Episodes
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In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with Bradley Akubuiro, Partner at Bully Pulpit International (BPI), to discuss an exciting new chapter as Seven Hills joins the BPI family. This transatlantic partnership is set to create a powerful force for change, with Bradley stepping into the role of co-host for future episodes, bringing fresh insights from both sides of the Atlantic.
Bradley reflects on lessons from his early days working with civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson and shares insights into BPI’s roots in the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign.
With a mission to make meaningful change possible – from addressing diversity and equity challenges to navigating the political forces shaping corporate responsibility, this conversation explores how business leaders can inspire trust, drive progress, and make an impact across borders. -
How do we support refugees to thrive in their second home? That’s the question we’re answering in a special edition of Change Makers, hosted by the fantastic journalist and broadcaster Edie Lush.
For the first in a new series of the podcast exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time, Edie speaks with three campaigning voices for refugees about why it matters to ensure that we support refugees with human-centred policy and ensure that they can play an important role in the UK’s social and economic story.
Amos Schonfield is the founder and CEO of Our Second Home – a charity that Seven Hills has been supporting for the past 18 months. It is a youth movement aimed at empowering refugees and asylum seekers to flourish here in the UK and build the next generation of leaders. Amos shares the family history that makes this cause personal to him and what he believes we can all do to help reshape the narrative around refugees.
Taban Shoresh OBE is founder of The Lotus Flower and a refugee who escaped the Kurdish genocide as a child. Today, she supports survivors of conflict and displacement through projects focused on education skills training, peacebuilding initiatives for women and income-generating projects. A former Change Makers guest, she returns to share her story of coming to the UK and why she believes it’s more important than ever for us to be welcoming to refugees.
Lord Alf Dubs is a Peer in the House of Lords and a long-time refugee campaigner, who came to the UK on the Kindertransport from Czechoslovakia, following the Nazi invasion of his birth country in 1938. Having first appeared on Change Makers in 2021, he joins us again to reflect on how Britain has changed in terms of its attitudes over the past 75 years and why he continues to make the case for refugees even at the age of 91.
We hope you enjoy this episode and something different to our usual offering. We’ll be exploring further vital issues alongside Edie in the new year, so look out for much more.
Seven Hills has been fundraising for Our Second Home since 2023, raising more than £2000. Help us to reach our target to support the next cohort of refugee leaders by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sevenhills-oursecondhome -
Episodes manquant?
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In the the final episode of Goldman Sachs Stories of Generation Growth, Michael Hayman and Charlotte Keenan reflect on what we’ve learned throughout our the series with seven incredible Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumni.
From the importance of personal stories and purpose-driven leadership to the shared challenges in accessing talent and finance, each interview revealed critical lessons that highlight both the strength and the needs of the small business landscape in the UK.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
In the final alumni episode of Change Makers: Stories of Generation Growth, in partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Byron Dixon OBE, CEO of Micro-Fresh®, discusses what it takes to build a global brand with purpose.
Micro-Fresh® is known for its unique antibacterial technology which extends product lifespans, preserves freshness and promotes sustainability across 50+ major footwear, home textiles, hospitality and healthcare brands.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
We're joined this week by Alice Rivers-Cripps, the founder of Posh Totty Designs, which has been serving Brighton, Britain and many more places besides with original hand-crafted jewellery for 20 years.
Alice joins Michael Hayman and Charlotte Keenan to share her journey, which started on a soul-searching trip in Mexico and today, sees her run "a destination company for personalised gifts" where she employs an almost all female team of 50.
She outlines the ups and downs of that journey, how she has remained committed to the values her business was founded upon and the challenges she has faced in securing the talent she needs to grow Posh Totty Designs to become the largest jewellery workshop in the south of England.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
This week, Michael is joined once again by Charlotte Keenan, Managing Director, Head of Corporate Engagement International at Goldman Sachs, as well as CEO of Forster Communications, Amanda Powell-Smith.
Forster is a specialist consultancy, supporting organisations in ensuring they approach sustainability with authenticity. They discuss why this is a challenge for so many leaders, particularly in the small business space, and why a sustainable mission is important for business growth.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with sporting legend and disability rights advocate, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, at the iconic London Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During their conversation, Tanni reflects on her extraordinary career as one of Britain’s most celebrated Paralympians, with 11 gold medals and 30 world records to her name. She shares the personal stories behind her successes, revealing the grit, determination, and resilience it took to reach the pinnacle of elite sport. Beyond the track, Tanni discusses her lifelong advocacy for disability rights and the importance of continuing to fight for equality and justice. -
“You've got to keep changing and evolving."
