Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast

Hosted by Clara Melia

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May 2026

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About the show

Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast, is hosted by Equitory founder and CEO, Clara Melia. The purpose of Enquire is to bring together Investor Relations and Capital Markets professionals to share their experiences, best practice and offer listeners insights and ideas in the dynamic world of Investor Relations. Clara and occasional guest hosts from the Equitory team have the pleasure of having fascinating and informative conversations with some of the most experienced and well-respected people in the world of Investor Relations.

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May 19, 202636 min

Episode 61: Sarah Webster - How Sustainability Becomes Part of the Investment Case

In this episode of Enquire, Sarah Webster shares her perspective on the evolving role of investor relations at the intersection of strategy, sustainability and financial reporting. Drawing on experience across IR leadership and sustainability roles, Sarah explores how companies can better communicate long-term value while meeting short-term market expectations. The conversation covers ESG integration, board engagement, AI-driven disclosure and the importance of linking non-financial data to financial outcomes. A practical and insightful discussion for IR professionals navigating an increasingly complex reporting landscape.In this Episode:How investor relations connects strategy, finance and storytelling Why quarterly reporting can limit long-term communication How sustainability has evolved within investor dialogue Ways to link non-financial metrics to financial valuation How IR can influence board-level decision-making Why credibility depends on clarity and honesty How AI is changing how disclosures are consumed The importance of data quality in reporting How to build a long-term investment case What defines the next generation of IR leaders Quotes:“IR professionals need the courage to hold up a mirror to the business.”“Sustainability conversations need to move beyond values and connect to commercial reality.”“Boards need clarity on both financial and non-financial risks and how they connect.”“IR now sits at the intersection of strategy, communication and market intelligence.”Resources:Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

April 21, 2026Episode 6036 min

Episode 60: James Ashton - Advocating for the UK’s Growth Economy

In this episode of Enquire, James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), joins Clara Melia to discuss the health and future of the UK’s growth company ecosystem. Drawing on his background as a leading financial journalist, James provides a candid look at the challenges facing small and mid-cap boards, from the rising costs of audit and compliance to the pressures of valuation and liquidity.The conversation explores the findings of the 2026 QCA City Debate, the evolution of the QCA Corporate Governance Code, and the critical importance of better (not just more) investor engagement. James also shares his vision for London as the "capital of growth capital" and explains why a level playing field between public and private company reporting is essential for long-term market success.In this episode:How to apply journalistic storytelling to corporate communications.What differentiates "better" engagement from "more" engagement.How to balance the cost and complexity of a public listing against its benefits.Ways to effectively engage with a retail investor base.How to apply the QCA Corporate Governance Code flexibly rather than as a tick-box exercise.The role of pension reform and capital flows in supporting UK growth companies.How to manage relationships with proxy advisors during transition years.What defines a successful hybrid or digital AGM strategy.The traits that differentiate high-performing CEOs and board leaders.Quotes:"The best leaders have the purpose, authenticity, and delivery... they lead people where they've never been before, which is the future." "The absolute takeaway... it probably isn't more [engagement], it is better." "We're the second biggest asset management centre in the world, and our assets are not backing our great prospects. We need to... unite those two sides together." Resources: Connect with James Ashton on LinkedIn

March 31, 202645 min

Episode 59: Bojana Flint - Global IR: Strategy, Culture and Communication in a Changing Market

In this episode of Enquire, Bojana Flint shares her experience working across different sectors and regions, offering a global perspective on modern investor relations. From navigating a US Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) listing and engaging retail investors to adapting to different investor cultures, Bojana explains how IR operates across borders and sectors. The conversation explores AI, data infrastructure, capital markets events and the evolving strategic role of IR. A practical and insightful discussion for anyone working in investor relations in a fast-moving global market.In this episode:How IR skills transfer across countries and sectorsLessons from a US SPAC listing and cross-border communicationHow to engage retail investors effectivelyWhat defines Nordic investor cultureWhat makes a successful Capital Markets DayHow AI is transforming IR workflowsHow to measure success beyond KPIsWhy adaptability is key to a successful IR careerQuotes:“IR transcends borders and sectors. The fundamentals are the same, but the context changes.” “AI can process information faster, but it cannot replace judgement and context.” “IR has become far more strategic. It sits at the intersection of strategy, communication and market intelligence.”Resources: Connect with Bojana on LinkedIn

