The Unlikely Executive

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle is joined by Nike Folayan, Technical Director at WSP and Chair of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE UK).Nike shares her journey through engineering and leadership from an early fascination with how televisions work, through a PhD in antenna design, to leading a global technical team while navigating an industry that still struggles with gender and racial inclusion.This conversation goes beyond career milestones. It explores belonging, burnout, boundaries, leadership pressure, and what it really takes to stay technically credible and human at the same time in male‑dominated sectors like construction, infrastructure, and engineering.In This Episode, We Explore:What it’s like to build a senior technical career without being pushed into project managementThe hidden cost of being seen as “helpful” rather than “technical”Why clarity about what you want matters more than confidenceHow leadership expectations differ for women and especially women of colourThe emotional reality of still feeling like you don’t belong after 20+ yearsBurnout warning signs, including what happens when your body says “no”Learning to say no without fear of missing outReturning to work after having a child and reassessing ambition, pace and legacyNike’s leadership style: trust, accountability, and human connectionHow AFBE UK was founded and why representation, role models and transition support matterKey TakeawaysTechnical excellence is a valid leadership path : you don’t have to abandon it to progressBelonging isn’t automatic, even at the top and that’s not a personal failureBurnout often arrives before you realise you’re strugglingBoundaries are uncomfortable, but clarity builds trustLeadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing what mattersAbout Nike FolayanNike Folayan is a Technical Director at WSP, leading complex telecommunications projects and managing global technical competencies across the UK and India. She is also the Chair and co‑founder of AFBE UK, an organisation established in 2007 to support Black and minority ethnic engineers through outreach, mentoring, membership and corporate partnerships.AFBE UK has supported over 30,000 beneficiaries and continues to bridge the gap between education and industry through advocacy, role modelling and professional development.🔗 Connect with Nike on LinkedIn🌐 Learn more about AFBE UK via their websiteAbout Your Host: Barbra CarlisleBarbra Carlisle is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer working across the construction, housing and engineering sectors.If you’d like to explore working together:👉 Book a clarity call or visit www.gleecoaching.co.ukEnjoyed This Episode?✅ Follow The Unlikely Executive👍 Like this episode🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a conversation💬 Share it with someone who needs to hear itYour support helps amplify honest leadership stories — especially the ones that don’t usually get told.

What is it like if you start on the tools, literally sweeping the floors and doing the brews, to years later being the owner of the business?Find out whether Colin McEllin, Operations Director and Coowner for Clan Contracting and co-owner of Smart Hire Tools always knew what he wanted or whether he worked hard, took opportunities and navigated his way to success. He discusses the success of Clan Contracting, the challenges of a management buyout, and his leadership style. Colin's advice for newcomers emphasizes the value of training, education, and finding one's passion within the construction sector.TakeawaysHard work and dedicationAdapting to changeAccepting you are the leaderThe desire to still be one of the ladsThe need to recognise change is neededThe power of embracing the next generation in the workplaceChapters00:00 Introduction and Business Overview09:58 Clan Contracting and Smart Hire Tools18:45 Management Buyout and Leadership Style25:42 Self-Perception and Advice for Newcomers to ConstructionGet in touch with Colin on Linked in (4) Colin McEllin MCIOB | LinkedInFind out more about Clan (4) Clan Contracting: Posts | LinkedIn or Clan Contracting | Leading structural repair specialist North WestIf you want to know more about how Glee coaching can support your growth as a leader email [email protected] and arrange a chatFREE Resource - If you are a leader working under pressure download my free resource here 5 Steps to Leading Decisively Under PressureRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can also connect with Barbra on Linked In (4) Barbra Carlisle FCIPD | LinkedInEnjoyed This Episode?Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive

Learie Gonsalves, the Director of Blackbird Property Surveyors, shares his journey armed with his one CSE in art to owning a successful property surveying firm for over 10 years. He shares the challenges of not seeing people like him in work, but talks about the role of great managers in helping you dream big. Hear about why running is so important to him now and why he runs to support Prostrate Cancer. Learie's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of balance in work and life.TakeawaysResilience and determination in the face of challengesThe importance of balance in work and lifeChapters00:00 Introducing Blackbird Property Surveyors10:03 Early Career Challenges13:57 Setting Up a Business29:49 Overcoming Challenges40:03 Personal Journey and HealthIf you are curious to connect with Learie I am sure he would love to hear from you via Linked In If you are at a crossroads or feel that you need more control do reach out FREE Resource - If you feel overwhelmed download Glee's 5 Step Guide to Leading Decisively.Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected] This Episode?Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive.

