Walking the Walk
At TalkTalk we are helping keep Britain connected at one of most challenging times in our country's recent history. Hear inspiring inside stories from some of the people who work here, and why it’s a great place to work. www.talktalkgroup.com
Thu, March 07, 2024
Denise Maskew: Woman in Tech, Mentor, Inspirational
An integral lead in TalkTalk’s Women in Tech employee network, Denise Maskew tells her own career story and how she’s navigated an industry largely dominated by males. We spoke to Denise for International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is ‘inspire inclusion’ and Denise perfectly embodies both of these terms. She tells us how the power of networks and mentoring have shaped her path, and why everybody’s welcome in the community - regardless of job title and gender. There’s an abundance of opportunities to learn, grow and thrive in the North West tech sector and Denise tells us how to explore some of these to empower each other and build a better future for us and our peers.
Wed, May 17, 2023
Chris Pope: Supportive, Empathetic, Inclusive
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is anxiety. The annual campaign is an opportunity for us to open up and start conversations, while increasing awareness and understanding of anxiety. But not just for one week… TalkTalk’s Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Chris Pope is somebody who stands by this – working to support others all year round. He is a facilitator at one of the Andy’s Man Club groups, which meet every Monday evening, across the UK, at 7pm. Andy’s Man Club is a nationally recognised, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support group with a view to end the stigma around men’s mental health. In this week’s podcast, we speak to Chris about the power of open conversation, the importance of connection and the benefits of attending one of the Andy’s Man Club sessions. #ITSOKAYTOTALK >> Who We Are | Andy's Man Club | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)
Wed, April 05, 2023
Ian Kenworthy: Intern, Curious, Confident
This Autism Acceptance Month, we spoke to Ian Kenworthy. Ian is a People Operations Administrator who joined TalkTalk via the Employ Autism programme, which was created alongside TalkTalk’s long-standing charity partner Ambitious About Autism. He tells guest presenter Kacee how the role was recommended to him and the reasons why he chose TalkTalk - due to the inclusive culture. Employ Autism is programme providing a 6-month placement within the business, which includes various other layers of support including workshops and regular check ins. There are currently five interns working at TalkTalk on the programme and employees managing the interns received training prior to the onboarding to ensure the right support and opportunities were in place for every individual. For more info, visit: https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/what-we-do/employment/employ-autism-network/join
Wed, March 01, 2023
Dean Williamson: Sales Exec, Magician, Mind-reader
Do you really know your colleagues? Today we learned that Dean, our Enterprise New Business Sales Executive, can read minds… so naturally we’re slightly nervous when he’s around now. Fresh from the annual Magic Convention in Blackpool’s famous Winter Gardens, we spoke to Dean on the latest episode of Walking the Walk to find out exactly what it means to be in the ‘Magic Circle’ and how he juggles life between a full-time career and magic. Something that he describes in great detail, with passion. Dean tells us how everything changed ‘overnight’ during the pandemic, thrusting shows into the online world and tricks into a new format. Dean co-founded The Factory of Magic - www.factoryofmagic.com – a platform for magicians to find work.
Wed, January 25, 2023
Sam Davys: MBE, Mother, Motivator
#BeMoreSam – it may have just been a mid-podcast joke, but TalkTalk’s Equality & Future Talent Manager Sam Davys returned from maternity leave to find out she’s been awarded an MBE. In the King’s first ever honours list. And as one of the youngest recipients, what an achievement! In the latest episode of Walking the Walk, Sam explains how all her hard work, goal setting and goal getting had led to her position as (what some may describe) ‘office royalty’. The driving force of the Government Kickstart Scheme at TalkTalk, Sam has – simply put – changed lives. Recruiting, mentoring and coaching 100 young people into the business for 6-month placements in the middle of a global pandemic was no easy job. But Sam enjoys a challenge and we’re all wondering what she’s wearing for her meeting at The Palace… Sam shares her story with guest presenter Kacee Fennelly - we’re proud of you, Sam.
