In this captivating episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe interviews Julie Ashworth, Chair of the Institute of Directors for Scotland. Julie shares her unconventional career path from filling shelves at Tesco to leading organizations across multiple sectors. Her story takes a dramatic turn when she left corporate life to participate in the Round the World yacht race—despite not being able to swim or sail.

Julie's career spans retail giants like Tesco, Liberty of London, and Marks & Spencer, as well as IBM's transition from hardware to professional services. Throughout her journey, she founded Broadreach, a leadership consultancy, whilst simultaneously holding executive roles. Her leadership philosophy centres on leaving people better than you found them and championing others when they're not in the room.

The conversation explores themes of career transitions, the importance of networks, giving back to communities, and the evolving nature of leadership across generations. Julie reflects on succession planning challenges and how five generations currently exist in today's workplace, with 70% of senior leadership positions held by baby boomers whilst younger generations bring different expectations and communication preferences.

In this episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe sits down with Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, humility, and fierce competence. From her early days in student politics to the halls of the Scottish Parliament and into the heart of third sector leadership, Jane-Claire shares the twists, turns, and mentors that shaped her path.

They discuss the value of consistency over charisma, building legacy beyond ego, and the often-overlooked power of stepping back. With reflections on personal growth, navigating imposter moments, and the unexpected leadership tool of a great playlist, this conversation offers a grounded yet inspiring take on what it means to lead well—and to live a life that’s fully your own.

Three Reflections to Take With You

As we close this conversation, here are three powerful reflections that Jane-Claire encourages us all to consider:

1. Know Your Compass

   You won’t always get to work in perfect alignment with your values—but you must know what they are. Understanding your stretch points helps you make better decisions and stay anchored in what truly matters.

2. Read Widely, Think Deeply

   Whether it’s the back of a cereal box or a complex autobiography, reading invites you into other worlds and perspectives. The broader your input, the richer your thinking.

3. Build Your Leadership Playlist

   Everyone needs a personal soundtrack—a few songs that lift you, energise you, and remind you who you are when the stakes are high. Curate it, use it, and let it power you through the moments that matter.

In this thought-provoking episode of Leaders in Business, Marlene Lowe sits down with John McMorris, Director of Business Development at the Scottish Qualifications Authority, for a conversation that traverses continents, career paths, and the deeper purpose of leadership. From the semiconductor floors of Japan to the educational corridors of Sri Lanka, John’s journey is defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a profound respect for culture.

What unfolds is a masterclass in global business development—anchored not just in strategy, but in humanity. John shares how honour, presence, and long-term thinking have shaped his approach to leadership and helped forge trust across borders. He speaks candidly about the tensions between risk and growth, the subtle art of cultural integration, and why education must be seen as a global currency—one that empowers movement, opportunity, and equity.

This episode is rich with insight for anyone who leads, who learns, or who believes in building something that will outlast them. With humility and clarity, John reflects on the responsibilities of being a director, the lessons he’s drawn from global travel, and the joy of watching small ideas become legacy projects.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead across cultures, bridge business with meaning, or plant seeds you may never see bloom—this one’s for you.

In this vibrant and unfiltered conversation, Marlene Lowe welcomes Sandra Dailidyte—wealth manager, Lithuanian-born powerhouse, and British Masters weightlifting champion—to the Leaders in Business podcast. What follows is a bold and honest exploration of ambition, identity, and the drive to create space for women in rooms where they’ve historically been overlooked.

From her early days in post-Soviet Lithuania to landing in the UK with £550 and a one-way ticket, Sandra shares her extraordinary path to success in wealth management—and how she has built a career that unapologetically blends intellect, empathy, and strength, both mental and physical. She opens up about the challenges of forging a new path in a new country, the emotional cost of striving, and the joy of finally feeling fully herself in her work.

Together, Marlene and Sandra delve into the psychology of stress, the need for emotional integrity in leadership, and the immense power of financial literacy—especially for women. With humour, depth, and fierce clarity, Sandra offers not only a masterclass in determination but a passionate call to dream bigger, take up space, and lift others as you rise.

Whether you’re a business owner, a first-generation dreamer, or simply seeking a spark to reignite your fire, this episode is a powerful reminder: the path may not be clear, but you can still choose to walk it with purpose—and joy.

In this deeply engaging episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe welcomes veteran recruiter Ivan McGeorge for a conversation that moves far beyond the mechanics of hiring. With candour, humour, and heartfelt reflection, Ivan charts his unexpected journey into recruitment—from dreams of a political career and chance encounters at Stirling University, to decades spent matching people to purpose.

Together, they explore the profound impact of mentorship, the quiet art of active listening, and the enduring power of authenticity in business. Ivan speaks to the emotional weight of the recruitment cycle—its highs, its heartbreaks, and the lessons held in both. With a gentle honesty, he reveals how he has learned to navigate setbacks, embrace vulnerability, and ground himself through human connection, personal fitness, and, of course, endless cups of coffee.

This is not just an episode about recruitment. It is a conversation about life, about showing up as you are, and about building meaningful relationships in a world that too often values transaction over truth. Whether you’re in business, at a crossroads, or simply seeking insight into what it means to listen—really listen—this one is worth your time.

In this powerful and profoundly moving episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe speaks with journalist, advocate, and changemaker Sophie Dow—whose life has been defined not only by global headlines and celebrity interviews, but by a deeply personal mission to reframe how society understands neurodiversity.

Sophie shares the remarkable journey that took her from the newsrooms of Swedish television to the glittering world of film star interviews in London, and ultimately to the founding of Mindroom, a charity dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. Born of love and necessity following the birth of her daughter Annie—who lives with a rare neurological profile now known as “Annie’s Syndrome”—Mindroom has become Sophie’s third child and life’s calling.

With grace, humour, and unwavering conviction, Sophie reflects on the challenges of navigating an often unsympathetic system, the transformative power of listening, and the urgent need for societal change. Together, Marlene and Sophie explore what it means to lead with empathy, the importance of inclusive narratives, and why dignity must be at the heart of every conversation about difference.

This episode is both a tribute to the power of personal resolve and a clarion call for a kinder, more compassionate world. It’s about journalism and justice, science and spirit—and the quiet but unshakable belief that every life deserves to be understood, celebrated, and loved.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe interviews Richard Scaife, a director at the Keil Centre, who shares his journey from aspiring pilot to psychologist. Richard discusses his early interest in psychology, the importance of human factors in various industries, and his experiences in occupational psychology. He emphasises the significance of understanding human behaviour in safety and performance improvement, as well as the challenges of leadership and the balance between personal and professional life.

In this engaging conversation, Richard and Marlene explore the complexities of personal and business identity, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating modern challenges. They discuss fostering creativity and psychological safety within organisations, the potential for life beyond Earth, and the significance of building trust while embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The dialogue emphasises the need for leaders to unlock hidden talents within their teams and adapt to the evolving landscape of work.

In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, Marlene Lowe interviews Rosemary Eribé, founder of Eribé Knitwear. Rosemary shares her journey from a naive graduate to a successful entrepreneur in the textile industry. She discusses the challenges she faced starting her business, the importance of education and mentorship, and her vision for creating beautiful knitwear that honours Scottish heritage. Rosemary emphasises the significance of understanding customer needs and adapting to change in business, reflecting on her proudest moments and achievements along the way.

In this conversation, Marlene and Rosemary explore the themes of embracing opportunities, resilience in the face of challenges, and the importance of creativity and imagination in business. They discuss the unexpected pivots in Rosemary's career, the balance between boundaries and creativity, and the significance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. The conversation highlights the joy that can be created through business and the need for personal expression in fashion.