that your digital reputation is no longer a nice to have – it’s the gateway to opportunities, stakeholder trust, and commercial success. He explains why LinkedIn isn’t about vanity metrics or broadcast content, but about listening first, finding your tribe, and building high-trust relationships at scale. Charlotte and Roger discuss: * Why your online reputation often speaks louder than your offline one * How to shift from thinking social media is superficial self-promotion to it's a critical business tool * A CEO case study: from sceptic to confident, visible digital leader * How women and leaders from diverse backgrounds can use digital channels to bypass traditional barriers * Safety, trolls, and why opting out of digital spaces is actually the bigger risk * Reinvention, purpose, and Roger’s Purpose Pyramid as a practical tool for emerging leaders * Why the old navy-suit, loud, confident archetype of leadership is breaking down – and what’s replacing it Roger also shares his own leadership journey, what it’s like to co-lead Propel with his wife Gemma, and the experiences around social media that shaped his thinking and their business. If you’re an emerging or established leader who wants to build online visibility, protect your reputation, and lead as your whole self, this conversation will give you practical steps – and permission – to start showing up differently today.

PE teachers could run the world. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to award-winning entrepreneur and campaigner Antoinette Daniel — founder of Just Helpers, an ethical London cleaning agency on a mission to transform the cleaning industry. Antoinette runs three businesses, has campaigned against modern slavery, and is a TEDx speaker. She believes business should create win–win–win situations for workers, clients, and the company. She shares how Just Helpers pays fairly, fights for better working conditions for cleaning staff, and challenges purpose-washing by showing what truly values-based leadership looks like in practice. Antoinette also talks about her path from PE teacher to founder. She argues that great PE teachers could run the world: they learn to read the room, negotiate constantly, manage big budgets, and lead under pressure — all critical skills for entrepreneurship. One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Antoinette’s philosophy of interdependence. Growing up in the UK care system, she learned to be radically self-reliant. In her TEDx talk, she challenges the cult of independence and makes the case for asking for help, building trust, and borrowing the metaphorical ladder from your neighbour. That shift — from “I must do it alone” to “we can do this together” — is at the heart of how she now leads. We also explore inclusive leadership, reputation, and how emerging leaders can challenge discrimination. If you care about ethical business, leadership that’s human, and building systems that help people thrive — this one is for you.

How former MD Liz Bradford found purpose, resilience, and visibility. In this powerful first episode of Season 2 of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to Liz Bradford, former MD and banking leader with an impressive career at HSBC, Merrill Lynch America, and SWIFT. After hitting burnout, Liz rebuilt her life and leadership from the inside out — discovering how physical resilience and a renewed sense of purpose helped her not only recover, but thrive. A self-confessed hardcore introvert, Liz shares how she rose to senior leadership by leaning into strategic visibility — becoming active in an Employee Resource Group for women, showcasing her transferable skills, and learning how to be seen for the impact she was already making. She challenges the idea that visibility is selfish, reframing it as a key part of career growth: “Being seen to be doing a good job is just as important as doing one.” Liz also explores what it means to bring your whole self to work, warning against the energy drain of maintaining separate work and home personas. Her message is clear: “Being yourself is more important than conforming and falling in line.” If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, self-promotion, or the pressure to fit in, this episode offers insight, empathy, and actionable wisdom from someone who’s been there — and rebuilt stronger.

Inclusion isn't optional. 'It is extremely vulnerable to show up to work as your whole self.' Laurence Paquette is the head of marketing at Vestas in Denmark, a neurodivergent executive, queer mum, leadership coach, podcaster, and brand strategist. She also produces short, no fluff videos on leadership, burnout, imposter syndrome, and navigating work as your full self. These have earned her an audience of over 70,000 followers on TikTok and her thought leadership on LinkedIn has gained a following of 14,000 people. Her podcast, Original Minds, is about leadership for introverts, people who are neurodivergent, and non-traditional leaders. In this episode with host Charlotte Otter, Laurence talks about her non-linear leadership journey, leading as an introvert, and breaking traditional leadership archetypes. This is an episode with a leader who's living her diversity out loud, and shining a light on the path for others to do the same.

Why leadership in purpose-driven organisations is so complex. "Changes usually happen not at the centre of an organisation, but at the periphery and at the edges." Daniel Atlin is a coach, communicator, strategist, fundraiser, adjunct professor, and connector with over 30 years experience in senior roles in Canada's post-secondary, cooperative, and government sectors. In this episode, he talks to host Charlotte Otter about his leadership journey from the music industry ('we got Napsterized') into the public sector, culminating in a role at Guelph University as Vice President External running fundraising, alumni relations, government relations, community relations, marketing, and traditional comms. Now a coach and executive advisor to leaders in complex institutions, Daniel is writing and speaking on the topic of sense-making. And he has a passion for unlocking talent and potential as a coach, as well as helping to recruit and promote leaders from diverse backgrounds. Daniel also makes a big announcement of his own - no spoilers here. This is a lovely conversation with a wise and thoughtful leader who's making a difference to individuals and organisations alike.

