CEO Stories: Conversations with Greater Birmingham business leaders

Marina Robertson is the group managing director of Acivico, the Birmingham-based multi-disciplinary firm offering built environment advisory services from design and construction to building control and facilities management.  Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Marina made the crucial decision to study in the UK – which opened the door to working on some key projects such as the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium.Marina talks to Henrietta Brealey about why her dedication to learning has been important along the way and how she has addressed the challenge of finding her voice as a business leader. She also discusses some of the exciting projects Acivico have worked on in the Birmingham city-region.Key topics:· Early life growing up in Athens· The Wembley Stadium project· Moving to Acivico· Public speaking and finding her voice· Succeeding in a male dominated industry· First impressions of Birmingham· Her passion for learningMore about Acivico: Website: https://acivicogroup.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acivicogroup/Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

MAN Commercial Protection founder and CEO Iain McCallister joins Henrietta Brealey for the second episode of season four. Iain is a former nightclub doorman who, alongside his father, founded the Solihull-based private security firm in 1993. He scaled it to become the largest privately-owned security business in the West Midlands, employing 1,600 people across the UK. Iain discusses providing security services to rock icons including Oasis, The Who and The Rolling Stones, as well as major boxing shows and Royal occasions.We also hear about Iain and MAN Commercial Protection's efforts to change outdated perceptions of the security industry - and how they are creating new opportunities for people through their training academy.Key topics:· Early career - from butcher to bouncer· Founding MAN Commercial· Discipline learned from boxing· High-profile clients· Security industry challenges and misconceptions· MAN Commercial's training academy· Growth plans and ambitionsMore about Iain: Website: https://mancommercialprotection.co.uk/about/about-man/welcome-from-our-ceo/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-mccallister-0486a110/Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

Trailblazing former football referee Janie Frampton joins Henrietta Brealey for the first episode of season four. Janie, who is the co-founder of TeamYou and president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, reveals how her career was sparked by a love of football. She was only the second woman to referee in a men's professional game and has since gone on to work with global sports governing bodies on leadership and development programmes. A staunch advocate for women's equality, Jane opens up about some of the obstacles she has faced in her career and how she found the resilience to rise through the football ranks. She also talks about how Greater Birmingham businesses can seize opportunities in sport. Key topics: · Falling in love with football · Breaking down barriers as a referee · Encounters with famous football personalities · Transition to business leadership · International work and projects · Opportunities in the business of sport · Priorities as Global Chamber president More about Janie: Website: https://teamyou.net/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-frampton-obe/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

In the final episode of season three, Henrietta Brealey is joined by the co-founders of Tribera - the award-winning creative content agency. Fran Nolan and André Picart run the Birmingham city centre-based agency which has racked up a host of accolades including being named in the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Work' list.  Fran and André join Henrietta to discuss their career-defining moments, how they complement each other as co-founders and the importance of work-life balance - including Tribera's shift to a 32-hour work week. Fran and André also share insights on the impact of AI in marketing, what makes a great business leader and the importance of intuition in decision-making. Key topics: · Defining career moments · Starting Tribera - the early days · The importance of team and culture · Working together as co-founders · The role of a performance coach · Implementing a four-day working week · Redefining the working week - from four days to 32 hours · Personal experiences with flexible work schedules · Impact on recruitment and retention · Embracing AI in the workplace · The evolution of marketing and social media More about Tribera: Website: https://www.tribera.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribera TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetribera Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

In this episode of CEO Stories, Henrietta Brealey speaks with Professor Aleks Subic, vice chancellor and chief executive of Aston University. Professor Subic shares his journey from his early life as a migrant in Australia, through his career transition from industry to academia, to leading significant technological innovations. Highlights include his formative experiences in both Belgrade and Melbourne, his role in the Australian Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 taskforce and his current strategic initiatives at Aston University aimed at driving digital transformation and industry collaboration. He also offers key insights on leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion and strategies for managing change. Key topics: · Aleks' early life and career · Impact of migration on leadership · Journey back to academia · Leadership lessons from Australia · Aston University 2023 Strategy  · Driving digital innovation · Birmingham Innovation Quarter · Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders More about Professor Aleks Subic: Website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/about/governance-management/professor-aleks-subic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-aleks-subic-2b7b87/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_alekssubic/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which our Series Three guests answer some quickfire questions. Listen to find out: Who would hire Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw as their brand ambassador? Who has the most unusual item on their office desk? Who would call Albert Einstein as their 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' phone-a-friend? We also have our very own Battle of the Bands as guests are asked to choose between two iconic Birmingham music groups. In this episode, you will hear from: Harvir Sahota, Mahirs Experience Paul Faulkner and Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, Kids' Village Zoe Bennett, Motivational Queen Jas Rohel, Education Awards/Titan Partnership Abbie Vlahakis, Millennium Point Wade Lyn, Cleone Foods Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

