The Progression Puzzle

Thinking Outside of the Box with Damian Horner Co-Founder of Real Vision | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 9

In this episode of The Progression Puzzle, we welcome the visionary Damian Horner, co-founder of Real Vision, to piece together his progression puzzle.  From an early age growing up in a working-class household just outside of Leeds, Damian always had a passion for advertising and communications. Through sheer determination and hard work, he managed to throw open the doors and find his place in the industry. Damian's career has always been characterised by his ability to think outside of the box. It is this thinking which catapulted him to the top of the industry very early on in his career. However, once there, he found that the environment stifled his revolutionary thinking which he passionately believed is the key to success.  Since then he has followed the opportunities that life has presented from publishing to gaming and everything in between. Damian's latest adventure is Real Vision, a disruptive financial media platform. The aim of Real Vision is to democratise information within financial services to allow everyone access to the information needed to make well-informed investments.  Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, this conversation is an honest look at how to seize every opportunity with both hands. Through Damian recounting his journey from childhood to now, there are key learnings for anyone who wants to develop their creative thinking and live life to the fullest. 
 
Timestamp Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
00:59 - Introduction to Damian Horner, co-founder of Real Vision 
01:57 - What is Real Vision and your role within the organisation? 
03:57 - How did your career progress to founding Real Vision?
05:26 - How did you find your path coming from a working-class household in Leeds?
06:56 - What was your childhood like? Did you feel like you 'fitted in'?
12:36 - After school, where did your path take you?
14:34 - What did you learn about yourself taking an unconventional route through University?
16:36 - How did you find your way into advertising? 
20:12 - Do you think coming from a working-class background held you back in the early stages of your career? 
22:11 - When did you realise that you might not be suited to a corporate environment? 
26:44 - What made you finally take the leap of faith and decide to not return to the corporate environment?
29:19 - How do you switch off at the end of the day?
34:53 - What have been some of your most significant professional successes and failures?
 
Connect with your guest, Damian Horner, on LinkedIn 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production

Talking Allyship with Robyn Grew, Group COO, GC and Head of ESG at Man Group | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 8

Our latest episode of The Progression Puzzle welcomes Robyn Grew, Group COO, GC and Head of ESG at Man Group to piece together her progression puzzle. 
 
Robyn started her career in law before falling into the financial services world and discovering a hidden passion for the unique impact investment banking has on the world. In her own words, through a series of breaks, she found herself gaining more experience and in turn working her way up the career ladder.
 
In her current role as COO, GC and Head of ESG, Robyn works with all the business functions to oversee the operations element of Man Group. During her role as Head of ESG, she oversees the overall corporate social responsibility of the firm and manages the strategy of the responsible investment products. 
 
She joins host Michael Barrington-Hibbert to discuss her career journey from her laissez-faire attitude in school to making the switch from law to finance and the journey from there to her current role at Man Group.
 
As part of the conversation, Robyn discusses the challenges she has encountered as a gay woman operating in the very traditional world of investment banking. It is these experiences which have driven her to champion allyship, in the hope, that in the not too-near future the financial services industry will be an inclusive space for all. 
 
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone trying to work their way up the corporate ladder, who may feel they do not necessarily fit in. Robyn showcases that there is a space for everyone and provides key takeaways to help you claim your space. 
 
Timestamped Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
00:59 - Introduction to Robyn 
02:18 - What does the role of COO and Chief Legal Counsel entail?
04:09 - How did you develop the skillset to undertake this role?
09:14 - When did the change from a more laissez-faire attitude at school to wanting to pursue a career in law and then onto investment banking?
14:18 - What role models helped Robyn accept it was okay to be different?
19:07 - Why are you a champion of allyship across different intersectionalities?
21:35 - Can you share an example of where you have found navigating the corporate environment as a gay woman?
25:19 - What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date?
27:15 - What pieces of advice would you give to your younger self?
 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Find your guest, Robyn Grew, on LinkedIn
 
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production

Navigating Diversity in The City with Bhavini ’Bev’ Shah, Founder and CEO of City Hive | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 7

In our latest episode of The Progression Puzzle, we welcome a truly inspiring guest - Bhavini 'Bev' Shah, Founder and CEO of City Hive.
 
After 20 years of working her way up the corporate ladder in The City, Bhavini decided that she was fed up with the lack of diversity - in terms of both employees within financial services institutions and access to information. City Hive was born out of the belief that diversity pays dividends for all involved.
 
One of the areas City Hive is keen to improve is access to information. Too often the people who benefit from investments are not the ones who really need the help. If information was spread wider this would help to make the investing playing field level. However change like this does not happen overnight but with Bhavini at the helm, City Hive will continue to drive forward this change. 
 
