Leading Stories

Hosted by David Porritt & Richard Human

Business Careers EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

A regular deep dive into the fascinating and compelling stories of leaders who are making a difference in their companies, communities, schools, organisations and families. Interviews with people working in real world settings facing the challenges and opportunities that we experience in the post pandemic world.

Listen to episodes

32 recent

March 10, 2026Episode 139 min

On helping children to enjoy writing: Phil Davis - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textPhilip Davis is a passionate educator and trainer who believes that everyone has the potential to be creative. He is the founder of Write Inspired an innovative methodology to get children to love writing. His Inset and classroom sessions inspire teachers and children to have a passion for writing by allowing them to find what they love to write about. find out what it's all about at writeinspired.co.ukHe has recently co-created a new resource for early years and KS 1 called The Whole Of Me. This is a comprehensive, simple to use toolkit of active stories, song and yoga inspired moves for Early Years, Yr 1 and 2. It is based around 8 themes and designed to create a magical world of language, well-being, focus and fun. It has been shortlisted for an award from Teach Primary well-being resource category. After training in his native Wales he moved to London. It was during this time that he developed his inspirational techniques to engage and motivate learners. In 2000 he wrote the acclaimed Beat it Cd which linked music to the content of learning - he has since produced Beat it 2 and Move it to enhance learning.He is the creator of Picture the Music, a methodology and software teaching resource that uses images and sound to ignite creativity. This is used in over 550 schools all over the UK and abroad. It has been featured on BBC Radio 4 with Michael Rosen and used in the Writing is Primary research project in Bury and the RAISE project in Wales.He also wrote Sounds Inspirational that uses Sound as a creative catalyst and Time to Multiply.He has spoken to a wide variety of audiences about his methods and beliefs - local authorities, headteachers, school staff and students. He has taken these ideas to Singapore, Hong Kong, Madrid and has recently visited the Hague. He has worked in the Barbican as part of the ‘Can I have a Word programme’ which aims to develop a love of literacy. He has worked with A New Direction,a key strategic body for connecting young Londoners with the city’s creative and cultural energy.His latest course is focussed on Enjoyment for Writing. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that fewer and fewer children are writing for pleasure. This affects confidence and the ability to express and discover feelings.His work as an honorary research associate at Kings College London is culminating in a paper about the importance of creativity in the curriculum particularly around writing. His talk about this in Rome at the press play conference 2019 went down a storm.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

February 10, 2026Episode 334 min

On being a business woman, teacher and mother: Lorraine Williams - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textLorraine Williams, based in Rochdale, is the founder and driving force behind Wild_WanderlustTravel, a travel company built on her deep love for adventure and authentic experiences. Known for her warm approach and eye for memorable journeys, Lorraine is dedicated to helping travellers discover the world with confidence and curiosity.Through Wild_WanderlustTravel, she curates unique itineraries, offers personalised guidance, and encourages others to step beyond the ordinary. Passionate about connecting people with cultures, landscapes, and unforgettable moments, Lorraine continues to inspire wanderlust in everyone she works with.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

January 13, 2026Episode 254 min

On helping women find success and happiness: Gabi Pach - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textGabi is passionate about enabling women leaders to find both success and happiness in their careers. She uses the S.H.A.P.E.™ model to help leaders get their confidence into shape by strengthening the five muscles of leadership identity: Your Story, Your Haven, Your Ambition, Your Purpose, and Your Ethics. Through this framework, Gabi supports leaders in shaping their path and showing the world their authentic selves.As a Mindset Architect, Gabi helps leaders detect their limiting patterns, create an empowering mindset, and bridge any gap between their success and happiness.Her specialities include mentoring women in leadership, leadership and team development, business coaching and supervision, and organisational learning facilitation. Gabi is also a Points Of You® Expert and Trainer, a Certified Clear Beliefs Coach, an HR expert, and a keynote speaker.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