Renee Preston, doesn't just do nice chats - she wants change and she is happy to role her sleeves up and be a leading force in creating change. A reluctant CEO of Gallaway Construction, in this episode we dive into everything from representation of women on site, to mentoring and imposter syndrome.It explores the importance of leadership, male allies, and support for women in construction, as well as the need for representation and change in the industry culture. Renee shares her personal journey, lessons learned, and her vision for the future of women in construction.TakeawaysLeadership in ConstructionMentoring and Support for Women in ConstructionIf today’s conversation resonated with you, you’ll find even more support at Glee Coaching. I’m Barbra Carlisle, helping leaders who never expected to be in charge lead with clarity, confidence and impact. If you’re enjoying The Unlikely Executive, please follow, like and share the podcast -it helps more leaders find the tools and honesty they need.And if you’re ready for deeper support, resources and ways to work with me, visit www.gleecoaching.co.uk - your next step in stronger, more courageous leadership starts there.Reach Renee on LInked In (10) Renee Preston | LinkedIn and visit her website at Gallaway Construction - Building For BetterAccess the National Site Standards Here The National Site Standard | Construction For Women

Tim Walder shares his journey in the aviation industry, emphasizing the importance of career purpose and emotional intelligence. He discusses career progression, leadership, mentorship, challenges, resilience, and retirement, highlighting the need for a sense of purpose in life after retirement.TakeawaysCareer purposeEmotional intelligenceChapters00:00 Passion for Aviation05:55 Leadership and Mentorship24:29 Challenges and Resilience30:12 Retirement and Purpose

The conversation covers Kathleen Abbott's career journey, challenges in the construction industry, work-life balance, and societal impact in the construction sector. It also delves into the transition into a new role, starting a new job, and career planning. Kathleen shares insights on navigating career growth, expectations, and the importance of balancing work and personal life.TakeawaysCareer journey and growthBalancing work and personal lifeChapters00:00 Navigating Career Growth and Expectations08:46 Early Career and Professional Development15:16 Challenges and Progress in the Construction Industry22:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life28:43 Supporting Societal Benefit in the Construction SectorTo find our more about Kathleen connect with her on Linked In or visit www.shawmut.com Barbra the host is an executive coach and experienced facilitator helping people navigate their own leadership journey with spirit and authenticity. To find our more email [email protected] or www.gleecoaching.com

Chief Arcadian. People Champion. Passionate about sustainable transformation and finding solutions to global challenges. Playing his part in helping to preserve the planet and improve quality of life.Alan was born in Chester in the United Kingdom. He has lived and worked abroad in Asia, but home now is in Warrington, just over half an hour away from where he grew up. He’s married to Tracy and has four children – who are now (young) adults – and is a ‘retired’ amateur singer and lover of all kinds of music.Alan was appointed Chief Executive Officer in May 2023, and leads Arcadis with a clear vision: to create a blueprint for a sustainable future. Under Alan’s leadership, Arcadis has positioned itself at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change, accelerate clean energy transition and build resilient, livable cities. Today he works with and leads more than 36,000 talented and gifted Arcadians in over 30 countries, all dedicated to improving quality of life.For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://www.arcadis.com/en-gbGuest's LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://careerready.org.uk/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-spackman-3bb19a82/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Appointed as Chief Executive, Liz Mayes brings dynamic leadership and a forward-thinking perspective to Connect Northumberland. Her extensive experience in industry and regional development positions her well to drive the organisation's strategic vision. Liz's passion for diversity and equality of opportunity is set to elevate Connect Northumberland's impact, ensuring it continues to address the evolving needs of the county.For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://www.connectnorthumberland.org/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://www.harrogategroup.co.uk/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-wright-bb024516a/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric is a man on a mission. Having lived in the UK since 2011 he has seen the effects of 'left behind towns' those places once celebrated now forgotten. An academic and a place maker Eric is committed to making universities and places better through research, engagement and teaching. Specialist knowledge in left-behind places, civic engagement, 'third mission', impact, and academia as a profession linked to a wider system of professions.Founder and editor-in-chief of the open-access journal, Civic Sociology, applying sociological insights within policy, higher education and public engagement contexts.Winner of the 2019 Bennett Prospect Policy Prize for proposal to 'move the knowledge economy' to left-behind regions.Currently researching relationships between different 'civic ecologies' - place-based systems of business, government, learning and other fields - and how to make these more socially generative.Established the social enterprise CivED CIC to pursue this work through business and policy engagement, including an exciting project to redevelop an historic arcade in Southport for hybrid working.For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://www.arcade-project.com/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-lybeck/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With over 35 years of experience in Financial Services including Fintech, Pensions and Investment, Steve is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people maximise their retirement. He is the Managing Director of Pension Potential, a digital at-retirement guidance and advice solution that empowers members and employees to make informed decisions about their retirement. He is a regular writer and speaker on intergenerational working, retirement, and older worker business management issues, and has published several business books about intergenerational managment and inclusive culture. He is committed to developing an inclusive culture in the workplace, where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive and contribute.For more information, please visit:Company Website: https://www.puntersouthall.com/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbutler/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trisha is the CE of CRASH, The UK’s construction industry charity supporting Adult Homelessness and Adult and Children’s hospices with vital construction projects. She joined CRASH on 1st May 2024 after 19 years in the hospice sector having held various management roles but most recently as Director of Business Development, Operations and Performance. Trisha has a wealth of experience across a vast number of business disciplines including Income generation, commissioning, governance, risk management and has the experience of two charity mergers. With a background and qualification in Finance she has the ability to understand and explain numbers to people at all levels.Prior to working in the charitable sector Trisha worked in the corporate sector in varying management positions including Financial Controller.For more information, please visit:Crash Company Website: http://www.crash.org.uk/Crash Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/CRASH-Charity-100084249190718/Trisha Pickersgill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crash-charity/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tree joined Charity IT Leaders in March 2019 and was appointed as their first CEO in May 2020, bringing over 16 years’ experience of working in the charity and NFP sector as a fundraiser and marketer. She is hugely proud of the work CITL does to support charities and NFPs to get the best outcomes from their investment in digital technology, to empower and enable current and emerging charity technology leaders, and increasingly, to advocate for and on behalf of the sector. She is openly autistic and ADHD (AuDHD), and is passionate about supporting neurodivergence and inclusion in employment and increasing opportunities and accessibility in the workplace. Both her children are neurodivergent, and she is committed to making the world a more welcoming, accessible place that enables them and their peers to achieve their full potential. Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayne Hughes is the founder and driving force behind Amy and Friends, a UK based charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by Cockayne Syndrome and other DNA repair disorders.Amy and Friends is inspired by Amy, Jayne’s daughter who courageously lived with the condition. Amy and Friends was formed in 2007 to provide desperately needed support, research and advocacy for families around the world navigating life with these rare, life-limiting conditions.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark is the founder and Director of Shared Assets, a community interest company that works with communities, landowners, researchers and activists to create a more just land system. He works to create a socially just future by supporting practical projects that build new relationships between people and the land.For more information, please visit:Shared Assets: https://linktr.ee/sharedassets?fbclid=IwY2xjawMdjzRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0b2hQSTQxNlhYOUd1a2NQAR55FCwVeShf2G1mI3CCZDUoFPX6tuxAhdRxdpLkfNp7dF4V-xvlAlS5vZQ8tQ_aem_vVwv0HKlMueEFqmxp6PV1gbarbra@gleecoaching.com | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at [email protected] you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie joined Little Village as CEO in February 2021 after spending over twenty years in the social sector including as the founding CEO of City Year UK, a charity enabling young people to tackle inequality through doing a year of voluntary service in schools and as Deputy CEO of the Private Equity Foundation (now Impetus-PEF).Most recently she was Managing Director of Trustees Unlimited, a B-Corporation focused on strengthening and diversifying charity boards.Sophie was the Chair of Trustees at Little Village from 2018 until September 2020 and was previously Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Generation Change, and a Trustee of the Royal Voluntary Service. She was awarded an MBE for services to charity in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours!For more information, please visit:LinkedIn: sophielivingstoneWebsite: https://littlevillagehq.org/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at [email protected] you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A great job, a great life, a life partner. Then things changed. Hear how Natasha moved from one of the Big 4 Accountancy Consultancies into following her passion to help people and contribute to international equity. Now an experienced not for profit leader with a proven track record of ambitious strategic development and transformational change.Passionately and ambitiously creating a more sustainable, people focussed world directly and through people whose lives she touches.After an early career as an auditor, Natasha (she/her) moved into the charity sector to work towards a more sustainable people focused world. Twenty years on and she’s held a variety of Executive and Trustee roles in a range of mid-sized charities including Farm Africa, Forum for the Future, Transparency International UK, The Institute of Development Streets and most recently at Living Streets. She has not regretted the move for a single moment since.For more information, please visit:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaclaytonnfp/[email protected] | www.gleecoaching.co.uk | (17) Barbra Carlisle (FCIPD) | LinkedInIf you found this episode of The Unlikely Executive helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple, Spotify or Amazon.If you are kind enough to leave a review, please do let Barbra know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at [email protected] you enjoyed this one please hit Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of The Unlikely Executive is released.Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.