The Impact Room from Douglas Jackson

Susan Caesar - Director of Artifical Intelligence. The Human-Centred AI Revolution: Purpose, Progress & the Future of Work

In this episode of The Impact Room, Michelle Ansell, Managing Partner at Douglas Jackson, speaks with Susan Caesar, Director of Artificial Intelligence at the International Coaching Federation and founder of Humain.org about how AI is transforming leadership, workplaces, and the world as we know it.
Susan shares real-world insights on human-centred AI, digital transformation, and the role of purpose-driven leadership in the age of automation. Drawing from her global experience at brands like Airbnb, Sage, and ASOS, she explores how organisations can harness AI for good, stay agile, and empower people to thrive.
Whether you're a CEO, emerging leader, or just AI-curious, this episode unpacks what the future holds – and how to navigate it with confidence, ethics, and humanity at the core.
Topics include:– Human-centred innovation and AI ethics– The real role of the CEO in an AI world– How AI is changing work, leadership, and society– Why diversity and inclusion are essential to the future of AI
Plus: How to get started with AI, elevate your career, and explore Susan’s work at www.humain.org including her own Podcast with plenty of AI focussed guests and subjects. 
Follow and connect with Susan here https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancaesar/
If you would prefer to watch the episode you can do that here:  https://youtu.be/Of_5OaM7HH4
Learn more about Douglas Jackson here. https://www.douglas-jackson.com/
The Impact Room is a Business, CX and Leadership Podcast bought to you by Douglas Jackson.
Stay updated with our latest episodes. We dive deep into pressing topics that impact your customer led business, featuring interviews with influential leaders and in-depth discussions on the future of leadership, business, Customer Experience, Diversity and industry trends.
 

The Truth Of Why AI Is Failing Your Customers - And Why Many Businesses Might Be Getting It Wrong - Top Tips To Help Turn This Around - Scott Kerr, Eviden,

What if everything you knew about AI was wrong? 
In this episode of The Impact Room, Perry Fletcher is joined by Scott Kerr, the Head of Experience Management and Conversational Analytics at Eviden, to discuss why so many businesses are missing the mark when it comes to using AI and Conversational Analytics to enhance customer experience.
Scott dives into the common pitfalls and misconceptions around AI strategies and explains why a lack of empathy and emotional intelligence is costing companies dearly. Discover how merging data analytics with human insight is the true key to unlocking meaningful customer interactions and transforming business performance.
"AI without empathy is just data. The real value is when you merge analytics with genuine human insight. That's when you start transforming customer experiences."
From speech analytics and predictive analytics to the practical steps leaders can take to create more effective, customer-centric AI systems, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to building lasting, human-centered customer experiences.
Tune in now and level up your AI strategy! 
If you would prefer to watch this episoide you can do The Impact Room Podcast from Douglas Jackson Youtube recording AI, Dat, Conversational Analytics
The Impact Room Podcast – Where exceptional, diverse and impactful leadership and wisdom is shared...
#AI #ConversationalAnalytics #SpeechAnalytics #CustomerExperience #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TheImpactRoom #DouglasJackson #ScottKerr #CustomerInsights

Peter Massey - Serial Entreprenuer.Leading with Purpose, How To Start and Sustain a Thriving Business

In this episode of The Impact Room, Michelle speaks with Peter Massey—entrepreneur, consultant, and visionary behind multiple successful businesses, including Budd and Aspen. With over 35 years of hands-on experience in starting, scaling, and sustaining businesses, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, purpose, and creating success.
From navigating the challenges of early-stage growth to fostering a culture that prioritises people and customers, Peter’s philosophy is clear: business success starts by eliminating the "dumb things" we do to our teams and clients.
This episode uncovers Peter’s insights on:✅ Why a strong purpose and aligned culture are non-negotiable for scaling a business.✅ The importance of mastering the “brilliant basics” to deliver consistent results.✅ How adaptable leadership and investing in your team create sustainable growth.
💡 Key Takeaway from Peter Massey:"Success isn’t just about starting strong—it’s about evolving, learning, and building a business that people believe in, from your team to your customers."
Whether you’re an entrepreneur taking your first steps or a leader seeking strategies to adapt and thrive, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to take your business to the next level.
🎙 Links to Explore:
If you would prefer to watch the full episode you can do that here. 
Connect with Peter Massey: LinkedIn
Learn more about Budd: Budd
Follow The Impact Room Podcast: Douglas Jackson
About The Impact RoomThe Impact Room is your go-to podcast for deep insights into leadership, customer experience, and business trends. With guests like Chief Customer Officers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, we bring you fresh ideas, lived experiences, and practical advice to elevate your leadership journey.
Brought to you by Douglas Jackson, specialists in executive search, helping organisations find diverse, impactful leaders who drive long-term success.
#BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #CustomerSuccess #ScalingBusinesses #TheImpactRoom #Podcast

Episode 62 - Creating truly inclusive environments, Cordelia Johnney, Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion at Stonewater Housing shares lived experiences and success

