Northern Power Women Podcast

In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Asia Sharif, a Software Engineer, public speaker, mentor and all-round force of nature.Asia shares the story behind the origin of her name, how identity has shaped her confidence and her honest experiences with imposter syndrome in tech. She reflects on building self-belief, navigating underrepresentation in engineering and the importance of mentorship in STEM, while also breaking down her path into coding and software engineering and how public speaking became a tool for impact and advocacy.She also opens up about her battle with cancer, the challenges she faced and the mindset that helped her keep moving forward.What to expect in this episode:The story and meaning behind Asia’s nameImposter syndrome & building self-beliefMentorship in STEM and engineeringCoding, software engineering & tech careersPublic speaking and confidenceAsia’s cancer journey, resilience & recoveryAwards, achievements & successFind out more about We Are PoWEr he

In this episode, we speak with Peter Jackson, Partner & Non-Executive Director at Hill Dickinson LLP, strategist, and proud Scouser, about a career shaped by graft, humour, resilience, and deep connection to the city of Liverpool. Peter shares how imposter syndrome, preparation, and the ability to communicate clearly became defining traits of his leadership, and why “doing the homework” still sits at the heart of how he approaches everything.Peter talks candidly about decision-making, managing risk, influencing a partnership, and leading with values. He also reflects on reading at the Hillsborough memorial, the importance of humour even in tragedy, and the moment a routine medical check revealed he needed a quadruple bypass.Peter’s story offers an honest, grounded look into leadership: the wins, the wobbles, and the non-negotiables that protect your wellbeing when the world gets loud.You’ll hear: ➡️ Why preparation and curiosity formed the backbone of Peter’s leadership ➡️ How imposter syndrome motivated

In this episode, we speak with Figen Murray OBE, psychotherapist, campaigner, and the driving force behind Martyn’s Law — about transforming unimaginable tragedy into national change. Figen shares how her son Martyn’s death in the Manchester Arena attack reshaped her life’s purpose and how determination, kindness, and what she calls her “mosquito mindset” helped move entirely new security legislation through Parliament.Figen’s story, from studying counter-terrorism to spending weeks in the House of Commons and Lords as her work was scrutinised, reveals the reality of building a law from the ground up, the emotional toll of campaigning, and the power of human connection in driving forward change. We explore how she works with politicians, venue operators, security specialists, and schools to help make public spaces safer, and why she believes terrorism awareness is everyone’s responsibility.You’ll hear: ➡️ How Figen initiated and led the campaign that created Martyn’s Law ➡️ Why venue security was previously o

In this episode, we speak with Reshma Mahapacha, IBM strategist and author of The Second Brain, about the real skills that drive complex transformations: emotional intelligence, quiet leadership, and the ability to read a room. She shares how timing, perception, and cultural fluency shape multi-million-pound programmes and why letting results speak often creates the strongest influence.Reshma’s global career brings a fresh and experienced perspective to consulting, communication, and leadership. We talk about the power of a well-timed pause, how to turn misinterpretation into clarity, and why success has seasons: of intensity, stillness, and deliberate pace.You’ll hear:➡️ Why The Second Brain centres on timing, precision, and perception➡️ The shift from artificial intelligence to authentic intelligence ➡️ The impact of quiet leadership and letting results do the talking ➡️ Why success moves in seasons ➡️ How empathy strengthens AI policy, design, and outcomes ➡️ Ways AI can create jobs and support long-term s

In this episode, we speak with our Northern PoWEr Women Awards 2025 Outstanding Entrepreneur winner, a self-taught coder who built her first products from a bedroom, grew a software platform during COVID, and later made a bold pivot into robotics when the market shifted. She shares what values-led growth looks like in real life, from backing small businesses to building an 80% women team, and why staying power matters more than hype.We also talk honestly about the climate impact of AI, the realities of burnout, and how resilience and purpose guide the next stage of her leadership.You’ll hear: ➡️ How a self-taught coder built, scaled, and pivoted with purpose ➡️ Why small businesses shaped her growth strategy during COVID ➡️ Her story to becoming an 'Outstanding Entrepreneur' ➡️ The hidden climate costs of AI and the need for practical guardrails ➡️ What burnout taught her about resilience, clarity, and staying in the gameFind out more about We Are PoWEr here.