Bhavini has worked incredibly hard to reach the position she is in, navigating The City utilising the morals of kindness and respect her parents instilled in her to help her along the way.
 
Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, this is a truly inspiring conversation which showcases that through hard work and determination anything can be achieved. Through Bhavini's honesty, you will be provided with key takeaways about the hidden rules of the corporate world, adding value to every situation and why you should stop asking for permission in the workplace.  
 
Timestamp Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle
00:59 - Introduction to Bhavini 'Bev' Shah 
02:31 - Why do many people call you Bev?
06:42 - Bhavini's education 
11:42 - Bhavini's early role models
18:28 - Bhavini's diagnosis of dyslexia 
19:37 - Why did Bhavini found City Hive and what is Bhavini's role?
22:00 - How is City Hive increasing access to data?
26:03 - Since City Hive's launch, what change has Bhavini seen?
27:48 - How has Bhavini navigated the traditional industry of financial services?
32:28 - How has Bhavini achieved a work-life balance?
37:53 - How did Bhavini make the transition to CEO?
40:18 - How important were mentors to Bhavini throughout her career?
42:22 - What advice would Bhavini give to her younger self?
43:54 - What is one thing in the city Bhavini thinks must change?
44:31 - Summary of the podcast
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Find your guest, Bhavini 'Bev' Shah, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington-Hibbert Associates
This is a Loaded Hype production 

Taking the time to Reflect with the Co-Founders of Flair, Nii Cleland and Darrell Coker | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 6

In our latest episode of The Progression Puzzle, we welcome not one but two incredible guests, co-founders of Flair Darrell Coker and Nii Cleland. 
Flair is a racial equity technology platform that helps organisations to progress toward creating racially equitable cultures. The key advantage that Flair brings to companies is helping to gather data and measure progress compared with goals. 
Darrell and Nii are groundbreaking entrepreneurs who in their first round of funding have managed to raise $1.8 million - an incredible achievement however the journey there has not been plain sailing. They have both had to learn to reflect and adapt particularly during the pandemic. 
As part of their conversation with Barrington-Hibbert Associates CEO Michael Barrington-Hibbert, Darrell and Nii talk about the ups and downs of their journey. From struggling with funding to experiencing racial prejudice and everything in between.
This is a must-listen for anyone starting on their entrepreneurial journey with learnings from incredible entrepreneurs who have experienced all the highs and lows but triumphed on the other side. 
 
Timestamp Guide: 
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
00:59 - Introduction to co-founders of Flair, Darrell Coker and Nii Cleland 
01:58 - What is Flair and what are your roles within the company?
03:37 - How did 2020 impact Flair as a business and both of you as leaders?
06:30 - What made you decide to pivot towards the second iteration of Flair?
11:08 - What were your experiences of completing funding rounds as Black founders?
14:44 - What advice would you give to people wanting to raise funds?
18:04 - How are Flair as a platform encouraging companies to address their racial bias'?
23:42 - What industries have been early adopters of Flair?
26:13 - Who were your role models growing up?
29:51 - What are some of the experiences of prejudices within the technology and sports sectors you have experienced?
35:47 - What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far and how do you balance life as an entrepreneur?
42:42 - Summary of the podcast 
 
Find your guests, Darrell Coker and Nii Cleland, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production
 

Finding Your Passion with Lindi Ngwenya, Founder and Managing Director of Sisu Sports Mangement | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 5

In this episode of The Progression Puzzle, we welcome a very special guest, founder and managing director of Sisu Sports Management, Lindi Ngwenya.
Lindi has always been passionate about sports since her University of Cambridge days playing rugby for the school, however, it wasn't until later in her career that she summoned the courage to take the leap to found Sisu.
Throughout her career, Lindi has found the strength to make not one but two career pivots - moving from a British Army officer to a successful career in the city to finally living her passion managing her own company. In this insightful conversation, she analyses how her past has made her able and willing to make these adaptions. 
Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, Lindi opens up about the successes she has achieved but also the setbacks she has faced to provide key learning points. From her honest reflection, she pieces together her personal progression puzzle of her journey from rising through the ranks of JP Morgan to growing a successful start-up. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone navigating the financial services world or planning to take the leap of faith to start their own company. 
 
