Welcome to Season 3 of the podcast supported by the BeHeard Platform: Amplifying voices, unearthing talent and levelling up the media & events. Sign up here   Sam and Simone reflect on the record breaking NPWAwards last week reaching 25 million impressions on social media and rising! If you missed it, you can watch it back here.   The two discuss the caring responsibilities felt predominantly by women over lockdown and what might happen as restrictions lift.   With brand new questions Life Lessons this week are from Ngunan Adamu, producer, presenter, social entrepreneur and founder of iWoman Academy CIC. She speaks about feeling the fear and dispelling accepted 'rules' of business!   We introduce a new High 5 segment to the podcast and ask you to let us know who or what your high 5 of the week is on social media @NorthPowerWomen   Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons with brand new questions... email us [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Straight after the NPWAwards, Sam spoke to all the winners, commended and judge’s award winners to find out how they were feeling and hear more about the good work they are doing. Take a listen to hear from these truly amazing role models - sit back, relax and prepare to be awestruck! Winners Mentor of the Year – Zandra Moore, CEO, Panintelligence   Agent of Change – Michelle Hands, Engineer at Nut Job Ltd Outstanding Entrepreneur - Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director at Crafter's Companion Person with Purpose – Freema Chambers, CO and Founder of Community School Clothing Scheme  Innovation – Halo Project Charity  One to Watch – Joint Winners, Elicia Curtis, Director at The REIGN Collective CIC and Bianca Robinson, CEO at CEO Sleepout UK   Transformational Leader – Beckie Taylor, CEO at Tech Returners  Small Organisation – InnovateHer  Medium Organisation – Informed Solutions Ltd  Large Organisation – Page Group  Commended  Rachel Fitzsimmons – Mentor of the Year The Women’s Organisation – Small Organisation  Louise Clarkson – Agent of Change  Dr Jun Zhang – Outstanding Entrepreneur  Flourish Together CIC - Innovation  Alison Fisher – Transformational Leader  Vicky Ringer – Person with Purpose    Judges’ Special Acknowledgement Awards Sally Orange  Gina Martin  Electric Bazaar  Hema Radhakrishnan  Kiera Byland   You can watch the NPWAwards here and find out more about the winners hereSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

In the 50th episode of this season’s NPW podcast we welcome our newest partner the British Army and the Force Atlantic team.  We launch our BeHeard Portal, all about encouraging better representation in the media & at events and ultimately to making sure your voice is heard. Sign up here to be heard! We hear from just 5 of the amazing voices on NPWLive Talks - you can find more inspiring voices here.  Catherine Millan tells us about how a tragic event in Liverpool changed her outlook on life forever.  Jade Hanley shares what she has learnt from the challenges of cold-water swimming and translating this into her everyday life.  Cynthia Ajayi talks about how we can support women (just like you!) and remove historic gender barriers. Amina Atiq, Yemeni-Scouse poet, treats us to some amazing spoken word poetry. Dr Joanna Berry speaks about the different masks she wears and how she is learning to be her true self. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

The final countdown to the NPWAwards and  NPWLive is on and you can still sign up to be a mentor here for carousel networking or mentoring Watch the NPWLive Talks on 8th March at 12pm as we continue to amplify voices was part of our BeHeard Campaign Sam talks about how the pandemic is like an extended maternity leave and getting excited about margarine Simone discussed the importance of random acts of kindness and the success of Coffee and Connect in partnership with BNY Mellon Continuing from last week, Sam & Simone discuss a recent survey on the topic of after-hours business communication. Danie French, Responsible Business Advisor at Taylor Wessing and Future First advocate talks all things Princess Di and the importance of making mistakes Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

It is just 2 weeks until NPWLive and NPWAwards - and you can still get involved! Simone discusses the pandemic of loneliness and stresses the importance of reaching out - whether through a call, a text or a letter it can mean the world. Just do it! Sam talks about the etiquette of communicating out of office-hours and the power of a forgiving email footer. NPWLive’s keynote conversation will be looking at what the new rules of work look like and you can register here to attend. Please also get in touch about what you think about the new rules of working by emailing us at [email protected]  Life Lessons this week are from trailblazer Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE FRSA, founder of the Black United Representation Network (BURN), Business Development Director of The Blair Project, CEO of Manchester Innovation Activities Hub and Director of Formula Girl Ltd. Her encouragement to be adaptable, go with the flow and embrace the unknown could not be more apt!  Book a cookalong for you team with Susie Flory - get in touch with [email protected]  Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons (with brand new questions!) [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

