Notes From A NED

In this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu interviews Dr. Raffaella Ocone, Vice President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and an academic leader with a career spanning Italy, the USA, the UK, and beyond. Raffaella shares her journey into chemical engineering, the challenges she faced as one of the few women in her field, and her vision for a more diverse and ethical engineering profession. This conversation explores Raffaella’s journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming a leader in engineering, discussed the challenges she faced and how she transformed obstacles into opportunities, with a focus on gender diversity and inclusion in the engineering field.Key Takeaways:Mentorship is vital for building confidence and navigating challenges.Diversity and inclusion drive innovation in engineering.The pandemic has impacted teamwork skills among students, creating new challenges for educators.Engineers must embrace their ethical responsibilities in addressing global challenges.From her early academic days in Naples to her leadership role in global engineering, Raffaella’s story is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the power of education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu has an enlightening conversation with Alice Maynard, one of the most respected voices in governance and board leadership. Alice brings a wealth of experience from her current and past roles, including her position as a non-executive director at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), where she chairs the People Committee, and her tenure at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Her work also extends to sitting on the board of the Government Commercial Function, where she oversees vital decisions regarding pay and benefits for key government departments. Additionally, Alice has served as the Chair of several prominent charities, where she has led critical improvements in governance, strategic planning, and operational effectiveness. These charities include Scope, the UK's leading disability charity.In this episode, Alice reflects on her rich career journey and shares key insights into what makes governance effective and impactful. The discussion ranges from the barriers to progression that underrepresented groups face when aspiring to board membership, to the importance of transparency in governance, and the unique dynamics between board members and their chairs. Alice emphasises the need for trust and strong relationships to achieve strategic goals. She doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of her roles, such as navigating public appointments and implementing governance reforms. Key Takeaways:The Crucial Role of Diversity: Alice underscores how diverse representation on boards drives better decision-making, enhances governance outcomes, and contributes to a more holistic understanding of organisational challenges.Building Trust is Essential: The relationship between non-executive directors and executives, especially the board chair, is built on trust. Alice explains how this trust influences effective governance and strategic alignment.Transparency in Governance: Effective boards require transparency in information sharing and decision-making. Alice discusses how openness builds trust and drives organisational success.Understanding Board Dynamics: Alice offers insights into the subtle dynamics of board membership, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, understanding motivations, and the power of strong stakeholder management.Due Diligence and Accountability: Before joining a board, non-executive directors must conduct thorough due diligence to understand the organisation's governance and challenges. Accountability isn’t optional—it's central to responsible board leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an eye-opening episode with global activist and leader Kumi Naidoo, former International Executive Director of Greenpeace International, Secretary General of Amnesty International, and Secretary-General of CIVICUS as he unpacks over 20 years of experience fighting for social justice and equity. Kumi takes us on a journey through the transformative power of activism, exploring the role of arts and culture in mobilising communities and challenging entrenched systems. He discusses the pressing need for international NGOs to tackle structural racism and embrace diversity and inclusion, both in governance and resource allocation.Kumi’s insights highlight the complexities of leading civil society organisations toward genuine equity and representation, emphasising that meaningful change requires a fundamental shift in organisational culture and global priorities. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to making a difference and understanding the evolving landscape of activism.Key Topics:The broader definition of activism and why it's crucialChallenges and strategies for inclusive governanceAddressing structural racism in civil societyThe importance of equitable resource distribution, especially toward the global SouthHow arts and culture can amplify activismListen, reflect, and be inspired to act! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu delves into the multifaceted career of Meri Williams, CTO at Pleo and a trailblazer in technology leadership across diverse sectors. Meri recounts her unconventional journey, from launching South Africa’s first satellite to leading digital transformation in the UK government. Drawing from her experiences at organisations like Procter & Gamble, MOO, Monzo, and Healx, Vodafone, M&S, Meri shares strategies for managing teams of all sizes, fostering innovation, and balancing the demands of technology with board management.Beyond her professional achievements, Meri speaks openly about the resilience required to navigate her career alongside personal health challenges, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A dedicated advocate for STEM education and inclusivity, Meri also discusses her roles as a tech advisor for Kindred Capital, trustee at Stonewall, and co-founder of One Goes Up, a micro-charity aimed at empowering young women and non-binary people in STEM fields. Throughout, Meri offers insights into cultivating leadership and adaptability in high-stakes, dynamic environments, providing listeners with actionable takeaways for both personal and professional growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.