When Safaraz Ali MBE failed every one of his GCSEs, he thought the factory floor was his future. What followed was a journey that took him from inner city Birmingham into financial services, then into social care, and ultimately into building businesses that now employ more than 1,300 people across the UK.

In this conversation, Saf shares how a calculated commercial move into the care sector became a genuine calling, why apprenticeships deserve far more respect, and how diversity in leadership must be intentional.

As CEO and Co Founder of The Pathway Group, founder of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University and Ambassador for Birmingham City University, his work spans skills, employability, health, foster care and entrepreneurship.

His advice on reinvention is honest, grounded and refreshingly practical.

Highlights:

(02:44) Growing up in Alum Rock with no English spoken at home

(06:53) Failing every GCSE and choosing education as a way out

(17:02) Leaving a secure financial services career to start again

(22:01) Entering social care for business, finding purpose instead

(25:44) Championing apprenticeships and driving diversity in leadership

(32:16) Receiving an MBE and the real meaning of reinvention

Connect with Lucy:

Website - https://bookmagic.ai

TikTok - @lucymccarra

Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

In this episode, I’m joined by Jude Jennison, Founder of Leaders by Nature, who empowers leadership teams to drive business growth and navigate change with confidence.

After 17 years at IBM, where she managed a $1 billion budget and led UK, European and global teams, Jude stepped into a very different kind of leadership work.

Today, she partners with blue chip companies and fast growing entrepreneurial businesses, working alongside her herd of horses to transform nonverbal leadership and team behaviours.

A bestselling author of three leadership books and host of the podcast Leading through Uncertainty, Jude shares how fear, courage and presence shape the way we lead.

Highlights:

(01:27) From Nottingham to IBM, and 17 roles in 17 years

(08:22) The women’s conference in Rome that changed everything

(10:39) Taking a year off, stripping back identity, and rebuilding from scratch

(18:22) Overcoming fear of horses, and the five minute lesson in true leadership

(23:48) Buying a horse before knowing what she was doing, and not giving up

(34:51) Reinvention advice, trust life, take the step, and build your support

Get in touch with Jude at:

www.leadersbynature.com

https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/judejennison

Connect with Lucy:

Website - https://bookmagic.ai

TikTok - @lucymccarra

Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Witty, founder of Advantage Media, which he launched in 2005 from the spare bedroom of his home.

What began as a done for you publishing system for busy business leaders has grown into a global authority building company serving thousands of clients across 50 US states and 13 countries.

We explore how Adam’s innovative approach attracted Forbes, leading to the launch of Forbes Books in 2017, followed by partnerships with SXSW and Entrepreneur. From appearing on the Inc. 30 Under 30 list to leading a company recognised multiple times by Inc. 5000, Adam shares the reinventions behind the success.

This is a conversation about resilience, authority and embracing change as fuel for growth.

Highlights:

(03:15) Early lessons in resilience and entrepreneurship

(10:20) Launching Advantage Media from a spare bedroom

(17:30) Reinventing after losing his first company

(23:45) The Forbes partnership and building authority at scale

(30:10) Why writing a book changes how the world sees you

(34:10) Embracing change in the age of AI

If you’re looking to connect with Adam, he welcomes connections at awitty@theauthoritycompany.com, or visit theauthoritycompany.com and adamwitty.com

Connect with Lucy:

Website - https://bookmagic.ai

TikTok - @lucymccarra

Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/