Dan Boardman-Weston in the CEO of BRI Wealth Management, the financial planning and wealth management firm based in Meriden.
Having initially joined the firm as a trainee, Dan eventually succeeded his dad, Simon, as CEO.
In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about making that transition and navigating his way through the challenges of leadership at a young age.
We also hear his thoughts on the current state of play with the economy and the financial markets - and why he feels financial literacy across the UK needs to be better.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· His first steps into the business
· Succeeding his father as CEO
· Navigating leadership challenges at a young age
· AI and people in the finance sector
· His competitive streak
· Financial literacy in the UK
· The economy - present and future
Wendy Morgan is the founder of the Jumar group of companies (now TXP), the Birmingham-headquartered organisation offering tech and business transformation expertise.
Wendy has become a leader in the tech sector despite overcoming a series of obstacles - both during her childhood and her career.
This included gender discrimination which threatened to impact her progress in the tech industry.
Wendy tells Henrietta how she overcame those challenges to form a successful company which has expanded internationally.
She also provides insights on the ever-changing tech and digital space - and why firms must align their investment in technology with a strong people-focused culture.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· Challenges faced during Wendy's childhood
· First jobs and entry into the tech sector
· How discrimination threatened to block her progress
· Setting up the Jumar group of companies
· Scaling up and international expansion
· Advice to firms on embracing tech trends
· Gender diversity in tech
As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which some of our guests answer a series of quickfire questions.
In this episode, you will hear from Professor Aleks Subic (Aston University), Jodh Dhesi (Schools of King Edward VI Foundation), Andrew Davies (Kier Group), Fran Nolan and Dre Picart (Tribera), Janie Frampton (Team You), Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial), Marina Robertson (Acivico), Emma Stenning (CBSO), Professor David Mba (Birmingham City University), Wendy Morgan (Jumar) and Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management).
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This episode was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Running order:
02:12 – What’s your favourite Brummie slang word?
05:13 - What’s the one app on your phone that you couldn’tlive without?
06:57 – Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
09:20 – What’s your guilty TV show or movie?
11:34 – If you could travel the world with one famous person(living or dead) who would it be?
14:40 – What’s your best celebrity encounter?
Vice-chancellor Professor David Mba sets out his vision for Birmingham City University in this episode of CEO Stories.
Professor Mba discusses the transformational journey and impact of BCU - emphasising social mobility, employability, and the importance of practice-based pedagogy.
The conversation explores his unexpected path to academia, his upbringing in Nigeria, and his vision for BCU's future as outlined in their Strategy 2030.
Professor Mba also touches on the role of universities in community engagement, the significance of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs), and BCU's innovative STEAMhouse initiative.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· Growing up in Nigeria
· Transition to the UK and academia
· BCU's 2030 Strategy and beyond
· Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
· Driving vision and change
· Challenges and opportunities in Higher Education
Jim Simpson is a Birmingham music legend.
As well as being credited as the man who gave Black Sabbath their big break, he is the founder of Big Bear Records and the director of Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival.
In this episode, Jim discusses his illustrious career spanning decades as a musician, manager, record label and festival founder, author, photographer and much more.
He shares anecdotes about iconic figures he's worked with and the challenges and triumphs of Birmingham's vibrant music industry.
Jim also explains why he feels Birmingham's rich musical heritage is underappreciated - and emphasises the need for a rock and roll museum to honour the city's contributions.
Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.
Key topics:
· Founding Big Bear Records
· Birth of the Jazz & Blues Festival
· Managing Black Sabbath
· Birmingham's music heritage
· The Visit of Oz
· The future of the jazz and blues
Emma Stenning is CEO of the globally-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - an organisation she says is "shorthand for excellence" in the classical music world.
Emma comes from a successful theatrical background -leading major theatres in the UK and Canada, being involved in the London 2012 Olympics and working with pop stars such as Damon Albarn and Rufus Wainwright.
However, her vision for the CBSO - designed to reach new audiences in light of declining attendances at classical concerts across the UK - has received criticism in the press and among fans.
Emma talks to Henrietta about the challenge of bringing new ideas to the historic CBSO while protecting its traditions.
She opens up about driving change while dealing with personal criticism.
Key topics:
· Starting up her own theatre company
· Reviving Bristol's Old Vic theatre
· Working alongside pop stars
· The opportunity to work in Canada
· Why she joined the CBSO
· Dealing with personal criticism
· The CBSO's global reputation
Marina Robertson is the group managing director of Acivico, the Birmingham-based multi-disciplinary firm offering built environment advisory services from design and construction to building control and facilities management.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Marina made the crucial decision to study in the UK – which opened the door to working on some key projects such as the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium.
