We Are PoWEr Podcast

Hosted by powered by Simone Roche MBE and Northern PoWEr Women

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369

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Nov 2026

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About the show

The We Are PoWEr podcast spotlights voices and perspectives from our community driven by strong Northern PoWEr Women and advocates. With listeners in over 60 countries, this We Are PoWEr Podcast delivers PoWErful conversations that inspire, challenge, and empower... from personal life stories to business insights and leadership lessons. We share diverse experiences, bold discussions, and real solutions. Whether you're looking for career advice, topical themes, or stories of resilience and success - this is where voices spark change.

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60 recent

November 2, 202631 min

Finding Your Voice: Women in Tech, Courage and Breaking Barriers

What if confidence isn't the problem? In this episode of the #WeArePoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with entrepreneur and women’s voice advocate Beckie Taylor to explore what really sits behind confidence, self-belief and finding your voice. Beckie shares the unconventional career that took her from wanting to join the mounted police to building and selling Tech Returners, the barriers she experienced as a woman and a parent in the tech industry and how losing her hearing at seven shaped her understanding of inclusion. In this episode, you’ll hear about: ✨How Beckie navigated her hearing loss ✨ Why confidence is about more than simply believing in yourself ✨ The barriers that can hold women back from using their voices ✨ Beckie’s story from tech entrepreneur to championing women’s voices ✨ The role of vulnerability, community and support in building confidence ✨ Why taking action can matter more than waiting until you feel ready ✨ The story behind her Sound Barrier documentary and what it reveals about the barriers women face From career change and entrepreneurship to inclusion, self-belief and finding your voice, Beckie shares why sometimes the biggest barrier isn't a lack of confidence, it's everything around us. Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

October 5, 202630 min

The PoWEr of Saying Yes: Michelle Ackerley on Confidence, Career & Preparation

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with broadcaster and TV presenter Michelle Ackerley to talk about the unexpected route that took her from studying psychology in Manchester to building a 20-year career in the media industry. Michelle shares how her early career behind the camera shaped the presenter she became, the moment she said yes to her first opportunity on screen and why preparation has remained one of the biggest sources of her confidence. Michelle talks Blue Peter, Crimewatch and the BBC, as well as the lessons she has learned throughout her career. Michelle also opens up about using her platform to have more honest conversations around grief, health and fertility, and how becoming a mum has taught her to let go of some of the control she has always relied on. In this episode you’ll hear: ➡️ How Michelle’s background influenced her approach to storytelling and people ➡️ The unexpected route from production roles to presenting ➡️ Why saying yes before you feel ready can change the direction of your career ➡️ How preparation can build confidence while leaving space to adapt ➡️ The role of mentors, family and community in overcoming self-doubt ➡️ What live TV can teach us about embracing the unexpected ➡️ Why using your platform to share experiences can help others feel less alone ➡️ Michelle’s experience of endometriosis, fertility and new motherhood #WeArePoWEr #WeArePoWErPodcast #MichelleAckerley #Confidence Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

September 7, 202641 min

Inside Manchester’s 11 Million Pound Library Transformation

On this episode, we step inside The Portico Library in Manchester with Thom Keep and Carol Ann Whitehead to explore how a £11 million transformation is reimagining a 220-year-old institution for the future. From improving access and inclusion to finding new ways to tell stories from historic collections, Thom and Carol share how community, advocacy and creativity are helping shape a more welcoming cultural space. They discuss the role of leadership in driving change, the importance of co-creation, and why joy remains at the heart of building meaningful connections with audiences. You'll hear: • Thom's move from academic history into bringing archives and collections to life • The vision behind The Portico Reunited project and creating step-free access throughout the building • Using artists and community co-curation to explore difficult histories responsibly • Insights from public consultation and what people want from cultural spaces today • Creating an environment that welcomes families, students, researchers and first-time visitors • Programming that shines a light on women's stories and suffrage history • Why advocacy is an action and how leaders can create space for others • The role of joy, belonging and community in building lasting engagement • Book recommendations, from an extraordinary illustrated volume on Egypt to graphic novels celebrating powerful women Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

August 3, 202628 min

Inside a Police Investigation with DCI Cath Cummings

In this We Are PoWEr episode, we sit down with Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, resilience and purpose in one of the most demanding careers. With more than 23 years in policing, Cath shares her story from aspiring police officer to senior leader, reflecting on the values that have guided her throughout her career. Cath also offers insights into the realities of leading major investigations, including the nationally high-profile Ashley Dale murder case. She speaks about balancing the responsibility of delivering justice for victims and their families while managing the personal impact that such challenging work can bring. You'll hear: ➡️ What inspired Cath to pursue a career in policing ➡️ Why authenticity and honesty are at the heart of effective leadership ➡️ The realities of leading high-profile investigations under intense scrutiny ➡️ Managing pressure, resilience and personal wellbeing ➡️ The importance of mentoring and supporting future leaders ➡️ Why continuous learning has shaped her approach to leadership ➡️ The challenges and rewards of protecting vulnerable people ➡️ Advice for anyone considering a career in policing Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

