british asian podcasts

This week Safaraz is in conversation with Sharon Blyfield OBE, head of early careers at Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners. In the first half of this two-part chat, Safaraz and Sharon discusses her journey, her role at Coca Cola, and the organization's initiatives in apprenticeships, graduate programs, and stakeholder partnerships. Sharon will be emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent, sharing personal experiences, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. What we hear in this conversation is Sharon's dedication to empowering individuals and building a strong talent pipeline for the future.

This week we hear the second part of Safaraz’s conversation with Scott Parkin from The Institute of Employability Professionals, they take a further look into the world of employability and professional development. In this half of their conversation, Scott reflects on his personal journey of growth and his journey as a leader over the past decade. He tells us about the evolution of his career, the innovative initiatives of his organization, and the outlook for the employability sector. We get valuable insights and wisdom from Scott's experiences and a vision for the future. We discover the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and the importance of visibility in driving positive change. 

In this episode we hear the first part of Safaraz’s conversation with Scott Parkin, from the Institute of Employability Professional.
Scott and Safaraz discuss the growth and impact of the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) and how Scott's leadership has propelled the IEP into an international realm, offering membership opportunities, networking, and learning initiatives. The discussion delves into the significance of the Fellowship program, professional growth pathways within the organization, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders to enhance quality standards and address sector challenges. Scott's vision for fostering a supportive community within the sector shines through, emphasizing the power of human connection and collective action in driving positive change.

This week, Safaraz continues his conversation with Lucy Hunte, the National Program Manager for Apprenticeships at NHS England. In this very insightful episode, Lusy reflects on her career journey and the impact she's making in the apprenticeship sector. She discusses the importance of mentorship, diversity in the workplace, and the challenges faced in promoting apprenticeships to SME employers. lucy's background in sales has equipped her with valuable skills to navigate the sector and advocate for positive change. She tells us about her experiences, challenges, and vision for the future of apprenticeships and workforce development in NHS England.

This week, Safaraz is in conversation with Lucy Hunte, the National Program Manager for Apprenticeships at NHS England. Safaraz and Lucy discusses her career journey working in apprenticeships, first at colleges and then moving to her current role at NHS England.

She talks about how NHS England has embraced apprenticeships, growing from under 1,000 apprentices when she started in 2016 to over 150,000 now. Lucy discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing apprenticeship programs within such a large organization like the NHS.

Key topics highlighted include: increasing apprenticeship uptake across NHS trusts, utilizing the apprenticeship levy, developing health-specific apprenticeship standards, ensuring quality provision, challenges around maths and English requirements, and Lucy's passion for bringing back the business administration apprenticeship standard. Lucy also shares advice for government and the apprenticeship sector more broadly. She advocates for consistency, simplicity and putting learners first when developing policies and standards.

In this week’s episode of The Canny Conversations podcast, Safaraz talks to Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK and Ireland. In part one of their conversation, Saf and Jonathan discusses his role leading the apprenticeship program at Compass Group, the large food and support services company operating in sectors, including business, healthcare, and education. They discuss the Compass Group's "Mission to a Million" commitment to provide opportunities for career development regardless of people's backgrounds. Jonathan outlines how he has built up an award-winning apprenticeship program at Compass by focusing on quality teaching and learning. He also emphasizes the importance of collaborating with partners like the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance to attract diverse talent into the business. 

In this week’s episode of The Canny Conversations podcast, Safaraz talks to Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK and Ireland. In part one of their conversation, Saf and Jonathan discusses his role leading the apprenticeship program at Compass Group, the large food and support services company operating in sectors, including business, healthcare, and education. They discuss the Compass Group's "Mission to a Million" commitment to provide opportunities for career development regardless of people's backgrounds. Jonathan outlines how he has built up an award-winning apprenticeship program at Compass by focusing on quality teaching and learning. He also emphasizes the importance of collaborating with partners like the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance to attract diverse talent into the business. 

Welcome back to the second half of this Canny Conversation, with our guest Sophie Norris, the Early Careers Manager at Bentley Motors, the iconic luxury car maker based in Crewe.

In this episode, Sophie shares insights into her own career journey from studying events management in Manchester to her current role managing Bentley's early careers programs. Safaraz and Sophie go on to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Bentley as the business embarks on its 'Beyond 100' strategy to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organization by 2030.

The conversation also touches on Bentley's deep roots in the local Crewe community, the disappointment over the cancellation of the HS2 rail link. Sophies small team of 3 will manage 150 new trainees, next year across apprenticeships, industrial placements, and graduates. She also offers valuable advice to those considering careers at Bentley and talks about the crucial role of volunteering and getting outside your comfort zone. Safaraz and Sophie go on discuss the need to tailor applications, ask questions at interviews, research the business values, and demonstrate spark, curiosity, and purpose.

