In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with John Holmes, Chairman of Bernicia, who shares stories from his extensive career which has stemmed from his passion and love for the North East. John discusses the challenges and successes of North East regeneration projects, his involvement in tourism and other initiatives and why he values a holistic approach to community development.

Highlights include:

• John’s background of growing up in a tight-knit community and how that influenced his career and values.

  
  

• His contributions to North East regenerations projects, such as Newcastle Quayside, and the challenges he faced.
  

• His transition from a career as a chartered surveyor to embarking on a role within the Civil Service.

  
  

• John’s role in the Civil Service and his experience of working with controversial Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Heseltine.

  
  

• His extensive work in the social housing sector and Bernicia’s holistic approach to supporting communities.

  
  

• John’s passion and involvement for promoting tourism and the North East’s assets.

  
  

• His work at Durham Cathedral and managing its estates and properties.

  
  

Find John here on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-holmes-48060413/?originalSubdomain=uk

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DisGBXbUewxkH4o2mA0g6?si=e8a9e818e6fa4364

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter talks with scientist Dr Fozia Saleem about how her real-life research led to pursuing entrepreneurship and business.Fozia has experienced unique challenges in her corporate journey and has succeeded by leading her industry in a different way, and creating opportunities both for herself and the next generation of leaders.

Highlights Include:

• How a sixth form biology teacher inspired Fozia’s career by bringing science to life and making it fun.

• How a university professor was the catalyst for a career in industry, after seeing something in Fozia she didn’t see in herself.

• How ambition to break through the glass ceiling in pharmaceuticals led Fozia to pursue a PhD

• The challenges of graduating during a recession when big Pharma companies were making mass redundancies.

• How being the only woman and person of colour in many corporate meeting rooms shaped Fozia’s personal values to become sure of herself and speak up loudly for others.

• Confirming to a corporate stereotype early in her career by wearing greys and blacks and minimising herself to fit in

• How using the support networks on offer and asking for help after graduating is a powerful tool, and isn’t a sign of weakness.

• The journey from big Pharma to becoming a startup entrepreneur in the North East of England.

• Her mission as Chief Executive of Magnitude to help companies fail fast, to increase the speed to market for new drugs.

• How the job description in a startup goes out of the window and should read ‘carry on spinning plates’, a far cry from the rigid roles of working in a corporate setting.

• Tackling the demands of juggling a busy startup and her own young family.
  

Find Fozia here on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-fozia-saleem-b7762718/

Visit the website for Magnitude Biosciences

https://magnitudebiosciences.com/team-members/dr-fozia-saleem/

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IEbwJBHzt9erp7pARcGR4?si=ffwfvYWoQzuMLi7QsbrddQ

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter chats to multi-talented entertainer, Alfie Joey. Alfie’s story is an inspiring tale of reinvention and a passion for connection. From training as a priest to thriving in comedy, television, radio and even public speaking, Alfie’s career journey offers valuable insights into the power of adaptability, resilience and chasing your true passions.

Highlights include:

• Alfie’s remarkable transition from priesthood to a successful career as a beloved entertainer.

• The many hats Alfie has worn throughout his life, including comedy, radio, illustration and even an appearance on Britain's Got Talent.

• Alfie’s inspiring attitude towards embracing new opportunities, no matter how big the challenge.

• The meaningful role Alfie played as a radio presenter for BBC Radio Newcastle, a career that spanned over a decade.

• Why Alfie chooses to channel his talents into new ventures, such as children's books and theatre productions.

• Alfie’s passion to leverage his experiences to help inspire others through storytelling, community and communication.

Find Alfie here on LinkedIn

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alfie-joey-9871817a

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VgAC6nYs5uAcojsUOB21M?si=o_vg2OjfTRGoO6LR_WbKhA

Find out more about your host Gill Hunter

https://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Law

https://squareonelaw.com/

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Rhiannon Hiles, the Chief Executive of Beamish Open Air Museum. Rhiannon shares her journey, from volunteer to her current role, reflecting on her 30 year career at Beamish. She also discusses the museum's unique role in preserving the Social History of the North East and the importance of handling people's memories with respect and care.

Highlights Include:

• Rhiannon’s career journey, from her early days to her current position at Beamish, and the life experiences that inspired her to pursue this.

• The incredible work Beamish does to preserve the Social History of the North East and why it has become a much loved attraction.

• The diverse challenges and complexities of bringing history to life.

• Rhiannon’s unique experience of living in the 1900’s town at Beamish for 16 years, and the story of how she raised her daughter there.

• The extensive and impressive in-house costume collection at Beamish, and the hard work from the Beamish team, both in front of and behind the scenes.

• Exciting plans for the future of Beamish, including stabilising the museum's infrastructure and representing more recent history.

