Notes From A NED

Eni Aluko: Breaking Barriers in Football, Law & LeadershipIn this episode of Notes from a NED, Eni Aluko shares her remarkable journey from playing football as a young girl in Birmingham to becoming a professional athlete, lawyer, media personality, and boardroom leader. With over 100 caps for England and a career spanning Chelsea, Juventus, and punditry on Match of the Day, Eni has continuously broken new ground.She dives into the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sport, how she leveraged her law degree to navigate corporate spaces, and why upskilling is critical for career longevity. Eni also discusses the importance of resilience in the face of negativity, the role of diversity in governance, and why investing back into communities—especially in the diaspora—is essential.Key Takeaways:How Eniola balanced football with a first-class law degreeThe lessons she learned negotiating contracts for David Beckham & One DirectionWhat it takes to transition from professional sports to business leadershipThe importance of self-advocacy and creating your own opportunitiesWhy investing in women and diverse leadership benefits everyonePerfect for aspiring leaders, athletes, and professionals looking to navigate career transitions, this episode is a must-listen!#Football #Leadership #Diversity #CareerDevelopment #WomenInSports #SelfGrowth

In this episode of Notes from a NED, we sit down with governance consultant and board member Ethel Tambudzai to discuss the evolving landscape of governance, diversity in leadership, and the fine line between tokenism and true representation.Ethel, who has worked with The Africa Center, Practical Governance, and Planet Positive Ventures, shares insights from her journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and how her diverse experiences have shaped her governance philosophy. She dives into the role of governance in startups, charities, and high-growth organisations, emphasising the importance of mentorship, effective board dynamics, and why governance is for every organisation—not just large corporations.Key Takeaways:The difference between tokenism and genuine diversity in boardroomsWhy mentorship and sponsorship are game-changers for aspiring board membersThe role of governance in startups, charities, and social enterprisesHow The Africa Center supports the African diaspora in the UKSteps to build confidence and credibility as a new board memberWho Should Listen?Aspiring and current board members looking for insights on navigating governance Startup founders & charity leaders who want to build strong governance structuresDiversity & inclusion advocates interested in creating meaningful change in leadershipMentors and mentees looking to understand the value of sponsorship in governanceTune in now and be part of the conversation on how governance can drive real change!#Governance #BoardLeadership #Diversity #Mentorship #Tokenism #Startups #Charities

This week, join us as we dive into the world of finance leadership with Naomi Connell, whose career spans executive roles in public and private sectors, including her time on London Underground's board.Key Topics Covered:How public-private partnerships shape infrastructure projectsLessons in crisis management from public transport leadershipThe power of coaching to develop inclusive boardsBalancing profitability with public serviceWhy diversity of thought leads to better decisionsNaomi reflects on her journey from accounting to leadership, tackling crises in public transport, and championing diversity and inclusion. Learn practical lessons on stakeholder management, public-private partnerships, and fostering inclusive boards. Naomi’s expertise in stakeholder management, diversity, and coaching offers actionable insights for leaders at all levels.Listen now and discover why Naomi says, "It’s always about the people."

The Future of AI & Clean Energy: A Must-Listen Episode! In this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu dives deep with Dr. Enass Abo-Hamed —a visionary entrepreneur bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI and climate tech, to uncover the untold challenges of turning groundbreaking research into market-ready technology. They discuss how AI is reshaping the future of climate solutions, why investment in energy tech still lags behind AI, and the pivotal role of the Royal Academy of Engineering in fostering innovation.Key takeaways:The hidden barriers to commercialising academic breakthroughs Why AI is a game-changer for climate tech, but funding remains an issue How diverse leadership drives smarter, more impactful decision-making From battling the roadblocks of academic commercialisation to shaking up boardroom dynamics, Enass shares unfiltered insights on what it really takes to bring deep-tech innovations to market. If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or tech enthusiast passionate about the future of AI and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen! #AI #ClimateTech #Innovation #Podcast #CleanEnergy #TechForGood

🚀 Feeling stuck in your career? Want to transition but not sure how?In this episode, David Singleton shares the secrets behind navigating career reinvention, international leadership, and entrepreneurship. From his corporate beginnings in the UK to launching a successful coaching business in Dubai, David unpacks the mindset shifts, networking tactics, and cultural insights that helped him build a thriving career.🎙️ "My network is now my currency." – David SingletonKey Takeaways:Why networking is the #1 tool for international career successThe differences between leadership in the UK vs. the Middle EastHow ‘glocalisation’ helps brands expand across culturesThe reality of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurshipWhy defining your purpose leads to long-term clarity

In this episode of Notes from a NED, award-winning journalist, author, and social commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown shares her powerful journey from Uganda to Britain, offering deep insights into race, identity, and the evolving political landscape. Yasmin reflects on the challenges she faced in academia and journalism, her commitment to education and equality, and the importance of big personalities in leadership.Throughout the conversation, she discusses:The impact of race and privilege on her early life and careerHow teaching and journalism became tools for social changeThe ongoing struggles of British Muslims in modern societyHer unfiltered take on the current political landscapeWhy ‘big personalities’ matter in leadership and influenceThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social justice, British politics, media representation, and the power of storytelling.#YasminAlibhaiBrown #RaceAndIdentity #BritishMuslims #Journalism #SocialChange #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Politics #MediaRepresentation #Podcast"This fight is never over." – Yasmin Alibhai-BrownThis episode is for anyone interested in social change, media influence, and the power of speaking truth to power.

Episode Highlights: Governance, Leadership, and Lessons from Kids CompanyIn this episode, we dive into the powerful case study of Kids Company, exploring how its dramatic downfall reshaped the conversation around charity governance, leadership dynamics, and organisational sustainability. Host Samuel Kasumu is joined once again by Rob Macmillan, a leading researcher on the third sector and community development, with over two decades of experience studying the challenges and opportunities facing charities today.Rob shares candid insights on:The leadership pressures that charity heads face todayGovernance failures that contributed to Kids Company’s collapseThe sector-wide need for impact measurement and accountabilityWhy burnout among charity leaders demands immediate attentionThe importance of diversity and inclusion in driving the sector forwardWhether you’re navigating the complexities of charity governance, leading an organisation, or passionate about social impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in now to learn how we can collectively build a more sustainable and resilient voluntary sector!Keywords: charity governance, leadership challenges, voluntary sector trends, Kids Company case study, nonprofit sustainability, impact measurement, voluntary sector, charity governance, leadership, Kids Company, impact measurement, sector challenges, organizational change, fundraising, social enterprise, burnout

Leadership, Mentoring, and Global Insights with Vince PizzoniIn this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu interviews Vince Pizzoni, a globally accomplished leader and mentor with a portfolio career spanning academia, executive search, and board roles. With over 30 years of experience, Vince has held executive positions at global giants including ExxonMobil and Nalco, earning accolades like the Chairman’s Global Award for his exceptional leadership as General Manager.Having worked in 64 countries, Vince shares fascinating stories of navigating diverse cultures, leading high-performing teams, and delivering solutions to blue-chip companies in complex industries such as energy, chemicals, FMCG, and environmental services. He also dives into his passion for mentoring, coaching, and inspiring the next generation of leaders through roles in academia and organizations like POWERful Women and the Energy Institute.This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to embrace career transitions, champion sustainability, and unlock the power of diversity in leadership. Don't miss this insightful conversation!