Change Makers: Leadership, Good Business, Ideas and Innovation

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.

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

What if history had taken a different path? In the latest episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman speaks with Jeff Nussbaum - communications expert, author, and Partner at Bully Pulpit International. Jeff has worked at the highest levels of politics, serving as Senior Speechwriter and Special Assistant to President Joe Biden, and advising leaders like Vice President Al Gore and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle.

They sat down at Benjamin Franklin House in London - the world’s only surviving home of the Founding Father - to discuss Jeff’s latest book, Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches That Would Have Rewritten History. 

Join them as they explore Jeff’s insider perspectives on the White House, uncover lessons from history’s untold speeches, and discover how the right words at the right time can change the world.