Timestamp Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
01:00 - Introduction to Lindi 
02:23 - Lindi, tell us about Sisu and your role within it?
04:42 - What was the English women's football market like when Sisu launched in 2013?
08:23 - What does a typical look like for Lindi, managing director of Sisu?
10:53 - How has Lindi navigated the white male-dominated sports management industry as a black woman?
14:00 - Lindi's childhood attending Westminister School and the University of Cambridge 
19:36 - Lindi's time in the British Army 
24:26 - Lindi's decision to pivot towards financial services 
31:36 - Lindi's decision to follow her passion and found Sisu 
36:36 - The realities of the first years of Sisu 
39:52 - The successes and obstacles Sisu has faced 
45:48 - Who are Lindi's role models?
51:08 - Connect with Lindi 
51:38 - Summary of the podcast 
 
Connect with your guest, Lindi Ngwenya, on LinkedIn 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production

Creating a Vision with Micheal Blakley, Co-Founder of Equitas | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 4

On our latest episode of The Progression Puzzle, we welcome guest Michael Blakley, Co-Founder of Equitas. 
Michael joined us to talk about the highs and lows of being a founder. Entrepreneurial by nature, Michael founded a successful recruitment agency attracting industry giants from ALDI to BSkyB.
It was this experience that propelled him to co-found Equitas to help companies reduce bias in their interview processes to make better, fairer hiring decisions. 
Throughout the podcast, Michael showcases his positive attitude when discussing the challenges of running a start-up with a small team and pitching for investment. This has created a resilient nature that shines throughout the whole conversation. 
This podcast provides insightful takeaways for anyone on their own entrepreneurial path: from the best way to pitch for funding to how to build a team and finally why patience is a key. There is advice within the conversation that will resonate at whatever stage of the entrepreneurial journey you are at. 
Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, the pair discuss their passion for increasing diversity across industries and why this is so important. This podcast includes all the advice you need to navigate challenges that arise as you create a vision for the organisation and future you want to see.
 
Timestamped Guide: 
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
00:59 - Introduction to Michael 
02:26 - Introduction to Equitas
03:52 - Where the idea for Equitas came from
06:39 - How does the Equitas platform help different companies within different industries
09:19 - Which sectors have Equitas seen the most success in 
11:58 - Where did Michael's passion for inclusivity come from 
15:14 - Michael's role models growing up
17:33 - Michael's top tip for aspiring entrepreneurs
19:29 - What was Michael's pivotal moment that led him to co-found Equitas?
21:46 - The harsh realities of co-founding a company
23:55 - Michael's first pitch to try to receive funding for Equitas
25:31 - What does resilience mean to Michael?
27:30 - The highs and lows during Equitas journey 
30:28 - The future of Equitas 
33:47 - What advice would you give to your younger self to be able to chase your dreams and ambitions 
36:05 - Summary of the podcast 
 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Find your guest, Michael Blakley, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production
 

Showing Up With Your Authentic Self with Geoffrey Williams, Vice President / Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Burberry | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 3

In our third episode of The Progression Puzzle, we welcome Geoffrey Williams, Vice President / Global Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at Burberry. 
 
Geoffrey did not aspire to have a corporate career, he had dreams of working in the music industry. He pushed to attend the prestigious BRITs schools overcoming many obstacles to achieve this. After he had accomplished his childhood dreams, he decided to pivot his career towards a corporate challenge. 
 
Geoffrey has overcome many obstacles to accomplish a multitude of achievements that most people could only ever dream about. It has taken him a number of years to feel comfortable enough to show his authentic self within the corporate environment. He has overcome imposter syndrome and now uses his position to advise Burberry and other senior executives on issues around diversity and inclusion. 
 
A theme that runs throughout the podcast is his drive to achieve through adversity. This chat is an inspiring insight into the varied career of a man who has achieved great things within the corporate and entertainment world. 
 
Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, this is a conversation that will provide you with insightful advice on how to pivot careers, how to overcome imposter syndrome and how to show up as your authentic self.
 
* This podcast was recorded before Geoffrey began his new role at Burberry. 
 
Timestamp Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
00:59 - Introduction to Geoffrey Williams
02:07 - Geoffrey's role as Global Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at Dr Martens 
03:59 -  How have conversations around diversity and inclusion changed within organisations over the last 18 months
06:44 - The difficulties with coaching people to understand why diversity is important within organisations and society as a whole
08:47 - Geoffrey's early career in entertainment 
12:26 - Geoffrey's early education and determination to attend the BRIT school even with multiple factors against him 
15:25 - Origins of Geoffrey's focus and determination 
17:18 - Geoffrey's short films career 
20:10 - Expressing his authentic self through fashion 
21:53 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and showing up as his authentic self
28:26 - Navigating the challenges of his dyslexia 
33:53 - How did Geoffrey approach board meetings as a Black Gay man with dyslexia
36:24 - The importance of mentors and Geoffrey's mentors 
37:38 - Advice to Geoffrey's 18-year-old self 
38:49 - Geoffrey's most rebellious act 
39:34 - Summary of the podcast 
 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Find your guest, Geoffrey Williams, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production 

Inclusivity in Investment Banking with Nana Raphael, Managing Director of European Mergers & Acquisitions at Jefferies International | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 2

In this episode of the Progression Puzzle, we have a very special guest- Managing Director of European Mergers & Acquisitions at Jefferies International, Nana Raphael. 
 