This end-of-year special looks at what 2025 has really taught us across business, health, public services, and our wider Northern PoWEr Women community. We reflect on a full year of Northern PoWEr Women activity, from the Awards Roadshow , where Dr Penny stepped confidently into her new alter-ego, DJ Penny PoWEr, to reading 1,800 nominations that showed the scale of impact being created in every sector.And as we close out the year, we’re already preparing for a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Northern PoWEr Women Awards on 12th March 2026!This episode leaves you with one clear, practical takeaway: implementation intentions, a simple tool to help you follow through when motivation dips... plus a final send-off with Penny and Simone on the DJ decks.In this episode:What this year’s 1,800 Award nominations revealedBehind the judging, the roadshow, and why celebration still mattersConfidence from trying something new (including DJing!)A simple networking approach that saves time and energyThe 10th ann

In this episode, we speak with Lauren Rosegreen, Senior Project Manager for Inclusion and Climate Justice at SOS UK and National President at JCI UK, who shows how kindness, courage, and curiosity can shape leadership and personal growth. She shares how six months traveling across twelve countries in Central and South America became a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and staying calm under pressure, while also shaping her approach to supporting others.Lauren discusses how she mentors and empowers young leaders across sectors, why networking needs a rebrand, and how genuine curiosity and human connection create relationships that endure and make a real difference. She also explores how small daily practices, advocacy, and intentional visibility can amplify impact and drive systemic change.You’ll hear:➡️ How travel and adventure build perspective, resilience, and leadership ➡️ Ways to support young leaders and foster growth across sectors ➡️ Why networking works better when curiosity and human connection

In this episode, we speak with Aimee MacFadyen, a nuclear project manager showing that one of the most misunderstood sectors can also be one of the most exciting places to build a bold, meaningful career.She demystifies what nuclear work really looks like, why safety standards are among the highest in any industry, and why the future of clean energy relies on trust, transparency, and diverse skills, not just engineers.Aimee explains how she carved her own path into nuclear, through specialist education, an apprenticeship, and a move into project management while self-funding her degree. We also dive into confidence, visibility, and the importance of speaking up early in your career, practical lessons for anyone looking to make an impact in competitive, high-stakes industries.You’ll hear: ➡️ What nuclear work really looks like day to day ➡️ How apprenticeships create early credibility and real-world skills ➡️ Why nuclear’s safety culture is stronger than people assume ➡️ The sector’s skills gap and why new voi

In this episode, we speak with Kate McKenna, a BBC Sport assistant producer who went from Liverpool FC tour guide to working on some of the world’s biggest sporting events, without industry connections.  Kate shares how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities helped her break into one of the most competitive industries, and why careers rarely unfold in a straight line.She takes us behind the scenes of life at BBC Sport, where no two days look the same. From coordinating VTs in the intensity of live athletics broadcasts to travelling globally for major sporting events, Kate’s career is filled with “pinch me” moments she never imagined at the start.But her story is also about navigating identity, confidence, and belonging. As a woman in sports broadcasting, Kate opens up about finding the balance between fitting in and staying true to herself, and how self-awareness has shaped both her storytelling and her leadership.You’ll hear: ➡️ How to break into competitive industries  ➡️ The reality of working behind the

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Addy, founder of the Female Advisory Board (FAB), who is reshaping how women leaders support each other’s business growth. After realising that traditional peer advisory boards had almost no female representation, Sam set out to build the UK's first in-person peer board exclusively for women, creating a space where ambition, accountability, and authenticity come together to drive real impact.Sam shares the story behind FAB’s creation, the power of structured peer support, and why women in business often need both a safe space and a serious space to grow. She lifts the lid on what happens inside these curated sessions, where women from different sectors challenge each other, reveal blind spots, and turn insight into action, with results ranging from personal breakthroughs to hundreds of thousands in new revenue.You’ll hear: ➡️ The moment Sam realised women needed their own peer board ➡️ How structured accountability transforms confidence and performance ➡️ The barrier

