The emPOWER Breakfast

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.

In this episode of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by emPOWER’s inaugural speaker for the Men's series - emPOWERMENt guest speaker, Barny Wright, CEO and Partner of No.8 London, for an open and powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, grief, leadership and mental health within the advertising industry.Back in April, Barny joined us to launch the very first emPOWERMENt event, a space created to encourage more emotionally honest conversations amongst men in the creative industries and to explore vulnerability, resilience and authentic leadership through the male experience. In this candid conversation, Barny opens up about his personal journey through addiction and recovery, reflecting on the pressures of working in advertising, the emotional impact of losing his nephew, and the ongoing commitment required to maintain sobriety while navigating a high-pressure industry.With warmth, humour and honesty, Barny shares what recovery has taught him about identity, connection, self-awareness and leadership, offering a powerful reminder that vulnerability and emotional openness are not weaknesses, but strengths.Together, Athene and Barny discuss:Addiction and recoverySobriety and mental healthLeadership in the advertising industryGrief, loss and emotional resilienceMen’s mental health and vulnerabilityAuthentic leadership and emotional honestyWorkplace culture and emotional wellbeingNavigating pressure, identity and personal growthThis is a moving and inspiring conversation about healing, humanity and the courage it takes to confront difficult truths — both personally and professionally.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 – Don’t You Want Me - Hooj Mix - FelixTrack 2 – Prayer - ProspaTrack 3 – White Lines - Grandmaster FlashTrack 4 – Starfish and Coffee - PrinceTrack 5 – Wildfires - SaultThe emPOWER Breakfast – Barny Wright Spotify PlaylistWe asked Barny what helped him stay on track and here are a few of the books that he turned to to help him get through his experience of not only addiction, but also the grief of losing his nephew.Addiction:The Ongoing Path by Mark DempsterAtomic Habits by James ClearRunning (running is Barny’s ‘goto’ to maintain mental wellness and resolve):Born to Run (McDougall book)Grief: A Heart That Works by Rob DelaneyWe also thought these links might be helpful resources. NA - Narcotics AnonymousAA - Alcoholics AnonymousMindRemember, If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction please source support. Unmasking and reaching out to your community for help and advice will make you feel better than you think. If someone you know is struggling and it is impacting you, the first thing you must do is support yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.Barny Wright, No.8 London, addiction recovery, sobriety, advertising industry, men’s mental health, emotional resilience, authentic leadership, leadership podcast, recovery journey, grief and loss, emotional wellbeing, mental health conversations, vulnerability in leadership, workplace wellbeing, creative industries, personal growth, empowerment podcast, emotional honesty, recovery and leadership

In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by the indomitable Melissa Robertson, CEO, Director of Menopause Mandate and Director of the Women’s Sports Trust -for a refreshingly honest and empowering conversation about leadership, perimenopause, resilience and women’s health in the workplace.Melissa speaks candidly about her own experience navigating debilitating perimenopause symptoms whilst working as CEO of Dark Horses, and reflects on the emotional, physical and professional challenges of managing menopause within the fast-paced advertising industry.During her time as CEO of Dark Horses, Melissa wrote an open-source menopause policy designed to support women experiencing menopause at work, a policy later adapted by Menopause Mandate as part of their mission to improve awareness, education and workplace support around menopause and women’s health.With warmth, humour and remarkable honesty, Melissa shares defining moments from her impressive career journey, alongside stories from her entrepreneurial childhood that offer a glimpse into the fearless, driven and determined woman she would become.Together, Athene and Melissa discuss:Perimenopause and menopause in the workplaceWomen’s health and leadershipNavigating menopause in advertising and creative industriesWorkplace wellbeing and menopause policiesFemale leadership and resilienceBurnout, identity and emotional wellbeingEntrepreneurship and career progressionBreaking stigma and creating cultural changeThis is an insightful and important conversation about women’s health, leadership and the urgent need for more open, compassionate conversations around menopause at work and beyond.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Tracks:Oliver’s Army – Elvis CostelloDays Like This – Van MorrisonSisyphus – Andrew BirdRise – GabrielleGive Me One Reason – Tracy ChapmanThe emPOWER Breakfast – Melissa Robertson Spotify PlaylistMelissa is a Director of Menopause Mandate, a movement founded by Mariella Frostrup to push for policy change for women in peri menopause and menopause in both workplaces and GP surgeries. Here is Melissa’s open source Menopause Policy, written while CEO at Dark Horses.Did anyone mention Menopause: It's a Right Laugh!? A one off show with an all female line up of top comedy, introduced by MM chair Mariella Frostrup and compéred by the one and only Davina. Menopause Mandate are looking for a sponsor to cover artist costs so that we can get this CORKER on air. If that sponsor could be YOU then click here.The emPOWER Breakfast created a giveaway PDF with tips, information and testimonials from members for Melissa’s talk which we wanted to share with you.British Menopause Society: Guidance on symptom management and treatment options.HRT options:Progesterone – Tablets (can be used as pessaries if you react to progesterone)Estrogen – Gel or patchesTestosterone – Access Androfemme via the Newson Clinic, or ask your GP for male testosterone in the UK.Quick fact: During peak fertile years your ovaries make more testosterone than estrogen so don’t take no for an answer if you feel it could helpFor some, HRT is life changing when physical and emotional symptoms impact mental health. Every woman should have the right to choose what works for her. Connecting with communities, therapists or menopause specialists can provide practical tips and emotional support.Melissa Robertson, Menopause Mandate, Women’s Sports Trust, menopause in the workplace, perimenopause, women’s health, female leadership, advertising industry, menopause policy, workplace wellbeing, women in leadership, emotional wellbeing, leadership podcast, menopause awareness, creative industries, resilience, women in advertising, authentic leadership, burnout, empowerment podcast