Notes From A NED

By: Samuel Kasumu
  • Summary

  • A former Number 10 advisor hosts this podcast that takes you behind the scenes of boardrooms across a wide range of industries. It explores the untold stories and hidden dynamics that influence key leadership decisions at the highest levels of corporate governance.


    Samuel Kasumu is a former Special Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson where he held the Civil Society and Communities brief. He has extensive senior leadership and board experience, and is the founder of Inclusive Boards, an executive headhunting firm specialising in non-executive board appointments across sectors. Under former Prime Minister Theresa May he was a member of the Race Disparity Audit Advisory Board.


    The podcast features high profile non-executives including Mary O’Connor, the first and only woman to lead a Big 4 accounting firm. Meri Williams currently CTO at FinTech firm Pleo. She previously worked as CTO at Monzo, Moo, and M&S. Alice Maynard, former chair at disability charity Scope and current non-executive director at the Financial Conduct Authority is also a guest.


    Each episode features strategic leadership insights from non-executive directors and industry leaders, offering you a rare glimpse into corporate decision-making. Whether you're an aspiring board member, an experienced professional, or simply curious about how boardroom dynamics shape organizations, Notes from a NED delivers business leadership takeaways and practical insights.


    Brought to you by Inclusive Boards, pioneers in executive search and champions of boardroom diversity for over eight years. Tune in and discover the real conversations that shape corporate leadership and strategy.


    Find out more about Inclusive Boards at: https://www.inclusiveboards.co.uk/



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Samuel Kasumu
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Episodes
  • Building a Business in Dubai: Leadership, Culture, and Growth
    Feb 12 2025

    🚀 Feeling stuck in your career? Want to transition but not sure how?

    In this episode, David Singleton shares the secrets behind navigating career reinvention, international leadership, and entrepreneurship. From his corporate beginnings in the UK to launching a successful coaching business in Dubai, David unpacks the mindset shifts, networking tactics, and cultural insights that helped him build a thriving career.

    🎙️ "My network is now my currency." – David Singleton


    Key Takeaways:

    • Why networking is the #1 tool for international career success
    • The differences between leadership in the UK vs. the Middle East
    • How ‘glocalisation’ helps brands expand across cultures
    • The reality of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship
    • Why defining your purpose leads to long-term clarity

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 mins
  • Why Big Personalities Matter: Yasmin Alibhai-Brown on Identity, Leadership & Influence
    Feb 5 2025

    In this episode of Notes from a NED, award-winning journalist, author, and social commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown shares her powerful journey from Uganda to Britain, offering deep insights into race, identity, and the evolving political landscape. Yasmin reflects on the challenges she faced in academia and journalism, her commitment to education and equality, and the importance of big personalities in leadership.

    Throughout the conversation, she discusses:

    • The impact of race and privilege on her early life and career
    • How teaching and journalism became tools for social change
    • The ongoing struggles of British Muslims in modern society
    • Her unfiltered take on the current political landscape
    • Why ‘big personalities’ matter in leadership and influence


    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social justice, British politics, media representation, and the power of storytelling.


    #YasminAlibhaiBrown #RaceAndIdentity #BritishMuslims #Journalism #SocialChange #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Politics #MediaRepresentation #Podcast


    "This fight is never over." – Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

    This episode is for anyone interested in social change, media influence, and the power of speaking truth to power.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    41 mins
  • Leadership Lessons from Kids Company’s Collapse
    Jan 29 2025

    Episode Highlights: Governance, Leadership, and Lessons from Kids Company


    In this episode, we dive into the powerful case study of Kids Company, exploring how its dramatic downfall reshaped the conversation around charity governance, leadership dynamics, and organisational sustainability. Host Samuel Kasumu is joined once again by Rob Macmillan, a leading researcher on the third sector and community development, with over two decades of experience studying the challenges and opportunities facing charities today.


    Rob shares candid insights on:

    • The leadership pressures that charity heads face today
    • Governance failures that contributed to Kids Company’s collapse
    • The sector-wide need for impact measurement and accountability
    • Why burnout among charity leaders demands immediate attention
    • The importance of diversity and inclusion in driving the sector forward


    Whether you’re navigating the complexities of charity governance, leading an organisation, or passionate about social impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in now to learn how we can collectively build a more sustainable and resilient voluntary sector!



    Keywords: charity governance, leadership challenges, voluntary sector trends, Kids Company case study, nonprofit sustainability, impact measurement, voluntary sector, charity governance, leadership, Kids Company, impact measurement, sector challenges, organizational change, fundraising, social enterprise, burnout


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    38 mins

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