Wed, October 26, 2022
Ashling Middleditch: Dyslexic Thinker, High Performer, Neurodiversity Supporter
It’s Dyslexic Awareness Month and in the latest episode of Walking the Walk we speak to TalkTalk’s Service Improvement Manager Ashling Middleditch. As a child, Ashling faced challenges such a concentration and presentation – but performed highly academically and with interpersonal skills, being curious and problem solving. In her late 20s, she was diagnosed with Dyslexia, something she refers to as a ‘difference’. She tells guest presenter Kacee Fennelly how this is common particularly for females who often mask their behaviours and symptoms more effectively. In this episode, Ashling shares her experience of growing up and how having Dyslexia means she thinks differently. And thanks to the TalkNeurodiversity employee network at TalkTalk, Ashling has a strong support community around her to share and receive advice.
Thu, October 06, 2022
Drew Cockton and Todd Bennett: LGBTQ+ Business Awards, proud community, supportive
In this week’s episode of Walking the Walk, guest presenter Kacee Fennelly talks to Drew Cockton, founder of the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards, and Todd Bennett, chair of TalkTalk’s LGBTQ+ network TalkPride. Together, they discuss challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in business and explore how opportunities like these awards are important to continue supporting and shining a light on the achievements and resilience of its members following the pandemic. Small business owner Drew explains the story behind creating the awards and challenges he’s faced as a small business owner - and what TalkTalk’s sponsorship means to them. From TalkTalk’s employee network TalkPride, Todd describes why he was so keen to be a part of the story. The North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards is taking place on 21 October at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel, shining a light on the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in business and commerce. Sponsored by TalkTalk and TalkTalkBusiness. www.lgbtqbusinessawards.com.
Wed, August 03, 2022
Hannah Nunn, Kickstart Coffee Founder: Selfless, Caring, Nurse
In the latest episode of Walking the Walk, guest presenter Kacee Fennelly speaks to Hannah Nunn from Kickstart Coffee. TalkTalk’s Salford HQ has updated its Quayside restaurant offering for employees, and part of this sees the introduction of Kickstart Coffee – a not-for-profit coffee which funds children’s education in Uganda. The sale of coffee at TalkTalk is currently paying for two teachers as well as food for the community children. Hannah explains how she changed her life from working as a full-time paediatric nurse to selflessly and wholeheartedly raising funds for children in Uganda – through importing and selling coffee to organisations like TalkTalk, and via an ecommerce business. How a work trip changed her whole perspective in life. And how lucky she feels to be in the position to help those less fortunate across the world. An inspiring listen and a chance for us all to support.
Wed, June 22, 2022
Patience Ali: Field Engineer, Mum, Talented
“…in this digital world… being a jack of all trades is the best because you’re bringing in a pool of skills and that’s exciting in any organisation…”. In this week’s podcast, presenter Dominic Laurie interviews TalkTalk’s first female Field Engineer Patience Ali. As a child, Patience was introduced to the world of telephone lines and engineering with her father in Zimbabwe – and after a wealth of different jobs, experiences and careers, she’s doing a role that her father would be most proud of. A former Chef in the Army, Palliative Care Nurse, Banker - and now Field Engineer. In this role, Patience has a big responsibility – connecting a customer to our services via the exchange. The work which she calls a ‘plug up’. She says, ‘when you genuinely love something, there is no such thing as a man’s job’ and would encourage other women to pursue the work that they love.
Wed, June 01, 2022
Vicki Jones: Volunteer, Manager, Selfless
Throughout Volunteering Week 2022, we spoke to Vicki Jones – Programme Manager at TalkTalk. Vicki has been at St John Ambulance volunteer for over eight years – something she’s very passionate about. Before embarking on her career in tech, Vicki had a strong interest in becoming a paramedic so volunteering alongside her day job allows her to succeed in both her career and her dream. Vicki says most of her ‘free’ time is spent volunteering – not just for St John Ambulance. Vicki was also integral in her local covid vaccine rollout programme in the early days – part of the volunteering team for administering the first jabs. Her work with St John meant she already had many of the skills to fulfil the role. As well as this, Vicki is part of the organising committee for her local village rose fete. Our company values, we care, we challenge and we commit, encourage employees to give something back to the local community and TalkTalk colleagues have up to 3 paid working days per year to do so via volunteering for a charity or community organisation.
