People and Pioneers - The Podcast

Hosted by Geraldine "G" Butler-Wright

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Dec 2025

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About the show

On this podcast, you'll hear from incredible guests who have built double unicorns, are world-class scientists, innovators, angel investors, VCs, performance mindset gurus, CEOs and founders taking their companies global. These guests don't hold back. Listen in to learn what they really think about talent, culture, and why getting the people piece right is make-or-break for success. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving for growth, this podcast is for you. Get ready to soak up game-changing strategies as we get real about people-powered success.

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38 recent

December 10, 2025Episode 1857 min

Jeremie Brecheisen - Managing Partner, EMEA - Gallup

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeremie Brecheisen from Gallup, who has spent over 15 years helping leaders understand what truly drives high performance.We talked about strengths, leadership and why some cultures thrive while others stall. We also explored why so few CHROs move into CEO roles, how HR can get closer to the customer and where AI genuinely adds value rather than becoming a trend we feel obliged to follow.A few threads that stayed with me: • The commercial advantage of leaning into strengths • The common mistakes leaders make around performance • How HR can shift its identity from cost to value • Where data and AI actually move the needle • What aspiring CHROs should focus on nextIf you’re interested in the future of HR, AI, leadership or culture, this one is for you.

October 27, 2025Episode 1733 min

Cecily Motley - Future of Work Founder & Co-Founder of Harriet

Ever tried to roll out AI in HR and hit the wall of “we’re too busy for that”?In this week’s People & Pioneers - The Podcast, I spoke with Cecily Motley, co-founder of Harriet, about why AI isn’t here to replace HR, it’s here to free it.Cecily’s path has been anything but predictable. From the art world to building a global fashion business, to now leading an AI platform reshaping how teams work. What I loved most was her honesty about the experience: the wins, the missteps, and the emotional flak jacket she’s had to wear building from zero.We talked about:🎙 How Harriet HQ uses AI to remove admin and free up strategic capacity🎙 Reframing AI fear into augmentation🎙 Building emotional resilience as a founder (“the emotional flak jacket”)🎙 Real-world examples of AI in action🎙 Cecily’s personal AI stack and where HR should startHer line that stuck with me: “We’re not taking work off your desk. We’re taking the boring stuff off your desk.”It’s a great reminder that the future of HR isn’t less human, it’s more focused. And the leaders who get that balance right will build the leanest, most valuable teams of all.

September 29, 2025Episode 1632 min

Tamir Aldad, MD, MBA - CEO of Mindful Care

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tamir Aldad, an addiction psychiatrist turned founder of Mindful Care, which offers same and next-day in-person or online therapy and mental health care.We talk about his journey from academia into entrepreneurship, the patients whose lives were changed by timely intervention, and why suicide prevention and awareness of warning signs matter more than ever.Tamir shares the lessons he’s learned along the way - from finding mentors who push you with constructive criticism, to making the tough leadership calls when a team member isn’t the right fit.And, of course, we look ahead: the role AI might play in mental health, why it can never replace human therapists, and Tamir’s vision for making mental health resources more accessible to all.It’s a conversation about courage, timing, and the real impact of building something people truly need.-------------------For helpline/resources in the US:Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Support): Call 1-866-488-7386Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.orgMindful Care: https://www.mindful.care/In the UK:UK: Samaritans 24/7 helpline – free to call (Tel: 116123) or visit Samaritans.orgUK: Shout – visit giveusashout.org or text 85258 for 24/7 supportIf you or anyone you know is at risk of harm, please seek professional help immediately. In urgent situations, contact emergency services.

September 8, 2025Episode 141 hr 5 min

James Killick - Founder & AI Product Specialist

A whopping 80% of AI initiatives failed last year.Not because of the tech. It’s because of how businesses approached it.In this week’s People & Pioneers, I sit down with James Killick to uncover why so many AI projects stall, and what separates the success stories.We cover:Why mindset matters often more than the model.The hidden traps that derail AI adoption.How automation can unlock, rather than replace, human creativity.What the future of work looks like in an AI-first world.And, most importantly, James shares live demos from leading AI products showing what’s working in practice today.

