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
Sustainability Leadership in Construction, Net Zero & Influencing Change
In this episode of The Unlikely Executive Podcast, Barbra Carlisle speaks with Claire Brown, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, about what it really takes to lead sustainability in construction, housing and the built environment.
From net zero housing targets to retrofit strategy in UK homes, Claire shares practical insights on how to influence stakeholders, communicate complex sustainability issues, and drive change across large organisations.
If you’re a leader in construction, engineering, housing, or sustainability, this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can start using immediately.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
- What sustainability leadership actually looks like inside global construction firms
- How to influence senior stakeholders who don’t care about “carbon”
- Why language and communication are critical in driving change
- The real meaning of retrofit in UK housing and why it matters
- Tackling energy efficiency, heating systems and net zero targets
- How to handle resistance, conflict and pushback in complex organisations
- Leadership lessons from working in the public sector and large estates (including policing)
- Why listening is your most powerful leadership skill
- Balancing ambition, career growth and personal wellbeing
- Practical advice for anyone starting a career in sustainability or the built environment
👤 About Claire Brown
Claire Brown is a Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, working across major UK retrofit and housing projects.
Her work spans:
- Delivering sustainability in the built environment
- Advising on energy efficiency and carbon reduction
- Supporting housing providers with retrofit programmes
- Leadership in professional sustainability networks
She also sits on boards, contributes to industry groups, and has recently submitted her PhD focused on heating and cooling demand in UK social housing.
🎧 Listen If You Want To…
- Lead sustainability initiatives with more confidence
- Influence difficult stakeholders without conflict
- Improve energy efficiency in housing or construction
- Build a more resilient, forward-thinking organisation
- Develop your leadership style in complex environments
🚀 Work With Barbra Carlisle
If you’re a business leader in construction, engineering or housing and want to:
- Lead decisively under pressure
- Build a team that takes ownership and initiative
- Handle difficult conversations and challenges with confidence
👉 Join my programme: www.gleecoaching.co.uk
👉 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbracarlisle
📩 Or message me directly to explore coaching and leadership development
⭐ Support the Podcast
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- ✅ Follow / Subscribe to The Unlikely Executive Podcast
- 👍 Like and Share with your network
- 💬 Leave a review — it helps more leaders find this content
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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