In addition to her role as managing director, Nana is the chair of Jefferies Ethnic Minority Society (JEMS). She co-founded the group which aims to champion diversity and inclusion within Jefferies focusing on tangible change at every level of the organisation. 
Nana is a mother of three children and a trustee for Humanity and Inclusion, a charity focused on disability and disaster relief initiatives. 
 
In this episode, Nana gives an insight into her journey- from the decision to pursue a career in investment banking to the responsibilities of her current role. Within this discussion, we delve into the challenges Nana has faced including imposter syndrome and achieving work-life balance as a working mother in a male-dominated industry. For Nana, communication, mentoring and preparation have been key to overcoming these challenges. This conversation has important takeaways for anyone working in the corporate world. 
 
Nana champions inclusivity in her role as chair of JEMS. As one of the only black investment bankers in the UK covering the European region, she is incredibly proud of her achievement but also disappointed by the lack of diversity in the City. She has worked tirelessly on JEMS and other initiatives within Jefferies to improve diversity, which has led to a commitment to change from the CEO in regards to diversity and inclusion. 
 
Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, this episode of The Progression Puzzle offers an insight into the career of Nana Raphael. Packed full of learnings to help you navigate the world of investment banking This episode gives hope for a more inclusive future in investment banking with trailblazers such as Nana leading the way.
 
Timestamped Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to the Progression Puzzle 
01:00 - Introduction to Nana 
02:15 - Nana's current role as Managing Director of European Mergers & Acquisitions at Jefferies International 
04:30 - A typical day as Managing Director 
06:35 - Discussion on being the only black investment banker covering Europe 
08:55 - Achieving balance between work and home life 
14:15 - Nana's journey to deciding to pursue a career in investment banking 
18:37 - Challenges experienced and how Nana overcame them 
29:12 - The change organisations have made since the murder of George Floyd 
32:52 - The importance of mentors and role models 
34:40 - Two pieces of advice for your younger self 
35:14 - Summary of the podcast 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production 
 

Talking Resilience with Gary Pettit, CEO of ED&F Man | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 1

In this episode of The Progression puzzle, we welcome Gary Pettit.
Gary is the CEO of ED&F Man, having previously been in charge of Financial Futures & Options at ICAP. 
 
Gary started his career in retail banking before a series of events altered his path. In this episode, never one to shy away from challenges, Gary discusses the steps from retail banking to CEO.
Along the way, Gary has picked up some invaluable pieces of wisdom that he shares with us. Ranging from getting noticed in an interview with minimal experience to the importance of networking; this advice comes from years of experience, persistently working his way up the ladder.
 
A key theme throughout the podcast is resilience. No journey is easy and Gary's is no different: from losing clients to battling prostate cancer, it is his consistent perseverance that has allowed him to achieve his success. 
 
Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, CEO of Barrington-Hibbert Associates and a long time associate of Gary's, the two share stories from their experience working together and discuss the inclusivity challenges their industry faces.
This podcast is an insight into the career of Gary Pettit who with few qualifications has worked his way up to CEO through hard work, determination and persistence. 
 
Timestamped Guide:
00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 
01:00 - Introduction to Gary 
02:34 - Gary's early career in retail banking with a pivotal moment of a robbery at the NatWest Stratford Branch
05:33 - Travelling and starting as a broker
09:38 - Gary's Advice for entry-level interviewees
11:33 - Discussing race within the finance industry
15:19 - Gary's role models and what he defines as work ethic 
16:58 - Discussion on imposter syndrome and how to overcome 
19:51 - The importance of connecting with people on a personal level
21:04 - The transition from entry-level broker to managing a team 
25:52 - Gary's resilience in the face of challenges 
27:37 - The transition from leading a successful futures business to CEO
32:14 - Gary's personal highlights focusing on his successful Sports Agency with Ray Winston
37:05 - Challenges Gary has faced including being diagnosed with prostate cancer at 42
43:45 - Gary's advice to his younger self 
44:25 - Gary's thought on how the corporate finance world needs to change
46:32 - The initiative that Gary as CEO has implemented to encourage the change
49:00 - Summary of the podcast 
 
Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn
Find your guest, Gary Pettit, on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates
This podcast is a Loaded Hype production 
 

Coming Soon - The Progression Puzzle Podcast

Hello and welcome to The Progression Puzzle, the podcast that provides you with invaluable pieces of career wisdom - brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates.
 
With the first episodes launching soon, be sure to subscribe now wherever you like to enjoy your podcasts.
 
This, is The Progression Puzzle.