With less than a month until NPWLive and the NPWAwards on 8th March there is still time to get involved! You can use your voice by sending in a 3-minute NPWLive Talk using the theme of choose, challenge or change. Conversational, performance, poetry - we want to see them so email your video to [email protected] Sam talks about a Harvard Business School study showing we are working longer hours than before the pandemic and her own difficulties in switching off when the office is only up the stairs!  Simone talks about the appointment of A&E doctor and Love Island alumni Dr Alex George as a youth mental health ambassador and the Army’s TimeToTalk campaign. The importance of role models as well as appropriate mental health infrastructure has never been more important. This week’s Life Lessons are from Becki Smith, Commercial Sales Director at TalkTalk who knows the importance of trusting your instincts and  passion. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

On this week’s episode Sam talks about how her first EVER mentoring session went and how it enabled her to look at the bigger picture, something she hasn’t done in a while! Simone emphasises the power of mentoring, describing it as ‘you own personal Board’. If you would like a mentor sign up to coffee break mentoring or the next 12 week mentoring programme on the Power Platform. NPWLive is happening on 8th March and we want you to take part!  Sign up to early careers carousel networking to get advice or to impart your wisdom.  Don’t forget to send us your NPWLive Talks - a 3-minute video using the theme of choose, challenge or change. Life Lessons this week are from Gemma McCall, CEO and Co-founder of tech-for-good business, Culture Shift who works to tackle harassment and bullying in the workplace whilst creating positive change in organisational cultures! Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

On this week’s episode Simone reflects on the success of Virtual Carousel Networking at LJMU and the importance of keeping connected. Sam notes the rise in the number of businesses set up in 2020 compared to 2019, highlighting the spirit of entrepreneurship in the face of adversity. A callout to listeners to use their voice and be heard by submitting 3-minute videos for NPWLive Talks to inspire, motivate, and amplify voices from the north. Fight the imposter syndrome and do it any way! Find the instructions here. Deadline: 22nd February You can find out more about NPWLive here and register as an official supporter here. This week’s Life Lessons are from Irene Afful, Founder & Director of Ametrine Coaching & Consultancy. and also the first ever black, female inspector in the history of Merseyside Police! Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone discuss victories including Sam becoming a published author!! Read her book 'Coming Out Stories' born from her podcast with Emma Goswell, it’s available to buy now in “proper shops” as well as Sam’s driveway! Last week we celebrated Mr President Biden and Madam Vice President Harris, what a woman! We loved the power purple outfits at the inauguration and Amanda Gorman’s powerful poem!   Superwoman Joeli Brearley is also discussed, founder of Pregnant then screwed who is fighting mothers’ battles when it comes to self-employment income support and maternity leave. Join us for NPWLive on IWD, we are hosting carousel networking and mentoring. Send us your 3-minute videos, we will be streaming some on the day & creating an online directory. We also want to know who your favourite local female-led food/drink businesses are! Send your business suggestions and 3 min videos to [email protected].   This week’s Life Lessons are from Chartered Marketer Mercè Cozens, who co-owns the Think Beyond marketing consultancy in Cheshire. Mercè offers some great quick fire life lessons, covering work/life balance, taking risks and networking! Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

On this week’s episode Simone discusses the people who are checking in on the checkers following on from last week’s episode she received floods of support from her network! Last week Simone led a webinar as part of the 12-week mentoring programme which was truly uplifting, and calls for a mentor for Sam as we find out she has never been mentored! In a recent NPW poll about employers supporting mental health Sam and Simone found the results were quite surprising, bringing up some interesting conversations about nightmare landlords. Sam talks about Stefan Thomas, a man who is a walking reminder to keep your passwords safe!! This week’s Life Lessons are from Nutrition Coach, Jackie Wilkinson. She discusses being flexible with opportunities that come your way and how tackling imposter syndrome is a matter of confidence not competence. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