A former Amazon exec talks vulnerability, learning, and risk-taking. "We are all icebergs and only 10% of what makes us diverse as individuals is visible among above the surface." Liz Gebhard has led multi-billion, multifunction businesses in the US, EU, and worldwide. In her last role, she was head of global strategy and operations for inclusive experiences and technology at Amazon. In this conversation with host Charlotte Otter, Liz talks about her passion for creating inclusive cultures, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels, and empowering organisations to achieve sustainable growth through technology and customer experience. Liz describes how the twin vectors of having five generations in the workforce, and the acceleration and impact of AI, is increasing pressure on leaders. She says that leaders are making short-term decisions with long-term consequences while feeling insufficiently informed - and that the diversity of leadership makeup often doesn't reflect the people most affected by these decisions (employees and customers). This is an episode that takes on big ideas and global challenges - and what these mean for leaders - with an executive who's experienced it all at one of the world's largest companies.

Building a great work partnership can be life-changing. 'Very few people would be willing to step down and reverse roles with their boss.' Tech executive, board member, investor, CEO advisor, mentor, and podcaster Amy Wilson describes how as an executive she hired her best friend Meg Bear and then swopped roles with her - and how this would be unlikely to happen in an alpha male driven set-up. They now run the very popular podcast The Meg and Amy Show, where they dive deep into HR tech and AI. In this episode, Amy reflects on her leadership journey, the dearth of female role models early in her career, how she chooses to lead, and being 'ruthlessly non-competitive.' Amy advises emerging leaders to speak up, build alliances, and manage their visibility by demonstrating value - especially for those with introvert tendencies. She gives an additional tip: absolutely do not do the emotional labour or emotional housework of teams (unless you love it!). This is an engaging episode with a leader who has a unique perspective on disrupting the status quo.

The best emcee in the business shares leadership and speaking tips. 'It's time. I need to stand up and help, and represent, and lead.' Reputation and thought leadership expert (and wickedly brilliant emcee) Kerrie Finch describes to host Charlotte Otter how she realised it was time to come out of the wings and lead SheSays Amsterdam, a women's empowerment forum that welcomes men to its ranks but not its stage. In this episode, Kerrie gives excellent advice to those who have ambitions to stand on the keynote stage and shows how emceeing is a form of leadership. We also talk about the challenges women face in accessing leadership roles and the importance of accessibility and community. Kerrie reflects on her own reputation, the impact of her words, and the responsibility that comes with being a leader and a public figure. She also shares insights into building a business, the importance of self-knowledge, and tips for emerging leaders. This is a lovely conversation with a leader who owns her voice and isn't shy to help others own theirs.

Reflecting on the book launch and a new career as a podcaster. Reinventing yourself as a podcaster while launching a book. In this episode, Charlotte answers listener questions on how the launch of We Need New Leaders has gone - including an event at the IABC World conference in Vancouver and a book party in London - as well as her thoughts about starting a podcast. She says Speech Bubbles is the podcast that gives you hope about leadership in the world, and talks about some of the things that surprised her during the book launch (spoiler: the reputation of teams, who knew?). This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

A leader finds new ways of working and being. In this episode, Emily Monsell-Holden (marketing and branding expert and now co-founder of The Impact Apothecary) talks to host Charlotte Otter about redefining women's success beyond motherhood, the importance of diverse narratives, and the healing power of sharing personal stories. Emily is a founder, TEDX speaker, mentor, podcast host, and regenerative business advocate. She is also an actor, wild swimmer, forager, gardener, fermenter, traveller, and storyteller. After 20 years of leading marketing and communications, Emily co-founded The Impact Apothecary – a no-nonsense anti-consultancy that helps purpose-driven businesses with their branding, marketing, and business strategy. She believes business has a role to play in making the world a better place and is exploring regenerative business practices. Emily and Charlotte discuss whether those with interests in new ways of leading can learn something from regenerative business in terms of indirect leadership. Emily also talks about her love of nature and how she found comfort in nature during difficult times. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

How immersing herself in community helps this leader create lasting impact. In this episode, leader and founder Aparna Bhasin talks to host Charlotte Otter about how she's shifting her consulting work towards participatory research that embeds itself in community. Aparna Bhasin is a founder, facilitator, and coach. Her business, Aparna Bhasin Consulting, recently hit its ten-year milestone and gave her the opportunity to rethink. Having been thrust into leadership early in her career, leading a team of over 120 in multiple states in India, Aparna compares leading large teams to leading as a founder. She finds that collaborating with groups is far more effective than working to prop up one individual leader. She says that participatory research, while still more common as a concept in the global north, is grounded in how communities have always functioned in the global south. And she talks about how, when living in the US as a student, she was confronted by the very intentional conversations around diversity and felt that identity was being forced on her. Aparna says we have a great opportunity to learn from indigenous communities and tap into wisdom that has already existed for centuries. This is a conversation with a deeply thoughtful leader who's shifting her own business model towards genuine community impact and participatory methods. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

