With a career spanning the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, the NHS, major charities, and Nesta’s social innovation ecosystem, Ruth brings rare cross‑sector experience to one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: how to truly understand the needs of patients, staff, and communities at scale.

Her leadership journey is rooted in values, purpose, and a deep belief in amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Moving from academia into startup life, Ruth has navigated funding, growth, and rapid change while building a culture grounded in pragmatism, empathy, and impact.

In this episode, Laura and Ruth explore:

• The journey from Cambridge research institute to commercial spin‑out
• Why user insight is essential to meaningful innovation across the NHS
• Transitioning from public sector roles to leading a fast‑moving startup
• Building a values‑led culture that balances empathy with commercial focus
• Overcoming “pilotitis” and the challenge of scaling solutions nationally
• How AI and large language models are reshaping qualitative research
• Ruth’s long‑term ambition for more inclusive, insight‑driven health innovation

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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With a 20-year career at Kohler Mira, Emma has progressed through the organisation, building deep expertise and earning her leadership role through consistent performance, commitment, and impact. Her journey reflects a mindset of saying yes to opportunity - taking on new challenges, broadening her experience, and continuously raising the bar for herself and her teams.

In this open and engaging conversation, Emma reflects on the choices and experiences that have shaped her leadership journey. She shares thoughtful insights on backing yourself, staying curious, and maintaining momentum as responsibilities grow. Her story highlights that strong leadership isn’t about waiting until you feel “ready”, it’s about committing fully, learning continuously, and leading with purpose.

Laura and Emma discuss:

• How saying “yes” has helped accelerate Emma’s career
• Mira's people-first culture and the benefits this brings
• Building confidence while taking on bigger challenges
• Why attitude, energy, and collaboration are key leadership strengths
• The value of investing in people - both others and yourself

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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Krish’s unusual path from operating theatre to boardroom has given him a rare blend of clinical expertise, commercial insight, and mission-driven leadership. What began as a problem he saw daily in the NHS - delayed access to ear and hearing care - has evolved into a global platform now supporting over 45,000 patients every month.

From raising millions in investment to scaling teams and expanding internationally, Krish has had to learn fast and lead differently. In this conversation, he shares what it really takes to transition from clinician to CEO, build a purpose-led organisation, and create lasting impact in a stretched healthcare system.

Laura and Krish explore:

• How “living the problem” inspired the creation of Tympa Health
• The transition from surgeon to business leader
• Why purpose, clarity, and storytelling are essential for scaling a health-tech company
• Lessons from raising investment and building high-performing teams
• The long-term vision for making ear and hearing care accessible worldwide

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At Apple, Sam helped shape the creative culture behind some of the most iconic product launches in tech history. Leading a cross-functional team of 18 creatives inside Apple’s in-house agency, he worked at the intersection of design, strategy, and global storytelling, managing creative ownership, collaboration, and speed at scale.

In this conversation, Sam shares what it takes to build and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Laura and Sam explore:

• What it’s really like to lead creative strategy inside Apple
• How to build high-performing teams in fast-paced environments
• Navigating ownership and ego in creative work
• Cultural contrasts between British and Silicon Valley leadership
• Why speed, trust, and clarity are vital to creative success

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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We'll be talking to a host of individuals from a range of organisations and sectors including founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. Together, we’ll dig deeper into what it means to lead in today’s world, with a particular focus on innovation, creativity, and AI - the hot topic on everyone’s lips.

Thoughtful leadership continues to come in many different shapes and sizes, and this series will uncover just that - along with why it’s more crucial than ever.

Produced by AMBITIOUS

Produced by AMBITIOUS

As the Chief People & Places Officer at law firm TLT, Helen is passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, driving cultural transformation, and championing people-first leadership. With extensive experience in HR strategy, she has played a key role in shaping environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

In today’s episode, Helen shares insights from her career journey, discussing the evolving role of HR in modern business, the importance of human-centric leadership, and the strategies she uses to create meaningful change within organisations.

Laura and Helen explore topics including:

• The evolving role of HR in shaping company culture
• Strategies for building inclusive and high-performing teams
• How leaders can drive meaningful change within their organizations
• The importance of authenticity and emotional intelligence in leadership

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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As the former CEO of a division at ComputerShare, a global share transfer company, and a senior leader at Lloyd’s Bank for over two decades, Naz has firsthand experience of leading businesses through turbulent times – including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naz is a firm believer in purpose-driven leadership, making tough decisions with integrity, and fostering strong company cultures – even in the most challenging circumstances.