On this week’s episode Simone opens up about the pressures of running a small business and shows us there is strength in showing weakness. Sam is on hand to stress the importance of not beating ourselves up over how we are coping and delves into our latest NPW twitter poll on what you are taking up in 2021. You can sign up to NPF’s Carousel Networking on Monday, 25th January at 1pm, 2pm or 3pm and support 3rd year University students at such a critical time. Join us for #NPWLive on International Women’s day and see how you and your organisation can get involved by heading over to www.northernpowerwomen.com/IWD-2021/ This week’s Life Lessons are from Lisa Maynard-Atem, Managing Director of the Black United Representation Network Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Happy New Year! Sam and Simone are joined again this week by the NPW team who discuss what they will be taking up this year for the #TakeUp21 campaign, what will you be taking up? This week’s Life Lessons are from our very own Simone Roche who urges you to say yes and work it out later, discusses the importance of building your network early and how having a mentor impacted her career!  Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

In this week’s special festive episode, Simone and Sam are joined by the NPW team as they reflect on 2020. The team discuss what they have learnt about themselves during this year.  This week’s Life Lessons are by our very own Sam Walker, she opens up about a time she had to be resilient, the risks she took to be where she is now and why you should trust your gut.  Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons!  [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone wonder how on earth it’s only a few days to Christmas! This year has been the shortest and longest year in existence. Have you written your Christmas cards yet?   Adele recently got married to her wonderful fiancée Andy, a massive congratulations to the newlywed couple from the NPW family!    Simone discusses the NPW Awards extravaganza which will be held on Monday, 8th March 2021. This is also International Women’s Day and NPW want you to join in our celebration and collaborate on the chosen theme of #ChooseToChallenge. Email [email protected] to get involved in NPW’s IWD next year.   Sam talks about a poisonous column written in the Wall Street Journal about Dr Jill Biden. Recent research from the Mayo Clinic Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone discuss the success of the #NPWcheers twitter chat and the new date for the 2020 Northern Power Women Awards as well as how the NPWA will be different from any virtual awards you’ve been to yet, we all know NPW don’t do boring! As Forbes release their list of the Most Powerful Women of 2020, Simone and Sam discuss what makes a great leader. Simone and the NPW team have created a 2020 Spotify playlist, a collection of the NPW community’s songs that got them through this year, have a listen and lift your spirits! And Google have shared the most searched words and phrases in 2020. How many can you guess? Sourdough and toilet roll anyone?! This week’s Life Lessons come from freelance journalist and teacher Abigail Reid who talks about failure, resilience and refusing to be pigeon-holed. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone discuss the changing face of the high street in the UK, reminisce about meals out in Debenhams café and talk about the challenges of shopping local and supporting smaller businesses.  Please do support the wonderful Tiffany if you can! https://www.renesfashion.co.uk/ The #NPW poll this week was all about community and how connected we feel to those around us?  Have you seen your community divide or pull together?  We’d love to hear what your experiences are. Please do come and join in with the #NPWCheers if you can! And if you’re mindful to share your wardrobe malfunction, after hearing Simone’s story – then get in touch with us using the email below! This week’s Life Lessons come from Claire Gallery-Strong Head of Programme - Integrated Waste Management, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] https://www.northernpowerwomen.com/npw-podcast/ Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

In this week’s episode, Simone is joined by Adele Mitchinson, Creative director at Venture Stream, author of Positive Baby book and proud Northern Lass! Simone talks about Adele’s eagerness to get involved with the NPW community and her own passion behind starting up Northern Power Women and growing the community!  Adele notes the importance of supporting others, paying it forward and putting yourself out there. So much so she has published a book of affirmations for you and your child promoting healthy mental health discussion and positive thinking from day one!  Positive Baby is available to buy at www.positivebabyandbeyond.co.uk- a perfect gift for new parents or young children! NPW have bought 5 Positive Baby books to prevent any financial barriers stopping you experiencing its wonders! If you would like one of these simply email [email protected] with your address and we will get it posted to you. Simone & Adele also discuss the latest NPW poll looking at supporting small businesses and highlight a few such as  Gemma Truman Black and Beech Gary Boyd Art Laura Boyd Ceramics Pedalling Squares Cafe The Yellow Teapot Make It Gift it This week’s Life Lessons are from Bernadine Tay, Founder of  Quinteassential and tea designer.  Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Adele Mitchinson P.S Here is a link to the Willy Warmer episode mentioned!Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone talk about International Men’s Day and the really important campaign around men’s mental health, as well as *that* Harry Styles Vogue cover. Simone discusses her part in the Unite on Purpose campaign which aims to promote global unity through collaboration. There’s a call to action for YOU to share a quick video of why you are #NPW. All the details of how you can get involved are here. And some working from home tips, to make office days at the kitchen table a bit more bearable. This week’s Life Lessons come from Diane Watson, Founder of She Can Prosper and Principal Partner, Sovereign Wealth Management. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