Wade Lyn gave supermarket bosses food for thought by introducing them to the Jamaican patty. The Jamaican-born entrepreneur owns Hockley-based Cleone Foods which produces Island Delight, the UK’s biggest selling Jamaican patty which is stocked on most major supermarkets. In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about his role in spicing up the UK food market by introducing the Caribbean culinary staple to a new audience. Wade, a former High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also reveals how his approach to business was influenced by his entrepreneurial parents and his athletics career, where he had the opportunity to observe track and field stars such as Steve Cram and Steve Ovett up close.  Key topics: · Wade's upbringing in Jamaica · Moving to Smethwick in the 1960s · First job working at his parents' petrol station · His athletics career · Developing his entrepreneurial mindset   · How he started Cleone Foods · His ability to "see into the future" · The importance of mentoring during his career · His various roles and accolades outside of business More about Cleone Foods/Island Delight: Website: https://www.island-delight.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleone-foods-limited/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islanddelightuk Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

Jas Rohel openly admits her younger self would have dismissed the idea of a career in education. Fast-forward to the present day, however, and the entrepreneur and radio presenter is banging the drum for the sector in her dual role as Education Awards founder and co-CEO of charitable organisation the Titan Partnership. In this episode, Jas talks to Henrietta about how a spell teaching at Solihull College & University Centre led to her becoming a ‘disruptor’ who was determined to drive change in the education world. She did so through founding the Education Awards - designed to inspire and recognise success in the sector. It was her first foray into being an entrepreneur and she admits: “I did everything backwards!” Jas, who spent her early career working in the media, also discusses her passion for telling and sharing other people’s stories in her role as a presenter for On Your Radio Solihull, where she hosts shows about education, business and hospitality. Key topics: · Moving to London to pursue a media career · How she “fell into” education and teaching · Driving change in the education sector · Her “itch” to set up the Education Awards · Giving recognition to those working in the sector   · Stepping out as an entrepreneur for the first time · The job-sharing dynamic of her co-CEO role · Giving people a voice through her radio shows · Who has inspired and helped her career? Connect with Jas Rohel: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/JRohel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-rohel-961519152/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jas_rohel Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

Abbie Vlahakis was seeking a career change when Millennium Point “found her”. In this episode, South Wales-born Abbie talks to Henrietta about how her passion for learning developed into a career in finance, before ultimately leading to her current role as CEO at one of Birmingham’s most recognisable venues. We learn why Millennium Point’s dual purpose of being both commercial and charitable was a perfect fit for Abbie – and how her past experiences have led to ‘culture’ being firmly at the heart of her leadership. Abbie also discusses Millennium Point’s mission to create opportunities for the next generation through its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiatives. Key topics: · Lessons learned from growing up in South Wales · The importance of her education · Why she chose a career in finance · Why she moved to Birmingham · How Millennium Point "found me" · What surprised her about becoming a CEO · Millennium Point's support for STEM education · Why culture is the most important element of a business · Her advice for aspiring CEOs Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by the Birmingham Black Business Show, taking place on Saturday 15th June. Tickets are £40. However, we have around 50 FREE tickets to give away - use he code CHAMBERFREE at the checkout to secure yours. Go to https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/ More about Millennium Point: Website: https://www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/millenniumpoint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-point-property-limited/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: ⁠press@birmingham-chamber.com⁠ Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

Mahirs Experience chief executive Harvir Sahota reveals his recipe for success – including how he scaled up his family’s Indian sweet shop business into an award-winning catering and events company that has been used by a string of illustrious names. Harvir and Henrietta discuss the firm’s evolution over the years and how his leadership has been shaped by the many different roles he has held within the organisation. We also learn about how Harvir and the Mahirs team used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity for a reset. And Harvir reveals some of the A-list clients who have utilised the firm’s services – from spiritual leaders to elite sportspeople and huge stars from Bollywood. Key topics: · The origins of Mahirs Experience · Harvir’s first steps into the business as a teenager · His approach to processes and operations · How Harvir became CEO of the business · Leading the company through the pandemic · Career highlights and Mahirs’ illustrious clients · The famous name Harvir would most like to cater for · The role of networking in Mahirs’ success · Mahirs’ future scale-up and expansion plans · The firm’s community and charity work · The entrepreneurs who have inspired Harvir More about Mahirs Experience:Website: https://mahirs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MahirsExpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mahirs-experience/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencemahirs Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