March 4, 202631 min

Episode 58: Dami Tanimowo - IR Under Pressure: Building Trust When Markets Wobble

In this episode of Enquire, Dami Tanimowo, Head of Investor Relations at Robert Walters, shares a candid perspective on building and leading an IR function under pressure. From establishing IR from scratch to navigating activist interest and AI-driven valuation concerns, Dami explains how clarity, consistency and strategic alignment build trust when markets are unsettled. The conversation explores investor psychology, disclosure strategy, board engagement and how IR success is measured when sentiment shifts. A practical and thoughtful guide for IR professionals operating in today’s complex market environment.In This EpisodeHow to transition into investor relations from finance and strategyWhat it takes to build an IR function from scratchWhy human psychology plays a central role in market behaviourHow IR adds the most value during moments of stressHow to adapt IR strategy across very different sectorsWhat AI means for sentiment and disclosure in recruitmentHow to think about analyst coverage in a constrained environmentWays to gather and interpret investor feedback effectivelyHow to engage boards with clear, relevant IR insightsWhy clarity and consistency matter more than ever in IRQuotes“A strong IR function comes into its own in moments of stress.” “Challenge yourself to explain why the company exists in as few words as possible.” “We are still in the foothills of understanding how AI will reshape the labour market.” “IR credibility comes from connecting market signals to strategic decisions.” ResourcesConnect with Dami on LinkedIn

February 11, 202636 min

Episode 57: Peter Russell - What Really Matters in Investor Storytelling? Lessons from Peter Russell

In this episode of Enquire, we're joined by Peter Russell, an experienced FTSE 100 IRO at Rentokil Initial and Avast. Peter shares what he's learned throughout his career in IR, and why the role is far more human than people expect. We hear about his experience managing some of IR's toughest challenges, such as dealing with activist investors, maintaining investor confidence through leadership changes and communicating effectively during periods of share price pressure. Peter explains why staying calm matters more than shouting louder, and how IR becomes a steady point of connection when businesses need it the most. You'll also hear Peter's thoughts on measuring success in IR, including why you need hard metrics and soft sentiment, and practical advice on everything from getting feedback from investors to presenting to the board effectively. In This EpisodeWhy Peter describes IR as "psychology with a calculator" The human side of investor relations that often gets overlooked How IR can maintain continuity and credibility during leadership transitions Understanding what information investors actually find useful versus treating everything as key Measuring success in IR: balancing quantitative metrics with qualitative sentiment Why the numbers tell you how much you're doing but sentiment tells you how well you are doing itBoard communication and the power of one-pagers The role of AI in IR and why it remains a human business Career advice for anyone moving into investor relations Quotes:"IR is far more human than people expect. One banker put it to me that it’s psychology with a calculator. Markets don’t move on mass; they move on belief. It’s your job as IR to keep that belief grounded, but alive enough to keep people interested.” "If you spend enough time inside the business with people who make it work, you can learn to tell the story, whatever the sector. I made a point of going out and talking to anyone who could explain why the company created value. Then you start to see the rhythms of the business.” "AI will probably give us some more capacity by taking on a lot of the heavy lifting and processing analytics. But it’s still way off from matching the judgement and nuance that comes from real conversations.” ResourcesConnect with Peter on LinkedIn

January 21, 202643 min

Episode 56: Andrew Foster - The Future of Corporate Broking; And Why IR Must Lead the Story

