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In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners chats with Helen Marshall — Chief Learning Officer at Thrive, founder of WomenIn (the UK’s largest community for women in L&D and HR), and Leader of the Year 2024. Helen shares how curiosity, empathy and courage drive her work, from building thriving communities to redefining leadership. A candid, inspiring conversation about embracing imperfection, challenging convention, and keeping the human at the heart of learning and technology.

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners speaks with Tony Martignetti — leadership coach, bestselling author and Chief Inspiration Officer at Inspired Purpose Partners. Tony shares the story of a leader whose humanity shaped his career, the moment that made him walk out of corporate life and his mission to help others “shine their light.” A powerful conversation about purpose, authenticity and creating a leadership imprint that lasts long after you leave the room

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners chats with Ali Killaly — founder of WorkPants, career coach and advocate for designing work that truly fits. Ali shares how redundancy and motherhood reshaped her purpose, how humour helps her through stress and why the best leaders are great listeners. A warm, funny, and deeply human conversation about identity, courage, and creating workplaces that work for real life — not just job titles.

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners welcomes Kirsten Davidson — co-founder of Employera, former Head of Employer Brand at Glassdoor and a trailblazer in culture and talent transformation. Kirsten shares lessons from leaders like eBay’s John Donahoe on humility and curiosity, the dangers of “power moves,” and how to align people and purpose in a polarized world. A sharp, thoughtful conversation about listening, learning and leading with time, trust and humanity

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners speaks with Janet Hitchen — strategic internal communications leader, trusted advisor and former communications expert at Apple and Nespresso. Janet shares what it feels like to be part of a truly psychologically safe team, why trust and kindness create the best work and the simple power of “keeping your side of the street clean.” A candid, insightful conversation about integrity, respect and listening — the true foundations of leadership.

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners welcomes Laura Cooke — co-founder of Positive Foundry, expert in positive psychology and champion for well-being at work. Laura shares how a leader who saw her potential changed her career path, why ego is the enemy of growth and how gratitude, meditation and humour keep her grounded in a VUCA world. A conversation full of warmth, wisdom and practical inspiration for flourishing at work and in life.

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners talks with Claire Cathcart — HR leader, founder of Elevate and advocate for empowering the people who empower others. Claire shares how one inspiring manager shaped her career, how micromanagement led her to launch her own business and why flexibility, kindness and treating “people like people” should define the future of work. A refreshing, honest conversation about courage, balance and leading with humanity.

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners chats with Joanna Parsons — CEO of The Curious Route, author of Innovative Internal Communication and award-winning internal comms leader. Joanna shares lessons from the best and worst leaders she’s worked with, why kindness is a workplace superpower and how “making a nuisance of yourself” became life-changing career advice. A funny, honest conversation about empathy, courage and the importance of listening at work.

In this episode of the Inspire Club Podcast, host Matt Manners sits down with Rachel Miller, founder of All Things IC, global internal comms expert, author and advocate for wellbeing at work. Rachel shares the story of a boss who believed in her potential beyond a degree, lessons from burnout and the power of listening and trusting your gut. A warm, honest conversation about courage, kindness and building workplaces where people truly thrive.

In this episode of The Inspire Club Podcast, Matt Manners talks with six-time best-selling author and award-winning HR leader Debra Corey about her book Bad Bosses Ruin Lives. They discuss what truly makes a great boss, how vulnerability and authenticity drive trust, and why “showing up” for your people is the heart of leadership. A candid, inspiring, and practical conversation for anyone who wants to lead with humanity and impact.

In this episode of The Inspire Club Podcast, Matt Manners talks with author and thought leader Jason Lauritsen about rehumanising leadership and building better relationships at work. From lessons learned in bad management to the importance of kindness and care, Jason shares how genuine connection transforms teams, leaders, and communities. A powerful, practical conversation for anyone who believes the future of work is personal.

In this Inspire Club Podcast episode, host Matt Manners chats with Sarah Hood, Global Head of Engagement & Insights at BUPA, about leadership, employee engagement, and navigating workplace challenges.  Sarah shares how her career at BUPA began unexpectedly, and how her first manager, Yvonne, made a lasting impression by creating an authentic and supportive team culture. This leadership style has remained central to Sarah’s philosophy of employee engagement, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity in driving meaningful workplace connections. Plus much much more. We hope you enjoy.

In this episode we talk with David Bellamy, Founder & CEO at Harkn. With over 25 years of experience in management consulting, leadership advice, and strategy, David have a deep understanding of the human aspects of work and the challenges that leaders face in creating a positive and inclusive environment. His company, Harkn, helps companies hear more of what matters about life inside their business by making it safer and easier for employees to share their experiences, ideas and opinions. They have developed market-leading capabilities around identifying and supporting those people who are showing signs of distress at work. We hope you enjoy it.

In this episode we talk with Taylor Smith, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer at Blueboard. Taylor is focused on creating a world of work where people can thrive both personally and professionally. Beyond leading Blueboard to 3 consecutive Inc. 5000 lists and 2 Great Place to Work Awards, he is an engineer by schooling and a musician at heart. He's dedicated his life to challenging companies to show up for their employees in an authentic way, and inspiring people to spend quality time outside of the office with the people they care about most. We hope you enjoy it.

In this episode we talk with Kay Vessey, Learning & OD Specialist at H&H Agency. Kay gets a real buzz out of supporting and developing people to reach their full potential – transforming behaviours so people can unleash their happiest, most fulfilled and productive selves. She advises on the psychology and strategy behind H&H’s client projects. Known as the model queen (scientific models – not catwalks!), everything she does is underpinned with robust theory, translated into action and behavioural shift. We hope you enjoy it.