Today's Change Makers is a lesson in adapting to change as you grow your business, as we're joined by Naynesh Karia for the latest episode of our collaboration with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Stories of Generation Growth.
Naynesh is co-founder of Food Attraction, the manufacturer behind brands including on-the-go hot snacks Jake & Nayns.
A Leicester-based family business that has constantly found itself evolving and finding opportunities in new markets, Naynesh speaks with Michael Hayman and Charlotte Keenan about his journey, knowing when to disagree with your family, and how you ensure those family values are the foundation of your company's culture.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
A passion for her product and bringing it to as many women as possible is what drives the latest guest in our Change Makers collaboration with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme, Stories of Generation Growth.
Darcy Laceby is co-founder of Absolute Collagen, the UK’s best-selling collagen drink, and a business with an incredible growth story.
Hear all about it from Darcy, alongside Michael Hayman and Charlotte Keenan, as they explore what gave her the passion to go from university student to startup founder and recognition as one of the UK’s brightest young entrepreneurs.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
In this week’s Stories of Generation Growth, Michael Hayman is joined by Goldman Sachs' Charlotte Keenan, alongside Gori Yahaya, founder of UpSkill Universe – a training provider dedicated to helping businesses bring key skills to their workforce.
In this discussion, Gori shares how he works to support organisations to adapt to the changing nature of skills requirements, connecting businesses with talent who can help to supercharge their growth and maximise their use of emerging technologies like AI.
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
For the first episode of Stories of Generation Growth, Michael Hayman is joined by Head of the Office of Corporate Engagement International and 10,000 Small Businesses UK at Goldman Sachs, Charlotte Keenan, alongside Roni Savage, Founder and Managing Director of award-winning engineering and environmental consultancy, Jomas Associates.
Together, they explore Roni’s business journey over the past 15 years, establishing and growing one of the UK’s leading environmental and engineering consultancies. What has enabled her growth? Where has she faced challenges? What can other business leaders learn from her resilience?
Generation Growth: The Small Business Manifesto was designed by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme to amplify the voice of small businesses and give them a platform to share their insights on the challenges they face. The opinions and views expressed in the report and on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of , or constitute a recommendation from, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. -
In this episode of Journeys of Discovery, Michael Hayman sits down with Petroc Trelawny, classical music broadcaster, and the voice behind BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast programme.
Petroc reflects on the influence of music and music performance, classical and otherwise, on identity and emotions, and discusses his new book, Trelawny’s Cornwall, a part history, part memoir, which explores the past, present and future of the region. -
“Rather than marching into global warming and unemployment, we can create our world the way we want.” That’s the message of our guest Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, who says: “If we imagine that world, we can create that world. Imagination can make it happen.”
As a pioneer of microfinancing with Grameen Bank, the Nobel Peace Prize winner has alleviated poverty for tens of millions of people and given them an economic lifeline, with small loans that look to bring out the entrepreneur in everyone. His ethos is driven by a view of human nature that is innately good, and a world view that critiques our economic structures as having suppressed people’s natural selflessness and creativity. This interview is a story of how when a big idea takes hold, the impossible really does become possible. -
Joining Michael on Change Makers is Shevaun Haviland, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce, with a clarion call for renewed confidence in ‘Brand Britain’.
On the roof of the Corinthia hotel in the heart of the capital, Shevaun shares her vision for revitalising the country’s self-image, and the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth.
Shevaun spoke to Michael about her extensive experience across the public and private sectors, and how she has always maintained the belief that the UK remains the best place in the world for starting and growing a business.
And in the week of a General Election, Shevaun remains optimistic about Britain's potential, no matter the result. She emphasises the importance of playing as a team, attracting inward investment, and showcasing the best of what Britain has to offer. -
Joining Michael on Change Makers is Rick de Blaby, the CEO of Get Living.
Get Living are the build-to-rent pioneers, with a mission to change renting for the better.
With almost 4,000 homes across three neighbourhoods in London and Manchester and four more on the horizon in the next two years, this is a 10-year story about where we belong and community at the heart of happy living.