In these ever-challenging times, Simone shares some good news about a new partnership with charity Future First and calls for YOU to sign up to be a role model! Details at the shiny new northernpowerwomen.com This week is anti-bulling week and a recent Northern Power Women poll showed that nearly 2/3 of you haveexperienced some form of workplace bullying in your adult life.  Sam shares her story and urges you to speak up. And as do keep sharing your self-care disasters.  Sam reveals the sorry story of #puzzelgate!! Let us know [email protected]  This week’s Life Lessons come from Newcastle University’s Malasree Home Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Ooof!  This week feels hard, with renewed lockdown in the UK and election unrest in the US. Simone and Sam try and take stock of how far we have come this year and focus on resilience through the next few weeks. There’s been a new report into how many women’s voices were included in expert analysis of the Covid 19 pandemic and with little surprise, the results are not encouraging.  Sam and Simone urge YOU to stand up and Be Heard. Check out power-platform.com for more details!  And as self-care is the order of the day, we also reveal our #selfcaredisasters! What’s yours? Let us know [email protected]  This week’s Life Lessons come from CEO of the Lonergan Group Louise Lonergan Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

On this episode, supported by United Utilities,  you’ll get to listen in to a very special webinar that was recorded in celebration of Inclusion Week. Hosted by Simone Roche MBE, contributors included Jo Harrison, Director of Environment, Planning and Innovation at United Utilities, Rob Mukherjee, Director of Transformation at EveryCloud UK and Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee, a flight system engineer for BAE systems and there was lively discussion around topics like unconscious bias, allyship and advocacy. You’ll also get to hear a very special edition of Life Lessons from United Utilities very own Julie Newton. A huge thank you to United Utilities for supporting this special episode of the Northern Power Women Podcast– we’ll be back with our next regular episode on Monday November 9thSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Simone and Sam discuss an issue that will face all females to a greater or lesser degree at some point in their life – the menopause. So many of us have no idea about the ways in which the menopause will manifest itself – you may be surprised! And it can affect us at many different ages! A recent Northern Power Women poll showed that more than three quarters of us feel the menopause has adversely affected our work in some way and yet, we still don’t talk about it enough! We’d love you to share your stories and experiences – please do reach out to [email protected] so we can support and drive change around menopause. To read more about the resources Simone highlighted follow the links below: The Invisibility Report,  Menopause at Work Liria Digital Health Manchester Stress Institute Menopause    This week’s Life Lessons come from “Miss Menopause” Sharon MacArthur. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Simone and Sam discuss the impact of the new tier system on the North and how we can all work together through this difficult time. There was a focus on mentorship too and a call for YOU to get involved.  Perhaps you’re looking for a mentor, or you could offer someone some support in their career?  Please go get involved today! Just head to the Power Platform and click on “stories” to find out more. With so many of us working from home, there’s news of a scheme that could see you get some extra cash for increased energy bills, either via your employer or direct from the government.  And with Christmas already disrupted for so many of us, there is good news if you’re a turkey, but potential bad news if you want a turkey on your table this festive season! This week’s Life Lessons come from consultant Annie Mbako Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Simone is joined by broadcaster, presenter and entrepreneur, Ngunan Adamu to talk about how we can all be preparing mentally for the winter ahead and finding the joy in the little things in life. They discuss all things failure related and look at ways you can reframe situations with Ngunan revealing how we can ultimately learn from our failures. Simone shares how she doesn’t miss the long commutes on trains as we can now ‘go global’ from the comfort of our own home. This week’s Life Lessons come from Success Club’s Julie Johnson. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Ngunan Adamu.Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Simone and Sam highlight the reason why dentists are so busy during this pandemic and look at how young people are particularly vulnerable to redundancy right now. Also, on the subject of young people, Sam highlights a campaign started by a woman from Glasgow to try and ban all unpaid work shifts, which she believes are taking advantage of young people. Let us know your experiences and opinions about this. Simone shares her experience of an online business festival, which led with the session “WTF just happened?!”  and urged us all to find the positives in this difficult time. And unsolicited emails – how do YOU respond?  Especially when people get antsy?! This week’s Life Lessons come from graphic designer Amy Littlefair Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Simone and Sam discuss the release of the new Northern Power Women Levelling up report, focussing on the stories and initiatives it reveals.  