Marina talks to Henrietta Brealey about why her dedication to learning has been important along the way and how she has addressed the challenge of finding her voice as a business leader.
She also discusses some of the exciting projects Acivico have worked on in the Birmingham city-region.
Key topics:
· Early life growing up in Athens
· The Wembley Stadium project
· Moving to Acivico
· Public speaking and finding her voice
· Succeeding in a male dominated industry
· First impressions of Birmingham
· Her passion for learning
More about Acivico:
Website: https://acivicogroup.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acivicogroup/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
MAN Commercial Protection founder and CEO Iain McCallister joins Henrietta Brealey for the second episode of season four.
Iain is a former nightclub doorman who, alongside his father, founded the Solihull-based private security firm in 1993.
He scaled it to become the largest privately-owned security business in the West Midlands, employing 1,600 people across the UK.
Iain discusses providing security services to rock icons including Oasis, The Who and The Rolling Stones, as well as major boxing shows and Royal occasions.
We also hear about Iain and MAN Commercial Protection's efforts to change outdated perceptions of the security industry - and how they are creating new opportunities for people through their training academy.
Key topics:
· Early career - from butcher to bouncer
· Founding MAN Commercial
· Discipline learned from boxing
· High-profile clients
· Security industry challenges and misconceptions
· MAN Commercial's training academy
· Growth plans and ambitions
More about Iain:
Website: https://mancommercialprotection.co.uk/about/about-man/welcome-from-our-ceo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-mccallister-0486a110/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Trailblazing former football referee Janie Frampton joins Henrietta Brealey for the first episode of season four.
Janie, who is the co-founder of TeamYou and president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, reveals how her career was sparked by a love of football.
She was only the second woman to referee in a men's professional game and has since gone on to work with global sports governing bodies on leadership and development programmes.
A staunch advocate for women's equality, Jane opens up about some of the obstacles she has faced in her career and how she found the resilience to rise through the football ranks.
She also talks about how Greater Birmingham businesses can seize opportunities in sport.
Key topics:
· Falling in love with football
· Breaking down barriers as a referee
· Encounters with famous football personalities
· Transition to business leadership
· International work and projects
· Opportunities in the business of sport
· Priorities as Global Chamber president
More about Janie:
Website: https://teamyou.net/about-us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-frampton-obe/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
In the final episode of season three, Henrietta Brealey is joined by the co-founders of Tribera - the award-winning creative content agency.
Fran Nolan and André Picart run the Birmingham city centre-based agency which has racked up a host of accolades including being named in the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Work' list.
Fran and André join Henrietta to discuss their career-defining moments, how they complement each other as co-founders and the importance of work-life balance - including Tribera's shift to a 32-hour work week.
Fran and André also share insights on the impact of AI in marketing, what makes a great business leader and the importance of intuition in decision-making.
Key topics:
· Defining career moments
· Starting Tribera - the early days
· The importance of team and culture
· Working together as co-founders
· The role of a performance coach
· Implementing a four-day working week
· Redefining the working week - from four days to 32 hours
· Personal experiences with flexible work schedules
· Impact on recruitment and retention
· Embracing AI in the workplace
· The evolution of marketing and social media
More about Tribera:
Website: https://www.tribera.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribera
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetribera
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
As CEO of infrastructure services and construction giant Kier Group, Andrew Davies is at the helm of a company that impacts the lives of millions of people.
Many of those are in Birmingham where Kier is responsible for operating all roads and has built a number of landmark buildings.
In his conversation with Henrietta Brealey, he discusses the importance of having a clear vision and purpose for an organisation that employs around 10,000 people and is involved in more than 400 live projects across the UK.
He also discusses changes in the construction and infrastructure services industry and its relationship with Government, as a result of the collapse of Carillion in 2018.
And we hear about Andrew's passion for helping to further the careers of his employees, the importance of seizing opportunities and his personal interests outside of the business.
Key topics:
· Introduction to Kier Group
· What Andrew learnt at BAE Systems
· The collapse of Carillion and changes in the industry
· Working with Government
· Having a clear vision and purpose
· Helping to further careers of others
· Andrew's advice to aspiring leaders
More about Kier Group:
Website: https://www.kier.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kier-group
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/KierGroup
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
As chief executive of King Edward VI Foundation in Birmingham, Jodh Dhesi is on a mission to make Birmingham the best place to be educated in the UK.
