The Longest Day is a podcast that shares stories of resilience, determination and candour. We are convinced that people matter, and that conversations count. The Longest Day is a series of conversations with a variety of guests, who all candidly share their experiences with us - however tough. As they look back on their longest days, our hope is that it will empower you to look forward. We hope their stories will be a part of shaping yours.
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Ray Mia recounts his longest day in 1979, living above his father’s junk store in Liverpool in a household that didn’t celebrate Christmas. He outlines his experiences of growing up as an individual of color in a predominantly white society, highlighting the challenges of navigating cultural identity and belonging. Ray shares his experiences of fee…
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Laurie Barkman shares her experience of the longest day when her company was acquired by a global entity. She highlights the emotional and financial significance of the event and the loyalty of the employees. Laurie discusses the challenges and uncertainties that arise during the acquisition process, including the importance of due diligence and re…
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Rick Torrison shares his longest day story, which involves his son's struggles with anger, identity, and self-worth. Rick discusses the importance of addressing limiting beliefs and how they shape our behaviors and outcomes. He emphasizes the need to change beliefs, not just behaviors, in order to create sustainable change. Rick also talks about th…
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In this episode of "The Longest Day," Rosie Wilby recounts her most challenging day, which also marked a pivotal moment in her life and career. On January 3, 2011, Rosie was abruptly dumped by her partner of five years via email. The shock and pain initially left her devastated and unable to process the breakup for years. Over time, however, this e…
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Ashley Cox, Executive Director of Business Affairs and General Counsel, formerly interim CEO of Aquatics GB, shares the story of his longest day, which was filled with challenges and personal loss. Despite facing a series of unfortunate circumstances, Ashley remained calm and focused on his role as a leader. He credits his ability to handle pressur…
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On this week’s episode, Leah talks to Emma Ballard, the Editor of Women and Golf – the only women’s specific golf platform in the UK. Emma’s Longest Day happened during a golf leadership development programme at St Andrews, Scotland, the home of golf. The golf industry is notoriously male dominated, so it was a big deal during the leadership progra…
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In this episode, Leah talks to Suzanne Knight MBA. Suzanne’s longest day was when a member of her team died suddenly, and she and her team grieved together. It was a time when they became more open to each other about what they were feeling; they connected in a way they had never done before. The sharing of mutual grief was an experience that could…
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Leah Brown host of The Longest Day Podcast interviews Leah Wilkinson, British Olympic hockey player, on not being selected to be on the 2012 GB Olympic team. They discuss their formative years at Repton and what it looks like to navigate an uncharted path. In addition to supportive parents and colleagues, in her longest days Leah has herself to rel…
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On this week’s episode, have a listen to the conversation between Leah and David McQueen on his longest day and how he learnt how even if there are things beyond his control, he can manage the ones that are within it. It was a day when he and his wife, as ethnic minorities, experienced a lack of care in the maternity hospital. Calmly, he told the d…
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On this week’s episode, Leah talks to Dr Lynn Robson, Dean of Regent’s Park College, Safeguarding Lead, Director of the Visiting Student Programme and Tutorial Fellow in English Literature. Lynn’s longest day encompassed the COVID pandemic, from its announcement to its conclusion by the end of which she was exhausted and unable to carry on. All her…
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Welcome to our fourth Season’s first episode! Listen to Leah’s conversation with Caroline Sabourin who enjoys a 30-year career in organising Motorsports events globally while running a Sports Car Championship of 60 international teams. Caroline’s longest day was in 2000 when during the Australian Grand Prix, at the final race, one of the cars went …
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This week, Anne-Marie Imafidon is Leah’s guest on The Longest Day. She is a keynote speaker, presenter, and co-founder of Stemettes, the enterprise inspiring the next generation of women into STEM roles. As a leader, Anne-Marie is all things to all people: she will never ask someone to do something she wouldn’t or couldn’t do herself. One of the ad…
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In this week’s podcast, Leah welcomes Professor Lucy Easthope, the UK’s leading authority on recovering from disaster. During the COVID pandemic she advised the Prime Minister’s Office, governmental departments, and charities. She is author of When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope from an Expert in Disaster. Her longest day was wai…
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Professor Fiona Ross CBE’s longest day was the day when an accounts misconduct by a senior member of staff transpired. Because she believed that a person’s exit from an organisation is important, she safeguarded the person’s dignity, confidentiality, and boundaries even if it meant that some thought she was to blame. Fiona took it well with equanim…
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This week’s episode’s guest is Zoiey Smale, senior inclusion, diversity, sport consultant and internationally acclaimed activist. Sport was Zoiey’s first love. She believes in what it can bring to the world. But her dilemma as a young woman in medical school at University of Oxford was whether to drop out and work in sport as a coach or carry on li…
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Leah talks to Alex Rieder on this week’s podcast. Alex is a retired, professional rugby player who played for Wasps. He works as an Account Manager for the IT company, Computer Centre. On Alex’s longest day he sustained a shocking and severely dislocated knee injury during a game. Thanks to the other team’s A&E specialist doctor, they were able to …