Wed, May 11, 2022
Carolyn Bunting: CEO, mum, autism advocate
Presenter Dominic Laurie speaks to Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, which partners with TalkTalk and other Internet Service Providers to help parents with advice on how their children can go online safely. As well as having a busy career, Carolyn is a mum of a boy with autism. She tells Dominic some great advice on how to get and manage the diagnosis, and then move forward to create a fun fulfilling life for all they family. For more info about Internet Matters and to access resources around connecting safety online, please visit: https://www.internetmatters.org/connecting-safely-online/?utm_source=talktalk_podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=autism&utm_content=_talktalk_podcast_autismacceptance
Wed, April 27, 2022
Rachel Ledson, TalkTalk, and Emilie Fellingham, Ambitious about Autism: In conversation for World Autism Acceptance Month
Presenter Dominic Laurie speaks to Rachel Ledson from TalkTalk’s Neurodiversity employee network and Emilie Fellingham from TalkTalk’s charity partner Ambitious about Autism. Together, they explore how neurodiversity affects everybody differently. And how we can tailor our approach to people and challenge ourselves - to be more inclusive, kind and flexible. To support and accommodate everybody’s needs in the workplace so they can feel and work at their best. Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. They run specialist schools and a college providing direct support to autistic children and young people – with a national youth programme and employment programme to support young people across the UK. A long-standing charity partner of TalkTalk, they’ve together raised more than £4.5m for autistic children and young people.
Wed, April 20, 2022
Kelly Lee: Mum, Warrior and Inspiration
In this week’s podcast, presenter Dominic Laurie speaks to Sales Optimisation Specialist and TalkNeurodiversity employee network member Kelly Lee about the challenges she faced when getting an Autism diagnosis for her son Leighton. Kelly shares her story with us during World Autism Acceptance Month to help others and give advice to anybody else who may be experiencing a similar challenge – but highlights no two journeys are the same.
Wed, February 16, 2022
Jamie Woodruff: Technical Director at Metrix Cloud
In this week’s podcast, presenter Dominic Laurie speaks to one of the UK’s leading online security experts Jamie Woodruff about the risks online – and how we can keep ourselves safe. As we continue to increase our online presence, through work and play, the secure ownership of our digital assets, settings and passwords is vital. And the creation of new 3D virtual worlds through the metaverse brings even more need for online safety, as Jamie explores with Dom.
Wed, February 09, 2022
Karen Quinn: Leadership and Management Coach at Raise The Bar and Catherine Hakki: Women in Leadership apprentice at TalkTalk
This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2022 – a time for us all to celebrate learners, wherever and whatever they may be studying. At all levels. TalkTalk has over 100 employees studying for apprenticeship qualifications across the business. In this week’s podcast, presenter Dominic Laurie speaks to Karen Quinn - from apprenticeship provider Raise The Bar - and TalkTalk apprentice Catherine Hakki. Raise The Bar and TalkTalk recently worked together to create a brand-new Women in Leadership qualification to empower the next generation of female leaders in the business. TalkTalk now has 11 employees on the journey to complete the course. Karen and Catherine speak to Dom about the elements of the course, and why Catherine was so keen to take this opportunity to develop as part of her role.
Fri, February 04, 2022
Carol Halford: Manager, Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
This week, TalkTalk progressed its commitment to good employment within the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter – upgrading to Membership status. This means TalkTalk puts that commitment into action and excels in all the required characteristics. In the latest episode of Walking The Walk, presenter Dominic Laurie talks to Carol Halford, Manager at Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, about what the Charter means for businesses and employees. Carol says the Charter is open to all business sizes and sectors and 'there isn't a one size fits all'. She says it’s about them working with businesses 'to understand how the characteristics of the Charter can work best within their setting'. For more information, visit: Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter (gmgoodemploymentcharter.co.uk)
Wed, January 26, 2022
Darren Burns: The Timpson Foundation
The Timpson Foundation was set up by Timpson CEO James Timpson to rehabilitate prison leavers with supported employment. So much so that over 10% of its workforce is now made up of prison leavers. They have a strong belief for giving people a second chance. The risk-assessment and interview process includes a full disclosure and existing colleagues have embraced the work culture that the team has created. Darren tells presenter Dominic Laurie about the process and how throwing this lifeline means recruiting a workforce of hardworking, honest, loyal employees. This week is the second edition of virtual jobs fair NorthWestWorks4U – a unique public private partnership between TalkTalk, McCann Health and JobCentrePlus. This year’s event has a special focus on supporting prison leavers and with support from New Futures Network.
