Against the Tide

Amy is an art teacher, accidental entrepreneur, and co-founder of Grow with Iris, a purpose-led business transforming how families with allergies feed their children. Her journey began with her daughter’s life-threatening diagnoses and a system that offered no solutions. In this conversation with Jo, Amy shares how frustration, love and determination fuelled her leap into entrepreneurship. She talks about challenging powerful industries, navigating doubt, and building a business driven by care rather than convenience. If you’ve ever turned a personal struggle into a call to action, this episode will speak to you. Amy’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of broken systems and build what’s missing. 

Aida is the Chief Executive of Thrive at Five, with a career spanning law, leadership and children’s advocacy. Her path to purpose was shaped by personal loss and a moment of reckoning that forced her to stop and rethink everything. In this conversation with Jo, Aida shares her journey from commercial law to social impact, and the experiences that helped her reconnect with her values. She reflects on self-doubt and why clarity of purpose matters more than status or certainty. This episode is for anyone feeling stuck. Aida’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of expectation and choose work that truly aligns with who you are. 

Natsayi is a CEO whose work is rooted in justice and lived experience. Growing up in 90s Essex in a Black, working-class, single-parent family shaped her worldview and her determination to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality. Natsayi talks to Jo about how her upbringing, politics and passion for activism intersect. She speaks candidly about power and what it means to lead at a time when old patterns of exclusion are re-emerging. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone grappling with questions of justice and responsibility. Natsayi’s perspective will inspire you to swim against the tide of apathy and use your power more courageously. 

Dr Sarah Hughes is the CEO of Mind and one of the UK’s most influential leaders in mental health. From starting her career at a local Mind at 18 to leading the national organisation, her journey is rooted in community, compassion and social justice. In this conversation with Jo, Sarah reflects on growing up in North London, navigating leadership as a working-class woman, and her own experiences of mental ill health and a late ADHD diagnosis. She speaks powerfully about authenticity, feminist leadership and leading with humanity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about power, class and wellbeing at work. Sarah’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of performative leadership and lead with compassion. Content warning: Sarah and Jo cover issues of mental health and suicide. Remember you can always reach out to Mind for help and support

Welcome to Against the Tide - the podcast where extraordinary social changemakers share  Against the Tide is a celebration of courageous women who defy expectations to create lasting impact by daring to forge their own paths their stories and their wisdom.We’ll dive into powerful themes such as: the complexity of identity and how it influences the choices we make; embracing change even when it feels uncomfortable; and  how breaking free from labels can unlock your true potential. Join me, Jo Metcalfe, to hear stories of incredible women who, by swimming against the tide, prove that extraordinary things can happen.  Ready to be bold and swim against the tide with us? 

Bex Wilson is a Deputy Headteacher and the founder of Zarach, a charity committed to tackling child bed poverty. As a dedicated educator in a Leeds primary school, Bex saw firsthand how poverty affected children's ability to learn. After a pupil confided that he didn't have a bed to sleep in, Bex felt compelled to act. Determined to make a difference, she launched Zarach to provide beds and essential resources to children living in poverty, ensuring they get the rest they need to thrive. Bex is a leading advocate for breaking the cycle of poverty, driven by her passion for education and social justice. In this conversation with Jo, Bex shares her story, the values that inspire her, and the impact of Zarach's mission. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her work, the importance of community support, and the power of a good night's sleep. Whether you're passionate about education or seeking to make a difference in your community, Bex's story will give you the courage to speak up and demand change for others. This conversation will leave you feeling ready to swim against the tide of society’s biggest challenges.