Pull up a Chair with Bina Mehta

In the final episode of ‘Pull up a Chair’ series three, Bina is joined by Sir Jon Symonds, Chair of GSK. Jon was Bina’s first guest when the podcast launched in 2022, and together they reflect on what’s happened in those three years – geopolitically, economically and technologically – and explore why Jon believes now is the most difficult time businesses are facing.

Dame Julia Hoggett is the CEO of the London Stock Exchange. Hear her insights on the UK’s key strengths – from the far-reaching impact of the City, to why we need to lean into our long history of outperforming our global rivals. When it comes to the UK’s biggest weaknesses, Julia’s also got thoughts to share. This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Dame Julia Hoggett – CEO of the London Stock Exchange. Together they discuss shifting the conversation on the UK’s capital markets. Whether that’s about how to encourage more start-ups, recognising the far-reaching impact of the City into communities across the nation, or why we need to lean more on our credentials and a long history of outperforming our rivals.

Rob Desborough is Chair of Seraphim Space Accelerator and partner at Seraphim Space – the most prolific investor in SpaceTech globally. Hear some of the highlights from his conversation with Bina on why the Space sector is seeing incredible growth and how SpaceTech is helping us solve some of our planet’s most pressing challenges – from climate change to geopolitics and defence. This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Rob Desborough, Chair of Seraphim Space Accelerator and partner at Seraphim Space. The most prolific investor in SpaceTech globally, Seraphim Space has a combined portfolio of more than 147 companies across 32 countries. Their portfolio companies have raised more than $7bn US dollars, five have gone on to attain unicorn status and five have become public-listed companies. With an incredible wealth of knowledge in this sector, Rob has invaluable insights on the new space economy, the future of SpaceTech, geopolitics and defence, and so much more.

Sainsbury’s Chair, Martin Scicluna, reflects on how the supermarket is facing into the challenges of climate change – from long-term contracts that support British farmers to grow sustainably, to deploying AI to forecast sales and reduce food waste. This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Martin Scicluna, Chair of Sainsbury’s plc. Martin reflects on years of experience in executive and non-executive roles. He shares his perspectives on how resilient businesses are against today’s most pressing challenges, how Britain’s supermarkets can support industries to thrive, and how technology can turn the tide on food poverty.

Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Hear from Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK, on the transformational impact of investing in sustainability – not just on the UK's climate footprint, but for Heidelberg Materials’ ability to attract new generations to its workforce. This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials. Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. So, when it comes to building a sustainable future, Heidelberg Materials is an organisation that is truly at the centre of this. Together, Simon and Bina talk about how the industry is being transformed for the better, plus other reflections on key challenges and opportunities facing boardrooms today.

From The Premier League and Ocado, to Deliveroo and B&Q, Claudia Arney has incredible experience working with some of the UK’s most famous brands. In 8 minutes, Claudia shares the traits that make the most effective leaders, why a founder mentality can make all the difference when it comes to organisational culture, and how to harness your superpower to make an impact. This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

In the latest episode, Claudia Arney shares insights built over an impressive career spanning multiple sectors: from Ocado and the Premier League to Deliveroo and Kingfisher plc, home to brands such as B&Q and Screwfix. Claudia talks about sustainability and seeing returns on investments, the beginnings of Deliveroo and how its culture has changed 12 years on, plus the technology that is totally transforming Kingfisher’s brands in response to fast-changing consumer demands.

Lord Gerry Grimstone gives a masterclass in securing funding, drawing on vast experience in both government and business; as the UK’s Minister for Investment, launching the UK’s first Global Investment Summit, and leading boards at the world’s most respected financial institutions – from Barclays Bank to Gemcorp Capital Management. Hear Lord Grimstone’s perspectives on how British businesses are faring against global counterparts for foreign investment, what investors are really looking for, and why ‘flair’ can make all the difference. This episode, recorded in Jan 2025, is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode, Lord Gerry Grimstone draws on vast international experience built in government and while leading boards at some of the world’s most respected financial institutions. Against a rapidly evolving geopolitical backdrop, Lord Gerry shares advice for businesses looking to unlock investment, how Britain can achieve sustainable growth, and the UK’s overall competitiveness as a great place for investment. Note: This episode was filmed in January 2025.

Executive Chairman of Mace, Mark Reynolds, speaks to the quarter of a million construction jobs needed to deliver on Labour’s promises of new homes, and the importance of not only recruiting, but nurturing and retaining that workforce within the industry. Listen as Mark give his thoughts on how government and industry need to work together and what needs to happen to make it sustainable, in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Mark Reynolds, Executive Chairman of Mace. Mark draws on lessons learned during an incredible 30-year career in the construction industry leading the delivery of transformational projects that have shaped cities around the world, for a masterclass on innovation, sustainability, and creating motivated teams that seize opportunities to thrive and grow.

Dr Eliza Filby, generational historian and writer, gives a masterclass on the impact of technology and evolving family dynamics on the modern workplace, explaining how clearer diaries and more time for socialising could be key to keeping every generation happy. Access some of Eliza’s top tips for companies looking to navigate the challenges that come with a multi-generational workforce in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Dr Eliza Filby, speaker, writer, historian and author of “Inheritocracy: It’s time to talk about the bank of mum and dad.” Together they explore the growing generational gap in today’s workforce and how business leaders of today need to manage and minimise this to bring harmony to their organisations.

Lucy Parker CBE, partner and strategic advisor at Brunswick Group, reveals the key steps that can transform you from a good leader into a great one when it comes to making a real impact – including how, and crucially when, to use your voice for good. Get a masterclass on the traits that define successful ‘activist leaders’ and how anyone can practice them in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from leaders from across the globe.

In the latest episode of the Pull Up a Chair podcast, Bina is joined by Lucy Parker, partner and strategic advisor at Brunswick Group, and co-author of ‘Everybody’s Business: the unlikely story of how big business can fix the world.’ Together they explore 'unsustainable growth', and how businesses can drive progress by having activist leaders who understand when to use their voice and the impact it can have on the world around them.

‘Which country is going to be the next tech superpower?’ And is Britain a contender? Russ Shaw CBE, co-founder of London Tech Week and founder of Tech London Advocates and Tech Global Advocates, shares his perspectives in the latest ‘Pull up a Chair’ episode. If you’re short on time and want to know whether Russ thinks the UK is doing enough to attract future tech unicorns and investors, hear some of the highlights from their discussion in under 10 minutes. This episode is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.