What does it really mean to lead with empathy—especially when life rewrites your story? It’s Jamie’s personal story that makes this conversation unforgettable. After experiencing sight loss, he shares how learning to accept help transformed his independence, deepened his empathy, and reshaped how he supports others—especially leaders managing pressure, people, and performance in the “squeezed middle.”

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Jamie Ward, Head of Talent & Learning at Channel 4, to talk about human-first leadership, resilience, and the kind of authenticity you can’t fake. Jamie’s career journey is extraordinary—from selling banknote paper across the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe during a period of huge historical change, to shaping leaders inside one of the UK’s most iconic broadcasters.

Together Jamie and I explore:

• What empathy actually looks like at work (and what to avoid)

• Why people don’t need “fixing”—they need to be heard

• The leadership power of coaching skills, open questions, and presence

• How Channel 4 uses real employee stories to build genuinely empathetic leaders

• Resilience lessons from running a half marathon with a guide runner—“running into the void”

• A joyful closing on what genre Jamie’s life story would be (plus his dream actor!)

I'm honoured to be joined in this episode by senior leader, coach and self-confessed “hugger” Ian Walker. We explore what values-led, human leadership really looks like.

Ian shares how a painful boarding school experience shaped his commitment to connection and equality, his unconventional career pivot from operations into global talent development at Salesforce, and why travel and cultural diversity are powerful antidotes to fear and nationalism.

Ian reflects on privilege, fairness, conscious leadership, and the quiet courage it takes to choose purpose, vulnerability and service over ego and power. This is a warm, thoughtful conversation about legacy, parenting, politics, and the small everyday actions we can all take to build a fairer, kinder world.

In this episode, we (among many other topics) dive into:

• How a difficult childhood experience turned Ian into a lifelong “hugger” and connector

• The values of integrity, equality and fairness that underpin his leadership

• His career pivot from operations into global learning and talent development at Salesforce

• The role of travel and cultural diversity in challenging nationalism and widening perspective

• What Jacinda Ardern taught him about vulnerability, courage and legacy in leadership

• Simple, everyday ways we can all contribute to a kinder, more equal world

Enjoy!

Super excited to be joined by a guest who has personally empowered me to become a better parent. Susie Good is a highly experienced emotional intelligence coach whose services are much sought after to help children who may be experiencing some tricky times. She transforms the lives of children and families and offers practical strategies to those who are struggling, enabling them to feel more empowered and in control.

• The Power of Empowerment: Discover what it truly means to empower children by giving them the tools, confidence, and responsibility to manage their emotions and behaviours.
• Separating Behaviour from the Child: Learn how understanding behavior as a weather pattern—temporary, changeable, and separate from the child's identity—can dramatically shift your parenting approach.
• Active Listening at Level Five: Gain practical tips on how to truly listen to children by giving them your undivided attention
• Boundaries and Safety: Understand how consistent, kind boundaries—and the boundaries you stick to—help children feel safe and secure.
• Handling Challenging Emotions: From anger to anxiety, Suzie introduces strategies for helping children channel their emotions productively, such as validating feelings and offering alternative actions.
• The Importance of Self-Care & Boundaries for Adults
• Getting to the Root of Behavioural Issues:
• Supporting Transitions and Challenging Times: Whether it’s starting secondary school or dealing with anxieties, Suzie offers guidance on how to prepare children proactively and how schools can support them better.
• Perseverance & Belief: "The worst thing that can happen is you try." Susie's story highlights resilience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting in yourself and others.

This episode provides a treasure trove of wisdom about how to nurture confident, resilient, and emotionally intelligent kids. Suzy’s compassionate approach will remind you that change takes time, effort, and patience—and that your role as a parent or caregiver is to be a steady, supportive guide.

Tune in now to learn practical tools that will help you create a safe, connected environment where children can thrive, learn responsibility, and feel truly empowered.