In this episode, Laura and Naz explore:

• Leading a global business through crisis and uncertainty
• Balancing operational success with employee well-being during the pandemic
• The evolving nature of work, from remote setups to hybrid models
• The role of leadership in shaping company culture across different markets and doing ‘the right thing’
• Why diversity in leadership is essential for long-term business success

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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Marti is a partner at Knights Solicitors, chair of the South West Black Network, and a co-owner of the legendary Lakota Nightclub in Bristol. With a career spanning law, business, and community leadership, she is passionate about driving change and increasing representation in professional spaces.

In this episode, Marti shares her experiences growing up as a woman of colour in a predominantly white community, her journey into law, and the challenges of breaking barriers in traditionally exclusive industries.

Laura and Marti discuss:

• The barriers to funding and opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs
• The importance of visible representation in leadership roles
• How businesses can create more inclusive cultures
• The evolving legal industry and new pathways into the profession

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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As the former CEO of the retail super brand, Gymshark, he helped guide the business to unicorn status and international acclaim. He is now the Founder of Whanau, an organisation which helps businesses to find and maintain their purpose as they scale, as well as being the chair of Passenger Clothing.

Steve is a passionate advocate of company culture and creating environments in which people can thrive.

In this episode, Steve talks about his professional journey which led him to Gymshark, including roles as CEO at Sport Brands Group and EMEA commercial director at Reebok.

 

He discusses moving from the fast-paced world of retail to establishing his business consultancy, and how helping brands to grow and become better versions of themselves is now what motivates him.

In this episode, Laura and Steve delve into topics including:

• Creating a company culture where “Sunday night can and should feel like Christmas Eve”
• The core components businesses need to focus on to find their ‘North Star’
• The must have skills needed to succeed in leadership
• Why vulnerability can be a superpower in business

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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Ian is the Chief Customer Officer at Homes England and has a wealth of experience in leadership and change, having previously served as Head of SME at Barclays Bank. Alongside his professional role, Ian is pursuing a Master’s degree in Equality, Diversity, and Society, as part of his commitment to fostering inclusivity in business and beyond.

In this episode, Ian shares his personal and professional journey, from growing up in a community-oriented household to becoming a leader who champions purpose and social impact. He also reflects on his transition from profit-driven banking to his current role, where he helps address critical issues like housing insecurity in England.

Laura and Ian delve into topics including:

• The importance of purpose-led leadership and its impact on business and society.
• How social enterprises and businesses can make a difference while remaining profitable.
• Key insights into the evolving world of banking, SMEs, and the role of technology.
• The growing demand for purposeful work among younger generations and what it means for the future of leadership.

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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In this, the first episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura will be speaking with Zara Nanu.

Zara is a prominent advocate for workplace equity and a leader in the field of gender pay gap analytics. As ex-co-founder and CEO of Gapsquare, Zara has combined her expertise in human rights with a passion for using data-driven solutions to promote fair pay and diversity within organisations.

Over the years, Zara’s work has evolved from grassroots activism to global corporate consulting, making her a key voice in the fight for pay transparency and workplace fairness. 

She is now Founder of WorkVue, a business set up for guiding and supporting people as we prepare for a jobless world of work

In this conversation, Zara and Laura will talk in depth about:

• How her upbringing helped shape her passion for women’s rights and gender equality
• How data analytics can help close the gender pay gap
• What she learnt transitioning from human rights campaigner to entrepreneur and business leader
• Where the UK sits in terms of gender parity with the rest of the world

To find out more about AMBITIOUS and the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast, visit our website.

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Produced by AMBITIOUS

We will be talking to a host of individuals from a range of organisations and sectors including entrepreneurs, business experts, and academics, to dig a little deeper into the challenges, opportunities, and threats being faced by these inspirational leaders - from building purpose and your north star, to ESG and culture. 

Thoughtful leadership comes in many different shapes and sizes, and this series will look to uncover just that and why it is so crucial for today’s world. 

Produced by AMBITIOUS