February 20, 202544 min

On technology in education: Emma de Goederen, Matthew Clark, Rhiannon Phillips-Bianco - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textEmma de Goederen, Matthew Clark, Rhiannon Phillips-Bianco, Richard Human and David Porritt discuss their experiences of how technology is utilised in schools and colleges across Britain, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands. From primary and secondary schools to teacher training university, they share their insights. Emma is a lecturer and researcher at NHL Stenden, Rhiannon serves as head of wellbeing at Globeducate, David is the Principal at BBIS in Hungary, Richard is the newly appointed Head of AI at Globeducate and Matthew is Senior School Improvement Officer at Derby Diocesan Academy Trust. They explore the positive aspects, challenges and pitfalls, whilst highlighting the significance of young people's voices in the dialogue. The panel discusses how they believe adults must become better role models regarding technology use and emphasise the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful face-to-face engagement. All this features in the latest episode of 'Leading Stories' podcast.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

February 13, 202548 min

What did David and Richard learn from Season 3 of 'Leading Stories'Episode

Send a textDavid and Richard discuss the episodes that have made up Series 3 of 'Leading Stories'. In this episode they share their reflections and learning having spent time with more wonderful people.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

February 6, 202539 min

On the business of education: Jing Lai and Robert Zou - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textIn this week's episode of Leading Stories, we sit down with two remarkable individuals shaping international education and commerce. Hanjing (Jing) Lai is the Co-founder of Peng Ge Learning Center, an innovative institution bridging cultural and academic gaps for international students. Through her work, Jing creates supportive learning environments that honor students' cultural backgrounds while empowering them to excel in their studies and daily lives abroad. We also welcome Robert Zou, General Secretary of the Hungarian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, who plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties and fostering business relationships between Hungary and China. Join us for an engaging discussion on cross-cultural education and international trade relations.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

January 23, 2025Episode 721 min

On being a project leader and not a maintenance leader: Tony Sainsbury - 'Leading Stories' Part 2

Send a textTony Sainsbury OBE has dedicated his career to disabled sports since the mid-1970s, when he began coaching at the Manchester & District Disabled Sports Club. He served as Great Britain's Paralympic Team Chef de Mission from 1980 to 1996, managing the team through five Summer Games. He helped establish the British Paralympic Association in 1989 and went on to work with multiple Olympic and Paralympic organising committees, including Sydney 2000, Salt Lake 2002, and London 2012, where he served as Villages General Manager. In 2016, he returned to the Chef de Mission role for the Independent Paralympic Athletes Team, leading the first-ever refugee and asylum seeker athletes in Paralympic competition.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

January 16, 2025Episode 534 min

"If they can do that, what can I do?": Tony Sainsbury - 'Leading Stories' Part 1

January 9, 2025Episode 432 min

On being curious without memory and desire: Linda Wes - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textLinda specialises in coaching leaders who navigate complex organisational environments and manage diverse stakeholder relationships. She understands the unique challenges faced by executives who find themselves juggling with competing demands, often struggling to perform at their peak potential.Drawing on her diverse professional background spanning parenthood, family business, metallurgy, real estate, finance, and renewable energy, Linda brings a rich perspective to her coaching practice. Her academic credentials include an MBA with an Energy specialisation from BI Business School Oslo and an Executive Master in Change from INSEAD, Fontainebleau. Her expertise is further enhanced by dual EMCC-accredited coaching qualifications and INSEAD certifications in both individual and advanced group coaching.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.

December 19, 2024Episode 332 min

On life-long learning and the importance of higher education: Nina Arnhold - 'Leading Stories'

Send a textDr. Nina Arnhold, an expert in international higher education, currently spearheads higher education operations and analytics in South Asia, with particular emphasis on India at the World Bank. As Global Lead for Tertiary Education, Nina also has a coordinating role for the Bank's higher education work. Since joining the organisation in 2006, she has served in several key positions, including Human Development Sector Coordinator for Central Europe and the Baltic States. Her role as Program Leader for Higher Education has involved managing lending operations and Technical Assistance programs across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.Prior to her World Bank tenure, Nina brought her expertise to several prestigious institutions. As Senior Program Manager at the European University Association (EUA) in Brussels, she focused on Bologna reforms, quality assurance, and higher education financing. Her career also includes valuable experience with the German Center for Higher Education (CHE) and the Boston Consulting Group.Her academic credentials include a doctorate (DPhil) and a master's degree in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oxford, complemented by a master's degree from the Technical University of Berlin. Nina has contributed significantly to the field through her publications, authoring and co-authoring various books and reports on higher education and competitiveness.To learn more about David Porritt and Richard Human visit their LinkedIn pages.