Breaking Barriers: Cordelia Johnney on EDI, Lived Experiences, and Disability Inclusion
In this episode of The Impact Room, Michelle Ansell welcomes Cordelia Johnney, the inspiring Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at Stonewater Housing. As a leader who has helped shape Stonewater Housing Association into one of the UK’s top 10 employers for EDI, Cordelia shares her personal journey and the lived experiences that have driven her passion for creating inclusive workplaces.
Cordelia opens up about her own challenges and how embracing disabilities and neurodiversity has not only empowered her but has also inspired transformative initiatives at Stonewater. From fostering allyship to designing programmes that support employees with diverse needs, Cordelia provides practical strategies and heartfelt insights for building workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Highlight Quote:"Our unique challenges and differences are what make us stronger as individuals and as organisations. Inclusion isn’t just about accommodation; it’s about empowerment." – Cordelia Johnney
This episode is perfect for anyone looking to understand how lived experiences can inform leadership, create allyship, and transform organisational culture, there are some great wins and learnings here in a business that has really shifted it's policies and process to become a more inclusive environment, employer and has seen significant wins across the workforce 
🎧 Listen now to learn how embracing diversity and disability can lead to real change.
If you would prefer to watch the full video you can do that here. https://youtu.be/_cqq4SHYgoE
Link with Cordelia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordelia-johnney-b176189/
Vistin Stonewater Housing here: https://www.stonewater.org/
Learn more about Douglas Jackson here https://www.douglas-jackson.com/
#EqualityDiversityInclusion #DisabilityInclusion #Neurodiversity #Allyship #Leadership #TheImpactRoom

Episode 61 - Chris Farnath - Hiring Champions, Author of Champion Hire, CEO Service Insight, Fromer Chief Customer Officer Global Operations over 34 countries

Unlocking High-Performance Teams: Insights with Chris Farnath, Author of Hiring Champions
In this episode of The Impact Room, Michelle Ansell is joined by Chris Farnath, author of Champion Hires and CEO of Service Instinct. With a career spanning leadership roles in over 34 countries, as a Chief Customer Officer and Managing Director in leading software, SaaS and professional services companies, Chris brings a wealth of expertise in hiring strategy, leadership development, and creating exceptional teams.
Chris dives into the art of identifying "Champion Hires"—candidates who go beyond meeting job requirements to drive cultural and team-wide excellence. He discusses the pitfalls of reactive hiring, the critical role of onboarding in ensuring success, and how aligning hiring strategies with organisational values can unlock a team's true potential.
Highlight Quote from Chris Farnath:"Champion hires are the ones who inspire, energise, and elevate your entire organisation. It’s about more than skills—it’s about alignment, mindset, and the impact they create."
If you’re a leader aiming to enhance your recruitment process, build cohesive teams, and lead with clarity, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and game-changing insights.
Watch the full episode here. https://youtu.be/HAKbGjYcTFs
Get Chris's book Champion Hires here. https://amzn.eu/d/5mVxKhD
The Impact Room from Douglas Jackson, where exceptional diverse, impactful leadership is shared. 
 

Episode 60 - Gavin Lillywhite, Head of Insurance Distribution Axio, Lloyds of London, Allianz, Cyber Balance Sheet Risk Solutions

In our latest Impact Room episode, John Montgomery Insurance Practice Lead at Douglas Jackson is joined by Gavin Lillywhite, Head of Insurance Distribution at Axio a SAAS platform and cyber risk solution provider that helps Insurers, Lloyd's and Brokers assess the cyber risk. 
Gavin deals in Cyber Risk Capital Management & Risk Transfer: Bringing expertise in identifying, quantifying, & economically reducing cyber risk to protect balance sheets
Gavin unpacks the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber risk, offering insights into how businesses can better assess and manage their exposure. He explains Axio’s innovative approach, which bridges the gap between understanding enterprise-level cyber balance sheet risks and equipping insurers to tackle the growing threat of cyber-related physical damage.
Key themes include:
The distinction between traditional cyber liability insurance and emerging cyber physical risks, which pose critical challenges for sectors like energy, manufacturing, and finance.
The cascading effects of unmanaged cyber risk on project finance, lending practices, and board-level accountability.
How closing the protection gap can foster a more resilient investment market.
Quotable Moment from Gavin Lillywhite:"The confusion between cyber liability and cyber physical damage often leaves critical risks unaddressed. It’s not about fear; it’s about building resilience and eliminating the protection gap."
If you're a business leader, insurer, or simply keen to explore how technology and risk management intersect in today’s economy, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought leadership.
Don't miss an episode! Stay tuned for more expert interviews and in-depth conversations on the future of leadership, customer experience, and emerging industry trends.
If you would prefer to watch the full video you can do that here. https://youtu.be/4XVM54MK0v0
Visit Gavin's LinkedIn profile here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-lillywhite/
Learn more about Douglas Jackson in the Insurance market offering Executive Search and Recruitment Consultancy for Senior and Executive leadership hires. 
https://www.douglas-jackson.com/insurance-banking-and-finance-executive-and-professional-search-recruitment/
For more on John Montgomery go here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-montgomery-the-insurance-recruitment-specialist/
 
