Find partners
The Pacecast

The Pacecast

Hosted by pacecomms

BusinessInterviews guests

Episodes

61

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN

About the show

This isn't a podcast... it's the Pacecast! Each month Anita Pace will be joined by special guests to give you an honest account of the trials and triumphs of business life and how creative comms can play a key role.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
May 21, 202646 min

Debra Gray CBE on Education, Inclusion & Championing Hull | The Pacecast

“Until every single learner and every single community is served the way they need to be served, it won’t be right.”In this episode of The Pacecast, Anita Pace is joined by Debra Gray CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College.Debra shares her remarkable journey from growing up in poverty in Sheffield to becoming one of the UK’s most respected leaders in further education. She opens up about her difficult childhood, the teachers who changed the direction of her life and how education became both her purpose and passion.From being the first in her family to sit exams and attend university, to leading colleges across the Humber region and receiving both an MBE and CBE for services to education, Debra reflects on the resilience, determination and values that shaped her leadership style.This is an honest and inspiring conversation about social mobility, leadership, inclusion, ambition and the life-changing power of education.Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share for more inspiring conversations with leaders making an impact.#podcast #education #leadership #hullcollege #socialmobility #business #hull #yorkshire #pacecast #inspiration

April 23, 20261 hr 14 min

Agency Growth & Leadership: Stephen Kenwright on Building Rise at Seven | The Pacecast

"If the opportunity doesn’t exist, why not create it yourself?"In this episode of The Pacecast, Anita Pace is joined by Stephen Kenwright, marketing leader, agency founder and former co-owner of Rise at Seven.Stephen shares his journey from growing up in a working-class mining village to leading one of the UK’s fastest-growing marketing agencies. He reflects on early career struggles, the moment he realised traditional paths weren’t for him and how bold decisions shaped his success.From landing major clients within weeks, scaling to over 100 employees in just a few years and navigating burnout and exit decisions, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build and sell a successful agency.This is an insightful and unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience and knowing when to step away.

March 12, 2026Episode 3353 min

Changing Lives Through Opportunity: Rose James, CEO of HEY Children’s University | The Pacecast

Sometimes all it takes is one experience to change a child’s future."In this episode of The Pacecast, Anita Pace is joined by Rose James, Chief Executive of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, for an inspiring conversation about confidence, career change and the power of opportunity.Rose shares her journey from primary school teacher to leading one of the region’s most impactful charities, helping thousands of children each year discover new experiences, raise their aspirations and believe in their potential. She reflects on the bold decisions that shaped her career, the realities of leading a charity in challenging economic times and the powerful stories that remind her why the work matters.This episode is an honest and uplifting conversation about leadership, resilience and creating opportunities for the next generation.00:02 Introducing Rose James – CEO of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University01:06 The newspaper article that started it all (645 applicants for one job)03:55 Overcoming shyness and gaining confidence05:15 Studying psychology at the University of Hull07:00 Teacher training and early career09:23 What Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University does11:32 The history of Children’s University12:32 Joining the charity in an admin role12:56 Moving into fundraising15:23 The “mile of money” fundraising idea17:40 Hull City of Culture themed ball20:05 Becoming CEO24:15 Saffron’s story - how a trip to London changed her life27:52 Advice for someone starting a charity29:09 Working with the business community30:08 Advice to her younger self33:25 Best advice she’s ever received🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share for more inspiring conversations with leaders making a difference.#business #podcast #businessgrowth #leadership #pacecast #charity #hull #university #marketing #marketingstrategy

January 22, 202659 min

Leadership, Growth and Legacy with Sean Royce, Former CEO of Quickline | The Pacecast

"Leadership isn't about title, it's about the impact you leave behind."In this episode of The Pacecast, Anita Pace is joined by Sean Royce, former Chief Executive of Quickline, for a reflective and insightful conversation on leadership, career highs and knowing when it's time to step aside. Sean looks back on a successful career in telecoms and infrastructure, sharing the moments that shaped his leadership style, the challenges of leading through growth and change and the lessons learned along the way. This is a thoughtful episode on leadership, identity, and career evolution offering an inspiring listen for anyone navigating senior leadership or thinking about their next chapter.#Leadership #Legacy #BusinessGrowth #Pacecast #Telecoms #Business

December 22, 202537 min

Festive Special: A Year-End Pacecast with Anita & Adam Foy 🎄

In this festive year-end episode of The Pacecast, Anita Pace is joined by Adam Foy, Chief Executive of Groupe Atlantic UK, for an open and engaging conversation on leadership, career growth and navigating change.Together, they explore what success really means over time, the value of patience and the realities of leading through change - making this a thoughtful and fitting close to the Pacecast year.#Podcast #Pacecast #creativeagency #podcastclips #marketingdigital #business #businesspodcast

November 21, 202558 min

The Life and Legacy of Playwright John Godber | The Pacecast

"People think success happens overnight, but mine was built on graft, grief, and a bit of luck."In this episode of The Pacecast, legendary playwright John Godber shares the extraordinary story behind one of Britain’s most performed writers. From failing the 11+ to unexpected tragedy, breakthroughs in drama, and winning an Olivier Award, John’s life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and reinvention.

October 16, 20251 hr 3 min

Rebirth, Recovery and Purpose with James Halls, Founder and Leader of OSHI | Pacecast

"Lived experience is a buzzword at the moment, but I call it lived expertise"In this episode of The Pacecast, James Halls, founder of the Open Source Healing Initiative (OSHI), shares how losing it all led to his greatest transformation. From addiction and sepsis to building a movement of hope and healing, this is a story of resilience, purpose and rebirth.

August 28, 202558 min

From Apprentice to Global CEO: Dave Keel’s Journey with Trident & C4DI | Pacecast

"It’s the only contract of employment I’ve ever signed - and I’ve never signed one since."This month on the Pacecast, Anita sits down with Hull-born entrepreneur Dave Keel - founder of global packaging company Trident and co-founder of C4DI. From a £4.18-a-week apprenticeship to leading a 1,000-strong international business, Dave shares the remarkable story of how Hull became a centre for print and tech innovation. With trademark humour and honesty, he talks about scaling a business, backing yourself, and why he never signed another employment contract after 1967.

July 18, 20251 hr 0 min

Leading the NHS Through Crisis & Change | Anja Hazebroek, Humber & North Yorkshire ICB | Pacecast

"They’d been told all their lives they weren’t good enough - but they proved otherwise." In this episode of The Pacecast, Anja Hazebroek — Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Media Relations at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB — shares the powerful campaigns and career moments that have shaped her journey.🎙 From opening up pathways into health careers for people without traditional qualifications, to addressing regional inequality and tackling public health challenges, Anja speaks candidly about the impact of communications, leadership, and compassion in the NHS.

May 29, 202551 min

Inside the Wilkin Chapman Rollits Merger with CEO Robin Simmons | Pacecast

In this Pacecast episode, Anita sits down with Robin Simmons, CEO of Wilkin Chapman Rollits, to talk about his journey from global law firms to leading the newly merged regional powerhouse.Robin shares what it’s like managing the biggest law firm in the region, the story behind the Wilkin Chapman and Rollits merger, and how his experiences, from sport and global travel to navigating armed convoys in Lagos, shaped the leader he is today.

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts