183: From Strings to Stories: Cathy Newman’s Journey
In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman is joined by journalist and author Cathy Newman. Best known as one of Channel 4’s leading broadcasters, Cathy shares the lesser-known story of her lifelong love affair with music - and it’s one with strings attached.
From a childhood spark - a stray violin brought home during a bout of chickenpox - to performing in the parliamentary String Quartet, music remained a constant companion. Yet journalism became her stage, and Cathy reflects on the rhythm, focus, and listening both disciplines demand.
Recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cathy reflects on her early musical experiences, the challenges of being a woman in media, and her advocacy for music education through Music for All. Along the way, she shows how passion, perseverance, and listening deeply - whether to a piece of music or a person - can shape both life and work.
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182: Journeys of Discovery – Min Kym on musical love, loss, and growing up a child prodigy
In this episode of Journeys of Discovery, Michael Hayman sits down with internationally renowned violinist and author, Min Kym. A child prodigy who found her voice through the violin, Min shares the extraordinary story of her deep connection to music - from growing up in a traditional South Korean home to the devastating theft of her beloved Stradivarius.
Min reflects on the pressures of early success, the identity crisis that followed the loss of her violin, and how she ultimately found her way back to music. She and Michael discuss the profound relationship between musician and instrument, the emotional weight of artistry, the reality of perfectionism, and the cathartic process of writing her memoir, Gone: A Girl, a Violin, a Life Unstrung.
Recorded at Cadogan Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a conversation about music, talent, and what it takes to begin again.
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181: Ben LaBolt: Building brand resilience in an age of misinformation
Resilience is the new currency of leadership. In a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts, brands, leaders, and governments are being tested like never before.
In this episode of Change Makers, we speak to Ben LaBolt, former White House Communications Director and now President at BPI. With experience spanning the West Wing, City Hall, and global boardrooms, Ben shares insights into how organisations can navigate today’s fractured media landscape.
At the heart of our conversation is BPI’s Resilience Index - groundbreaking research revealing what separates the brands that survive and thrive from those left vulnerable to misinformation and public mistrust.
Drawing on lessons from politics and the private sector, Ben offers a blueprint for how leaders can strengthen their communications and build lasting reputational resilience.
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180: Women Who Lead: Power, Politics, and Progress with Edie Lush
As the world marks another International Women’s Day, we’re still asking the same question: why aren’t there more women in politics?
In 2024, nearly half the world’s population held elections, yet we saw the slowest rate of growth in female representation in two decades. What’s holding us back?
In this episode of Change Makers, Edie Lush speaks to two powerhouse politicians from opposite sides of the Atlantic: U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat and the first woman to represent Pennsylvania's 6th District in Congress, and Baroness Sandip Verma, a Conservative peer in the UK House of Lords and former chair of the UN Women's national committee for UK.
From breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces to tackling issues like gender bias, childcare, and online harassment, these two leaders share their insights on what it takes for women to rise in politics - and how we can create more opportunities for the next generation.
It’s a conversation about leadership, resilience, and why progress for women is progress for everyone.
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179: Why real growth must be fair: making change happen in the Thames Estuary – Kate Willard OBE
What does it take to deliver fair and meaningful growth?
Joining Michael today on Change Makers is Kate Willard OBE – government-appointed envoy for the Thames Estuary and a champion of fair growth.
Kate’s career has been anything but conventional. From starting out as an actress and director to working in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, her journey is one of bold decisions and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Now, as Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, Kate is on a mission to unlock the potential of one of the UK’s most vital economic regions – driving innovation, attracting investment, and ensuring that growth is both sustainable and fair, ultimately creating 1.3 million jobs, one million homes, and £190 billion in economic value.
In this episode, she and Michael discuss why fair growth matters, what it takes to make it a reality, and how her diverse career has shaped her leadership today.
Content warning: This podcast episode contains strong language which may not be suitable for all audiences
About Change Makers: Leadership, Good Business, Ideas and Innovation
This is Change Makers – the podcast bringing you ideas, life lessons and amazing stories from those making a difference in extraordinary times.
Powered by campaigns firm Seven Hills and hosted by Michael Hayman, this interview series delves into what makes leaders tick and looks at the contribution this empowers them to bring to the world.
This is the podcast for those who want to hear the optimism that comes from challenging the status quo.
Find your mission.
Listen to Change Makers: Leadership, Good Business, Ideas and Innovation, The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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