 

Episode 59 - Morris Pentel, Employee, Patient and Customer Experience Design and Engineering, Principle Consultant Customer Success Director Sentient Machines EX, CX, PX, TX

Welcome to the latest episode of The Impact Room! Today, we are thrilled to have Morris Pentel with us. Many of you may already be familiar with him as one of the Pioneers of customer experience. Morris has been at the forefront of contact centre technology since the 1980s, guiding organizations through the evolution of customer service and experience.
In this episode, Morris will share his insights on the current state of customer experience (CX) and its integration with other critical areas like employee and patient and customer experience. We'll delve into the challenges organisations face in bridging the gap between customer expectations and service delivery, and discuss the vital role of analytics in understanding customer interactions.
Join us as we explore how to harness the power of behavioural science, technology and the advancements of AI to improve customer experiences and what it means for the future of service excellence. Let's jump in!
 
If you would prefer to watch this episode you can do that here. 
The Impact Room Podcast from Douglas Jackson– Where exceptional, diverse and impactful leadership and wisdom is shared...

Episode 58 - A journey navigating ADHD and leadership, Sarah Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, Future Leaders, corporate career, empowering others, hyperfocus, procrastination, productivity

In our latest edition of the Impact Room Sarah Morgan joins Holly Beeston, Utilities Practice Lead joins Sarah Coach and COO at Future Leaders, about her journey navigating ADHD and leadership. Sarah shares her personal experience with a late ADHD diagnosis, how it impacted her corporate career, and how she’s now empowering others through coaching. Discover how ADHD traits like hyperfocus, procrastination, and rejection sensitivity shaped her approach to leadership, and the tools she uses to stay productive. From coping strategies like the Pomodoro technique and body doubling to balancing her ADHD brain with exercise and nutrition, Sarah offers powerful insights into managing neurodiversity in the workplace.
Navigating ADHD and Leadership with Sarah Morgan: Late Diagnosis and Corporate Success
Overview:In this episode, Holly Beeston speaks with Sarah Morgan, founder of Luceat Consulting and COO at Future Leaders, about her transformative journey following a late ADHD diagnosis. Sarah opens up about how this discovery reshaped her professional life, helping her understand traits such as hyperfocus and rejection sensitivity, and how she now uses these insights to help others as a coach.
“My ADHD diagnosis changed everything—it was like getting the missing piece of the puzzle. Suddenly, all my struggles in leadership made sense, but I also realized the unique strengths it gave me,” Sarah shares.
Join us as she reveals practical strategies like the Pomodoro technique and body doubling that help her stay on track, alongside insights into the importance of exercise and nutrition in managing ADHD. Whether you’re navigating neurodiversity in leadership or seeking productivity hacks, Sarah’s story offers valuable lessons on thriving with ADHD.
#ADHD, #Leadership, #Late Diagnosis, #ADHD in Business, #Neurodiversity, #Sarah Morgan, #Luceat Consulting, #Future Leaders, #Leadership #Coaching, #Hyperfocus, #Rejection #Sensitive #Dysphoria, #Pomodoro #Technique, #Body Doubling, #Corporate Success, #ADHD Management, #Productivity Tools, #Women in Leadership, #Workplace Inclusion #business podcast #leadershippodcast #cxpodcast #utilitiespodcast 

Episode 57 - Caroline Winwood, Global Director Retention and Owner Experience -VP Of Customer Experience, CX transformation Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Pepsi, Dyson

In this episode of The Impact Room, Michelle Ansell joins Caroline Winwood, a seasoned Global Director/VP of Customer Experience. Caroline has worked with top consumer brands including Dyson and Pepsi, and led major transformation programmes in sales, customer service, e-commerce, and digital experience. She shares invaluable insights on designing customer experiences that drive both operational and commercial success
Quote from Caroline: "Transformation programmes thrive when customer outcomes, operational design, and processes align from the start. Without this, efforts often unravel before they can deliver meaningful results."
If you would prefer to watch this episode you can do that here. 
The Impact Room, Where exceptional, diverse and impactful leadership and wisdom is shared...

Episode 56 - Hugh Kenyon - Sustainability and Insurance, former Pricing Director of LV, Direct Line Group

This week on The Impact Room, we explore sustainability through the lens of a senior leader who has transitioned from a 40-year corporate career to a champion of environmental change. Our guest Hugh Kenyon, candidly shares his learning journey and the lessons from his time as a pricing director and environmental sponsor at LV=. The episode dives into the challenges boards face in adopting sustainability strategies and the importance of measuring what matters—going beyond direct emissions to consider downstream impacts. He offers invaluable advice for leaders who want to build sustainable strategies without getting lost in complexity.
Tune in to gain insights from a leader who believes in empowering people to make sustainability part of the business DNA. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation on leadership and sustainability.
If you would prefer to watch this episode, you can do that here: 
The Impact Room from Douglas Jackson
Where exceptional, diverse and impactful leadership and wisdom is shared...