In this episode, we speak with Alicia McDonnell, from Manchester Airports Group, who shares her experience supporting neurodiverse employees and amplifying voices across early- and mid-career stages. She explores how organisations can move beyond diversity statements to meaningful, day-to-day action, and offers practical insights into recognising and nurturing talent in all its forms.You’ll hear: ➡️ How to design talent development strategies that are genuinely inclusive ➡️ Why recognising neurodiverse strengths benefits teams and individuals alike ➡️ The power of transparency in career pathways and progression ➡️ How early- and mid-career voices reveal what inclusion looks like in practice ➡️ Why building equity is essentialThis conversation is both insightful and actionable, offering inspiration for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone who wants to help create workplaces where every voice is heard, and every person can flourish.Listen/Watch the full We Are PoWEr x Manchester Airports Group series via the l

The brilliant Sarah Lewis and Emma Cooper join the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing insight, honesty, and a powerful message for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m not techie enough.” As leaders within MagTech, the technology team at Manchester Airports Group, they’re proving that building the world’s most intelligent airports takes far more than code – it takes communication, curiosity, and courage.From law and public service to leading tech transformation, Emma’s career shows how transferable skills can open unexpected doors. Sarah shares how her role as a “translator” bridges the gap between technical ambition and business outcomes – making sense of the acronyms, aligning people across security, operations, retail, and air traffic, and ensuring technology truly works for everyone.Together, they break down the biggest myths about working in tech, showing that airports operate like entire cities – filled with opportunities for project managers, designers, and problem-solvers of every kind. They discuss inclusion

The brilliant Emma Preston and Maxwell Crowson join the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and compassion to a powerful conversation about what real inclusion looks and feels like in everyday life. As part of Manchester Airports Group, Emma and Max are helping shape a culture where colleagues and travelers alike can breathe, belong, and be their authentic selves.From the security queue to the departure gate, they show how inclusion isn’t about grand gestures – it’s built through small, consistent actions. A smile, a pronoun badge, a leader who listens – all signals that turn workplaces from promises of belonging into lived experiences of safety and respect.Emma shares her remarkable journey from darkness to light, opening up about surviving two suicide attempts and the turning point that began when someone simply said, “let me help.” Her story of resilience and self-acceptance – learning to stop being the “best transgender woman” and start being the best Emma – is both powerful and deeply human

What does it mean to truly belong at work? For Victoria Tobin, Senior People Partner at Manchester Airports Group, the answer is shaped by nearly 20 years of HR leadership across the UK and internationally. From steering complex transformations to shaping cultures where people feel seen and valued, Victoria brings a wealth of insight into how representation and authenticity drive lasting change. Her journey offers a powerful perspective on building workplaces where every voice matters and talent can thrive.In this conversation, you’ll hear:➡️ The barriers that still hold back minority ethnic professionals➡️ Why visible role models can inspire whole organisations➡️ The different factors that shape people’s career experiences➡️ Why “bringing your whole self” is more than a slogan➡️ Why diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise, it’s daily actionThis episode is both personal and practical. A must-listen for leaders and employees alike, offering inspiration and tools to help create workplaces where everyone can truly t

The brilliant Sophie Milliken MBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing a conversation about the power of visibility, storytelling, and taking bold action to create lasting impact.As an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and founder of Mojo, Sophie helps leaders and professionals communicate their value and build authentic personal brands that drive opportunity. From running writing retreats in the Yorkshire Dales to chairing Smart Works Newcastle – a charity transforming unemployed women’s lives through interview clothing and coaching – Sophie’s journey proves that visibility isn’t about showing off, it’s about showing up.She shares her insights on building a brand with purpose, why consistent communication can set you apart, and how life’s toughest decisions – including starting her first business and navigating divorce while raising her daughter – shaped her success. Sophie also reveals how she balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and mentorship with intention and grace, always guided by her belief

