The emPOWER Breakfast

In Episode Two of Season Three of The emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Founder and Host Athene Parker sits down with entrepreneur, business leader and MBE recipient Liz Jackson for a powerful conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership and what it really means to have vision.Liz is one of the UK's most respected business leaders. An entrepreneur, keynote speaker and former Businesswoman of the Year, she has built award-winning businesses, received an MBE for Services to Enterprise, appeared on Channel 4's Secret Millionaire, and today works with founders as Sales & Marketing Director at Initium, helping businesses navigate growth, succession and sale.Throughout the conversation, Liz reflects on the experiences that shaped her long before business success arrived. She shares the story of being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa as a young child, later losing her sight in her twenties, and how those experiences influenced, not defined, the way she approaches life, leadership and opportunity.Together, Athene and Liz explore ambition, entrepreneurship, faith, purpose, motherhood, confidence and the importance of defining success on your own terms. They discuss why leadership is about seeing potential in others, why perspective is one of our greatest strengths, and why true vision has very little to do with what we can physically see and more about intention, focus and determination.With her trademark humour, infectious energy and unwavering optimism, Liz offers a conversation full of practical wisdom, warmth and hope. Underpinning everything is a quiet faith that has guided her through life's greatest challenges and continues to shape the way she leads, encourages others and embraces every opportunity including the opportunity found in failure. Often finding more gifts during challenging phases that make the wins even more meaningful.Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, business leader or simply navigating a period of change, this episode is a reminder that our greatest vision comes not from what we see, but from who we choose to become.In this episode you'll hear about:Entrepreneurship and building successful businessesLeadership and business growthBusiness succession and selling a companyPurpose, resilience and perspectiveRetinitis Pigmentosa and sight lossMotherhood and balancing family with businessFaith, optimism and personal growthWomen in business and inclusive leadershipThe reality of sightloss for Liz🎧 - Listen to Liz Jackson MBE Spotify Playlist HereTrack 1 - Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind UpTrack 2 - Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have FunTrack 3 - Survivor - Eye Of The TigerTrack 4 - Charity Gale - Thank You Jesus For The BloodTrack 5 - Nina Simone - Feeling GoodLiz Jackson MBE, Liz Jackson, entrepreneur, female entrepreneur, women in business, business leader, business leadership, Businesswoman of the Year, Secret Millionaire, Initium, corporate finance, founder, business growth, business succession, selling a business, entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, purpose, women leaders, disability inclusion, Retinitis Pigmentosa, sight loss, faith, keynote speaker, mentoring, founder podcast, leadership podcast, women in leadership, empowerment podcast🎧 Subscribe, follow and leave a rating to help more people discover these conversations.

In this final episode of season 2 of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Founder and Host Athene Parker is joined by award-winning director Karen Cunningham for an insightful conversation about longevity, reinvention, and building a career in the advertising and film industry.Karen’s career spans decades, with multiple creative chapters from early ambitions as an actor, to working in advertising as a TV producer, moving into production as a talent scout and producer, co-founding her own production company Pink Films, and ultimately from there, stepping into a decades long, award winning directing career. Her journey is a powerful example of what it means to evolve, adapt and sustain a long-term creative career.Karen is known for her emotionally rich, human-led storytelling and her ability to draw authentic performances with her AMAZING casting, often from non-actors. Her directing career began with the award-winning short film “Wonderful World,” created for a children’s charity, which marked a defining turning point and launched her behind the camera, the project sweeping the board at the award ceremonies establishing Karen as an impactful voice shaping the landscape of brands and the ad industry alike.With warmth, honesty and humour, Karen reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including navigating gender bias as a female director, building resilience through uncertainty, and embracing reinvention at every stage of life.Together, Athene and Karen explore:What it takes to build a long-lasting career in the advertising and film industriesThe power of reinvention and career pivotsThe realities of being a female director in a male-dominated industryHow producing shaped Karen’s creative instinct and leadershipThe importance of authentic storytelling and human connection in filmBalancing personal challenges alongside professional successWhat it truly means to direct your life with intentionThis is a conversation about experience, instinct, and staying power.. and a reminder that longevity in creative careers is not just about talent, but about resilience, self-belief and evolution over time.The chat is woven around a journey through music and memory. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨🎶 Episode PlaylistTrack 1 – Blowin In The Wind - Bob DylanTrack 2 – Like A Prayer - MadonnaTrack 3 – Blinded By Your Grace - StormzyTrack 4 – Wonderful World - Louis ArmstrongTrack 5 – Perfect Day - BBC Version 1997🎧 Listen to the emPOWER Breakfast – Karen Cunningham Spotify PlaylistKaren Cunningham, female director, advertising industry, film director interview, women in film, creative careers, career longevity, reinvention, storytelling, directing commercials, PRETTYBIRDPlease Follow & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate and review The emPOWER Breakfast Podcast. it helps more people discover these conversations and supports the growth of this community. 💫

