In this episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, we sit down with Alison Dowsett, Managing Director of Planning and Policy at Berkeley Group. With over 20 years of experience at Berkeley, Alison has held key leadership roles, including Managing Director of St William, where she played a pivotal role in transforming former gasworks sites into much-needed housing.

Alison shares her insights on the importance of collaboration in the built environment sector, the role of education in shaping the next generation of talent, and the challenges and opportunities in delivering sustainable, high-quality homes. From policy to planning, she reflects on her journey in the industry and offers valuable advice for those looking to make an impact.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on how working together can drive innovation and positive change in the places we build.

This week, we sit down with an extraordinary guest, Sarah Furness. A former RAF helicopter pilot, combat and operational commander, best-selling author, mindfulness coach, and mother, Sarah spent over 20 years flying into war zones and mastering resilience under extreme pressure. In this episode, she shares her journey as a female pilot in the RAF, the challenges she faced in training—including how the length of her arms almost ended her career before it began—and how she learned to overcome fear and push past limits. Now a mindfulness coach, Sarah explains how she transitioned from military life to helping others build mental resilience. Her story is inspiring, eye-opening, and filled with valuable lessons on courage, determination, and self-mastery.

Check out her books:

Fly Higher: Train Your Mind to Feel as Strong as You Look

The Uni-tasking Revolution: Focus on what really matters, get stuff done, waste less time

Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this insightful episode, host Blighty sits down with Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation and a leader in housing innovation, to tackle the challenges facing the UK housing market. They delve into housing affordability for young people, with a focus on Help to Buy, and discuss how the industry has, at times, hindered its own progress.

Neil shares his vision for a more united property community, offering valuable insights from his extensive experience, including his leadership in zero-carbon homes and housing excellence. Plus, hear Neil's three game-changing "wishes" for the future of housing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the housing industry and its future.

Episode recorded in November.