In this episode of CEO Stories, he admits to Henrietta Brealey: "It was a bit daunting when I applied for the job, but the Chair of Governors explained it well, saying that somewhere has to be, so why not Birmingham?"
Jodh talks Henrietta through an impressive career, from French teacher to leader of 13,000 students across 14 schools.
He discusses his experiences teaching in the UK and United Arab Emirates, the importance of breaking down barriers in education and personal influences from his career.
Key topics:
· Early life and family influence
· His first job and path to education
· The transition to leadership in education
· Experiences in the United Arab Emirates
· Joining the King Edward VI Foundation
· His role and vision as CEO
· Collaboration with business
· Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders
More about Jodh Dhesi:
Website: https://kingedwardvifoundation.co.uk/our-people/jodh-dhesi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodh-dhesi-3332719/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Henrietta Brealey speaks with Professor Aleks Subic, vice chancellor and chief executive of Aston University.
Professor Subic shares his journey from his early life as a migrant in Australia, through his career transition from industry to academia, to leading significant technological innovations.
Highlights include his formative experiences in both Belgrade and Melbourne, his role in the Australian Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 taskforce and his current strategic initiatives at Aston University aimed at driving digital transformation and industry collaboration.
He also offers key insights on leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion and strategies for managing change.
Key topics:
· Aleks' early life and career
· Impact of migration on leadership
· Journey back to academia
· Leadership lessons from Australia
· Aston University 2023 Strategy
· Driving digital innovation
· Birmingham Innovation Quarter
· Personal reflections and advice to aspiring leaders
More about Professor Aleks Subic:
Website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/about/governance-management/professor-aleks-subic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-aleks-subic-2b7b87/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_alekssubic/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which our Series Three guests answer some quickfire questions.
Listen to find out:
Who would hire Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw as their brand ambassador?
Who has the most unusual item on their office desk?
Who would call Albert Einstein as their 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' phone-a-friend?
We also have our very own Battle of the Bands as guests are asked to choose between two iconic Birmingham music groups.
In this episode, you will hear from:
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Wade Lyn gave supermarket bosses food for thought by introducing them to the Jamaican patty.
The Jamaican-born entrepreneur owns Hockley-based Cleone Foods which produces Island Delight, the UK’s biggest selling Jamaican patty which is stocked on most major supermarkets.
In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about his role in spicing up the UK food market by introducing the Caribbean culinary staple to a new audience.
Wade, a former High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also reveals how his approach to business was influenced by his entrepreneurial parents and his athletics career, where he had the opportunity to observe track and field stars such as Steve Cram and Steve Ovett up close.
Key topics:
· Wade's upbringing in Jamaica
· Moving to Smethwick in the 1960s
· First job working at his parents' petrol station
· His athletics career
· Developing his entrepreneurial mindset
· How he started Cleone Foods
· His ability to "see into the future"
· The importance of mentoring during his career
· His various roles and accolades outside of business
More about Cleone Foods/Island Delight:
Website: https://www.island-delight.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleone-foods-limited/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islanddelightuk
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Jas Rohel openly admits her younger self would have dismissed the idea of a career in education.
Fast-forward to the present day, however, and the entrepreneur and radio presenter is banging the drum for the sector in her dual role as Education Awards founder and co-CEO of charitable organisation the Titan Partnership.
In this episode, Jas talks to Henrietta about how a spell teaching at Solihull College & University Centre led to her becoming a ‘disruptor’ who was determined to drive change in the education world.
She did so through founding the Education Awards - designed to inspire and recognise success in the sector.
It was her first foray into being an entrepreneur and she admits: “I did everything backwards!”
Jas, who spent her early career working in the media, also discusses her passion for telling and sharing other people’s stories in her role as a presenter for On Your Radio Solihull, where she hosts shows about education, business and hospitality.
Key topics:
· Moving to London to pursue a media career
· How she “fell into” education and teaching
· Driving change in the education sector
· Her “itch” to set up the Education Awards
· Giving recognition to those working in the sector
· Stepping out as an entrepreneur for the first time
· The job-sharing dynamic of her co-CEO role
· Giving people a voice through her radio shows
· Who has inspired and helped her career?
Connect with Jas Rohel:
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/JRohel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-rohel-961519152/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jas_rohel
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Abbie Vlahakis was seeking a career change when Millennium Point “found her”.