You can read it here. (They also ask; “When was the last time you fully got dressed up for work?!”) There is talk about the ever-changing regulations around lockdown and travel and a request not to judge, but to go about business in a way that suits you but doesn’t harm others and there is a reminder – we’re not all in the same boat. Simone also reveals the results of the poll we conducted asking the question: Should you be obliged to tell your company if you’re dating anyone at work? What if that includes any company connected with your own?  This week’s Life Lessons come from Ranjana Bell MBE Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Simone reflects on the decision to postpone the 2020 Northern Power Women Awards and issues a call to all nominees to shout about their successes (even if they find that awkward!) There’s also news of the publication of a major new Northern Power Women report. In a week that many of us have found difficult, with new regulations coming in, Sam references a brilliant video from Dr Radha Modgil who shares some excellent tips on how to avoid emotional burnout. Plus, should you be obliged to tell your company if you’re dating anyone at work? What if that includes any company connected with your own?  Let us know your thoughts and watch out for a new poll on social media. This week’s Life Lessons come from leadership coach Alison Freer Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone talk about a number of new reports which focus on how the pandemic has affect working women.  From a “silver lining” story about a rise in new female entrepreneurs to a warning klaxon about how a return to office-based work may set gender equality back years! They also check in on a social media poll you took part in, following the discussion last week about men-only spaces. Plus – out of the mouth of babes.  Two teenage entrepreneurs were interviewed; what were their big tips for success in business? This week’s Life Lessons come from Aerospace Engineer Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week Sam and Simone discuss a new app being utilised by a number of UK employers that helps you stay socially distant from your colleagues. They also ask; should men only member clubs be resigned to history, or do men have the right to have spaces reserved just for them? As the news reports on the Prime Minister of New Zealand’s childcare arrangements, should discussions about family life be removed from politics altogether, or encouraged? Plus – the ongoing challenge of female business leaders and what do you call a group of Northern Power Women? The suggestions are many and varied! This week’s Life Lessons come from Louise Doyle, founder of Mesma. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Nearly six months since lockdown started, Sam and Simone talk about the return to “normal” for many people. Commuting, school and office-based work.  Is this what life is looking like for you? Or are you still working from home, furloughed or perhaps out of work?  Please let us know, do send us an email or tweet. Simone and Sam also discuss a recent NPW poll into the mental health of our young people and a new report for the Girl Guides into the affect that altering images on social media has on young girls and boys. And we’re still spending much of our day on Zoom. Sam shares the story of one incident that nearly resulted in a call to the emergency services! This week’s Life Lessons come Nafisa Kiani who works at the Serjeant at Arms Office in the House of Commons. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

As summer holidays (whatever they looked like this year!) come to end, as children go back to school, there’s some big decisions to be made for a lot of companies, small and large and individuals too, about where you are going to work. This week, Simone and Sam discuss a major report that identifies 50 of the biggest companies in the UK who will not be sending their staff back to the office. Would that work for your company? Or you as an individual? Are you desperate to get back to “normality” or would that be impossible right now? We’d love to hear from you. And could another casualty of the pandemic be friendship? Sam looks at a report that suggests even our closest bonds can be fragile under pressure. Simone also poses the question: who have you become during the covid lockdown? The answer may horrify you! This week’s Life Lessons come from entrepreneur Clare Talbot Jones   Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week, Simone and Sam reflect on the fact that so many of us are still at boiling point as we try to manage homes, work, children and ourselves, often with very limited resources and they ask -who is checking in on you?  How can we start to re-draw boundaries between work and home life when they have been so blurred over the last six months? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do get in touch! We celebrate the first woman of colour to run on a VP ticket in the USA, Kamala Harris but reflect on the rampant misogyny that has once again revealed itself, both here and in the States and discuss the perpetual issue of the wolf whistle! We celebrate good news for a Liverpool social enterprise and find out what working women are buying a lot less of. This week’s Life Lessons come from police officer and role model Zoe Hingston.  Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

