The Unlikely Executive
The Unlikely Executive
Podcast Description
You know there’s more in you—more to explore, more to give, and more to live. Welcome to The Unlikely Executive Podcast, a bi-weekly show for those who want to make a difference—whether they’re already doing good, don’t know where to start, or are simply curious about what’s possible. This podcast is designed especially for New CEOs of nonprofits who feel they’re in the right place but wonder, Now what? Those at a crossroads, unsure if they have what it takes to craft a meaningful career doing what they love. Curious minds seeking inspiration and clarity about the art of the possible. Every episode, host Barbra Carlisle, Founder of Glee Coaching Ltd, Accredited Coach, and Mentor, brings you candid conversations with people like you who are now leaders making a significant difference. These are people whose journeys to where they are today were far from textbook. Challenges, self-doubt, and surprising turns all play a part. Yet, they’ve emerged with a sense of purpose, passion, and a desire to contribute positively to our wonderful and complex world. Through inspiring stories, actionable tips, and heartfelt moments, each guest reveals how they stepped into the unknown, discovered their purpose, and made a difference. If you’re ready to unlock your potential, challenge yourself, and take steps toward creating the impact you dream of, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time. Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as leadership in nonprofit organizations, personal transformations, and diversity in professional fields. Examples of episodes include Cohan discussing diversity in tech, Marg reflecting on her unexpected journey to becoming a CEO, and Michele sharing her transition from medicine to nonprofit leadership dedicated to brain tumor research.
You know there’s more in you, more to explore, more to give, and more to live.
Welcome to The Unlikely Executive Podcast, a bi-weekly show for people who want to make a difference both in their own careers and the world around them. You don’t have to be failing to want more. If you are curious about how others have navigated the rocky road to leadership and fulfillment you are in the right place.
This podcast is designed especially for the curious, the ambitious and the slightly nervous!
It is for those who are asking Now what?
Those at a crossroads, those with a desire to step up to the executive table and those who want to feel a sense of ownership in their own career.
Every episode, host Barbra Carlisle, Founder of Glee Coaching Ltd, Accredited Coach, and Business Mentor, brings you candid conversations with people like you who are now leaders making a significant difference.
These are people whose journeys to where they are today were far from textbook. Challenges, self-doubt, and surprising turns all play a part. Yet, they’ve emerged with a sense of purpose, passion, and a desire to contribute positively to our wonderful and complex world.
Through inspiring stories, actionable tips, and heartfelt moments, each guest reveals how they stepped into the unknown, discovered their purpose, and made a difference.
If you’re ready to unlock your potential, challenge yourself, and take steps toward creating the impact you dream of, this podcast is for you.
Subscribe now to start your journey of discovery, and together, let’s build a better future—one purposeful step at a time.
Visit www.gleecoaching.com to learn more.
Hosted on Riverside
In this episode of The Unlikely Executive, Barbra Carlisle speaks with strategic construction leader and entrepreneur Sarah Thorne.
With more than 20 years in construction and project delivery, Sarah explains why project management is about far more than processes and timelines.
She reveals how stakeholder relationships, listening skills and strategic thinking create successful outcomes across industries.
Sarah also shares the personal journey that led her to discover her true purpose. Through her work with Thorne Solutions, Engage to Action, Women Leaders UK and MumPod, she is helping people thrive at every stage of life, from inspiring primary school children to consider STEM careers through to supporting mothers returning to work.
The conversation explores imposter syndrome, hidden disabilities, mentoring, leadership styles and why honesty, collaboration and trust remain at the heart of effective leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Project management is fundamentally about people, not paperwork.
- Transferable skills can unlock opportunities across multiple industries.
- Purpose often emerges when seemingly unrelated activities are viewed together.
- Early exposure to STEM careers can transform aspirations for young people.
- Organisations must do more to support women returning from maternity leave.
- Good mentors challenge thinking rather than simply provide reassurance.
- Leaders can be both compassionate and accountable.
- Visionary leaders need to balance creativity with clarity and structure.
- Honesty and psychological safety are critical for high-performing teams.
- Inclusion starts with practical action rather than policy statements.
About Sarah Thorne
Sarah Thorne is a strategic leader in construction and the founder of Thorne Solutions. Alongside her project delivery work, she is co-founder of MumPod, an organisation creating dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing mothers.
She also supports young people through Engage to Action, serves as a trustee with Women Leaders UK and champions inclusion, resilience and people-centred leadership across multiple sectors.
Connect
Follow Sarah Thorne on LinkedIn to learn more about project management, leadership, inclusion and MumPod.Sarah Thorne | LinkedIn
Barbra Carlisle is an executive coach, leadership trainer and host of The Unlikely Executive podcast.
Through coaching, leadership development programmes and practical training, Barbra helps leaders strengthen their leadership identity, improve communication and create cultures where people can thrive.
Whether you’re:
- Stepping into a leadership role for the first time
- Leading organisational change
- Developing your senior leadership team
- Looking for executive coaching support
- Building leadership capability across your organisation
🌐 Website:www.gleecoaching.co.uk
💼 LinkedIn: Barbra Carlisle
🎙️ Podcast:The Unlikely Executive
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Disclaimer
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