In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by Mia Powell, founder of Mamamia Talent and one of the advertising and production industry’s most exciting emerging leaders, for an uplifting and deeply honest conversation about resilience, reinvention and building a successful creative career on your own terms.Following a theme of rootlessness in her early years that often saw her pushing herself to the edges, Mia reflects on how she transformed her path, forging an extraordinary career across some of the most respected names in advertising, film and production before stepping out to found her own talent company, Mamamia Talent.Now recognised for her creative instinct, strategic leadership and fierce commitment to championing talent and authentic connection, Mia represents directors and creative talent including Business Club, Riff Raff and Love Song while continuing to carve out her own space as a powerful voice within the creative industries as Ciclope's goto MC among other leading events. She is also forging forward with Bid Different - her With warmth, humour and vulnerability, Mia shares candid reflections on identity, ambition, creativity and navigating the advertising world as a woman of colour — exploring how life’s most difficult moments can become catalysts for growth, reinvention and self-belief.Together, Athene and Mia discuss:Resilience and career reinventionLeadership in advertising and productionCreativity, identity and representationBuilding confidence through adversityFemale leadership and empowermentRedefining success on your own termsBalancing ambition with humanity and emotional honestyThis is a powerful conversation about creative leadership, empowerment and finding your voice, one that will resonate with anyone navigating change in work, life, identity or purpose.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 – Sweet Like Chocolate - Shanks & BigfootTrack 2 – Hotel California - The EaglesTrack 3 – Jets - BonoboTrack 4 – Down The Line - It Takes A Number - RomareTrack 5 – So U Kno - OvermonoThe emPOWER Breakfast - Mia Powell Spotify PlaylistMia Powell, Mamamia Talent, women in advertising, female founder, creative leadership, advertising industry, production industry, women of colour in advertising, creative careers, resilience, career reinvention, empowerment podcast, female leadership, talent representation, women in media, emotional intelligence, leadership in advertising, creative entrepreneurship, women founders, authentic leadership, film production, advertising production, diversity in creative industries, confidence, identity, storytelling, creative resilience, empowerment, navigating change, entrepreneurship

In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by Rani Patel, Brand and Business Partner at Creator Lab at adam&eve/TBWA and former co-founder of Calling, for a profoundly moving conversation about grief, spirituality, creativity and leadership in the advertising industry.A deeply respected voice within the creative industries, Rani shares her reflections on purpose, intuition and the power of creativity as a spiritual act.. exploring the belief that advertising, at its best, is the art of manifesting ideas, emotion and imagination into reality.Together, Athene and Rani discuss the unseen forces that shape our lives and careers, touching on intuition, dreams, identity and the emotional depth that often exists beneath creative leadership.At the heart of the conversation is Rani’s experience of grief following the recent loss of her stepfather, and how loss can profoundly reshape both our inner worlds and our relationship to creativity, meaning and connection.With warmth, wisdom and vulnerability, Rani reflects on leadership, self-discovery and finding authenticity within both life and work, offering a powerful perspective on what it means to navigate the creative industries with emotional intelligence, humanity and purpose.Together, Athene and Rani explore:Spirituality and creativity in advertisingLeadership and authenticity in the creative industriesGrief, loss and emotional resilienceIntuition, identity and self-discoveryCreativity as manifestation and storytellingWomen in advertising and creative leadershipFinding meaning and purpose through work and life experiencesThis is a deeply thoughtful conversation about creativity, spirituality and human connection and one that will resonate with anyone navigating grief, transformation, leadership or personal growth.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 – Dreams - GabrielleTrack 2 – No Matter What They Say - Lil KimTrack 3 – So Far To Go - J Dilla, Common, D’AngeloTrack 4 – Mystic Brew - Ronnie FosterTrack 5 – Ultra Beam - Sunday Service ChoirThe emPOWER Breakfast - Rani Patel Spotify Playlist Rani Patel, adam&eve/TBWA, Creator Lab, women in advertising, creative leadership, spirituality and creativity, grief and loss, emotional resilience, authenticity, leadership podcast, empowerment podcast, intuition, self-discovery, creativity in advertising, women in media, storytelling, creative industries, manifestation, purpose, emotional intelligence, spiritual leadership, female leadership, personal growth, identity, authentic leadership