September 2, 2025Episode 1348 min

Charlotte Ransom - Founder & CEO of Netwealth

In the latest episode of People & Pioneers, I sit down with Charlotte Ransom, former Goldman Sachs Partner and now Founder & CEO of Netwealth, the UK wealth manager that combines industry experts with advanced planning technology. We discuss her journey from the City to entrepreneurship, how transparent fees and a client‑first mindset are reshaping wealth management, and what it really takes to balance leadership with family life. Charlotte also shares practical advice for anyone considering the leap into entrepreneurship and reveals what’s next for Netwealth.

August 20, 2025Episode 1330 min

Ariel Eckstein, Founder - Three Peaks Coaching & Consulting

What can you learn from someone who scaled LinkedIn’s EMEA business from 1 office to 9, 20 people to 1,000, and revenue from millions to nearly a billion?On this week’s People & Pioneers podcast, Ariel Eckstein shares his career journey:From consulting → driving market entry at AOL Europe & Asia → scaling LinkedIn EMEA as MD → leading Global Clients as VP → now coaching, teaching MBA at Colgate Darden, and investing in future leaders.We dive into: Lessons from blitzscaling and smart market entryWhy there are “no shortcuts in hiring” when building high-performance teamsThe underestimated power of listening skills in leadershipHow to prepare for an AI-driven futureWhy investing in relationships and networks pays off most in the long runThank you, Ariel. I came away reminded that leadership isn’t only about scaling numbers, it’s about scaling trust, listening, and clarity of purpose.

August 12, 2025Episode 428 min

From Corporate to Public Service: Chief Executive, Mike Astell, Leadership, Disruption, and Growth

You think you know someone, and then you see them in a completely different context.That was the case when I sat down with my friend, Mike Astell, CEO of FCDO Services.In this latest episode of People & Pioneers, Mike and I did a deep dive into his move from corporate to public service, and the mindset shifts that came with it.What stood out for me:How to lean into your team’s cultural insightDisrupting without losing hearts and mindsThe power of delegation in driving accelerationThe lasting impact of mentorship, and how it compounds growth over timeThanks, as always, for the great conversation and insights, Mike.

July 15, 2025Episode 1158 min

From A-ha moments to AI & Innovation: The Sennos Story. Insights from Jared Resnick, CEO & Founder, and John Considine, Chief Technology Officer

Some people lift your spirits the moment you meet them and make you want to up your game. That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Jared and John from Sennos for the latest People & Pioneers podcast.For an hour it was pure brain food. We explored:“A-ha” moments that transform innovation into real-world disruptionHow to get comfortable with the “squishy” world of entrepreneurshipThe deep mutual respect that powers their partnershipA grounded, data-driven approach to AI-enabled products, and how data scales opportunityESG as the bedrock of businessWhy bold action beats over-planning and fast decisions beat perfect onesThe simple truth that great leadership is always the sum of its partsIf you need a shot of inspiration, a reminder to have fun, and perhaps permission to “just go for it,” give this episode a listen.

June 17, 2025Episode 1039 min

Inside the VC Mind: Building, Backing, and Betting on AI: Insights from Elliot Schouten

If you're a founder who wants to understand what VCs are really looking for in AI startups, tune into the latest episode of People & Pioneers – The Podcast: Inside the VC Mind: Building, Backing, and Betting on AI.I sat down with Curiosity VC's Elliot Schouten to explore what separates standout founders in today’s crowded, fast-moving market - from product to people, ethics to pitching, and building lasting relationships with VCs.Plenty of sharp insight, thought-provoking perspectives, and incredibly useful takeaways for anyone building in 2025.

June 9, 2025Episode 935 min

Founders, Teams, and Lessons in Purposeful Growth: Insights from Eleanor Ford, Chief People Officer at Zinc VC

If you're a founder navigating the highs, lows, and everything in between, this episode of People & Pioneers is for you.I sat down with Eleanor Ford, Chief People Officer at Zinc VC, to unpack what makes exceptional founders tick: from choosing the right co-founders and building strong teams, to navigating uncertainty and turning pain into growth.Plenty of insight on building with purpose, backing talent with ambition, and why diversity is non-negotiable in 2025.