In each episode, we interview industry leaders to uncover the innovations and ideas shaping the future—from AI breakthroughs to cutting-edge trends in learning and development.We're all about making complex topics easy to understand and turning big ideas into practical takeaways. Whether you are an industry expert or simply curious about the future, you will find valuable insights here.Don't miss out on the conversations that matter - tune in and stay ahead of the curve.About Bridge Learning Tech:BridgeLT.com specialises in setting up and developing content for corporate academies and universities, facilitating employees’ acquisition of new skills.Our content-as-a-service proposition enables us to create and implement technical and professional (soft skills) learning solutions, simulations, and various configurations.We have embraced AI in our offerings and are pioneering truly personalised learning experiences for our clients.The result: higher NPS scores, improved knowledge retention rates, and greater staff confidence levels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Ronnie Wilson, Founder and Chief Executive of First Step Trust, leading a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and fostering opportunity. Ronnie discusses using virtual reality to help people with mental health challenges gain confidence and skills in a safe environment, illustrating how innovation can remove systemic barriers to employment. He shares insights on the challenge of balancing their social mission with commercial necessity, which provides neutral pressure to generate income. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14/01/2026 • 46:04
Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Elspeth Briscoe, CEO of Learning with Experts, leading an award-winning global platform that combines experts with small online classrooms. Elspeth shares her journey from leadership roles at eBay and Skype to the EdTech space, now intensely focused on changing human behaviours, not just providing content. She also shares her views on using AI for efficiency alongside human empathy, and key advice for leaders and female founders. Hear how she is smashing the glass ceiling with her secret sauce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
03/12/2025 • 40:13
Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Stephen Whitton, founder of [M]enable, who is transforming the conversation around men's mental health and workplace wellbeing. Stephen discusses the vital importance of creating psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces, sharing the personal journey that inspired his advocacy. He offers deep insights into dismantling traditional male stereotypes and fostering vulnerable, empathetic leadership. This is a powerful conversation about owning your story and driving real change. Let's hear how Stephen is leading the charge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26/11/2025 • 48:46
Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Justin Spooner, Director at Unthinkable Digital. Drawing on his career in fine art, broadcast media, and cultural innovation. Justin shares his philosophy of collaborative intelligence, explaining how the future of work is not about single-player AI, but about multiplayer AI working within multidisciplinary teams to overcome siloed thinking. Let's explore how to design better intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
05/11/2025 • 44:12
Today on Leap Forward, we're joined by Dr. Alex Connock, an Oxford lecturer, serial entrepreneur, and media expert, to discuss how AI is reshaping the creative economy. Dr. Connock shares his journey, from the behemoth magazine industry to the rise of streaming and the creator economy, defining the major shifts as the move from top-down decision-making to the democratization of content distribution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22/10/2025 • 43:46
Today we welcome Sara Sloman, Chief Strategy Officer of Paythru. Paythru solves the "existential problem" of payments being an afterthought in the ecosystem. Sara shares her 22 years in sustainable transport, arguing that EV adoption is underpinned by effective policy. She highlights the "grim" customer experience of public charging and discusses new technology like ISO 15118 for seamless "car-as-wallet" payments. Let's connect the dots to make EV charging invisible and efficient. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
15/10/2025 • 35:11
For this episode of Leap Forward, we sit down with Charlie Cook, CEO and founder of RightCharge, the B2B FinTech that is simplifying complex EV charging payments for company fleets. Charlie details his journey from his roots in clean energy to pivoting his business model, explaining how their technology saves fleets around £1,000 per vehicle per year by optimizing home reimbursement. He also reveals the one trait every entrepreneur needs to survive the chaos of a startup: tenacity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08/10/2025 • 44:17
On this episode of Leap Forward, we welcome Mark Sowerby of Drive, an expert in automotive PR and communications. Mark explores the specialized, high-growth sector of automotive tech suppliers who are revolutionizing dealer efficiency and profitability. He discusses his journey building a niche agency and emphasizes that effective communication is the engine driving these emerging businesses. Let's start the conversation and find out what accelerates success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01/10/2025 • 50:30
