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What Were You Thinking?

Author: Laura Round

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Former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them.

What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected.
33 Episodes
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In this special episode Laura speaks to David Davis, former Brexit Secretary and Conservative Leadership Contender when he campaigned against David Cameron. We talk about his interesting background – raised by a Communist Grandfather and growing up in what he described as a ‘slum’ – his heated moments with Margaret Thatcher and what both leadership contenders could learn from her and President Lincoln when forming the next government. As well as his close to death experience. 
In this special episode Laura speaks to Penny Mordaunt, former Defence Secretary and International Development Secretary who recently came a very close third in the Conservative Party Leadership Contest with close to a third of the MPs’ votes. They talk about her upbringing, the international challenges we are facing, her experiences in the leadership contest and the cost of living crisis.
In this episode Laura speaks to Ayesha Hazarika, who worked in Westminster for many years as Political Adviser to Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband before becoming a stand-up comedian, broadcaster and columnist. They take a trip down memory lane, hearing all about the unusual situation of being shared by two senior politicians, Harriet and Ed, and how Ayesha ended up on the stage. They also talk about the people who inspired her thinking and who had a particular impact on her life and career. As is so often the case, there are some key role models and mentors who spotted talent and encouraged, as well as inspired.  They also chat about some of the more surreal experiences she encountered in Westminster.
In this episode Laura speaks to Jeremy Hunt, former Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary and runner up in the last Conservative Party Leadership Election. He currently chairs the Health Select Committee in the House of Commons. They discuss a wide range of issues, including the COVID-19 situation we find ourselves in and what lessons we should takeaway, the debate around face masks, and maternity health, an issue Jeremy was particularly passionate about whilst Secretary of State for Health, and still is. They also discuss the situation in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the drop in the aid budget, as well as the direction the Conservative Party is and should be going. Jeremy shares a number of funny anecdotes. You'll finally know that NHS Chief Simon Stevens gave Jeremy Hunt a bone of a Hadrosaur, and why... This episode is supported by WaterAid who are working to bring clean water, good hygiene and decent sanitation (WASH) to everyone everywhere by 2030. *This conversation was recorded a few weeks ago and therefore the grave and horrific situation in Afghanistan is not mentioned.
Laura is joined by Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills in the Department for Education and MP for Chichester. It was through a chance encounter that Gillian embarked on the route of becoming a Member of Parliament and she talks about the very special person who was pivotal in that change in career – and of many other female Conservative MPs for that matter! They also discuss the importance of skills and lifelong learning. Gillian is well known for being the first apprentice to become Minister for Apprenticeships, but what most people don’t realise is that she is also a Sloan Fellow from the London Business School. They touch on the influence Liverpool and Madrid have had on her thinking, as well as her grandfather’s miner’s lamp, and the importance of skills in the economic recovery. You can follow Gillian and Laura on Twitter on @GillianKeegan and @LauraRound
Laura Round speaks to Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales about the Union, the pressures it is facing and what government is doing to preserve it. They also discuss devolution, his route in to Westminster and what it’s like doing weekly Cabinet Meetings over Zoom! In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Simon and Laura on Twitter on @Simonhartmp and @LauraRound
Laura Round speaks to Tobias Ellwood MP, Chair of the Defence Select Committee and former Defence and Foreign Office Minister. They talk about the security threats facing the UK and the West and what foreign policy for Global Britain could look like. He pulls no punches. They also discuss the people, places and experiences that have impacted his thinking, in particular former US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis. You can follow Tobias Ellwood on Twitter on @Tobias_Ellwood and Laura Round on @LauraRound
Laura Round speaks to Alastair Campbell. Alastair rose to prominence as Tony Blair’s Director of Communications in Number 10 and has remained a household name till this day! He is widely believed to be the inspiration for Malcom Tucker in the Thick Of It and has published countless book. Most recently Volume Eight (!) of his famous diaries. They cover a wide range of topics, including what makes a good leader, his thoughts on Keir Starmer, and some of his most memorable experiences whilst in Downing Street. And of course which people, places and objects have impacted his thinking! In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Alastair Campbell on Twitter on @campbellclaret and Laura Round on @LauraRound
In this episode, Laura speaks to Baroness Sugg, former Minister for Sustainable Development and Head of Operations and Campaigns in Number 10 for David Cameron. Liz talks about working in Downing Street, the challenges faced whilst being on the road with a Prime Minister (including an extraordinary anecdote involving President Putin), how she became passionate about international development and explains why she decided to resign as Minister last year. Liz also reveals how Larry the Cat came to Downing Street. In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Liz Sugg on Twitter on @lizz_sugg and Laura Round on @LauraRound
In this episode, Laura speaks to Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor. How accurate is Yes, Minister? Mark gives the inside track on the workings of Whitehall and the role of Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor. We also discuss Britain's foreign policy, national security, the relationship between civil servants and Special Advisers and his love for Audrey Hepburn... In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Mark Sedwill on Twitter on @MarkSedwill and Laura Round on @LauraRound
In the first episode of Series 3, Laura speaks to Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Partnership for Education. Julia talks about the people, places and experiences that have impacted her thinking. As Australia's first female Prime Minister they discuss what it was like attending international summits as often the only female leader in the room. Julia also talks about girls education and the importance of the Global Education Summit taking place in July. In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Julia Gillard on Twitter on @JuliaGillard and Laura Round on @LauraRound
Trailer - Series 3