One of those neighbourhoods is East Village London – the site of the Olympic Village in 2012 – and where Michael joins Rick for this conversation. -
Change Makers returns and we're joined by former Deputy Prime Minister and co-founder of Haymarket, Lord Heseltine.
Michael paid a visit to the spectacular Thenford Arboretum and Gardens for this inspiring conversation with a beast of the political jungle. Lord Heseltine remains as sharp today as he was at the dispatch box, even aged 90 and with his famous blonde mane now a snowy white.
From the lemonade stand that made him to how Liverpool changed him, and the legacy he sees for himself, you'll hear honest insights into the life of one of the UK's most consequential public figures in the 20th century. Did he really try to bring down Thatcher? Why does he think Brexit was a century-defining mistake? And is this political titan in fact a more reserved figure than his public persona emits?
You can listen to this episode through all your usual podcast platforms, or watch it on our website changemakers.works to see the full beauty of Thenford Gardens and the three surprise guests who tried to disrupt the fun! -
Michael is joined by George Clarke, the architect, TV presenter, lecturer and writer, best known for his work with Channel 4, including The Restoration Man and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.
Growing up on a Sunderland council estate, George was inspired to become an architect, spending summers on building sites with his grandfather.
While studying at Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, and London’s Bartlett School of Architecture, George supported himself by renovating people’s homes in his spare time, before turning his attention to TV and programmes that demonstrate the opportunity of space and the vital importance of the home. -
We are excited to bring you the second episode of Journeys of Discovery – Change Makers’ collaborative series with the Royal Philharmonic Orchesta. Over the course of these interviews, Michael explores fundamental questions about what it means to be human that accompany nine incredible concerts.
This week, the themes are Freedom and Redemption, and our guest Katy Emck OBE, knows a thing or two about both of those.
As Founding Director of Fine Cell Work, Katy speaks to Michael about how she is helping to transform the lives of prisoners and ex-prisoners through needlework. Prisons can be “places of soul, spirit and connection”, says Katy. Rather than carrying out their sentences “full of rage and self hate”, prisoners should be permitted to embark on a journey of “self understanding and self acceptance”.
Craftwork in prisons is common, but Katy feels there is something about the intense focus of needlework that provides a much needed “release from the here and now”. Whilst momentarily being transported out of their cell’s confinement, prisoners are also developing a skill, creating something they can be proud of, and generating income. This positions them with the self belief to rebuild meaningful, independent, crime free lives once they have finished their sentences.
There is no better depiction of Katy’s belief in the power of freedom and redemption than her favourite song by Nina Simone, ‘I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free’, which she describes as the ultimate song about freedom, release and the longing we all have to break free of inhibition and to be connected.
Through needlework, Fine Cell Work is opening one of the few doors of opportunity available to prisoners – allowing them both a glimpse of freedom, and a chance for redemption. -
For our guest this week, there are 10,000 stories behind her message but perhaps above all, one reason to listen. For a message that is determined, optimistic and empowering, that is: “this next decade will be the best of my life yet”.
Charlotte Keenan is the Managing Director of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women initiatives – providing women entrepreneurs around the world with business and management education, mentoring and networking, and access to capital.
Alongside its sister programme 10,000 Small Businesses, which is committed to stimulating small business growth, it gives her a ringside seat into the importance of entrepreneurs to the economy and insights into how gloomy times for growth might glow again with the feel good factor of progress and potential realised. -
Cécile Reinaud is the founder of Seraphine, the international maternity label worn by the stars. From Kate Winslet to Kate Hudson to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Launched as a single store in 2003, over the next 15 years Cécile scaled the company and grew turnover to £18 million by 2018. Exporting to more than 30 countries around the world and winning two Queens Awards for Enterprise along the way.
After exiting the business last year, Cécile has taken on roles as European Co-Chair of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women with a mission to empower women to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
Michael and Cécile are also joined later in the episode by Xavier Mufraggi, CEO of YPO.
YPO is a global leadership community of more than 30,000 CEOs in 142 countries. Its members are those who have achieved significant leadership success at a young age.
Combined, their businesses contribute to over $9 trillion in annual global revenue. YPO supports them by fostering peer learning and inspiration as a community driven by values of open sharing and trust. - Montre plus