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Leah speaks to Dr Charlie Easmon MBBS MRCP MSc Public Health DTM&H DOccMed DFPH CTH FRSPH, an experienced doctor, entrepreneur and professional speaker, about his longest day while running a private business specialising in health screening and travel vaccinations for corporate and government clients. He talks about the importance of mentorship, th…
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Join Leah as she interviews Mike Gatting OBE, former English cricketer about his longest day. It took place when he sustained injuries that forced him to question whether he would be able to play again. He wanted to get back into the game as quickly as possible after the first injury, a broken nose. So when he broke his thumb after he had just retu…
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Leah talks to Tara Austin, behavioural and brand strategist, and psychedelic medicines campaigner, in this week’s episode of The Longest Day. Tara’s redundancy was totally unexpected given that she and the Creative Director then were winning big, pitch businesses for the company. She contrasts that day with her ‘shortest day’ when she was invited t…
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Co-CEO of bottled water company, Belu, and University of Westminster Chancellor among many other roles, Natalie Campbell MBE decided to run in the mayoral race in the upcoming elections. For her, politics is a waiting game for everyone: we’re all waiting for positive change. It’s high time that the people who we elect should be those who know what …
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In our third episode Leah talks to George Osei-Oppong Jr, the co-owner and CEO of Host Help, a cloud-based web hosting, SEO, research, and software and data services company. Although George finds the term ‘entrepreneur’ inadequate, he really is one at his core. Find out about what happened to George after navigating through his longest day, how hi…
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Join us as we hear from Elizabeth Oldfield, coach, consultant, people facilitator, and host of The Sacred podcast, about how and why she and her family decided to live intentionally in community. In the face of the challenges of obtaining a suitable, communal home in London, they learnt to acknowledge that their relationships mattered more than bri…
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Welcome to our first Episode of Season 3! To start things off, Leah talks to Naomi Smith, the Chief Executive of Best for Britain. How would you feel if you experienced a crisis in which the very people you were trying to help turn against you? Naomi and her team endured attacks from a few, prominent, left-wing Guardian commentators. As a result, t…
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Sir Vince Cable MP, former leader of the Liberal Democrat party, is our guest for our final episode of Season 2! Join Leah as she talks with Vince about his longest day as an MP, how the mood changed from gloom to optimism and how he emerged stronger. Learn about what characteristic qualities are needed to lead well, and how having your family and …
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After eight to ten years of working as a Creative Director in advertising, Clemmie Telford was making a lot of sacrifices, especially time with her young family. She was driven by the desire to change the discouraging statistics that only 3% of creative directors were female. But one night, at a dinner with her female friends where personal salarie…
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This week, Leah Brown talks to Sir Stephen Timms, Labour Member of Parliament for East Ham. He tells the story of his longest day in May 2010 when he was stabbed three times by a member of the constituency he serves. Listen in on his views about forgiveness: how it can really only operate where there is personal communication. He has received three…
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Kimberly McIntosh, a Labour councillor of Faraday, Southwark, was working on an event on the Windrush scandal in Parliament when she experienced burnout. It was also just a few weeks before her debut non-fiction book, Black Girl, No Magic was coming out. Discover with Leah Brown, how Kimberly’s reframing of her definition of success from being less…
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Barry Stickings MBE is our guest for this week’s episode. When Barry and his wife Kelly heard that their baby was born with bilateral anophthalmia, a rare condition of the absence of both eyes, they were totally unprepared. That was 15 June 1989, their longest day – a day that did not seem promising but turned out to have a bright future. Learn abo…
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In this week’s episode, join Leah as she speaks with Lord Michael Hastings CBE, former Commissioner of the Commission of Racial Equality, chairman of SOAS and vice-president at UNICEF UK among other roles. Listen to how his story of his longest day weaves with the stories of those he serves, particularly prisoners and ex-offenders. At the young age…
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This episode’s guest is Sophia Ukor, the founder and CEO of Violet Simon, a media company amplifying the voices of women from all walks of life through authentic storytelling. Sophia shares her own story of suffering as a victim of abuse and rape, her suicide attempts, undergoing therapy, meeting her husband from whom she experiences unconditional …
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This week’s guest is Dr Raghib Ali OBE MD FRCP, Chief Medical Officer of ‘Our Future Health’, UK’s largest health research budget. It is recruiting a population that is representative of multi-ethnic UK to include those from deprived backgrounds. Discover what motivated Raghib during the COVID pandemic to contribute to what felt like a wartime effo…
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In this week’s episode, Lieutenant General Arundell David Leakey CMG, CVO, CBE describes the most chaotic of crises he has ever been in as his longest day. It took place during his time as Black Rod, a role with ceremonial duties such as the State Opening of Parliament and the supervision of security emergency responses. Despite one miscreant causi…
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We talk to Andy Haldane on this week’s episode. Andy is the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts. He was formerly Chief Economist at the Bank of England where he experienced his longest day. The unravelling of the 2008 global financial crisis required important decisions to be made about the big number to prop up national banks. Listen to h…
