We Are Power Podcast

The brilliant Juliet Sanders, CEO and Founder of Feeding Families, joins the We Are PoWEr Podcast to explore how purpose, persistence, and community can become a truly PoWErful force for change. From growing up as an adopted only child to discovering a family of siblings later in life, Juliet shares the deeply personal story behind her drive to build a charity that now supports thousands. She opens up about surviving domestic violence, founding Feeding Families, and the emotional journey of preparing to step down as CEO this December. “I might not be the CEO,” she says, “but I’ll always be the Founder.” Juliet talks about what it felt like to win the 2025 Person with Purpose award at the Northern PoWEr Women Awards - glamorous, connected, and inspired. With honesty and humour, she reflects on discovering her birth family, her love of mime, and why her greatest super PoWEr is persistence. Discover how one woman’s determination created a movement and how even the scariest transitions can lead to something beautiful. In this episode: Growing up adopted: “Like being the cocoon in the nest” Surviving domestic violence and finding her voice Starting Feeding Families from scratch Winning a Northern PoWEr Women Award and feeling seen The emotional journey of preparing for retirement Finding her siblings Life lessons from mime and moving on Why persistence is her super PoWEr TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of domestic violence in this episode  Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. [https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ] 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Kirsty Murphy MBE — trailblazing pilot, proud daughter, and people-first innovator. From growing up on an RAF squadron to becoming the first and only female Red Arrows pilot, Kirsty shares how she carved out her own path in a world where few women had gone before. She speaks openly about building a career that’s more like a climbing wall than a ladder — full of bold moves, challenges, and powerful pivots. From the RAF to Connected Places Catapult, Kirsty continues to break barriers, now leading innovation that puts people and purpose at the heart of technology. We also hear about receiving her MBE from King Charles, inspiring young girls at air shows, and why visibility matters more than ever. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Kirsty Murphy MBE 02:40 – Becoming a Fighter Pilot 05:32 – First Female Red Arrows Pilot 08:57 – Representation and Responsibility 11:12 – Life After the Air Force 17:40 – Innovation and Tech for Good 20:02 – Career Lessons and Royal Recognition 24:12 – Making Human-Centered Impact Through Tech Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. [https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ] 💫

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Gail Hall, Director of Operational Excellence, and Emma Griffin, Group Chief Security Officer at Royal London - two powerhouse leaders with stories that move from bars to boardrooms, and everything in between. We also explore Royal London’s commitment to empowering others, including their brilliant partnership with our Mentor of the Year category at the 2025 #NPWAwards. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Meet This Week's Guests: The Royal London Massive 01:49 Career Journeys: From Bars to Boardrooms 02:59 Understanding Roles at Royal London 08:33 Leadership and Diversity in the Workplace 14:26 Personal Stories and Career Advice 18:27 Empowering Women in Tech and Beyond 21:54 Fun Facts and Final Thoughts Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. [https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ] 💫

What does it mean to work at a company that encourages growth, mentorship, and innovation? This episode, we chat with Richard and Amy from Bank of America, our Co-Headline Partners for the NPWAwards, about exactly that. 🌟 Richard (25 years at Bank of America) shares why he’s changed roles every 20 months and how curiosity has shaped his career. 🌟 Amy (celebrating 10 years) reflects on why she never wanted to leave the North—and how finding Bank of America in Chester was a perfect fit. Plus, we talk about: 🔹 How mentorship has evolved to be more strategic and impactful. 🔹 Why job descriptions need a refresh to attract diverse talent. 🔹 How advocacy and inclusion are at the heart of Bank of America’s culture. Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. [https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ] 💫

The brilliant Lisa Allen and Jen Hardy from Shakespeare North join the We Are PoWEr Podcast to explore how theatre can be a poWErful force for healing, inclusion, and community. From growing up in youth theatre to building careers rooted in creativity and connection, Lisa and Jen share how early role models, big dreams, and bold networking led them to where they are today. They open up about the imposter syndrome they’ve faced, the magic of mentorship, and why a chatty café or a board game can be just as poWErful as a play. Discover how Shakespeare North is engaging with young people who’ve never set foot in a theatre and creating a safe, joyful space where confidence grows and voices are heard. Chapters: 0:00 Welcome to We Are Power Podcast 0:48 Introducing Shakespeare North Theatre 5:36 Career Paths in Theatre Arts 12:02 Theatre as Community Catalyst 19:16 Audience Diversity and Access 23:14 Inclusive Productions and Future Vision 28:18 Training as a Clown and Closing Thoughts Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. [https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ] 💫