The Leap Forward Show

Today on the Leap Forward podcast, we welcome Hugh Viney, the founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, leading a revolution in education through flexible, student-centered online learning. Hugh explores breaking down "happiness barriers" in traditional schools, such as rigid schedules and anxiety-inducing environments, by utilizing a hybrid model of asynchronous study and weekly one-on-one mentoring. Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, he urges families to embrace non-traditional pathways that prioritize student well-being and academic success.

Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Jared Dowdy, a seasoned learning leader who specialises in architecting digital training strategies for global mobility and automotive operations. Drawing on over fifteen years of retail experience, Jared emphasizes that success relies on using technology to scale "brilliant basics" while prioritizing the human communication skills that tech cannot replace. He encourages leaders to use digital tools to simplify operations and remain agile enough to pivot quickly as the industry evolves

Today on the Leap Forward podcast, we welcome Ian Dunn, Provost of Coventry University Group, leading a radical transformation of higher education through curriculum innovation and widening participation. Ian discusses breaking down educational barriers using a flexible six-week block model and the liberating potential of AI to personalize learning at scale. Drawing from his journey as a "maverick" leader, he urges professionals to embrace authentic change and never stop updating their skills. Let’s explore the future of learning.

Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Ronnie Wilson, Founder and Chief Executive of First Step Trust, leading a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and fostering opportunity. Ronnie discusses using virtual reality to help people with mental health challenges gain confidence and skills in a safe environment, illustrating how innovation can remove systemic barriers to employment. He shares insights on the challenge of balancing their social mission with commercial necessity, which provides neutral pressure to generate income.

Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Elspeth Briscoe, CEO of Learning with Experts, leading an award-winning global platform that combines experts with small online classrooms. Elspeth shares her journey from leadership roles at eBay and Skype to the EdTech space, now intensely focused on changing human behaviours, not just providing content. She also shares her views on using AI for efficiency alongside human empathy, and key advice for leaders and female founders. Hear how she is smashing the glass ceiling with her secret sauce.

Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Stephen Whitton, founder of [M]enable, who is transforming the conversation around men's mental health and workplace wellbeing. Stephen discusses the vital importance of creating psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces, sharing the personal journey that inspired his advocacy. He offers deep insights into dismantling traditional male stereotypes and fostering vulnerable, empathetic leadership. This is a powerful conversation about owning your story and driving real change. Let's hear how Stephen is leading the charge.

Today on Leap Forward, we're joined by Dr. Alex Connock, an Oxford lecturer, serial entrepreneur, and media expert, to discuss how AI is reshaping the creative economy. Dr. Connock shares his journey, from the behemoth magazine industry to the rise of streaming and the creator economy, defining the major shifts as the move from top-down decision-making to the democratization of content distribution.

Today we welcome Sara Sloman, Chief Strategy Officer of Paythru. Paythru solves the "existential problem" of payments being an afterthought in the ecosystem. Sara shares her 22 years in sustainable transport, arguing that EV adoption is underpinned by effective policy. She highlights the "grim" customer experience of public charging and discusses new technology like ISO 15118 for seamless "car-as-wallet" payments. Let's connect the dots to make EV charging invisible and efficient.