Bristol communications agency Ambitious has launched a podcast series shedding light on thought leadership – with one of the city’s most successful entrepreneurs of recent years as its first guest.
Dr Zara Nanu co-founded Gapsquare, where she combined her passion for human rights with the power of data analytics to address the gender pay gap. 
She is also the founder of WorkVue, which she set up to guiding and support people as society prepares for a jobless world.
Aimed at leaders across all sectors, Thoughtful Leadership from Ambitious will explore how thoughtful leadership has become a cornerstone of modern UK business.
It will shed light on how trailblazers are navigating the challenges of balancing profit with purpose and will delve into the many pressing topics driving the thoughtful leaders of tomorrow.
Thoughtful leadership reflects a leadership style that prioritises intentionality, reflection, empathy and ethical considerations.
It moves beyond traditional, transactional leadership to focus on the impact of leadership decisions on employees, the organisation and society.
The first podcast in the series with Zara Nanu, pictured, will be available from Tuesday, 5 November.
Zara’s commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion began in her native Moldova, where she worked to bring an end to exploitative people trafficking rings which forced women into sweatshops. 
She has stayed a leading voice in the campaign for positive change and action and currently chairs the Women in Business Task Group and is a member of the Global Future Council on Equity and Social Justice at the World Economic Forum.
She has also recently been appointed to the Shinkwin Commission, focusing on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
On the podcast, Zara – who was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to tackle global workplace inequalities and promoting fairness and inclusion – offers her unique perspective on how businesses can foster more inclusive environments.
She also shares her thoughts on the gender pay gap, highlighting the importance of transparency, data, and accountability in creating lasting change.
In addition to Zara, The Thoughtful Leadership Podcast will feature in-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, business experts, CEOs and academics from a variety of sectors.
Through these discussions, the series will dig deep into themes such as purpose-led business and finding your northern star, the importance of people and culture, and driving equality in the workplace.
Ambitious deputy managing director Laura Lear said there was an increasing responsibility on business to not only focus on growth and profit but also to take the lead in addressing broader societal issues such as climate change, social justice and diversity.
“This responsibility can feel daunting, but the purpose of Thoughtful Leadership isn’t about individual success,” she added.
“The Thoughtful Leadership Podcast is about uplifting each other by fostering a culture of collaboration and open dialogue. Turning our collective challenges into valuable lessons will empower all businesses to thrive and benefit communities both locally and internationally.”
To listen to the podcast and to receive updates on forthcoming episodes, visit https://bit.ly/4e39HqCyou