A CEO founds and codes a startup to help execs get comfortable with AI. In this episode, Allegra Patrizi (former CEO Virgin Money, Aegon Netherlands, and now founder of Claridora AI) talks to host Charlotte Otter about helping executives get over their fear of AI, teaching herself to code, and making a difference in other people's lives. In her long career, Allegra has held a wide variety of senior positions, including group risk director, chief solutions officer, chief technology officer, as well as several non-executive board roles. She was the youngest person ever to make partner at McKinsey at the age of 29. Allegra has written cookbooks, competed in international horse riding, inventing competitions for Belgium, and has a pilot's license. She's currently writing a book on her management philosophy - Care, Dare, Share, Lead and Thrive with Heart, Mind, AI. In this episode, she talks about listening to fear (including overcoming the fear of coding), making a difference for others by building a legacy, her care, dare, share philosophy, and vulnerability in leadership. This is a fascinating conversation with a bold leader whose energy is driving her to make a difference for other executives in understanding and losing their fear around AI. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

Fix the system, and not the women. In this episode, Sabine Rath (change manager, Agile leadership coach, keynote speaker, lecturer, and thought leader) talks to host Charlotte Otter about how Germany's maternity leave system creates the lifetime earning gap, how men taking paternity leave needs to become the norm (even CEOs, imagine!), and how we need to de-gender care. Sabine brings a specific lens on the German political and structural systems, but the topics are relevant for working women and men everywhere. Charlotte and Sabine are former neighbours in Heidelberg, Germany, and also two of the 8,6% of women with three or more children and in full-time work. The system isn't working - for women or for families - and it leaves women with a lifetime earning gap that is impossible to recoup. This is a trenchant, interesting conversation with a leader who is passionate about her topic, born out of personal experience, but with firm, critical eye on how the system needs to change. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

Empathy and collaboration are the tools for our future. In this episode, Dr Ernesto Marinelli (Chief People Officer at Aareon Group, LGBTQ+ ally, and leadership expert) talks to host Charlotte Otter about the power of empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration in the age of AI. Ernesto's lens on how to lead means he focuses on employee success (not engagement - hooray!), outcomes not processes, and flexible working in order for companies and humanity to progress and prosper. Leadership for him is values and purpose driven. He talks about a shift of leadership from command and control (power) to coach and promote (experience) to purpose and autonomy (collaboration and trust). Ernesto describes what growing up as a gay man in a small village in Italy meant for him, being an immigrant to Germany, and his wish to represent for others as an LGBTQ+ leader. This is a heart-warming episode with a leader who embraces vulnerability, authenticity, and diversity. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

Building inclusion through listening and learning. In this episode, Joanne Lockwood (founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, a DEI practice with a specialism in transgender awareness) talks to host Charlotte Otter about living and working as a trans woman. Trans rights shifted in the UK with the Supreme Court ruling on 16 April 2025 that the legal definition of a woman was based on biological sex. Joanne, who holds a gender recognition certificate, describes her deep sense of disenfranchisement and loss of agency as a result of the ruling. Joanne is a leader and spokesperson, CEO and founder, consultant, and mentor. She embodies the epitome of transformative change in the field of Inclusive Cultures. As a transgender woman in her late 50s, she is uniquely qualified to infuse authenticity and experience into the realm of diversity and inclusion. She works with companies to help them shape their idea of inclusion and unlock the full potential of their workforce. Joanne speaks from the heart about her transition and how living as a woman shapes how she sees and acts in the world. This is a moving episode with a leader who's at the vanguard of the mission for transgender awareness and support. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

A non-binary leader shares their experience of living diversity out loud. In this episode, chartered accountant and model David Nath talks to host Charlotte Otter about walking into a new job presenting as non-binary without first asking what the HR policy was. They talk about choosing themself, how their values form a key part of their reputation, and how collaboration fosters growth and performance at work. David is a chartered accountant, statistician, analytics lead, board member, a part-time model, and identifies as a first-generation immigrant as someone who is queer, non-binary and neurodiverse. This is a raw, real conversation with a person who's changing the face of leadership, putting their vulnerability and authenticity above being guarded and artificial. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.

Talking pay equity and transparency, AI in HR, and negotiating your salary. In this episode, Anita Lettink talks to Charlotte Otter about the EU Pay Transparency Directive and how its going to affect pay equity in the EU. Anita busts some myths about the pay gap, especially the pervasive notion that women aren't as good at pay negotiation as men are. She talks about what HR leaders need to know about AI (spoiler: it's the same for heads of communication) - and she advises job applicants on how to negotiate their next salary. Anita has some piquant opinions on the lack of real training for middle managers. Anita is a keynote speaker, a LinkedIn top voice, and one of the top 100 HR Tech influencers for 2025. This is chunky episode with some really great information from one of the top HR experts! Leadership needs to be addressed in a systemic way, as well as on a personal level. This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.