In this episode, South Wales-born Abbie talks to Henrietta about how her passion for learning developed into a career in finance, before ultimately leading to her current role as CEO at one of Birmingham’s most recognisable venues.
We learn why Millennium Point’s dual purpose of being both commercial and charitable was a perfect fit for Abbie – and how her past experiences have led to ‘culture’ being firmly at the heart of her leadership.
Abbie also discusses Millennium Point’s mission to create opportunities for the next generation through its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiatives.
Key topics:
· Lessons learned from growing up in South Wales
· The importance of her education
· Why she chose a career in finance
· Why she moved to Birmingham
· How Millennium Point "found me"
· What surprised her about becoming a CEO
· Millennium Point's support for STEM education
· Why culture is the most important element of a business
· Her advice for aspiring CEOs
Episode Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by the Birmingham Black Business Show, taking place on Saturday 15th June.
Tickets are £40. However, we have around 50 FREE tickets to give away - use he code CHAMBERFREE at the checkout to secure yours.
Go to https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/
More about Millennium Point:
Website: https://www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/millenniumpoint
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-point-property-limited/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Mahirs Experience chief executive Harvir Sahota reveals his recipe for success – including how he scaled up his family’s Indian sweet shop business into an award-winning catering and events company that has been used by a string of illustrious names.
Harvir and Henrietta discuss the firm’s evolution over the years and how his leadership has been shaped by the many different roles he has held within the organisation.
We also learn about how Harvir and the Mahirs team used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity for a reset.
And Harvir reveals some of the A-list clients who have utilised the firm’s services – from spiritual leaders to elite sportspeople and huge stars from Bollywood.
Key topics:
· The origins of Mahirs Experience
· Harvir’s first steps into the business as a teenager
· His approach to processes and operations
· How Harvir became CEO of the business
· Leading the company through the pandemic
· Career highlights and Mahirs’ illustrious clients
· The famous name Harvir would most like to cater for
· The role of networking in Mahirs’ success
· Mahirs’ future scale-up and expansion plans
· The firm’s community and charity work
· The entrepreneurs who have inspired Harvir
More about Mahirs Experience:
Website: https://mahirs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahirsexperience/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MahirsExp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mahirs-experience/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencemahirs
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Since overcoming cancer as a child, Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and her family have dreamed of creating the UK’s inaugural holiday village for critically ill children.
Now, with support from a top team spearheaded by former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner, plans are gathering pace to build the Kids’ Village in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside.
Interim CEO Paul and founder Sam talk to Henrietta about the transformational project – including the inspiration behind Sam’s idea and ambitious plans to bring her vision to life through a £5 million fundraising drive.
We also hear from our guests about their respective professional backgrounds. Sam has forged a successful career as a radio presenter and producer, while Paul's CV includes banking, football (as CEO of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest), working within a family office in the United States and leading the Chamber from 2015 to 2021. Key topics: · What inspired Sam and her family to want to build Kids’ Village? · Why did Paul feel compelled to join the charity as interim chief executive? · How does the charity intend to raise the £5 million needed to build the Kids’ Village? · At what stage are plans to recruit a permanent CEO and what type of individual are they seeking? · How does Kids’ Village hope to engage with the West Midlands business community? · Why did Paul swap affluent American seaside community The Hamptons for Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham? · Why did Sam decide to pursue a career in broadcasting and radio production? · What has surprised Sam most since embarking on the ambitious Kids’ Village project? · What is Paul’s biggest piece of advice for aspiring or up-and-coming business leaders? More about Kids’ Village: Website: https://www.kidsvillage.org.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsvillagecharity/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidsvillagecharity/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheKidsVillage Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
Zoe Bennett’s life changed forever when her father Errol was brutally murdered in 2011.
After a long battle to achieve justice, she channelled her experiences into forging a successful career as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author and founder of the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards.
In this episode of CEO Stories, the self-styled Motivational Queen shares her remarkable story with Henrietta Brealey – from her early roles working in market stalls and kebab shops, to overcoming traumas and setbacks to make it on her own in the world of business.
Zoe, who is managing director of her own firm Training Personified, also tells us about the recognition she received for inspiring disadvantaged individuals and shares her top tips for networking.
Key topics:
More information on Zoe Bennett and Training Personified:
https://motivationalqueen.com/
https://trainingpersonified.com/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
About this episode:
CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes.
This episode contains references to violent crime and mental health challenges.