Trailer - Series 3

2021-05-1601:14

Former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. Guests this season include former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, former Cabinet Secretary, Mark Sedwill, former Director of Communications to Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart, Baroness Sugg, Broadcaster Ayesha Hazerika, and many more! And if you haven’t listened to the first two series yet, you can catch up with episodes with Rory Stewart, Jess Phillips MP, Matt Forde, Nick Timothy, Caroline Lucas, Iain Dale, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Tom Tugendhat MP and many more. Make sure to subscribe, so you don’t miss out!
Laura speaks Caroline Lucas MP, former leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion. Caroline's route into politics was in many was a coincidental one. They talk about her journey into politics and when she started to develop a passion for the environment. What's also fascinating is how she has to operate in the House of Commons as the only MP in her party. It comes with all sorts of challenges. For starters, she does not have a whips office or other support in place that most MPs can count on.  Caroline was chosen for the Patchwork Foundation’s Judge’s Special Recognition Award. You can follow Caroline and Laura on Twitter: @CarolineLucas and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
Laura speaks to Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of RUSI. Prior to this Karin worked in the US State Department for six years in Obama’s Administration, including as the Chief of Staff to General Jon Allen, who was the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. She has experience in over two dozen conflict zones and worked for the UN in Somalia and Kosovo. They talk about her time in the State Department and working in conflict zones, as well as the current security threats, geopolitics and Trump (yes, he gets a mention). You can follow Karin  and Laura on Twitter: @kvonhippel and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
This week Laura talks to Baroness Sally Morgan, Trustee of the Big Tent Ideas Foundation. She was Tony Blair's press secretary and worked in Downing Street for 8 years, Minister for Women and Equalities, chair of Ofsted, was on the Olympics Delivery Authority, and is now Master of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. They talk about the Iraq vote, Sinn Fein coming to Number 10 for Peace talks, the path to civil partnerships and the power of Tessa Jowell in getting the Olympics to the UK. You can follow Baroness Morgan and Laura on Twitter: @BaronessMorgan and @LauraRound  ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
This week Laura talks with Preet Gill MP, Shadow of State for International Development. Preet shares how her dad and family influenced her, her experience as Shadow Secretary for International Development, Labour's views on the creation of the FCDO, COP26, and the changes in the Labour Party. Preet has been named MP of the Year in the prominent Patchwork Awards. You can follow Preet and Laura on Twitter: @PreetKGillMP and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
This week Laura talks with Sir Craig Oliver, former Director of Communications and Politics to the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Craig shares his experience of being 'thrown into the white water rapids' on joining Number 10, his experience of campaigning on two Referendums and the privilege of flying around the world; seeing and hearing world leaders and occasionally eating some very unusual food, plus a surprising anecdote of David Beckham. Parental Advisory. You can follow Craig and Laura on Twitter: @LauraRound and @CraigOliver100 ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
In this episode, Laura talks to Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, who is the UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency. Anne-Marie discusses her interest in defence matters, her quick turnaround from Minister for the Armed Forces to Secretary of State for International Development, the importance of COP26 and how her father influenced her life in absentia. You can follow Anne-Marie and Laura on Twitter: @annietrev and @LauraRound. ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
In this episode, I talk to Anthony Mangnall MP, who was elected as Member of Parliament for Totnes in 2019. Anthony shares his thoughts on the UK and China relationship, working for William Hague, shockingly low vaccination rates in South Devon - and the conspiracy theories he's encountered, his love for constituency work and the importance of a handwritten letter. You can follow Anthony and Laura on Twitter: @AnthonyMangnal1 and @LauraRound. ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
Laura speaks to Baroness Jenkin who is considered a Fairy godmother by many female Members of Parliament. In 2005 she founded Women2Win with Theresa May and she has campaigned to get more women elected ever since. They also discuss Anne’s hate of all waste, the importance of tackling obesity and what life’s like in the House of Lords. Do you know a woman who would make a great MP? Ask Her To Stand! And if you are interested in standing yourself and want to know what it involves please go to: https://5050parliament.co.uk/signuptostand/ You can follow Baroness Jenkin and Laura on Twitter: @BaronessJenkin and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!
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