The brilliant Ngozi Weller and Wayne Bennett join the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and vision to a powerful conversation about racial equity, authentic leadership, and creating real change in Manchester and beyond.Their partnership began on a train journey – a chance meeting that sparked a movement. Wayne, a visionary entrepreneur, and Ngozi, a fearless strategist and advocate, combined their complementary strengths to co-found The Racial Equity Group (REG) within Pro Manchester. What started as a shared conversation has evolved into RegConnect – a groundbreaking event that’s redefining how inclusion, business, and opportunity intersect.Driven by the sobering reality that while Manchester’s ethnic minority population exceeds 18%, representation in leadership sits at just 5%, Ngozi and Wayne are confronting inequity head-on. Their work is about turning awareness into action – bringing corporate leaders and underrepresented professionals into the same room to connect, collaborate, and creat

The brilliant Emma Green joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing creativity, courage, and a passion for storytelling that’s transforming communities across the North and beyond. As Communications Lead for Peel Waters, Emma combines her love of connection and communication to shape places where people truly belong.From a film studies degree to leading communications for one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, Emma’s story proves that career paths don’t have to be linear to be impactful. What started as a fascination with Media City evolved into working for the very organization that created it – a full-circle moment powered by curiosity, authenticity, and the willingness to raise her hand and challenge convention.With genuine warmth and insight, Emma shares how she’s turned her superpower for connection into tangible impact – from linking local independents with major waterfront developments to turning complex planning projects into national stories. Her mantra, inspired by her late aunt – “The

The brilliant Holly Ellis joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, resilience, and a fierce commitment to breaking barriers in science. Known to her growing online community as The Scouse Scientist, Holly is redefining what it means to belong in STEM while balancing the realities of motherhood, identity, and advocacy.From Liverpool to Oxford University, Holly’s story is one of challenging perceptions and proving that background and accent should never be barriers to opportunity. She opens up about navigating motherhood after a traumatic birth, her experience with postnatal depression, and why caring for her daughter Ada tested her in ways academia never could.With trademark candor, Holly tackles accent bias head-on, sharing how her Liverpool voice has become both her superpower and a source of prejudice. She reflects on once believing Oxford “wasn’t for people like me,” and how stepping into those spaces gave her the confidence to show others that they can belong too.What began as a handful of socia

The brilliant Saeeda Ahmed joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing faith, resilience, and a bold vision for building sustainable cities that put people first. As Founder and President of Sustainable Cities Global and a trailblazer named on the global stage, Saeeda is transforming how communities are designed, governed, and grown.From the inner cities of Bradford to international contracts across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, Saeeda’s story is one of breaking barriers and rewriting the rules. She shares how missing parts of her early education didn’t stop her from thriving at Cambridge, why her father’s wisdom still guides her today, and how her innovative model rejects “copy-and-paste” development in favour of solutions rooted in healthcare, education, and enterprise.With honesty and conviction, Saeeda opens up about facing condescension and ridicule in male-dominated spaces, how she reframes failure as the “nuances of life,” and why she believes every single person is a living miracle. Her wor

The brilliant Nazir Afzal OBE joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing honesty, courage, and a lifetime of fighting for justice and inclusion. Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Chair of the Lowry, and tireless advocate for equity, Nazir refuses to let diversity become a tick-box exercise – instead, he challenges leaders to make allyship active, authentic, and accountable.From calling out institutional misogyny to championing gender equality, Nazir shares why the retreat from diversity initiatives is not only harmful but deeply damaging to employees who are told, in effect, "we don’t believe in you anymore." He reminds us that while men are often part of the problem, they are also essential to the solution – and must step up, not out, when the work feels difficult.In a conversation rich with challenge and hope, Nazir and Simone explore what real leadership looks like when values are tested, why measuring social impact matters, and how storytelling and community are vital tools for lasting