CEO Stories is a podcast series that delves into the stories behind some of the Greater Birmingham region's leading or up-and-coming CEOs. The series is hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest CEO in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's 208-year history. Listen to find out what makes some of the region's finest leaders tick, who inspired them and what advice they would offer to aspiring CEOs. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is the West Midlands' leading business support organisation, having acted as the voice of local business since 1813.
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October 5, 2025Episode 935 min
Dan Boardman-Weston | Why financial literacy in the UK must improve
Dan Boardman-Weston in the CEO of BRI Wealth Management, the financial planning and wealth management firm based in Meriden.Having initially joined the firm as a trainee, Dan eventually succeeded his dad, Simon, as CEO.In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about making that transition and navigating his way through the challenges of leadership at a young age. We also hear his thoughts on the current state of play with the economy and the financial markets - and why he feels financial literacy across the UK needs to be better. Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.Key topics:· His first steps into the business· Succeeding his father as CEO· Navigating leadership challenges at a young age· AI and people in the finance sector· His competitive streak· Financial literacy in the UK· The economy - present and future
September 1, 2025Episode 953 min
Wendy Morgan | Overcoming discrimination to become a leader in tech
Wendy Morgan is the founder of the Jumar group of companies (now TXP), the Birmingham-headquartered organisation offering tech and business transformation expertise. Wendy has become a leader in the tech sector despite overcoming a series of obstacles - both during her childhood and her career. This included gender discrimination which threatened to impact her progress in the tech industry.Wendy tells Henrietta how she overcame those challenges to form a successful company which has expanded internationally. She also provides insights on the ever-changing tech and digital space - and why firms must align their investment in technology with a strong people-focused culture. Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.Key topics:· Challenges faced during Wendy's childhood· First jobs and entry into the tech sector · How discrimination threatened to block her progress· Setting up the Jumar group of companies· Scaling up and international expansion· Advice to firms on embracing tech trends· Gender diversity in tech
As CEO Stories takes a short summer break, we bring you a bonus episode in which some of our guests answer a series of quickfire questions.In this episode, you will hear from Professor Aleks Subic (Aston University), Jodh Dhesi (Schools of King Edward VI Foundation), Andrew Davies (Kier Group), Fran Nolan and Dre Picart (Tribera), Janie Frampton (Team You), Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial), Marina Robertson (Acivico), Emma Stenning (CBSO), Professor David Mba (Birmingham City University), Wendy Morgan (Jumar) and Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management). Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This episode was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.Running order:02:12 – What’s your favourite Brummie slang word? Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)Janie Frampton (Team You)Fran Nolan and Dre Picart (Tribera)Emma Stenning (CBSO)Wendy Morgan (Jumar)05:13 - What’s the one app on your phone that you couldn’tlive without? Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)Prof David Mba (Birmingham City University)Andrew Davies (Kier Group)Emma Stenning (CBSO)Janie Frampton (Team You)06:57 – Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?Wendy Morgan (Jumar)Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management)Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial)Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)09:20 – What’s your guilty TV show or movie?Dan Boardman-Weston (BRI Wealth Management)Marina Robertson (Acivico)Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)Wendy Morgan (Jumar)Janie Frampton (Team You)11:34 – If you could travel the world with one famous person(living or dead) who would it be? Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial)Marina Robertson (Acivico) Janie Frampton (Team You)Emma Stenning (CBSO)Prof David Mba (Birmingham City University)Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)14:40 – What’s your best celebrity encounter?Emma Stenning (CBSO)Jodh Dhesi (Schools of KEVI Foundation)Andrew Davies (Kier Group)Iain McCallister (MAN Commercial)Prof Aleks Subic (Aston University)Janie Frampton (Team You)
July 7, 2025Episode 649 min
Professor David Mba | My vision for Birmingham City University
Vice-chancellor Professor David Mba sets out his vision for Birmingham City University in this episode of CEO Stories. Professor Mba discusses the transformational journey and impact of BCU - emphasising social mobility, employability, and the importance of practice-based pedagogy. The conversation explores his unexpected path to academia, his upbringing in Nigeria, and his vision for BCU's future as outlined in their Strategy 2030. Professor Mba also touches on the role of universities in community engagement, the significance of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs), and BCU's innovative STEAMhouse initiative. Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.Key topics:· Growing up in Nigeria· Transition to the UK and academia · BCU's 2030 Strategy and beyond· Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)· Driving vision and change· Challenges and opportunities in Higher Education
June 1, 2025Episode 51 hr 3 min
Jim Simpson | Birmingham's music heritage is underappreciated
Jim Simpson is a Birmingham music legend.As well as being credited as the man who gave Black Sabbath their big break, he is the founder of Big Bear Records and the director of Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival. In this episode, Jim discusses his illustrious career spanning decades as a musician, manager, record label and festival founder, author, photographer and much more.He shares anecdotes about iconic figures he's worked with and the challenges and triumphs of Birmingham's vibrant music industry.Jim also explains why he feels Birmingham's rich musical heritage is underappreciated - and emphasises the need for a rock and roll museum to honour the city's contributions. Henrietta Brealey is currently on maternity leave. This interview was pre-recorded. All information was correct at the time of recording.Key topics:· Founding Big Bear Records· Birth of the Jazz & Blues Festival· Managing Black Sabbath· Birmingham's music heritage· The Visit of Oz· The future of the jazz and blues