Zoe Bennett’s life changed forever when her father Errol was brutally murdered in 2011. After a long battle to achieve justice, she channelled her experiences into forging a successful career as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author and founder of the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards.   In this episode of CEO Stories, the self-styled Motivational Queen shares her remarkable story with Henrietta Brealey – from her early roles working in market stalls and kebab shops, to overcoming traumas and setbacks to make it on her own in the world of business. Zoe, who is managing director of her own firm Training Personified, also tells us about the recognition she received for inspiring disadvantaged individuals and shares her top tips for networking. Key topics: How did Zoe take positives from something as traumatic as her father's murder? What inspired Zoe to start the MBCC Awards? How did she find the experience of starting up on her own in business? Why did she choose to focus on working with 'hard to reach' groups? What does Zoe wish people and businesses understood better about the people she supports? What are the highlights of her career as a motivational speaker? What are her top networking tips and what are the common mistakes she sees people make? More information on Zoe Bennett and Training Personified: https://motivationalqueen.com/ https://trainingpersonified.com/ Connect with us: Website: ⁠https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers⁠ X (formerly Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers⁠ Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/⁠ X (formerly Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB⁠ About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together. About this episode: CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes. This episode contains references to violent crime and mental health challenges.

Season three of CEO Stories begins with Henrietta Brealey talking to a chief executive who has one of the toughest jobs in local government. Birmingham born and bred, Deborah Cadman has enjoyed a distinguished career in local government – including stints leading the West Midlands Combined Authority, Suffolk County Council and St Edmudsbury Borough Council. Her current role, leading Europe’s largest local authority in her home city, has proved to be the toughest to date – after Birmingham was issued with Section 114 notice in 2023. In this episode, Deborah discusses the challenge of leading through such a critical time in the council’s history. We also learn about various other aspects of her life and career – including her memories of growing up in Birmingham, her various roles in government through to her favourite things about her home city and some the individuals who have influenced her along the way. Key topics: What attracted Deborah to a career in public service? How would she describe the challenges facing Birmingham City Council? How does she handle the pressure of leading the council through those challenges? How does she switch off from the pressures of her job? Does she still see a legacy from the 2022 Commonwealth Games? Are there any individuals or leaders who inspired her through her career? What is Deborah's favourite thing to do in Birmingham? What's her biggest piece of advice to aspiring or up-and-coming CEOs? Connect with us: Website: ⁠https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers⁠ X (formerly Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers⁠ Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/⁠ X (formerly Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB⁠ About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.  We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.  At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.  We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

When Nasir Awan came to England in the 1960s, he could speak virtually no English. Today, Nasir is one of the West Midlands’ most successful business figures – and, on 17 November, 2023, he will become president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. In the final episode of CEO Stories season two, the boss of international wholesale firm Awan Marketing talks Henrietta Brealey through an eventful life and career – from humble beginnings in Pakistan to a career in business and charity that makes phenomenal reading. Nasir shares some of the highs and lows experienced along the way – including a tumultuous time in the mid-2000s when he came close to losing everything. It was a test of faith at “a time where I was emotionally at my very lowest.” However, that faith and determination drove Nasir on to successfully rebuild his business which evolved into one of the UK’s largest wholesale firms.   We also hear about his charitable work – including an impactful role as chair of Islamic Relief – and his plans as president of the Chamber when he succeeds Deb Leary this month. CEO Stories will return for a third season in early 2024. Find out more about Nasir Awan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-a-j-nasir-awan-mbe-dl-a6779726/https://twitter.com/Nasirawanuk Find out more about Awan Marketing:https://www.awanplc.co.uk/https://twitter.com/awanmarketing_https://www.facebook.com/awan.plc/https://www.instagram.com/awanplc/

Eman Al-Hillawi is passionate about driving change. The Entec-Si CEO has experienced several transformational moments of her own – including moving to the UK from Iraq as a teenager, switching careers from science to technology and meeting her business partner Peter Marsden, with whom she created the Birmingham-based consultancy. In this episode of CEO Stories, Eman talks to Henrietta Brealey about a successful career which has been built on people, relationships and creating great teams. We also hear about Eman’s role in bringing a ‘wow’ factor to the Library of Birmingham and the two unusual hobbies that keep her busy away from the business environment.

Jason Wouhra has a saying about family businesses – “it’s like being in the mafia – once you’re in, you can’t get out!” Jason is the chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd, a ‘carve-out’ of the renowned East Ends Foods brand which was started by his father and uncles in the 1960s.    In this episode, he tells Henrietta about building on his family’s legacy by making his own mark on the business – despite initially having aspirations to be a lawyer. It’s a career that began stacking shelves on the warehouse floor as a young boy and eventually led to him negotiating the company's sale and subsequent buy-back of the wholesale arm. Jason also opens up about the complexities of working in a family business, the mentor who helped him find clarity regarding his career goals and what the future holds for Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd.   Find out more about Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lioncroft-wholesale-ltd/ https://www.lioncroftwholesale.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/LionCroft2023 Follow Jason Wouhra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwouhra/ https://twitter.com/DrWouhra