This week, Simone and Sam discuss the enormous pressure students and their families are facing after exams results were issued last week.  More on this to come on the Northern Power Futures podcast There is grim news about the British economy and the future of the jobs market and we want to hear from YOU about how you’re being affected. Do get in touch: [email protected] New research shows that black women who have natural hairstyles are less likely to be offered a job interview than white woman, or black women with straightened hair.  Have you had experience of this?  How can we continue to strive for equality? How can we do better? We also discuss how important even the smallest amount of self-care can be as we continue to navigate really challenging times. This week’s Life Lessons come from the ever-inspiring Scouse Scientist Holly Ellis. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Simone and Sam discuss Simone’s failed attempts at getting some of the brilliant Northern Power Women (this means YOU!) to step up and be heard on national media.  What is holding you back? Your voice is important!  Please do get in touch and sign up to our Be Heard Campaign. There is also some great advice on how to stop nerves around public speaking, remember:  You’re not being attacked by a bear!  We also discuss new research around female leadership and “celebrate” (Hmmm!)  a record number of female CEOs of Fortune 500 Companies announced this week. Please do come and share your thoughts on “New Traits of Leadership” at www.power-platform.com This week’s Life Lessons come from the brilliant Martina Witter. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

As many companies move towards asking their workforce to return to the office, Simone and Sam ask questions about whether presenteeism is necessary for a successful business?  Does reducing flexibility signal a return to negative work practices that will undoubtedly adversely affect women more than men and will the next generation of employees accept this anachronistic way of working? Plus: facemask and vaccine conspiracies are again linked to social media being used as a source of news. And there is good news about car insurance! This week’s Life Lessons come from the inspiring Lieutenant Penny Thackray Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

As major changes in the furlough scheme in the UK come in to force and mass redundancies are sadly anticipated, we let you know about the incredible Covid Changemakers launched by a brilliant Northern Power Woman, Alex Cousins.  A way to innovate and embrace a new way of working. Do find out more on our Power Platform. Sam and Simone discuss reports from Unilever that they don’t expect their 2000 office-based workers in the UK to return to the office full time, ever!  Flexibility by companies and staff seems to be key as we move to a new way of working. Sam and Simone also talk about how customer experience is going to be a key driver for companies to thrive in the future, as its reported that a worldwide recession has already started. Plus: teenage dreams revived during covid as guitar sales explode! This week’s extraordinary Life Lessons come from the unsinkable Laura Hepburn. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Lonesome dogs and a whole lot of winning! There is a focus on young people this week. The exceptional challenges that people in the first few years of their career or higher education are facing and how individuals just a few years younger are actually adapting really well to how the world is changing. There’s also a discussion about the crisis facing local news and cultural outlets across the north. Will there be a return to London-centric media? Plus: lonesome dogs and a whole lot of winning! Life Lessons come from tech cheerleader Lianne Potter Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

What (working) women want. This week, Simone discusses what it’s been like to head back to the office for the first time in four months, spoiler: liberating! Sam discusses what life is like in Arizona, currently the number one corona hotspot in the WORLD and reveals some interesting research concerning the virus and newly opened restaurants. The pair then break down some of the key responses to the question ‘What do you, as working women want, from the Chancellor’ in a week that Rishi Sunak announced new economic measures. Life Lessons come from the unstoppable Stacey Copeland. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