In this episode of Enquire, Clara is joined by Andrew Foster, Chairman of Corporate Broking at Morgan Stanley, to unpack how the UK’s uniquely British corporate broking model has evolved, and what that evolution means for boards, IR teams and listed companies today. Drawing on a career that spans regulation, investment banking and decades advising FTSE 100 companies, Andrew offers a clear-eyed view of what corporate brokers can and crucially cannot do in modern equity markets.What you'll learn in this episode:How corporate broking has changed since the “Big Bang” and MiFIDWhy sales force size and research coverage matter less than they used toWhat brokers can realistically deliver and what they can’tWhy IR teams must own the equity storyHow to think about investor targeting and time allocationWhen and how to engage with hedge funds and short sellersHow activism and takeover risk really developWhat makes an effective broker and advisory line-upWhy IR must sit at the centre of strategyHow to align shareholders with long-term corporate objectivesQuotes:“The question companies should ask is not what their broker promises, but what they can actually control.” “IR should be absolutely front and centre in the strategic direction of the business.” “You want critical friends, not people who just tell you what you want to hear.” “Every interaction with the market should reinforce the long-term story.” Resources:Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

January 7, 202643 min

Episode 55: Ross Hawley - Building Credibility When It Matters: Crisis, CMDs and the Craft of IR

In this episode of Enquire, Ross Hawley reflects on a 34-year career spanning banking, hedge funds, sustainability and senior IR roles across multiple FTSE companies. Now leading IR at Zigup plc, Ross discusses how credibility is built through judgment, clarity and a deep understanding of the business. He shares practical insights on crisis communication, capital markets days, narrative development, and why the IRO must balance facilitation with authoritative communication. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping investor behaviour, what companies must do to make disclosures machine-readable, and why authenticity and long-term thinking remain central to effective IR.What you'll learn in this episode:How a diverse career across banking, hedge funds and sustainability shaped Ross’s approach to IRWhat the “dual role” of the IRO really means in practiceWhy authenticity and structure define successful capital markets eventsHow to communicate effectively in times of crisisWhat it takes to explain a complex business model clearly and consistentlyPractical tools for simplifying disclosure and enhancing accessibilityHow the buy side is adopting AI and what that means for corporate communicationWhy companies should avoid drafting with AI but embrace it for thinking and workflowLessons from Zigup’s IR programme, rebrand and website transformationAdvice for aspiring IR professionals and those moving from the sell sideQuotes:“When your CEO or CFO is in the room, you’re the quiet facilitator. When they leave, you are the representative of the company.” “Answer the phone. How you sound really matters.” “AI will help you think, but it shouldn’t write your CEO statement.” Resources:Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

December 10, 202529 min

Episode 54: Rae Maile - Beyond the Numbers: Rae on Investor Psychology, Regulation and Effective IR

In this episode of Enquire, Rae shares insights from 36 years as an analyst covering both financial and tobacco stocks. He discusses how regulation, ESG pressures and shifting investor psychology have reshaped the market, and why clarity of messaging remains critical for listed companies. Rae explains what fund managers truly value, how AI is changing research, and why the UK market needs a re-rating to stay competitive. From pre-IPO preparation to effective results-day communication, this conversation offers practical guidance for IR teams and candid reflections on the future of equity research.In this Episode:How years in fund management and broking shaped Rae’s perspective on marketsThe real impact of MiFID II and why UK equities continue to lag • What needs to happen for the UK market to achieve a meaningful re-ratingWhy tobacco remains a compelling investment case despite ESG pressuresHow investor psychology drives valuations more than quarterly numbersThe three financial metrics analysts focus on first every timeWhat makes IR communication stand out on results dayThe limits of AI-generated research and where human judgement still winsCommon pre-IPO pitfalls and how to prepare a story investors will buyWhy site visits and candid conversations still matter in a digital worldQuotes:"AI can summarise numbers, but it can’t have a view. It can’t take a CEO to lunch."“Clarity, consistency and communication. That’s what supports a higher multiple.”Resources:Connect with Rae on LinkedIn

December 5, 2025Episode 5340 min

Episode 53: FCA and Daniel Holmes - How the FCA balances innovation, speed, and investor protection