I'm Justin Cooke, and for the first time, I'm the one in the hot seat. In this episode, I'll be sharing my personal experience as the host and chairman of Bridge. This journey has been an incredible learning experience - I've even joked that it's been my personal "mini MBA." I'll discuss how the show originated, what I’ve learned from my amazing guests, and the unexpected insights I've gained along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25/09/2025 • 38:33
Gareth Thomas of Track Back, a former telemarketer turned tech entrepreneur, created a platform to fix huge gaps in automotive lead-management and customer experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17/09/2025 • 52:21
On this episode of Leap Forward, we speak with Greg Pile, strategic leadership of Global ATS & Managing Director of Micro Nav, a company in the market of air traffic control simulation. He shares insights on the industry's future, including the role of AI in aviation and the increasing global demand for automation. Join us as we explore the future of aviation from a unique perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/09/2025 • 29:45
Today on Leap Forward, we’re joined by Catalina Schveninger, a veteran leader in the future of work and talent. With over 30 years of experience, Catalina pulls no punches on AI's dramatic disruption of the workforce. She argues for the urgent need to redesign jobs with transparency, champions the return of the critical-thinking generalist, and warns of the dangers of becoming lazy with AI. Get ready to rethink everything you know about your career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
03/09/2025 • 36:17
In this episode of Leap Forward, we’re joined by Fionnuala Duggan, a pioneering strategist at the intersection of technology and content. With a background spanning experimental physics, multimedia innovation at EMI Records, and digital transformation in publishing, she shares her journey through the evolution of digital content - from early interactive media to today’s AI-driven educational tools. Her advice for edtech founders? Focus is everything. Listen in and learn how to spot the next big shift in digital transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27/08/2025 • 36:41
Penny Weatherup joins us to unpack her 18-year journey shaping Volkswagen’s people strategy through industry upheavals – from emissions scandals to digital transformation. She reveals how data-driven talent programs and bold DEI initiatives became competitive advantages, why ‘People Director’ beats HR, and the stakeholder chess game of German automakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21/08/2025 • 34:59
Today on Leap Forward, we welcome Linda Jackson, a seasoned automotive expert who has recently retired after a remarkable career in the industry. Linda offers a unique perspective on the seismic shifts in the automotive world, from an unplanned start with a holiday job at Jaguar to her later role as CEO of Citroen and Peugeot. She discusses the industry's focus on electrification, autonomous technology, and evolving car ownership, and why she thinks the next decade will see more changes than the previous forty years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13/08/2025 • 49:05
On this episode of Leap Forward, we're honoured to feature Winston Lee, Managing Director of ETI in Europe and a pivotal figure in the automotive sector. He dives into bridging the gap between original equipment manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket, discussing the vital roles of advanced diagnostic tools, and specialized equipment. His journey highlights innovation and strategic partnerships. Unlock insights for the automotive future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30/07/2025 • 51:04
Joining us today is Rachel Kay, Chief Learning Officer at Learning People, a prominent global education provider, specializing in tech and project management qualifications. Rachel delves into the unique approach to curating programs for the tech industry and project management, equipping individuals with professional qualifications for new careers. She discusses how current trends like AI are reshaping the workplace, emphasizing the vital role of critical and analytical thinking. Learn how targeted education is building the workforce of tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23/07/2025 • 42:03
We’re joined by Rory Henson, a seasoned investment banker and key figure at Ibis Capital. Rory shares his journey from finance to shaping the edtech and media sectors, offering insights on AI’s transformative role, geopolitical challenges, and the future of skills-based education. He highlights the power of community-driven growth and the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-paced market. Ready to rethink the intersection of finance and innovation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16/07/2025 • 37:29
Today on Leap Forward, we’re joined by Rebecca Tisdale, a learning and development innovator with a passion for redefining workplace training. From her early days in beauty therapy to pioneering gamified learning programs—like a global retail training app during her time at Lego—Rebecca unpacks how microlearning and play can transform even the most fast-paced industries. Want to turn training into an adventure? Let’s get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
09/07/2025 • 24:16
In this episode of the Leap Forward podcast, Ann Watson, CEO at Enginuity, discusses how the charity is addressing the critical engineering skills gap in the UK. She shares insights on overcoming challenges like a retiring workforce and rapid technological advancements. Watson highlights Enginuity's innovative solutions, such as skills games and AI-powered training tools, emphasizing collaboration for future-proofing the workforce. Tune in to learn how Enginuity is revolutionizing corporate and enterprise education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 38:30