July 6, 202635 min

Natasha Jonas MBE: Boxing, Motherhood and Community Impact

In this We Are PoWEr podcast episode, we sit down with Natasha Jonas MBE, world champion boxer, trailblazer and proud Liverpudlian, to explore the mindset behind success, resilience and creating lasting impact beyond sport. Natasha reflects on the highs and lows of an extraordinary career, from becoming one of the most influential figures in British boxing to receiving an MBE for her contributions to both the sport and her community. She shares how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on winning and losing, the importance of setting boundaries and why success means more when it can inspire the next generation. The conversation also explores Natasha’s deep connection to Liverpool, her passion for improving access to sport for young people and the progress still needed to ensure women’s sport receives the visibility, funding and recognition it deserves. Natasha offers powerful insights on dreaming big, embracing challenges and doing the work required to achieve your goals. You'll hear: ➡️ What receiving an MBE meant to Natasha and her family ➡️ How motherhood changed her approach to success and setbacks ➡️ The mindset needed to adapt, grow and keep moving forward ➡️ Why representation and access matter in sport ➡️ The progress and challenges facing women’s sport today ➡️ Advice for young people with big ambitions ➡️ The role Liverpool and community have played ➡️ What’s next for one of British boxing’s most influential figures Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

June 1, 202639 min

How A Royal Navy Educator Built A Life Of Service

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast Simone Roche MBE sits down with Ann Miller-McCaffrey to mark Armed Forces Day and trace almost four decades of Royal Navy life from the WRNS era to the reserves. We talk honestly about change, belonging and how sport, service and family shape the person you become. Ann reflects on the personal highs and challenges that come with military life, from navigating major cultural shifts within the Armed Forces to finding purpose through leadership, teamwork and community. Her story offers an honest insight into resilience, identity and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation both within and beyond military service. Main themes in the episode include: • marking Armed Forces Day and why reflection matters • joining the WRNS and how rules for women have shifted • building a career in Education Training Support across bases and services • using sport as a lifeline through tough periods • creating a formal women’s Royal Navy football team • living through the LGBTQ+ military ban and its lasting impact • running HMS Eaglet operations as facility manager • myth-busting what defence forces do for everyday life • cadets, education, and the values young people can learn • proposing at Liverpool Pride and building a family through adoption Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

May 4, 202632 min

Let's Be Blunt: Making Kitchens Safer and Communities Stronger

In this episode, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Leanne Lucas, Founder of Let's Be Blunt CIC for a powerful conversation about authenticity, purpose and turning lived experience into meaningful change. Leanne shares her journey from the classroom to founding Let’s Be Blunt CIC—a campaign with a simple but transformative idea: redesign everyday kitchen knives to help prevent lethal harm, without changing how we cook or live our daily lives. This is a conversation rooted in empathy, evidence, and action. From navigating people-pleasing and finding her voice, to building a movement grounded in care and prevention, Leanne shows how small, thoughtful changes can have life-saving impact. In this episode, we explore: • Growing up and finding your authentic voice • Leanne's story about teaching in the UK and China • Founding Let’s Be Blunt CIC and finding purpose through loss • The hidden risks around kitchen knives and what the data tells us • A simple design shift: removing the tip while keeping functionality • Community action • Practical steps: pledging, auditing your kitchen and safe storage • The power of collaboration and why cultural change is possible This episode is a reminder that change doesn’t always start big. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation and a simple idea that could save lives. Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

April 6, 202637 min

Pop With A Purpose: How Natasha Hamilton Built a Record Label That Cares

In this special episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE is joined by Natasha Hamilton, formerly of Atomic Kitten and now Founder and Mentor of Morpho Records. Natasha and Simone talk about how a muddy founders festival and a giant cube sparked a new kind of record label and why leading with duty of care can reshape pop. Natasha opens up about bias, mentorship and turning past experiences into a healthier model for artists. • Morpho Records’ purpose and artist-first model • Letting go of the corporate persona and being yourself • Early missteps, rebuilding and resilience • Navigating bias as a female founder • Lessons from Atomic Kitten’s highs and lows • Mental health, therapy and returning to music • Family, hustle and being the glue • First signing: Pop artist Kai Bosch Inflatables Company mentioned: MegaFlatables Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

March 30, 202625 min

Behind The LNER Uniform: Kindness, Culture And Inclusion On The Railway

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Carter Goodby BEM and Paula Bullock from London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to explore what the rail industry really looks and feels like when people are placed at the heart of the work. From “cake-box kindness” to inclusion networks and leadership in action, this conversation shares how small, everyday choices can shape both customer experience and workplace culture in powerful ways. Carter and Paula share real stories from the frontline to the boardroom—highlighting how authenticity, visibility, and the right support systems can create environments where both colleagues and customers thrive. In this episode, we cover: • What life is really like inside LNER • Empowering frontline teams • The role of employee networks and visible role models in driving inclusion • Leading with authenticity, visibility, and follow-through • Why systems and processes are key to helping people succeed • Carter’s British Empire Medal and the impact of recognising ED&I work • How everyday conversations can open unexpected opportunities If you’re interested in leadership, workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, or customer experience, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫

March 23, 202636 min

Breaking Barriers in Construction, Mentoring and Early Talent

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Simone Roche MBE sits down with Renee Preston, CEO at Gallaway Construction and Founder of Construction for Women, to talk about changing the landscape of the construction industry and creating more opportunities for women to thrive. Renee shares her personal journey into construction, the experiences that shaped her career, and the work she’s doing to open doors for the next generation through mentoring and early talent programmes. Together, Simone and Renee explore the barriers that still exist in the sector, the importance of representation on building sites and how confidence challenges like impostor syndrome can impact careers even for the most capable professionals. In this episode, you’ll hear: ➡️ Renee’s pathway into the construction industry ➡️ Changing the landscape of a traditional building site ➡️ Barriers women can face in construction careers ➡️ Mentoring and supporting the next generation ➡️ Navigating impostor syndrome in the workplace ➡️ The mission behind Construction for Women #WeArePoWEr #WomenInConstruction #WomenInLeadership Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