The Unlikely Executive

In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle is joined by Chris Waine, Equity Director at Hive Projects, for an honest conversation about senior leadership realities that are rarely discussed.

Chris reflects on his journey from nearly 20 years in a large corporate environment to co‑owning and growing an SME and the moments along the way when leadership stopped being about competence, confidence or strategy, and became about responsibility.

Together, we explore:
Why the hardest leadership decisions aren’t technical
What it’s really like to lead redundancy processes
How leaders carry decisions long after the process is over
The difference between decisiveness and ownership
Why compassion often makes leadership heavier, not easier
What helps leaders stay human under pressure

This episode will resonate with senior leaders, founders and directors who have had to make decisions that affect people’s lives and are still carrying the weight of them.
About Barbra and her work
Barbra Carlisle is an Executive Coach and Facilitator working with senior leaders, founders and leadership teams particularly in construction, engineering and professional services.
She supports leaders who are navigating:
High‑stakes decisions
Leadership pressure and accountability
Senior role transitions
Complex people and culture challenges

Her work includes:
1:1 Executive Coaching
Leadership development programmes
Facilitated strategy days and team sessions

If you’re leading under pressure and want space to think clearly and act decisively, you can find out more via:

🌐 www.gleecoaching.co.uk
💼 Connect with Barbra on LinkedIn

to connect with Chris visit Hive

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In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle is joined by Nike Folayan, Technical Director at WSP and Chair of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE UK).
Nike shares her journey through engineering and leadership from an early fascination with how televisions work, through a PhD in antenna design, to leading a global technical team while navigating an industry that still struggles with gender and racial inclusion.

This conversation goes beyond career milestones. It explores belonging, burnout, boundaries, leadership pressure, and what it really takes to stay technically credible and human at the same time in male‑dominated sectors like construction, infrastructure, and engineering.
In This Episode, We Explore:
What it’s like to build a senior technical career without being pushed into project management
The hidden cost of being seen as “helpful” rather than “technical”
Why clarity about what you want matters more than confidence
How leadership expectations differ for women and especially women of colour
The emotional reality of still feeling like you don’t belong after 20+ years
Burnout warning signs, including what happens when your body says “no”
Learning to say no without fear of missing out
Returning to work after having a child and reassessing ambition, pace and legacy
Nike’s leadership style: trust, accountability, and human connection
How AFBE UK was founded and why representation, role models and transition support matter
Key Takeaways
Technical excellence is a valid leadership path : you don’t have to abandon it to progress
Belonging isn’t automatic, even at the top and that’s not a personal failure
Burnout often arrives before you realise you’re struggling
Boundaries are uncomfortable, but clarity builds trust
Leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing what matters
About Nike Folayan
Nike Folayan is a Technical Director at WSP, leading complex telecommunications projects and managing global technical competencies across the UK and India. She is also the Chair and co‑founder of AFBE UK, an organisation established in 2007 to support Black and minority ethnic engineers through outreach, mentoring, membership and corporate partnerships.
AFBE UK has supported over 30,000 beneficiaries and continues to bridge the gap between education and industry through advocacy, role modelling and professional development.
🔗 Connect with Nike on LinkedIn
🌐 Learn more about AFBE UK via their website
About Your Host: Barbra Carlisle
Barbra Carlisle is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer working across the construction, housing and engineering sectors.

If you’d like to explore working together:
👉 Book a clarity call or visit www.gleecoaching.co.uk
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What is it like if you start on the tools, literally sweeping the floors and doing the brews, to years later being the owner of the business?
Find out whether Colin McEllin, Operations Director and Coowner for Clan Contracting and co-owner of Smart Hire Tools always knew what he wanted or whether he worked hard, took opportunities and navigated his way to success.

He discusses the success of Clan Contracting, the challenges of a management buyout, and his leadership style. Colin's advice for newcomers emphasizes the value of training, education, and finding one's passion within the construction sector.

Takeaways
Hard work and dedication
Adapting to change
Accepting you are the leader
The desire to still be one of the lads
The need to recognise change is needed
The power of embracing the next generation in the workplace

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Business Overview
09:58 Clan Contracting and Smart Hire Tools
18:45 Management Buyout and Leadership Style
25:42 Self-Perception and Advice for Newcomers to Construction

Get in touch with Colin on Linked in (4) Colin McEllin MCIOB | LinkedIn

Find out more about Clan (4) Clan Contracting: Posts | LinkedIn or Clan Contracting | Leading structural repair specialist North West

If you want to know more about how Glee coaching can support your growth as a leader email [email protected] and arrange a chat

FREE Resource - If you are a leader working under pressure download my free resource here 5 Steps to Leading Decisively Under Pressure

Rate and Review the Podcast
If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you.

You can also connect with Barbra on Linked In (4) Barbra Carlisle FCIPD | LinkedIn

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Learie Gonsalves, the Director of Blackbird Property Surveyors, shares his journey armed with his one CSE in art to owning a successful property surveying firm for over 10 years. He shares the challenges of not seeing people like him in work, but talks about the role of great managers in helping you dream big. Hear about why running is so important to him now and why he runs to support Prostrate Cancer. Learie's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of balance in work and life.

Takeaways
Resilience and determination in the face of challenges
The importance of balance in work and life

Chapters
00:00 Introducing Blackbird Property Surveyors
10:03 Early Career Challenges
13:57 Setting Up a Business
29:49 Overcoming Challenges
40:03 Personal Journey and Health

If you are curious to connect with Learie I am sure he would love to hear from you via Linked In

If you are at a crossroads or feel that you need more control do reach out

FREE Resource - If you feel overwhelmed download Glee's 5 Step Guide to Leading Decisively.

Rate and Review the Podcast
If you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Enjoyed This Episode?
Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive.

Renee Preston, doesn't just do nice chats - she wants change and she is happy to role her sleeves up and be a leading force in creating change. A reluctant CEO of Gallaway Construction, in this episode we dive into everything from representation of women on site, to mentoring and imposter syndrome.

It explores the importance of leadership, male allies, and support for women in construction, as well as the need for representation and change in the industry culture. Renee shares her personal journey, lessons learned, and her vision for the future of women in construction.

Takeaways
Leadership in Construction
Mentoring and Support for Women in Construction

If today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find even more support at Glee Coaching. I’m Barbra Carlisle, helping leaders who never expected to be in charge lead with clarity, confidence and impact. If you’re enjoying The Unlikely Executive, please follow, like and share the podcast -it helps more leaders find the tools and honesty they need.

And if you’re ready for deeper support, resources and ways to work with me, visit www.gleecoaching.co.uk - your next step in stronger, more courageous leadership starts there.

Reach Renee on LInked In (10) Renee Preston | LinkedIn and visit her website at Gallaway Construction - Building For Better
Access the National Site Standards Here The National Site Standard | Construction For Women