Talking Transformation Podcast

Explore transformation in higher education Discover Advance HE’s Talking Transformation podcast, exploring leadership, teaching and equality in higher education. Listen now or find us wherever you get your podcasts.

Advance HE’s Talking Transformation podcast brings you expert insights into how higher education institutions can navigate transformation in a rapidly changing world. Transformation is no longer an occasional challenge—it’s the new normal. This series explores practical strategies, leadership perspectives and innovative approaches to help institutions thrive.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

You can listen to our podcast on the major podcast platforms. Search for "Talking Transformation"

Spotify
Zencastr
Amazon Music

Join our mailing list to be notified about new episodes.
Buff line

Episodes

Episode 1: Introducing Talking Transformation

29 September 2025

Host Charles Knight sets the scene for the series and shares how Advance HE is supporting members to meet transformation challenges.
Purple line

Episode 2: Leadership in Volatile Times

8 October 2025

Dr Charles Knight speaks with Alistair Jarvis CBE, Advance HE Chief Executive, and Professor Leanne de Main, incoming Dean at Birmingham City University Business School. They explore:

  • Funding pressures and geopolitical uncertainty
  • Adaptive leadership and governance culture
  • Creating safe spaces for innovation
Purple line

Episode 3: Strategic Leadership Development

23 October 2025

Guests Dr Christopher D. Lewis and Hayley Burns reflect on their journeys through Advance HE’s Strategic Leadership Programme, discussing:

  • Balancing strategic and operational priorities
  • Building confidence and peer networks
  • Navigating cultural adaptation and “third-space” leadership
Purple line

Episode 4: Future-facing Curricula

29 October 2025

Host Professor Mark O’Hara is joined by guests, Professor Beverly Hawkins, Dr Samantha Burvill and Associate Professor Chris McInerney, to discuss:

  • Preparing students for rapidly changing work environments
  • Building “change-capable” graduates with growth mindsets
  • Curriculum transformation initiatives
Purple line

Episode 5: Compassionate Pedagogy

21 November 2025

Dr Elliott Spaeth explores what compassion means in higher education with Dr Claire Killingback and Rosie Jones, covering:

  • Supporting student wellbeing
  • Embedding compassion into policies and processes
  • Addressing staff concerns about workload and boundaries
Purple line

Episode 6: Leading through regulatory scrutiny

17 December 2025

Charles Knight hosts a compelling conversation with Professor Sarah Williams, exploring how regulatory scrutiny can become a catalyst for positive change in higher education. The discussion covers:

  • why transparent communication and humility are essential for constructive relationships with regulators
  • how openness about challenges, not just successes, can strengthen sector-wide collaboration
  • the role of institutional culture in turning compliance into transformative opportunity.
Your form submission could not be saved. Please try again.
Your form submission has been successful.

Get updated when we release an episode

Complete the form below to be added to our Talking Transformation Podcast mailing list. We will then notify you when an episode has been published.


You can also choose to sign up to our email list to receive the latest news, reports and research from around the sector, information on Advance HE services and awards that can support you in your role.

Why not also subscribe to our newsletters to stay up to date?

Please ensure you understand our terms of use, cookie policy and privacy policy.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.