UK capital markets are undergoing their biggest regulatory transformation in a decade, and the FCA joins Clara Melia to break down exactly what’s changing, why, and what it means for issuers, sponsors, and IR teams.Sarah Hone, Daniel Holmes, and James Hunt explain the FCA’s shift toward a more disclosure-based regime designed to improve competitiveness, speed up transactions, and maintain high standards of market integrity. They discuss the new single commercial company listing category, the removal of certain shareholder approval requirements, aggregated short selling disclosures, and the sweeping prospectus reforms arriving in January 2026.The conversation also tackles day-to-day disclosure challenges, from leaks to late results to complex M&A situations, as well as the regulator’s increasing focus on ESG, greenwashing, and technological change; including the safe use of AI in reporting and capital markets activity.Packed with practical guidance, real-world examples, and forward-looking insight, this episode is essential listening for anyone shaping or operating within the UK’s listed company ecosystem.In This Episode:How the FCA monitors live market disclosures and coordinates across UK regulatorsThe four pillars of the 2025–2030 FCA strategy: support growth, fight crime, help consumers, be a smarter regulatorNew short selling transparency rules and their impactCommon disclosure pitfalls and how IR teams can avoid themThe new listing regime: simplification, flexibility, and investor-focused disclosurePS25/9: What changes for issuers in the 2026 prospectus regimeMAR hot spots: leaks, M&A, guidance misses, CEO transitionsESG disclosures, sustainability labels and greenwashing risksAI in capital markets: benefits, risks and FCA expectationsThree practical checks every issuer should prioritise nowQuotes:“Disclosure is the foundation of investor trust, and the new regime puts even greater responsibility on issuers to get it right.”“Inside information must be announced as soon as possible. You cannot offset bad news with hoped-for future good news.”“AI brings huge potential but uploading inside information into open systems is almost certainly an unlawful disclosure.”Resources:Connect with Sarah on LinkedInConnect with Daniel on LinkedInConnect with James on LinkedInFCA changes to the UK Short Selling Regime: consultation materials

November 24, 2025Episode 5237 min

Episode 52: Oskar Yasar - Compensation, Trends and How to Stand Out in Investor Relations

In this Enquire episode, Clara sits down with Oskar Yasar, Managing Partner at Broome Yasar Partnership and author of The Global IR Revolution. With three decades in capital markets and more than 580 senior IR and corporate affairs appointments, Oskar is an influential voice in investor relations talent and leadership.Oskar shares how IR has transformed from a back-office function into a strategic, board-level career path and why today’s IROs are increasingly moving into financial planning and analysis, strategy, corporate affairs, and CFO and CEO roles. He discusses the perfect storm of talent shifts, why boards now treat IR as mission critical, and how personal branding can make or break a candidate’s chances in a competitive landscape.From compensation trends and career pathways to interview techniques and the impact of AI on the profession, this conversation offers an inside look into what great IR really looks like and what ambitious professionals should do next.Whether you’re early in your IR journey, a senior director evaluating your next move, or a business leader shaping your company’s IR strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-facing perspective.In This Episode:Oskar’s career journey from financial communications to global IR headhunter, and how IR has evolved into a strategic, board-level disciplineWhat defines a top-tier IRO today, from rising expectations of leadership to a deeper, more competitive talent pool shaped by bankers, analysts and high-EQ communicatorsHow the IR function has transformed over the past decade amid activism, globalisation and greater CEO/board involvement in hiringCompensation trends post-COVID, including salary inflation, negotiation tips, and why companies often underestimate the cost of securing elite IR talentThe power of personal branding in senior IR roles and the common pitfalls Oskar uncovers through his interview “trap" Emerging career paths for IR professionals, including increasing movement into strategy, financial planning and analysis, corporate affairs, CFO and even CEO positionsPractical advice for candidates to stand out, from networking and professional development, to using headhunters as strategic partners in long-term career planningQuotes:“What makes great IR isn’t just company messaging. It’s personal brand, presence, and ambition.”“We are in the middle of a perfect storm: boards suddenly recognise the importance of IR just as a newer breed of ambitious, sophisticated candidates are entering the profession.“If you want to move into IR, you have to do the work: read the book, join the IR Association, go to events, meet people.”ResourcesConnect with Oskar on LinkedInThe Global Investors Relation Revolution by Oskar Yasar Broome Yasar Partnership Insights