Jeremy Evans, founder of Marketing Delivery, brings his deep automotive expertise to the world of dealership technology. In this episode of the Leap Forward podcast, Jeremy reveals how his company evolved from a traditional marketing firm into a data-driven tech provider, helping dealers optimize customer engagement through automation and AI.Jeremy also shares valuable insights on adapting to industry changes, the pitfalls of tech-for-tech's-sake, and why human insight remains crucial in an increasingly digital landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 46:21
Paul Meadows, Commercial Training Manager at Scania, brings his extensive experience from the automotive sector to the premium trucking industry. In this episode of the Leap Forward podcast, Paul delves into Scania's exciting journey towards electrification, emphasizing the vital role of human skills in our rapidly evolving, tech-driven future.Discover how Scania maintains its premium brand promise while navigating these significant industry shifts. Paul also shares insights into the power of curiosity and effective training as key drivers for organizational success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 45:00
In this episode of Leap Forward, we welcome Jacqui Barker, Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop. A dynamic leader in automotive technology and media, Jacqui shares her extensive journey from launching car magazines to shaping IT integration and enhancing the car buying experience.She champions diversity, offering unique insights on seamlessly combining online and in-person customer journeys in the rapidly evolving automotive world. Discover how her expertise is revolutionizing the future of auto retail and driving innovation within the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 47:18
Today on Leap Forward, we’re joined by John Veichmanis, CEO of Carwow, who shares the journey of building one of the world’s largest car review platforms. JV dives into how Carwow bridges content and commerce, helping consumers navigate car purchases while empowering dealers with data-driven insights. He discusses trends like AI-powered auctions, retail media, and the future of omnichannel car buying. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how Carwow's platform streamlines the car-buying process for consumers and provides unparalleled analytical tools for dealers, fostering efficiency and transparency in a rapidly evolving industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 47:02
On this episode of Leap Forward, we chat with Mikołaj Duh-Imbor, a Harley-Davidson performance specialist whose passion for motorcycles began with childhood dreams of customization. Mikołaj shares his journey from mechanic to tuning expert, highlighting how technology—like advanced diagnostics and AI—is transforming the industry. He also discusses the challenges of balancing mechanical expertise with evolving electronics and offering key advice for aspiring technicians Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 37:31
Join us on Leap Forward as we welcome Steve Ure from eDynamix—a leader transforming automotive retail through technology.Discover how listening to dealers led to the creation of their industry-standard online check-in system, born during the pandemic to streamline customer visits. Learn how unified platforms and AI are reshaping the business, from self-service solutions to seamless integrations that eliminate the need for multiple logins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 40:44
Today on Leap Forward, we’re joined by Paul Lilly, Sales & Operations Director at MG Motor UK Ltd, with decades of experience spanning two-wheel and four-wheel industries. Paul shares his journey from luxury automotive brands to iconic motorcycle manufacturers, highlighting the transformative power of brand connection and technology in automotive.He discusses the rise of EVs, the balance between performance and sustainability, and the future of workshops in a software-driven world. Paul’s advice? Stay adaptable, curious, and open to the unexpected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 46:04
Join us on Leap Forward as we speak with Lyn Howdon, founder of Th!nk Academy Services and a leading expert in automotive retention strategies. Lyn shares her extensive experience, from her early passion ignited at a Ford dealership, to introducing early renewal programs and developing cutting-edge omnichannel platforms. She discusses the critical importance of customer experience in today's market, emphasizing how technology and personalized service drive loyalty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 37:12
On this episode of Leap Forward, we speak with Elliott Perks, Co-Founder and CEO of Jigcar and an expert in automotive logistics, as we explore tech solutions for automotive transport. Elliott discusses the problems car dealer groups encounter with managing car movement, specifically the lack of visibility, delays, and pricing issues they often face. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 37:35
In this episode of Leap Forward, we sit down with Michelle Wells, VP of Global Marketing at Infomedia—a trailblazer in automotive tech. Michelle takes us through her journey from the digital marketing trenches to spearheading global strategies in a rapidly evolving industry. Her story offers a front-row seat to how leadership, adaptability, and innovation intersect in high-stakes markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 37:10