Trigger Warning - This episodes discusses theme’s of Sexual Abuse In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by actor, entrepreneur and author Perry Power for a deeply courageous and emotionally intelligent conversation about sexual abuse, masculinity, healing and the transformative power of storytelling.Perry speaks openly about his experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and the journey that led him to found the Be Powerful Movement a platform supporting survivors in reclaiming their voices through writing, film, creativity and community.Together, Athene and Perry explore the impact of silence on identity, mental health and emotional wellbeing, discussing why men’s stories around abuse are still so often left unheard and unsupported. They reflect on vulnerability, emotional honesty and the importance of creating safer, more compassionate spaces, both in life and within the workplace, where truth can be spoken without shame.With warmth, sensitivity and insight, Perry shares how storytelling became a pathway toward healing, purpose and connection, and why creativity can play such a powerful role in recovery and self-understanding.Together, Athene and Perry discuss:Childhood sexual abuse and breaking generational silenceMasculinity, vulnerability and emotional resilienceHealing through storytelling and creativityMental health and emotional wellbeingAuthentic leadership and human connectionThe role of empathy and emotionally intelligent conversationsBuilding safer spaces for truth, healing and recoveryHe wanted to give you his free guide to writing your story so click and download and start to explore your own story in a safe space.Perry has also written two books with a third on the way:Breaking The Silence and his second book Story Medicine is coming out soon! Perry is fundraising for his film ‘It Ends With Me’ so if you would like details please click here.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!Track 1 – Grease - Frankie ValliTrack 2 – Thinkin Bout Me - Morgan WallenTrack 3 – An American Trilogy - Elvis PresleyTrack 4 – Gonna Fly Now - Theme from RockyTrack 5 – If I Can Dream - Elvis PresleyThe emPOWER Breakfast - Perry Power Spotify Playlist Perry Power, Be Powerful Movement, childhood sexual abuse survivor, healing through storytelling, masculinity and vulnerability, men’s mental health, emotional resilience, storytelling and recovery, authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, trauma recovery, creativity and healing, empowerment podcast, mental health conversations, breaking generational silence, survivor stories, emotional wellbeing, vulnerability in men, healing journey, personal growth, empathy, authentic connection

In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by broadcast journalist Jennifer Bartram for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about resilience, confidence, grief and navigating online abuse while working in the public eye.With more than twenty years on screen at the BBC, Jen reflects on a broadcasting career shaped by storytelling, communication and public connection. She also speaks candidly about the emotional impact of losing her father at a young age, growing up onscreen, and the personal toll of being targeted online.Together, Athene and Jen explore the knock to confidence that can follow public criticism and online abuse, the emotional resilience required to rebuild a sense of safety and self, and the intentional work involved in reconnecting with confidence after adversity.With warmth, intelligence and vulnerability, Jen shares her perspective on communication, visibility and emotional wellbeing in an always-on digital world alongside practical strategies for reducing overwhelm, grounding in real-life connection and protecting mental health while navigating social media and public-facing careers.Together, Athene and Jen discuss:Resilience and rebuilding confidenceOnline abuse and social media pressureMental health and emotional wellbeingGrowing up in the public eyeCommunication and storytellingNavigating grief and personal lossConfidence, visibility and self-worthDigital overwhelm and authentic connectionThis is a thoughtful and empowering conversation about resilience, communication and finding your footing again after difficult experiences, both personally and professionally.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 – Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the DarkTrack 2 – Smokey Robinson - Tears of A ClownTrack 3 – Radiohead - No SurprisesTrack 4 – Katy Perry - RawTrack 5 – Primal Scream - Moving On Up The emPOWER Breakfast - Jennifer Bartram Spotify Playlist Jen talked about a wonderful supportive Facebook community called Adults Bereaved As Children. A place where she has found empathy and support around her feelings of grief losing her father aged 16.For people with teens interested to read how social media is affecting young people Jen recommended The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.Jen also offered practical ideas for creating healthier boundaries with technology, from grounding ourselves offline to removing the visual prompts that drive habitual scrolling.Jen’s Digital Wellbeing Tip: Turning on Greyscale (iPhone):Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Colour Filters → switch ON → select GreyscaleTo add a quick shortcut:Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Shortcut → select Colour FiltersTriple-click the side button to toggle greyscale instantly.Jennifer Bartram, BBC journalist, broadcast journalist, online abuse, resilience, confidence, emotional wellbeing, women in media, mental health, grief and loss, communication skills, storytelling, public speaking, rebuilding confidence, social media pressure, emotional resilience, empowerment podcast, authentic leadership, digital wellbeing, navigating adversity, women in broadcasting

