From the classroom to the boardroom, Shelagh Legrave, Further Education Commissioner, has navigated education with vision, resilience, and a human touch. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and joys of leading in complex institutions, the value of listening and collaboration, and how investing in people can transform communities.

Her story shows that leadership is less about authority and more about inspiring change and supporting others to thrive.

From leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to leading Newham College London, Jamie Purser’ journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and the power of encouragement. In this episode, Jamie shares how a bricklaying job set him on a path to leadership, why authentic identity matters in senior roles, and how further education can transform lives.

His story is a reminder that ambition and opportunity can come from unexpected places — and that anyone, with the right support, can achieve more than they imagined.

In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, Dan Taylor sits down with Angela Joyce, CEO of Capital City College, London’s largest further education provider.

Angela shares her journey from teaching English to becoming the UK’s youngest female college CEO, leading with resilience, authenticity and a passion for helping others succeed. She reflects on her early ambitions, how sport shaped her mindset, the challenges of leading through Covid, and why she believes further education is one of the most powerful forces for change in the UK.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an educator, or simply someone who loves hearing stories of determination and impact, this episode offers insight, inspiration and practical advice on being courageous, staying authentic and always striving to be your best.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Julie Kapsalis, Principal and Chief Executive of North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot). Julie shares her journey in leadership and the experiences that shaped her approach to education.

Throughout the conversation, the theme is clear: dream bigger. Julie talks about aiming high, taking on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, and creating opportunities for students and staff to grow. She reflects on the importance of building supportive, inclusive environments where people feel empowered to innovate and succeed.

Whether you’re in further education or looking to grow as a leader, Julie’s insights show how curiosity, ambition, and persistence can help you make a real difference.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Gerry McDonald, Group Principal and Chief Executive Officer of New City College (NCC), to explore his journey of transformation, leadership, and organisational impact. From navigating complex college mergers to achieving outstanding Ofsted recognition, Gerry shares the challenges, lessons, and strategies that shaped his career.

Gerry talks honestly about the importance of understanding problems properly before jumping to solutions, balancing day-to-day operations with big-picture thinking, and taking on projects that push you outside your comfort zone. He shares practical advice on mentorship, building support networks, and creating systems that help staff thrive while giving students the best possible opportunities.

This conversation is full of insight and encouragement for anyone in FE—or anyone hoping to grow as a leader—showing how curiosity, persistence, and smart thinking can make a real difference.

In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we sit down with Liz Bromley, Chief Executive of Newcastle College Group (NCG), to explore the pivotal role of education, mentorship, and opportunity in shaping careers. From her unexpected path from a Cheshire farm to Oxford, to leading one of the UK’s largest college groups, Liz shares the transformative moments and influential mentors who opened doors along the way.

With honesty and humour, she reflects on resilience, leadership, and the importance of creating “parity of esteem” between further and higher education. Liz also reveals how she fosters a culture of growth at NCG, building pathways for the next generation of leaders.

If you’re interested in leadership, social mobility, or the power of mentorship, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.

In this episode of the Inspiring Working Lives podcast, we sit down with Denise Brown, Group Chief Executive of South Essex College Group. From her childhood in a children’s home to leading one of the largest FE colleges in the country, Denise shares her remarkable journey of resilience, determination and the life-changing power of education.

We explore how further education offers second chances, why lifelong learning matters more than ever, and the importance of mentors who help shape careers. Denise also reflects on the challenges facing the FE sector today, the need to raise its profile, and her responsibility to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders.

This conversation is both deeply personal and inspiring – a powerful reminder of how education can transform lives and communities.