The Conscious Finance Podcast

From Big 4 to Better Business: Paul King on Profit, Purpose & Pioneering Finance
What if the path to financial success didn’t come at the expense of people or planet? In this episode, we sit down with Paul King – chartered accountant, startup CFO, and founder of Towards Better – to explore how finance leaders can do more than just manage the numbers.
From advising global giants like Starbucks Europe on sustainability to pioneering circular economy strategies in early-stage startups, Paul shares how his career has evolved with one clear goal: building businesses that are better for the world.
Paul gets candid about his unconventional journey - from feeling disconnected in the corporate world to discovering meaning and momentum in mission-led startups. We discuss the real (and imagined) trade-offs between sustainability and profitability, and why employee purpose is fast becoming the most powerful driver of retention.
If you’ve ever wondered how to align commercial success with social and environmental responsibility, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical wisdom.

In this episode of The Conscious Finance Podcast, Leo sits down with Edwin Davies, Investment Director at BGF, for a deep dive into the world of growth capital. From his early days in audit at PwC to leading high-impact investments at one of the UK’s most active private equity firms, Edwin shares a refreshingly candid look at the highs, lows, and lessons from his career journey.

Whether you're a founder looking to raise funding, a CFO aiming to add strategic value, or simply curious about what makes a business "investment ready", Edwin offers sharp insight into what investors really look for – from backable leadership to scalable models, killer KPIs and culture that clicks. It's a must-listen for anyone scaling a business with purpose.

To find out more go to: core3.co.uk/blog

Kicking off Season 2 of The Conscious Finance Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Morse, CFO of Triodos Bank UK, to explore her refreshingly honest and unconventional journey into finance. From industrial plants to Downing Street, Sarah opens up about the power of purpose, the importance of aligning work with values, and why being a CFO is about so much more than numbers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on conscious leadership, resilience, and how finance can be a genuine force for good.
For more insights at the forefront of conscious finance go to: core3.co.uk/blog

Join Sophie Bailey, ESG Advisory Director at Deloitte, as she shares her inspiring journey into sustainability and finance. From her beginnings interning in Tesco's climate change team to shaping corporate ESG strategies, Sophie explores the growing role of sustainability in business, the impact of evolving regulations, and how organizations can create value through sustainable practices. Discover actionable advice for aspiring sustainability professionals and insights into the future of finance, where sustainability metrics and financial reporting go hand in hand.

Jayne Phan joins us today, sharing her journey from traditional finance to purpose-driven employee ownership.

Jayne Phan's career began in the Big Four accounting firms, where she spent seven years at EY, including a stint in Canada.

Initially, her focus was on securing a good salary and working for reputable companies, influenced by her father's traditional views on career success.

However, as she transitioned through various corporate roles, she felt a disconnect between her work and her personal values, leading to a sense of unfulfillment.

// SHOUTOUT FOR TODAY’S GUEST

Want to find out more about the great work Jayne does? Check her out here:
linkedin.com/in/jayne-phan-a033621a
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