Claim OwnershipThe Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast
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The Lens UK Responsible Business Podcast (The Lens) is the voice of responsible business across the UK and around the globe. The Lens creates a space for leaders to convene, always with one eye on the future. Open, unscripted and honest conversations between current and future leaders challenge the way we all think about responsible business. The Lens partners with One Young World to connect with global future leaders.
Each month a global business leader sits down with an emerging leader who is already making their mark to foster disruptive conversations and fresh connections. Innovators and CEOs join host, ex-BBC journalist Sarah Travers, for a unique conversation covering their journeys, lessons learned, advice, insights, and even controversy.
Climate change, the unintended consequences of AI and automation, access to ‘good work’, creating responsible products and services, inclusivity, wellbeing, diversity in the workplace and so much more are on the agenda. The podcast represents the breadth and depth of responsible business priorities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
118 Episodes
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This month, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix Group – one of the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement businesses; and Girish Ananthanarayanan, Founder and Curator of Raahi, a channel that aims to bridge the worlds of professional management and social development perspectives. He is also a Senior Project Manager, Dalberg, a global group working to build a more inclusive and sustainable world.In this episode, we discuss social impact: What is it? Why is it important? And what is the role of business and leaders in having a positive social impact? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month, our host Sarah Travers is joined by John Bason, Chair, Primark and also Chair of BITC’s Hounslow Pride of Place Partnership; and Motunrayo Olaogun, Sales and Business Management at Prada and One Young World ambassador.In this episode, we discuss the importance of bolstering communities across the UK and further afield. Our two guests have seen first-hand the challenges communities are facing and are personally passionate about making a difference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month's podcast episode features an insightful and candid conversation with former Premier League footballer, Clarke Carlisle, who openly discusses his personal journey with mental health challenges and addiction. He shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences, offering practical advice for both individuals and employers on fostering well-being. Recorded live at the Healthy Working Lives conference in Northern Ireland on 4 June 2025, the discussion covers the pressures of professional sports, the importance of self-worth beyond one's career, and the critical role of accessible and effective mental health support. And if you didn't know, Clarke was named Britain's Brainiest Footballer on Carol Vorderman's show, he was the first Premier League footballer player to appear on Countdown, and he recently won the 1% Club for Soccer Aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Paul Lewis, Firmwide Managing Partner at Linklaters - one of the world’s leading law firms and Yemisi Isidi, Co-Founder, Strategy and Finance Lead, Triift Africa – an organisation that is making it easier for underserved communities and businesses to access the services they need to succeed.In this episode, we discuss how businesses can get into the hearts of communities, make an impact and become part of the fabric in places across the UK as positive corporate citizens that play their part in strengthening society at all levels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sue Whalley, Chief People and Performance Officer at Associated British Foods – multinational food processing and retailing company and Renée Davis, Founder, Out the Box – an organisation that equips Black creative entrepreneurial and professional talent with opportunities and connections. In this episode, we discuss women and race in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways – a company that probably needs no introduction as one of the world’s biggest airlines; and Mirko Schedlbauer, Founder and CEO, shipzero - Hamburg-based startup dedicated to decarbonising the logistics industry through innovative data solutions. In this episode, we discuss how can business create a better world, what our guests are focussing on in their organisations to benefit their people, the planet and communities, and of course, we’ll find out who they are beyond their job titles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Gregor Mowat, CEO of Loqbox, a financial technology (fintech) company that offers a variety of products to help people improve their credit score and manage their money; and Jude Addo, Group CEO of JA Group, an investment firm focused on the wealth and wellbeing of its clients.They discuss financial inclusion – why this is an important issue and what business can do to help people. Reading list: Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A. RobinsonMoney, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy AlcornThe Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this special one-off episode, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson to discuss the importance of responsible driving. Sam has responsibilities for road safety among other activities. In this episode, we discuss the reality on our roads and what employers can do to encourage their people to be safe whether they’re on the daily commute or driving for their job. They also talk about a new campaign being delivered by Business in the Community to help employers do more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Andrew Masraf, Senior Partner at multinational law firm, Pinsent Masons; and Kagisho Masae, Co-Founder and CEO of Matric Live – a multifunctional education app that is reinventing the way pupils learn.In this episode, we explore social mobility and ask, how can business open doors for more people in a fair and equitable way? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Louise Kingham CBE, Senior Vice President, Europe & Head of Country, UK, bp plc; and Clayton Chaparadza, former Customer Business Development Manager at Unilever UK.In this episode, we explore social impact and ask how can businesses positively impact communities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Martin O’Kane, Vice Chairman of construction company, Heron Brothers; and Katie Harris, Talent Attraction Analyst at Visa. In this episode, we’ll explore workplace culture and the challenges that two very different businesses are facing in attracting and retaining talented staff, along with the opportunities and benefits that come when organisations put a strong emphasis on their people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Steven Cooper CBE, CEO of Aldermore Group. The Group is made up of Aldermore Bank plc and MotoNovo Finance Limited. Aldermore Bank provides finance to business owners, homeowners and landlords, and supports savers. It operates online, by phone and through networks. MotoNovo Finance helps people buy their next vehicle. Aldermore Group is part of FirstRand Group, the largest financial services group in Africa by market capitalisation.We are also joined by Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph. Kennedy is the Founder and CEO of Kippa – a Fintech startup revolutionising digital payments for small businesses in Nigeria. In under two years, Kippa has secured more than $10M USD from global fintech investors, breaking ground in the industry. The company has served more than 800,000+ small businesses who record $3B annually on its app.In this episode, we discuss inclusive employment and how every business can open its doors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Rebekah Wallis, Director - People & ESG at Ricoh UK – a leading provider of integrated digital services designed to create an exceptional employee and customer experience for people and teams wherever they are; and from Toronto in Canada Miranda McKie, Founder and CEO of McKie Consultants, an organisation that optimises people and product strategy through data and design. In this episode, we’ll explore creating a responsible culture – a win for business and for people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Catherine Dolton, Chief Sustainability Officer at IHG Hotels and Resorts; and Anouar Ouali, Senior Associate, PwC. IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's leading hotel companies with more than 6,300 hotels across more than 100 countries and around 345,000 colleagues worldwide, and PwC is a multinational professional services brand of firms; the second-largest professional services network in the world and is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms. PwC is in 157 countries, across 742 locations, with 328,000 people.In this episode, we discuss global goals and ask, is everyone pulling in the same direction? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Clare Kemsley, Managing Director of Marketing UK&I at Hays; and Lisa De Wachter, Global Brand Account Lead Food Tech, Google Netherlands - Amsterdam.In this episode, we will discuss how people in underrepresented groups can fair well in the workplace, and we specifically dive in to the issue of age – what’s the reality for workers over the age of 50, and investigate the business case for attracting, retaining and retraining individuals who may feel they have additional barriers in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Roisin Currie, Chief Executive of Greggs; and Jessica Garbett, Senior Manager, Workforce Consulting Team, PwC. In this episode, we’ll explore how putting business at the heart of communities is essential for everyone. We’ll also discuss some of the tough issues out there such as employing those who have a criminal conviction and how businesses are literally stepping up to the plate to address food poverty.UK Hopes and Fears Survey 2023 - PwC UKGreggs | Doing GoodFor employers - Social Mobility CommissionThe Class Ceiling: Why it Pays to be Privileged by Sam Friedman | Goodreads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Vicky Davies, CEO, Danske Bank and new Chair of Business in the Community Northern Ireland; and Tomas Flier, EMEA Inclusion Lead and Diversity Business Partner for Spain, Italy and Portugal, Google, USA. In this episode, we’ll take a deep dive into workplace inclusion – how can businesses ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and what companies are doing to help their people whatever their circumstances, and when challenges come along like caring responsibilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Damian McAlister, Chief People Officer, Ulster University; and Ayan Said, Founder of Voicing Voices, an organisation that embeds intersectional inclusivity into its clients’ culture, policy and community. In this episode, we will discuss how employers can create a human-centred approach to people in the workplace – what it means, what things businesses are doing well and where improvements need to be made. Find out more by listening to the latest episode of The Lens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Ajaz Ahmed, Founder and CEO of AKQA, a global design and innovation agency owned by WPP and providing ingenious solutions for companies like Nike, Volvo, Sony, Sky and even Tinder; and Diana Paredes, CEO & Co-Founder of Suade, a platform that allows financial institutions to transparently deal with their regulatory calculations and reporting. In this episode, we will discuss how businesses can be responsible through imagination, commitment and good leadership; and how giving time and energy to initiatives that are changing the world is so beneficial. Find out more by listening to the latest episode of The Lens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bonus episode, our host Sarah Travers shares stories from One Young World Ambassadors who visited Belfast in October 2023 for the One Young World Summit. She shares who they are, where they work, what part of the world they are from, and of course why they are attending the Summit. Importantly, she gets to the nitty gritty of how they plan to change the world and finds out what they are already doing to make a difference. We hope you enjoy this special episode and are inspired to find out more about responsible business by getting in touch with Business in the Community at www.bitc.org.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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