In this episode of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by former agency Managing Director James Hayhurst, founder of the Positive Parenting Alliance and creator of The Parents Promise, for a deeply moving and insightful conversation about compassionate leadership, family separation, parenting and emotional resilience.Drawing on his own personal experience, James shares how he transformed an incredibly difficult chapter of family life into a movement focused on supporting parents navigating separation with greater empathy, communication and understanding, helping families prioritise the emotional wellbeing of children during periods of change.Together, Athene and James explore the importance of building more compassionate workplace cultures and discuss the role employers can play in recognising major life events such as divorce, separation and family breakdown, experiences that profoundly impact both home life and professional performance, yet are rarely openly discussed within the workplace.The conversation also opens into a deeply personal dialogue around parenting and care, as both Athene and James reflect on their experiences as parent carers to non-speaking autistic children. With honesty, warmth and vulnerability, they discuss communication, emotional resilience, advocacy and the unseen realities faced by many families raising neurodivergent children.Together, Athene and James discuss:Compassionate leadership and emotional intelligenceFamily separation and co-parentingParenting neurodivergent and autistic childrenWorkplace wellbeing and supportive culturesMen’s mental health and vulnerabilityEmotional resilience and communicationAdvocacy, care and navigating adversityBuilding empathy at work and at homeThis is a powerful and compassionate conversation about leadership, parenting, humanity and creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen with honesty, care and understanding.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 – Queen - Radio GagaTrack 2 – Stormy Clouds - The VerveTrack 3 – Heart and Soul - David GrayTrack 4 – Fever to the Form - Nick MulveyTrack 5 – When I Close My Eyes - Benjamin AmaruThe emPOWER Breakfast - James Hayhurst Spotify Playlist For those who’d like to explore the themes discussed in more depth, you can find resources and insights from the session in our accompanying PDF guide.You can also learn more about The Parents Promise and how to introduce its principles in your workplace here:www.theparentspromise.org.ukJames Hayhurst, Positive Parenting Alliance, The Parents Promise, compassionate leadership, co-parenting, family separation, divorce support, parenting autistic children, neurodiversity, autism advocacy, emotional intelligence, workplace wellbeing, men’s mental health, emotional resilience, leadership podcast, authentic leadership, parenting podcast, family wellbeing, vulnerability, empathy, neurodivergent families, Profound autism, non speaker, Pre Verbal.

In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by Rebecca Rowntree, Creative Director, Creative Consultant, AI Creative Technologist, Film Director and founder of the Get Sh*t Done community, for an energising conversation about creative resilience, leadership, freelancing and building a career on your own terms.Rebecca’s career spans bold advertising campaigns, beautifully crafted films and a passion for championing authentic storytelling that challenges the status quo. Through her work across creativity, technology and community building, she continues to create space for emerging voices, collaboration and more human-centred creative leadership within the advertising and film industries.Together, Athene and Rebecca explore the messy, brilliant and deeply human realities of doing creative work, discussing career pivots, uncertainty, neurodivergence and burnout. How as.a woman you must develop the superpower of confidence and embrace the ongoing process of growth and reinvention.With warmth, humour and honesty, Rebecca reflects on navigating leadership as a freelancer, embracing change within the rapidly evolving AI and creative industries, and learning how to find strength and clarity during moments of uncertainty.This episode is a powerful reminder that authenticity is not something to fix but a place from which creativity, courage and meaningful leadership can flourish.Together, Athene and Rebecca discuss:Creative resilience and career reinventionLeadership and freelancing in the creative industriesAI and creativityAuthentic leadership and emotional intelligenceBurnout, confidence and uncertaintyWomen in advertising and filmCommunity building and creative support networksEmbracing growth and being a work in progressThis is a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about creativity, leadership, identity and learning to trust yourself through periods of change and evolution.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 – Assassin De La Police – Cut Killer (from La Haine)Track 2 – Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Édith PiafTrack 3 – Coconut Mall – Mario Kart Wii SoundtrackTrack 4 – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie ValliTrack 5 – I Am the Greatest – Spinifex Gum x Marliya ChoirThe emPOWER Breakfast - Rebecca Rowntree Spotify Playlist Rebecca Rowntree, AI Creative Technologist, creative resilience, creative leadership, women in advertising, women in film, freelancing, authentic leadership, creative careers, AI and creativity, emotional intelligence, burnout, career reinvention, leadership podcast, creative industries, women in media, storytelling, confidence, personal growth, empowerment podcast, creative community, Get Shit Done community, ADHD.