Joining us In this episode is Sophie Norris, the Early Years Career Manager at luxury carmaker Bentley Motors Ltd. Sophie was born and raised in Cannock in the West Midlands, but now calls Manchester home after attending university there. Safaraz will be talking to Sophie about her interesting career journey, from studying English Literature, to pivoting into human resources, eventually landing her "dream role" at the iconic British brand Bentley Motors where she now manages a portfolio of over 250 trainees across a variety of programs.

Sophie will also share insights into Bentley's ambitious Beyond 100 strategies focused on sustainability and innovation to lead sustainable luxury mobility over the next century. We'll learn how Bentley managed to accelerate growth and navigate uncertainty over the past few years. Finally, in this first part of her conversation with Safaraz, Sophie will talk about her management style and what she has learned from previous managers during her career.

In the second part of this Conversation featuring Kathryn Marshall, Senior Apprenticeship Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, Safaraz and Kathryn continue to explore the world of apprenticeships - the opportunities they provide for career development, the misconceptions that still exist, and the incredible impact they can have on people's lives. Kathryn shares insights from her own experience leading Lloyds Banking Group's apprenticeship programs. With over 1,100 apprentices across 38 different job roles, Lloyds is clearly committed to apprenticeship opportunities. Kathryn discusses the wraparound support Lloyds provides including networking events, ambassador programs, and skills development. They also talk about the need to promote apprenticeship parity with university degrees, especially with parents who still view university as the best option. Kathryn stresses the behaviours behind inclusion that are just as important as targets in creating a diverse and welcoming environment for apprentices.

It's a fascinating discussion about the transformational power of apprenticeships. 

Welcome to this new episode the Canny Conversations Podcast with Safaraz Ali focusing on apprenticeships and talent development. This week we hear from Kathryn Marshall, senior manager of apprenticeships at Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK's largest financial services companies. In the first part of this two-part conversation, Safaraz and Kathryn explore how Lloyds delivers 30 different apprenticeship programs across customer service and specialist areas like finance and compliance, leadership development, and technology roles like software engineering. They also discuss how Lloyds is focusing on using apprenticeships for internal reskilling and helping existing staff pivot into new technology-focused careers. They also touch on the future of retail banking amidst industry changes, the skills modern professionals need, and why lifelong learning and staying relevant are so vital today. We will also hear about Kathryn’s own career journey, and what drove her towards talent development, and how views on workplace learning have shifted with advances in technology.

In this episode we hear the second part of Safaraz’s conversation with,, Jenny Pelling, Director of Apprenticeship Development and Diversity at Kaplan, the educational services company. 
In this continuation of their conversation, Jenny shares her journey in the education sector, from her part time role in HR that shifted into education, to rising up the ranks to become a director. They discuss some of the challenges apprentices face today, from imposter syndrome to struggles with work-life balance and mental health.

Jenny outlines the pastoral care, mentoring, and lifelong support that apprentices really need to thrive - beyond simply learning the curriculum and coursework. This includes the coaching, confidence-building, and fostering of crucial life skills that she spearheads at Kaplan.

They also focus on the importance of collaborations and strategic partnerships to drive the industry forward together,  through data-driven insights and broader representation. Kaplan has key focuses on the way people learn through technology as well as increasing opportunities.

Jenny offers her advice for both individuals looking to advance in their careers, as well as guidance for parents on the evolving landscape of apprenticeships today.

In this episode, Safaraz is in conversation with Jenny Pelling, Director of Apprenticeship Development and Diversity at Kaplan, the educational services company. 

In part one of this two-part conversation, which will continue next week. The discussion covers Jenny's multifaceted role at Kaplan, a major global education organization seeking to increase access and opportunity. This includes governance, quality assurance, supporting apprentices, and collaborating with employers on effective programs. She has seen employer attitudes shift to more strategic uses of apprenticeships over her 20 years in the field. 

Jenny's passion for education access and diverse qualification routes started with teaching English internationally. Her career path then led to law, specializing in employment law, and helping pioneer legal apprenticeship models. Their conversation explores how sectors like law have changed.

They go on to talk about Jenny's accomplishments as a leader, advancing apprenticeships, diversity, inclusion and social mobility across education and professional services. Their discussion goes on to focuses on the importance of holistic pastoral support for apprentices.

In this week’s episode Safaraz continues his conversation with Paul Eeles, the CEO of The Skills and Education Group. We will be hearing how Paul has dedicated his career to championing skills, education, and social mobility. He shares insights from his varied professional journey, from starting as a chef to leading large organizations in the further education sector.