Find Rhiannon here on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-hiles-4469784/?originalSubdomain=uk

Visit the website for Beamish

https://www.beamish.org.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IEbwJBHzt9erp7pARcGR4?si=ffwfvYWoQzuMLi7QsbrddQ

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Lily Guinn, a software developer at Newcastle Building Society, who openly shares her inspiring journey as a trans woman in tech. This conversation explores Lily’s personal experiences of transitioning, self discovery and the complex, difficult and often lengthy process of medically and socially transitioning in the UK. Throughout this episode, Lily advocates for empathy and understanding as powerful and important tools for overcoming prejudice.

Highlights include:

• Lily’s nomination for ‘One to Watch’ at The Northern Power Women Awards.

• Lily’s personal experiences growing up transgender and her inspiring journey of self discovery.

• The challenges Lily has encountered in her life, education and career as a transgender woman and how she has overcome this.

• The common misconceptions that surround transgender identities.

• Emphasis on how each transgender experience is deeply personal and unique, defying one-size-fits -all definitions.

• How growing up transgender helps you develop the skills and abilities to advocate for others.

• Lily’s advice and encouragement for those questioning their gender identity: surround yourself with supportive people and allow yourself time to explore who you truly are.

Find Lily here on LinkedIn

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lily-guinn-740647192

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/70N5E2ZnomwJ9M9i7zxnk3?si=4edf588f17474804

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Patrick Melia, the Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council. Patrick candidly shares his journey from starting out as an accountant to becoming a leader within local government, highlighting the bold decisions he’s made and continues to make within his role. Patrick shares the transformative journey Sunderland has taken to re-establish itself as a ‘smart city’, including redefining its public services and revitalising its economy.

Highlights include:

• Patrick's transition from accounting to local government and how this has been fuelled by his passion for innovation and a belief in the public sector's potential.

• Sunderland's ambitious digital transformation under Patrick's leadership, including partnerships with organisations like Microsoft.

• Initiatives to attract new talent to Sunderland, including attracting talent from esports competitors and expanding local job opportunities.

• The recent social unrest that Sunderland has faced and the community-led initiatives that help to counteract the isolation and division within the city.

• Patrick's long-term vision and goals for the city, and how he hopes for its residents to enjoy healthier, longer and more happy lives, driven by a hope for more continuous community collaboration and innovation.

Find Patrick here on LinkedIn

Patrick Melia OBE | LinkedIn

Visit the Sunderland City Council Website

https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jipnfNKywcnEKxmLDoxqf?si=650f648026a6449c

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Jamilah Hassan, the Community Relations Manager at Banks Group. Jamilah’s story highlights a life driven by a passion for music, resilience and a deep commitment to community work. Her positive attitude and her commitment to her life motto of ‘why not’ shines through as she candidly shares the joys and challenges of managing her multifaceted life.

Highlights include:

- Jamilah’s transition from working at Tommee Tippee and hosting a radio show to managing community grants at Banks Group.

- Her journey as a singer, including getting to the judges houses on X Factor to performing with big artists like Nelly.

-The challenges she has faced balancing a music career, a full-time job and motherhood, and how she navigated the music industry as a Muslim woman.

-Her father’s encouragement which helped her to embrace her identity and pursue her passion for music without compromising her values.

-How her passion for music and her deep commitment to community work shaped her career and outlook on life.

Find Jamilah here on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilah-hassan-66a73031?originalSubdomain=uk

Listen to Jamilah’s Music on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1AwunFJMspTkMmCY8Bad1f

Visit the Banks Group Website

https://www.banksgroup.co.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V3alWkPneVYKcn9q8SVGH?si=93-H3vQkT2O2Ubj_4T_9ng

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

In this exciting debut episode of our fourth season, host Gill Hunter chats with former athletes, Steve Cram and Alison Curbishley about their inspiring journey from professional athletes to presenting on radio/TV and running a business and a charity. They dive into their personal stories, the challenges of moving on from sports, and finding new purpose through their businesses, commentating, broadcasting, and community work.

Highlights include:

• The duo’s early love of sports, influenced by family and mentors.
• How they overcame the challenge of leaving athletics to build new careers.
• Their incredible work with COCO, helping children in East Africa.
• Insights into the evolving world of women’s sports and the need for greater opportunities.
• How they have applied life lessons from their athletic experiences, such as resilience, adaptability, and pursuing passions, to their current ventures beyond competitive sports.

Listen now for a story of resilience, passion, and making a difference!

Find Alison here on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-curbishley-1b303020/

Find Steve here on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stevecramtraining/

Steve and Allison’s Events Business

Events of the North

Visit COCO’s Website

https://www.coco.org.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7e0vzp5yFnat9Q31CtZLOY?si=801972ea19074a73

Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk/

For any enquiries or feedback regarding this podcast, email us at ⁠marketing@squareonelaw.com⁠ with the subject 'PODCAST’