When things get tough…again. Another week, another set of challenges. Sam and Simone take stock of changes in lockdown laws and discuss renewed pressure on our mental health – especially that of young people. We address the yawning chasm of school holidays that so many of us are facing and ask for your brilliant innovations for a stress-free (or at least stress-reduced!) summer.  We discuss a new report that shows women are still taking on the majority of childcare during lockdown, but men report that their jobs are being adversely affected by working from home. What is your experience? Life Lessons come from the terrific Alice Choi. Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Approaching “Independence Day” How do you feel about lockdown being lifted?  Raring to get back into life and work?  Or anxious about the chance of increased infections and nervous about re-entering “real life” ? Simone and Sam discuss their experiences on either side of the Atlantic and share their thoughts on “getting back to normal.” Life Lessons come from the brilliant Sharon Amesu Tell us your stories of work and life or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam WalkerSign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Practising kindfullness As our corona lexicon grows, Simone and Sam discuss practising "kindfullness" – not just towards other people but to yourself as we all face very different challenges. We discuss the link between coronavirus conspiracy theories and social media news and navigate the  difficult decisions we have to navigate around work and life as lockdown starts to lift. Life Lessons come from the awesome Barbara Bray Tell us your stories of work and life, or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker  Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Question, challenge and change Simone and Sam discuss how 12 weeks into lockdown, even as things start to ease, many of us are experiencing issues with our mental health, perhaps for the first time. Now is the time to realise that things are never going to go “back to normal” and this time of transition brings its own challenges as we let go of old work and life methods and search for new ones. We pose the question – “What would do differently if you knew then, at the start of lockdown, what we know now?” There’s news of how the brand new Power Platform can help you widen your network and amplify your voice in the business world and Life Lessons come from the awesome Olive Strachan. Tell us your stories of work and life, or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker  Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Following protests across the USA and the world this week, Simone and Sam talk about what we action we can take to amplify the voices of BAME women and men across business. Talking, listening, education and creating new frameworks, Simone shares some of the conversations she has been having this week in the NPW Power Circles. This week's Life Lessons come from the fantastic Mel Venner. Tell us your stories of work and life, or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker  Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

As things start to return to normal in some places, or at least open up, Sam and Simone discuss the conflicting emotions many of us are experiencing and the fact that not only has lockdown resulted in vast inequalities across the business world, but that it's imperative that all our voices are now heard as new policies and practices are being formed. There's tales of a new post-corona lexicon as well as questions over why women and men's sport are coming through the crisis differently. And this week the brilliant Adrienne Kelbie shares her Life Lessons.   Tell us your stories of work and life in these strange times or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker    Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

There are celebrations this week as Sam and Simone discuss the nomination that the Northern Power Women podcast has received in the British Podcast Awards! The difficult up and down feelings we have all been experiencing over the past few weeks has been officially named by Northern Power Woman Lara Morgan – the Coronacoaster!   Sam and Simone discuss the anxiety that many parents are dealing with following announcements that schools in the UK are to go back in some areas – how also do you deal with your children being concerned? Listener Sephina got in touch to ask how to react when a colleague steals an idea from you at work. And this week the brilliant Sarah Waddington shares her Life Lessons.   Tell us your stories of work and life in these strange times or share your life lessons! [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker    Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Sam and Simone discuss the slow return to work for many individuals and companies and how cities and rural areas will have different challenges to overcome. As lockdown starts to lift in Arizona, Sam visited a restaurant and talks about the extensive safety measures that had been put in place. Listener Stacey got in touch to ask how to deal with negative feelings that so many of us are experiencing during this time and the pair discuss how it’s so important to allow yourself to feel everything – both good and bad, with a little help from the poet Rilke.   And Life Lessons come all the way from Australia – via Liverpool with Karen Thompson from Communicate U.  Tell us your stories of work and life in these strange times or share your life lessons!  Mail [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Simone has been on a virtual tour of the length and breadth of the North this week and shares some of the tips and advice that she's heard from senior leaders, from self-care to embracing future change and accepting now, that we are all writing history. The pair discuss Zoom invasions and how you can stop this happening on your calls and what to do when you really don't want "video on" Plus Marnie Millard, Group Chief Executive of Nicols PLC shares her life lessons.  Tell us your stories of work and life in these strange times or share your life lessons!  Mail [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker  Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.

Sam confesses to a massive personal fail in the work / life / home / school juggling act that we're all experiencing in lockdown. Simone shares some tips in how to stay motivated from her conversations from around the Northern Power Women network and they discuss how to switch off from work when your home is your office. Plus Alex Miles, Managing Director of West Yorkshire Learning Providers shares her life lessons.  Tell us your stories of work and life in these strange times or share your life lessons!  Mail [email protected] Presented by Simone Roche and Sam Walker  Sign up to our Power Platform to check out our events calendar here. Keep up to date on the latest news from We Are Power : Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook Sign up to our newsletter.