Against the Tide

Steph Taylor is the CEO of Leeds Community Foundation and a respected leader across philanthropy, funding and social change. Her leadership has been shaped by working-class roots, strong women and a deep belief in inclusion. In this conversation with Jo, Steph reflects on growing up in a diverse community in Leeds, navigating class and leadership, and the challenge of staying authentic in rooms shaped by power and privilege. She speaks passionately about representation and using lived experience as a strength rather than a weakness. This episode is for anyone trying to lead without losing themselves. Steph’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of conformity and bring your whole self into the spaces that need change. 

Leeds based Elly Nettleton is the co-founder of Boost Talent, a purpose-led recruitment business helping hidden talent access careers in tech while reinvesting profits back into the local community.In this conversation with Jo, Elly reflects on entrepreneurship, motherhood and building a values-led business in a challenging economy. She shares her journey from the beauty industry into tech recruitment, why confidence and visibility matter for women in leadership, and the barriers keeping young people from marginalised backgrounds out of digital careers.This episode is for anyone curious about taking a career leap. Elly’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide, creating opportunities for yourself and others.

Anna Allerton is an executive coach and former broadcast journalist, whose career was dramatically reshaped by her experience of early perimenopause. At just 38, while juggling a demanding role and young children, Anna found herself confronting a reality rarely spoken about at work. In this conversation with Jo, Anna shares her personal story of perimenopause and ultimately, reclaiming her voice. She explores the cost of silence, and how her experience led her to a new chapter supporting others through change. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, your work or yourself, this episode will resonate. Anna’s story invites you to swim against the tide of silence and speak up for your own wellbeing. 

Jen is a former elite athlete and workforce development lead in professional football, with a career shaped by an unshakeable commitment to wellbeing and cultural change in sport. Her journey has been anything but linear, moving across roles and disciplines as she’s followed what matters to her. In this conversation with Jo, Jen reflects on her career path, her deep belief in helping people thrive, and why equity has become central to her leadership. Jen speaks honestly about the responsibility that comes with being in the room. This episode is for anyone wondering how to create impact without losing themselves along the way.  

Minoti is a community artist and the founder of TPL Experiences, a values-led consultancy helping organisations build inclusive cultures. Born in India as the third of three daughters, Minoti defied expectations, becoming a Master of Ceremonies and a car rally TV presenter before moving to the UK. In this conversation with Jo, Minoti reflects on failure and the lifelong process of proving yourself. She explores how cultural norms, migration and gender have influenced her confidence and ambitions. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt they didn’t quite fit the room. Minoti’s honesty and insight will inspire you to swim against the tide of self-doubt and define success on your own terms. 

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.