Notes From A NED

Join us for an eye-opening episode with global activist and leader Kumi Naidoo, former International Executive Director of Greenpeace International, Secretary General of Amnesty International, and Secretary-General of CIVICUS as he unpacks over 20 years of experience fighting for social justice and equity. Kumi takes us on a journey through the transformative power of activism, exploring the role of arts and culture in mobilising communities and challenging entrenched systems. He discusses the pressing need for international NGOs to tackle structural racism and embrace diversity and inclusion, both in governance and resource allocation.Kumi’s insights highlight the complexities of leading civil society organisations toward genuine equity and representation, emphasising that meaningful change requires a fundamental shift in organisational culture and global priorities. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to making a difference and understanding the evolving landscape of activism.Key Topics:The broader definition of activism and why it's crucialChallenges and strategies for inclusive governanceAddressing structural racism in civil societyThe importance of equitable resource distribution, especially toward the global SouthHow arts and culture can amplify activismListen, reflect, and be inspired to act! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu delves into the multifaceted career of Meri Williams, CTO at Pleo and a trailblazer in technology leadership across diverse sectors. Meri recounts her unconventional journey, from launching South Africa’s first satellite to leading digital transformation in the UK government. Drawing from her experiences at organisations like Procter & Gamble, MOO, Monzo, and Healx, Vodafone, M&S, Meri shares strategies for managing teams of all sizes, fostering innovation, and balancing the demands of technology with board management.Beyond her professional achievements, Meri speaks openly about the resilience required to navigate her career alongside personal health challenges, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A dedicated advocate for STEM education and inclusivity, Meri also discusses her roles as a tech advisor for Kindred Capital, trustee at Stonewall, and co-founder of One Goes Up, a micro-charity aimed at empowering young women and non-binary people in STEM fields. Throughout, Meri offers insights into cultivating leadership and adaptability in high-stakes, dynamic environments, providing listeners with actionable takeaways for both personal and professional growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu speaks with Nic Conner, political strategist, crisis communication expert, and co-founder of Parisi. Together, they dive into the world of strategic communication, particularly in high-stakes situations, drawing insights from both corporate and political spheres.Conner shares his perspective on the parallels between political and corporate communication, underscoring the need for proactive reputation management and intentional messaging. The conversation covers essential strategies for crisis management, with real-world examples from the COVID-19 pandemic and cybersecurity incidents. Connor highlights the importance of transparent, empathetic, and well-rehearsed crisis plans that boards and leadership teams often overlook but critically need.Key insights from this episode include:The critical role of proactive reputation management in shaping public perception, rather than simply reacting to crises.Nic’s strategies for effective crisis communication, focusing on transparency, empathy, and the importance of rehearsed plans.The impact of clear, streamlined messaging that resonates with audiences, a technique essential in both political and corporate settings.Advice for leaders to prioritise and continually refine their crisis communication strategies for better resilience and adaptability.This episode is essential for anyone interested in mastering communication in high-pressure environments and discovering how to simplify messages for greater impact. Nic’s depth of experience and thoughtful approach to crisis management offer listeners powerful lessons on navigating today’s fast-evolving communication challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a seasoned engineer with over 40 years of experience, Dervilla has navigated the complexities of the built environment, overcoming obstacles and driving innovation along the way. From her work on the iconic Heathrow Terminal 5 project to her role as the deputy chairman of Arup Group, the £2billion professional services firm. Dervilla's insights into the art of collaboration, problem-solving, and fostering a nurturing work environment are invaluable.Key insights from this episode include:The importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and fostering inclusive work environments to drive innovation in engineering.Dervilla discusses the skills shortage in engineering, advocating for strategic actions by employers to retain and develop talent.She highlights the value of diverse perspectives on boards and in leadership roles for stronger decision-making.For young engineers, Dervilla advises focusing on strengths and seeking growth opportunities both within and outside their organisations.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of engineering, leadership, and organisational development. Dervilla's wealth of experience and her ability to navigate complex challenges make her a true inspiration, and her insights are sure to leave a lasting impact on the listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary O'Connor's background is anything but traditional. She started her career as a lawyer, working as a prosecutor and then transitioning to the UK legal landscape. Her experience in the public sector and her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments ultimately led her to KPMG, where she was tasked with addressing the firm's governance, controls, and cultural challenges.Key insights from the interview include:- The importance of building trust and psychological safety to get the best out of teams, even when you're an outsider coming into an organisation.- Navigating the challenges of being a visible minority or non-traditional candidate in a traditionally homogeneous industry.- The pros and cons of using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and the need for boards to be more thoughtful about when they are used.- Advice for aspiring leaders on being brave, aiming high, and creating more opportunities for themselves.This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, organisational transformation, inclusion, and the evolving landscape of the corporate world. Mary's insights and experiences offer a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern business and driving positive change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.