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The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast
BONUS EPISODE: The Best of The Lens Season 3
What a year it's been!
Many thanks to all our listeners all over the world, to Fujitsu and McCann for their generous support of this podcast, to One Young World, to our Business In The Community member companies and of course, to our inspiring guests: the senior and future leaders making the world of business more responsible, illuminating new perspectives and leading by example.
Thank you for listening and tune in for Season 4.
Our Guests
Ann Pickering, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief of Staff, O2 on returning to work: interview tips, authentic support and what inclusion really looks like.
Olivia Cramer, Deal Crafter, The Craftory discusses challenger brands, rebellious entrepreneurs, green energy and cause-driven business.
Jan Gooding, Chair, Stonewall talks about community, communication and inclusion in these uncertain times
Joe Gilbert, Cloud Native Engineer, Fujitsu explains how to be a better ally and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on his own life, as well as those of colleagues and friends.
Dr Siobhan Gardiner, Climate Change and Environmental Lead, Deloitte explores the future of plastic and her mission to bring the value of science to those who need it most.
Carlotta Giacché, Associate, Coordinating Ambassador UK, One Young World on risk, opportunity and sustainable finance
Sheree Atcheson, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Monzo Bank explains how transparency and connectivity play a key role in diversity and inclusion.
Steve Murrells, Chief Executive, The Co-op on business with purpose and what it means to be a social enterprise
Emily Rose Jenkins, Geotechnical Engineer, Transport for Wales on the future of housing, the future of travel, and how the two might combine
Claudio Gienal, CEO, AXA UK and Ireland talks about how cutting edge technology connects with tough business problems, how to make any business more innovative and how the future of healthcare will involve new forms of collaboration.
Ivan Kayima, CEO and Founder, Spiela on mentoring, taking risks and equality
Anne Boden, Founder and CEO, Starling Bank on why standing for something is integral to business success, the difference between for-profit and profit-driven and using technology for good.
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, Translink on the role of transport in building a cleaner and greener economy, infrastructure and future
The Lens Podcast
Powered by Fujitsu, supported by McCann and in partnership with One Young World, The Lens represents the breadth, diversity and priorities of the responsible business agenda. From gender equality to zero hours contracts, learning on the factory floor to activist businesses, The Lens covers a range of topics from a host of varying perspectives.
Each episode brings together a business and future leader to foster disruptive conversations and fresh connections. Innovators and CEOs join Oli Barrett in the studio for a unique conversation covering their journeys, lessons learned, advice, insight and of course, the inspirational person they’d most like to meet for coffee.
Business in the Community is The Prince's Responsible Business Network. We convene a unique network of purposeful leaders to share insight, expertise and create innovative programmes that deliver impact. Together our ambition is to make the UK the world leader at responsible business.
Don’t forget to follow The Lens on Instagram and to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. instagram.com/thelenspodcast
More episodes
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4. CLARKE CARLISLE: From Premier League Footballer to Mental Health Advocate (recorded live)
24:38||Season 8, Ep. 4This month's podcast episode features an insightful and candid conversation with former Premier League footballer, Clarke Carlisle, who openly discusses his personal journey with mental health challenges and addiction. He shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences, offering practical advice for both individuals and employers on fostering well-being. Recorded live at the Healthy Working Lives conference in Northern Ireland on 4 June 2025, the discussion covers the pressures of professional sports, the importance of self-worth beyond one's career, and the critical role of accessible and effective mental health support. And if you didn't know, Clarke was named Britain's Brainiest Footballer on Carol Vorderman's show, he was the first Premier League footballer player to appear on Countdown, and he recently won the 1% Club for Soccer Aid.
3. Linklaters and Triift Africa : Putting business at the heart of communities
43:24||Season 8, Ep. 3This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Paul Lewis, Firmwide Managing Partner at Linklaters - one of the world’s leading law firms and Yemisi Isidi, Co-Founder, Strategy and Finance Lead, Triift Africa – an organisation that is making it easier for underserved communities and businesses to access the services they need to succeed.In this episode, we discuss how businesses can get into the hearts of communities, make an impact and become part of the fabric in places across the UK as positive corporate citizens that play their part in strengthening society at all levels.
2. Associated British Foods and Out the Box: Women and Race – creating a human-centred workplace
41:00||Season 8, Ep. 2This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sue Whalley, Chief People and Performance Officer at Associated British Foods – multinational food processing and retailing company and Renée Davis, Founder, Out the Box – an organisation that equips Black creative entrepreneurial and professional talent with opportunities and connections. In this episode, we discuss women and race in the workplace.1. BRITISH AIRWAYS and SHIPZERO: How can business build a better world?
32:41||Season 8, Ep. 1This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways – a company that probably needs no introduction as one of the world’s biggest airlines; and Mirko Schedlbauer, Founder and CEO, shipzero - Hamburg-based startup dedicated to decarbonising the logistics industry through innovative data solutions. In this episode, we discuss how can business create a better world, what our guests are focussing on in their organisations to benefit their people, the planet and communities, and of course, we’ll find out who they are beyond their job titles.
12. LOQBOX and JA GROUP: Beyond Profits - How Business Can Lead with Responsible Finance
35:31||Season 7, Ep. 12In this episode, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Gregor Mowat, CEO of Loqbox, a financial technology (fintech) company that offers a variety of products to help people improve their credit score and manage their money; and Jude Addo, Group CEO of JA Group, an investment firm focused on the wealth and wellbeing of its clients.They discuss financial inclusion – why this is an important issue and what business can do to help people. Reading list: Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A. RobinsonMoney, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy AlcornThe Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono
11. The Lens Special: Police Service of Northern Ireland | Why keeping our roads safe is everyone’s business
29:22||Season 7, Ep. 11In this special one-off episode, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson to discuss the importance of responsible driving. Sam has responsibilities for road safety among other activities. In this episode, we discuss the reality on our roads and what employers can do to encourage their people to be safe whether they’re on the daily commute or driving for their job. They also talk about a new campaign being delivered by Business in the Community to help employers do more.
10. PINSENT MASONS and MATRIC LIVE: Social mobility - how can business open doors for more people?
35:48||Season 7, Ep. 10This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Andrew Masraf, Senior Partner at multinational law firm, Pinsent Masons; and Kagisho Masae, Co-Founder and CEO of Matric Live – a multifunctional education app that is reinventing the way pupils learn.In this episode, we explore social mobility and ask, how can business open doors for more people in a fair and equitable way?9. BP UK and UNILEVER: Businesses can positively impact communities. How?
35:27||Season 7, Ep. 9This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Louise Kingham CBE, Senior Vice President, Europe & Head of Country, UK, bp plc; and Clayton Chaparadza, former Customer Business Development Manager at Unilever UK.In this episode, we explore social impact and ask how can businesses positively impact communities?8. HERON BROS and VISA: The Benefits of Creating a People-First Workplace
36:20||Season 7, Ep. 8This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Martin O’Kane, Vice Chairman of construction company, Heron Brothers; and Katie Harris, Talent Attraction Analyst at Visa. In this episode, we’ll explore workplace culture and the challenges that two very different businesses are facing in attracting and retaining talented staff, along with the opportunities and benefits that come when organisations put a strong emphasis on their people.