Pull up a Chair with Bina Mehta

Episode 34 – Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Dame Julia Hoggett – CEO of the London Stock Exchange. Together they discuss shifting the conversation on the UK’s capital markets. Whether that’s about how to encourage more start-ups, recognising the far-reaching impact of the City into communities across the nation, or why we need to lean more on our credentials and a long history of outperforming our rivals.

Insight 21: Why is SpaceTech crucial to the UK's defence strategy?

Rob Desborough is Chair of Seraphim Space Accelerator and partner at Seraphim Space – the most prolific investor in SpaceTech globally. Hear some of the highlights from his conversation with Bina on why the Space sector is seeing incredible growth and how SpaceTech is helping us solve some of our planet’s most pressing challenges – from climate change to geopolitics and defence.
This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

Episode 33 – Rob Desborough, General Partner of Seraphim Space

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Rob Desborough, Chair of Seraphim Space Accelerator and partner at Seraphim Space. The most prolific investor in SpaceTech globally, Seraphim Space has a combined portfolio of more than 147 companies across 32 countries. Their portfolio companies have raised more than $7bn US dollars, five have gone on to attain unicorn status and five have become public-listed companies. With an incredible wealth of knowledge in this sector, Rob has invaluable insights on the new space economy, the future of SpaceTech, geopolitics and defence, and so much more.

Insight 20: What’s the link between heatwaves and empty supermarket shelves?

Sainsbury’s Chair, Martin Scicluna, reflects on how the supermarket is facing into the challenges of climate change – from long-term contracts that support British farmers to grow sustainably, to deploying AI to forecast sales and reduce food waste.This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.

Episode 32 – Martin Scicluna, Chair, Sainsbury’s plc

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Martin Scicluna, Chair of Sainsbury’s plc. Martin reflects on years of experience in executive and non-executive roles. He shares his perspectives on how resilient businesses are against today’s most pressing challenges, how Britain’s supermarkets can support industries to thrive, and how technology can turn the tide on food poverty.

Insight 19: Invest in sustainability to transform your workforce

Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. 
Hear from Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK, on the transformational impact of investing in sustainability – not just on the UK's climate footprint, but for Heidelberg Materials’ ability to attract new generations to its workforce. This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.     

Episode 31 - Simon Willis, CEO, Heidelberg Materials UK

In the latest episode of the ‘Pull up a Chair’ podcast, Bina is joined by Simon Willis, CEO of Heidelberg Materials UK.
Concrete is the second most commonly used resource on the planet after water – and its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for about 7% of the world’s CO2 emissions. So, when it comes to building a sustainable future, Heidelberg Materials is an organisation that is truly at the centre of this.
Together, Simon and Bina talk about how the industry is being transformed for the better, plus other reflections on key challenges and opportunities facing boardrooms today.

Insight 18: Take-away tips from Deliveroo Chair on what makes a great leader

From The Premier League and Ocado, to Deliveroo and B&Q, Claudia Arney has incredible experience working with some of the UK’s most famous brands. In 8 minutes, Claudia shares the traits that make the most effective leaders, why a founder mentality can make all the difference when it comes to organisational culture, and how to harness your superpower to make an impact. 
This episode is part of Pull Up a Chair’s ‘Insights’ series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from podcast guests.   

Episode 30 - Claudia Arney, Chair, Deliveroo and Kingfisher Plc

In the latest episode, Claudia Arney shares insights built over an impressive career spanning multiple sectors: from Ocado and the Premier League to Deliveroo and Kingfisher plc, home to brands such as B&Q and Screwfix.
Claudia talks about sustainability and seeing returns on investments, the beginnings of Deliveroo and how its culture has changed 12 years on, plus the technology that is totally transforming Kingfisher’s brands in response to fast-changing consumer demands.

Insight 17: How to attract investors, advice from Former UK Minister for Investment

Lord Gerry Grimstone gives a masterclass in securing funding, drawing on vast experience in both government and business; as the UK’s Minister for Investment, launching the UK’s first Global Investment Summit, and leading boards at the world’s most respected financial institutions – from Barclays Bank to Gemcorp Capital Management. Hear Lord Grimstone’s perspectives on how British businesses are faring against global counterparts for foreign investment, what investors are really looking for, and why ‘flair’ can make all the difference.
This episode, recorded in Jan 2025, is part of Pull up a Chair's 'Insights' series, featuring bite-sized perspectives and advice from the podcast's guests.