May 4, 2025Episode 41 hr 12 min
Emma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism
Emma Stenning is CEO of the globally-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - an organisation she says is "shorthand for excellence" in the classical music world. Emma comes from a successful theatrical background -leading major theatres in the UK and Canada, being involved in the London 2012 Olympics and working with pop stars such as Damon Albarn and Rufus Wainwright.However, her vision for the CBSO - designed to reach new audiences in light of declining attendances at classical concerts across the UK - has received criticism in the press and among fans.Emma talks to Henrietta about the challenge of bringing new ideas to the historic CBSO while protecting its traditions. She opens up about driving change while dealing with personal criticism.Key topics:· Starting up her own theatre company· Reviving Bristol's Old Vic theatre· Working alongside pop stars · The opportunity to work in Canada· Why she joined the CBSO· Dealing with personal criticism· The CBSO's global reputation
April 6, 2025Episode 344 min
Marina Robertson | Finding my voice as a leader in the built environment
Marina Robertson is the group managing director of Acivico, the Birmingham-based multi-disciplinary firm offering built environment advisory services from design and construction to building control and facilities management. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Marina made the crucial decision to study in the UK – which opened the door to working on some key projects such as the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium.Marina talks to Henrietta Brealey about why her dedication to learning has been important along the way and how she has addressed the challenge of finding her voice as a business leader. She also discusses some of the exciting projects Acivico have worked on in the Birmingham city-region.Key topics:· Early life growing up in Athens· The Wembley Stadium project· Moving to Acivico· Public speaking and finding her voice· Succeeding in a male dominated industry· First impressions of Birmingham· Her passion for learningMore about Acivico: Website: https://acivicogroup.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acivicogroup/Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential. We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
March 2, 2025Episode 231 min
Iain McCallister | Boxing, Britpop and building a security powerhouse
MAN Commercial Protection founder and CEO Iain McCallister joins Henrietta Brealey for the second episode of season four. Iain is a former nightclub doorman who, alongside his father, founded the Solihull-based private security firm in 1993. He scaled it to become the largest privately-owned security business in the West Midlands, employing 1,600 people across the UK. Iain discusses providing security services to rock icons including Oasis, The Who and The Rolling Stones, as well as major boxing shows and Royal occasions.We also hear about Iain and MAN Commercial Protection's efforts to change outdated perceptions of the security industry - and how they are creating new opportunities for people through their training academy.Key topics:· Early career - from butcher to bouncer· Founding MAN Commercial· Discipline learned from boxing· High-profile clients· Security industry challenges and misconceptions· MAN Commercial's training academy· Growth plans and ambitionsMore about Iain: Website: https://mancommercialprotection.co.uk/about/about-man/welcome-from-our-ceo/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-mccallister-0486a110/Connect with us: Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com Connect with Henrietta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential. We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global. We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
February 2, 2025Episode 140 min
Janie Frampton | The football trailblazer making a global impact
Trailblazing former football referee Janie Frampton joins Henrietta Brealey for the first episode of season four.
Janie, who is the co-founder of TeamYou and president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce, reveals how her career was sparked by a love of football.
She was only the second woman to referee in a men's professional game and has since gone on to work with global sports governing bodies on leadership and development programmes.
A staunch advocate for women's equality, Jane opens up about some of the obstacles she has faced in her career and how she found the resilience to rise through the football ranks.
She also talks about how Greater Birmingham businesses can seize opportunities in sport.
Key topics:
· Falling in love with football
· Breaking down barriers as a referee
· Encounters with famous football personalities
· Transition to business leadership
· International work and projects
· Opportunities in the business of sport
· Priorities as Global Chamber president
More about Janie:
Website: https://teamyou.net/about-us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-frampton-obe/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
December 1, 2024Episode 1249 min
Fran Nolan and André Picart | Building an agency with a best-in-class culture
In the final episode of season three, Henrietta Brealey is joined by the co-founders of Tribera - the award-winning creative content agency.
Fran Nolan and André Picart run the Birmingham city centre-based agency which has racked up a host of accolades including being named in the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Work' list.
Fran and André join Henrietta to discuss their career-defining moments, how they complement each other as co-founders and the importance of work-life balance - including Tribera's shift to a 32-hour work week.
Fran and André also share insights on the impact of AI in marketing, what makes a great business leader and the importance of intuition in decision-making.
Key topics:
· Defining career moments
· Starting Tribera - the early days
· The importance of team and culture
· Working together as co-founders
· The role of a performance coach
· Implementing a four-day working week
· Redefining the working week - from four days to
32 hours
· Personal experiences with flexible work schedules
· Impact on recruitment and retention
· Embracing AI in the workplace
· The evolution of marketing and social media
More about Tribera:
Website: https://www.tribera.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribera
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetribera
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
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