Paul and Safaraz also talk about some of the key issues facing further education today. They discuss the challenges of acquiring and integrating organizations, the importance of careers advice for young people, and the competitive awarding organization marketplace.

Paul stresses the need for a coordinated skills system that meets the diverse needs of learners and employers. He advocates for policy that looks at the bigger picture rather than short-term initiatives.

At its core, Paul believes education is about empowering individuals and transforming lives. He calls on all of us to make a positive difference through our work.

This conversation also provides an enlightening perspective on leadership, change, and purpose. 

This week’s Canny Conversations Podcast features the first part of Safaraz’s conversation between him Paul Eeles, Group Chief Executive of the Skills and Education Group. Paul has been with the organization for 13 years, during which it has grown from a small regional membership body to a major national organization.

In this wide-ranging chat, Paul traces his career journey from school into hospitality and catering, to becoming a lecturer, and eventually
rising to his current leadership role. Safaraz and Paul discusses pursuing continuous learning and qualifications as an adult, even though he did not excel academically at school. Paul shares perspectives on contributing his skills through voluntary roles such as charity trustee, school governor, and other community involvement. He talks about the importance of giving back and describes some of the organizations he supports. Safaraz and Paul cover some other topics including changes in the FE sector, networking beyond one's immediate industry, and pushing yourself as a leader to think differently. Paul provides an inside look at leading a long-established membership organization and building on its legacy.

In this second half of our conversation between Safaraz Ali and Rachel Jagger-Thomas from JTL they talk more about diversity and inclusion within the building, engineering and services sector in the UK and how this can be improved and promoted. 

There is further discussion around the challenge of getting more women into technical trades such as plumbing and electrical work, which have historically been male-dominated fields. 

Rachel talks about the importance of role models and tackling biases that have deterred women and other underrepresented groups from entering these careers.

Rachel also highlights JTL's commitments to being a disability confident employer, advocating for more diversity through initiatives like the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance, and influencing change within the sector.

They talk about the work being done to make technical trades more welcoming for all, while acknowledging there are still challenges around perceptions, biases and stereotypes that need to be addressed. 

In this week’s podcast we have the first part of Safaraz’s conversation with Rachel Jagger-Thomas from JTL, national training provider in England and Wales for the electrical, plumbing and heating industries, and a member of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance.  
Rachel is the Diversity, Safeguarding and Inclusion Advisor for JTL, she has over 13 years’ experience working in equality, diversity and inclusion roles across higher education, further education and now in industry training.

In her conversation with Safaraz, Rachel shares insights from her career journey and diverse experiences living and working internationally. 

They discuss how the dialogue and language around diversity, equality and inclusion has evolved over the past decade, moving from compliance to a more active engagement. Rachel also talks about some examples of the positive changes she has seen in some organizations taking proactive steps for inclusion, while also acknowledging there is still further progress needed in the sector.

They also look at improving gender equity and the representation of minority groups in trades,  

In the second part of Safaraz’s conversation with Viren Patel CEO of The Open University Worldwide, They talk about Virens perspectives on leadership, diversity, and driving change. He discusses leading The Open University through the pandemic, embracing new technology like AI, and strategies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world.

Viren stresses the importance of empowering teams, coaching rather than micromanaging, to help employees reach their potential. 

Other topics that Viran and Safaraz cover include, talent development, work culture, managing diverse teams, and maintaining a work-life balance. Viren offers wisdom as both a business leader and a champion of inclusion,  adding value, guiding others, and positively influencing the work force under his leadership.

This week Safaraz is in conversation with Viren Patel, CEO of the Open University Worldwide Viren Patel, CEO of the Open University Worldwide and Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships at the OU. In the first half of this two-part conversation, Viren shares his personal journey as a refugee who came to the UK in the 1970s and overcame the challenges to become the first in his family to graduate with a degree. 

He discusses the mission of Open University to increase access to higher education and skills training through innovative delivery methods. He
also talks about the OU's focus on vocational learning and partnerships to equip students for evolving employer needs.

He shares perspectives on building an inclusive culture internally and externally through community initiatives. And talks about OU's role as a major employer driving economic growth in Milton Keynes. Viren offers advice for young people on developing transferable
skills and embracing diverse experiences to thrive in modern careers. 

In this second part of his conversation with Jade Pearson, New Talent Manager at Severn Trent, Saf and Jade explore good leadership and how to manage your own career.

Jade draws on her own experience to explore culture and management styles, how to address performance, progression, challenges, and conflict at every level in the company. They look at the importance of how you can take control of your career and your situation, regardless of where you are.

For any existing leader, those aspiring to a leadership role or if you’re at the start of your career - this episode is a useful reminder of what good looks like and a fascinating, wide-ranging, and thought-provoking discussion.