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The first black, female elected Mayor of Liverpool from 2021-2023, Joanne Anderson, is our guest for this episode. Listen in on how she managed the catastrophic withdrawal of the offer of a big energy provider; the bad press and the general fear caused were lessons for her. She is fearless in her criticism of those who would take credit away from t…
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In this week’s episode, we speak with the Rt Hon David Lammy, Labour MP of Tottenham. He looks back to the beginning of the August 2011 Tottenham riots, triggered by the shooting of Mark Duggan and which led to nationwide riots, as his ‘longest day’. He supported the victims and the people of Tottenham – a key experience in his advocacy for the fam…
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Our guest is Richard Hooper CBE, the founding deputy chair of the UK Communications Regulator, OfCom. Under the Labour and Conservative governments, he chaired reviews on the Royal Mail and copyright licensing. He is the author of Making Meetings Work. Richard speaks about his ‘Longest Day’ chairing a board in disarray in one day. His 3-step approa…
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Welcome to season two of The Longest Day! To kick things off we interview Nick Grono, the co-founder and leader of Freedom Fund, a global fund that aims to end worldwide, modern slavery. He is a leader who prioritises the humanity of people at the centre of the crisis. His longest day was witnessing the September 11th terrorist attacks whilst in Ne…
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Leroy Logan MBE PhD FRSA, a highly distinguished former police officer, discusses his longest day being confronted by a misconduct allegation. Discussing the trials of being a black authority figure standing firm against potential power abuses, Leroy discusses the motto 'innocent until proven guilty' alongside his fight for justice, what perseveran…
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Klaus M Nielsen is a man who has navigated various roles across diverse continents and cultures. From left-wing activist, video game designer, and international EDM DJ to monk and mentor, Klaus exemplifies the power of spiritual exploration and personal growth. Facing burnout, Klaus found tranquility in being a monk, but it also led him to his long…
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Anna Woods is founder and CEO of Positive Retail and a leadership coach. Faced with a career crisis a decade ago, Anna emerged stronger and more committed to fostering a positive work culture. Her longest day involved standing up for herself in a toxic organisation. Emerging with new skills and a commitment to better leadership, Anna shares valuabl…
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Seasoned former banker Richard Boath talks to us about his longest day preventing a UK government bailout at Barclays Bank in 2008. He explains how he navigated immense pressure and engaged the stakeholders around him, noting that a crisis brings out the best or worst in people. But Richard also talks of accusations levelled against him by the Seri…
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Tomiwa Owolade, a freelance writer, critic, and author discusses his longest day which not only shaped his beliefs and politics but also paved his path as a writer. We discuss his recently released book, 'This Is Not America: Why Black Lives in Britain Matter', that Diane Abbott MP column, and the nuances required for conversations about race in th…
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Tobi Oredein, the driving force of Black Ballad, candidly shares her entrepreneurial experiences. She speaks of the tough choices involved when an employee isn't up to scratch, about managing the business while on maternity leave during a pandemic, and emphasises the crucial role mentors and a thorough understanding of company culture play in succe…
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Join us for an insightful conversation with Samuel Kasumu, award-winning social entrepreneur and CEO of Inclusive Boards, who navigated the complexities of Downing Street before surprisingly resigning from his role as the most senior black advisor in the UK government. Samuel discusses his journey, including his time in Downing Street where he lear…
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Eight years ago, Jeremy Marshall was diagnosed with incurable cancer and given an 18-month prognosis. In our intimate discussion, he details the emotional upheaval following his diagnosis, emphasizing the profound role his faith played in not only guiding him through this crisis but also in leading him towards a renewed life purpose. This news culm…
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In episode 8 I interview Dr Hannah Barham-Brown a doctor, campaigner, speaker, media commentator, and social media stalwart. It’s a raw, authentic and powerful episode. She’s never spoken so publicly about her story before and I hope all the literary agents and hiring managers and conference organisers take note. I mean it. She’s the ideal EDI spea…
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In this episode, we speak to Ben Hilton, CEO of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. We discuss his longest day navigating significant headcount reductions. He advocates for honesty and transparency, and explains that financial sustainability is at the core of a successful organisation, and carves out time for personal reflection. The episode explores the …
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Chris Paouros is an extraordinary leader and this is an extraordinary interview. Prefaced with a content warning, we discuss what it looks like to go on when the world has fallen out from beneath your feet. This episode delves into behaviours society needs its leaders to adopt. We also talk about community and belonging in the context of Chris’ act…
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This week we move into the political and interview Tim Dixon, Co-CEO of More in Common. He speaks of the profound impact of the death of his friend, Jo Cox (Labour MP for Batley and Spen) who was brutally murdered in 2016 in a politically motivated attack by a constituent. Tim is no stranger to crises but aptly describes his longest day as one wher…
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It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and we couldn’t think of someone who speaks to the challenges of being a new mum than Jenny Scott. She speaks of what it feels like to be lost and lonely, sad, unhappy and struggling, and not feeling like you’re living your best life. She explores the relief she gained in asking for help and using her professional …
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