Empower Podcast

The power of kindness with Bronac McNeill

In this episode, Kate and Louise sit down with Bronac McNeill, photographer, filmmaker and Chair of Bloom, to explore a career shaped by creativity, resilience and a deep commitment to lifting others up. From growing up in West Belfast during the Troubles to carving out a non-linear career across photography, production and advertising, Bronac shares how she found her path, and the moments that pushed her to step outside of convention and into creativity. At the heart of the conversation is Bronac’s belief in the power of kindness. Whether behind the camera or leading a community, she reflects on how empathy, trust and human connection can transform not only the way we work, but how people see themselves. Kate and Louise also explore Bronac’s role as a founding member and Chair of Bloom, and how the organisation has created a supportive, empowering network for women across advertising and communications- from mentorship and community to driving real industry change. From award-winning work that uses storytelling to change behaviour, to the small moments that shape confidence and identity, this episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always linear... and that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

No More Menemies and Modern Masculinity with Lori Meakin

How do we reframe the gender divide without it becoming a gender battle? In this episode, Kate and Louise sit down with Lori Meakin, Planning Partner at adam&eveDDB, author of No More Menemies, and a leading voice in the conversation around gender equality and modern masculinity. Lori shares her deeply personal story of surviving sexual assault, and how that experience, alongside wider societal events, became a catalyst for her work challenging the systems and narratives that shape gender today. With honesty and clarity, she explores why progress on gender equality can feel like it’s moving backwards, and why understanding the full picture is more urgent than ever. Together, we unpack the growing gender divide, the rise of harmful narratives around masculinity, and the critical need to reframe the conversation-not as a battle between men and women, but as an opportunity to create a better, more equal world for everyone. Drawing on research, lived experience and her work with businesses and leaders, Lori introduces the concept of positive masculinity and redefines what effective leadership can look like - one rooted in empathy, collaboration and emotional intelligence. This episode is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t require doing everything, but starts with each of us choosing where we can make a difference.   Content note: This episode includes discussion of rape and sexual assault which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening. Support resources are listed below: * Rape Crisis England & Wales [https://rapecrisis.org.uk/] A 24/7 support line, online chat, local centres, counselling, and advocacy. Particularly strong for trauma-informed emotional support and referrals. * The Survivors Trust [https://thesurvivorstrust.org/] Umbrella organisation connecting survivors to specialist local rape/sexual abuse services across the UK. Good for finding support in your area, including ISVA advocates. * Victim Support [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-victims-of-sexual-violence-and-abuse] Broader victim-support that can help with emotional support, practical guidance, safety planning, and navigating reporting/criminal justice options. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Advertising Week Europe Special: Day 3 Drop

Empower is proud to be a partner of Advertising Week — and every day of the Europe event we’re here talking to inspiring speakers and curious attendees about what they’re seeing, learning, and loving. Today’s daily drop we’ll hear from host Kate Chaundy, Rose Bentley, Emma Shuldham, Cat Botibol and Nadine Leighton to find out how they interpret great minds think Un-Alike.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Advertising Week Europe Special: Day 2 Drop

Empower is proud to be a partner of Advertising Week — and every day of the Europe event we’re here talking to inspiring speakers and curious attendees about what they’re seeing, learning, and loving. In today’s daily drop we’ll hear from host Kate Chaundy, Chloe Davies, Niki Chana, Elizabeth Anyaegbuna and Ruth Mortimer to find out how they interpret great minds think Un-Alike.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Advertising Week Europe Special: Day 1 Drop

Empower is proud to be a partner of Advertising Week—and every day of the Europe event, we’re here talking to inspiring speakers and curious attendees about what they’re seeing, learning, and loving. In today’s Daily Drop, we’ll hear from host Kate Chaundy, Acast’s Lizzy Pollott, and Equativ’s Marisa Nelson to find out how they interpret “Great Minds Think Un-Alike.” See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.