Wed, December 22, 2021
Patricia Tarr: Caterer, Leader, Traveller
Two women with similar first names run TalkTalk. One is our CEO Tristia Harrison. The other is Trish, who looks after the catering team, and therefore looks after all of us too. She is a great personality and known to anyone who works at our HQ Soapworks. In our last Walking the Walk this year, we hear from someone who has had to adapt more than most to these extraordinary circumstances we have been living through the last two years. Without her and her team’s efforts, we couldn’t have kept our network running for our customers. But Salford is only the latest stop in an odyssey that’s taken her around the world. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Mon, December 13, 2021
Richard Howson: Network Engineering Director, Dad, tech and coffee obsessive
Recent COVID guidance means many people will be spending more time working from home during the day, with potentially more nights in streaming and gaming. When you add on big events like Amazon football, we expect broadband usage on our network to significantly increase over the coming weeks. We’ve invested in our network capacity over the pandemic to ensure we keep customers connected in periods of peak demand. Our network engineering director told Dominic Laurie how his team had been preparing for this moment throughout this year.
Wed, December 08, 2021
Martina Cotichella: Product Manager, Comic, Proud
Ever imagined that your day-to-day work could translate into stand-up comedy? Martina Cotichella did just that. TalkTalk’s Product Portfolio Manager says ‘it’s all about developing a product, and differentiating your product from the rest of the comedians’ and ‘being really agile’. Martina talks to presenter Dominic Laurie about how she turned a big and personally distressing life change into comedy – and a brand new challenge. She says she’s ‘not afraid’ of anything anymore. She explains how energised she feels on the stage and how her theatre/performing background has helped her into this new venture which she delivers on the side of her full-time career. She believes ‘anything is possible now’.
Wed, December 01, 2021
Jason Bradbury: Smart tech, Home tech, Future tech
New technology is on our doorstep – and it’s exciting! Presenter Dominic Laurie chats with tech futurologist Jason Bradbury (who you may recognise from ch5’s The Gadget Show!) about what we should expect with everything ‘smart’ as technology and products get their ‘digital brain’. And, with the number of devices on the sharp increase, he talks about how important broadband and bandwidth are to ensure the tech is working hard. He says the future of tech is ‘hugely exciting’.
Wed, November 03, 2021
Will Ennett: COP26, Sustainability Champion, Environmentalist
COP26 stands for Conference of the Parties and is a summit of world leaders who come together to discuss how to combat climate change. As the name suggests, this is the 26th in the series. People often remember COP21, where global leaders formed the Paris Agreement. The ambition of COP26 is to make fresh commitments to drastically cut emissions and keep temperature rises to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial times. In this week’s Walking the Walk episode, presenter Dominic Laurie talks to Head of Sustainability Will Ennett about the work that TalkTalk is doing to reduce carbon emissions. From embracing circular principles by designing products to maximise refurbishment to engaging with colleagues, customers and the supply chain – Will discusses how collaboration and innovation are at the heart of solving difficult environmental problems.
Wed, October 27, 2021
Aphra Barnes and Charmaine Connors: Black History Month, Empower network members, inclusive workplace advocates
Black History Month conversations are important to help us to connect and create inclusive workplaces where everyone can be themselves. Empower is TalkTalk's employee network focused on race and ethnicity, helping to ensure the true representation of black, Asian and ethnic minority individuals at all levels of the business. The network creates a safe space to educate, celebrate and elevate colleagues by running networking sessions, events, panel discussions and socials to connect employees from across the business. In this week’s episode, Empower network chair Charmaine Connors and community member Aphra Barnes talk to Inclusion Manager Lisa Adkin about growing up mixed-race, the pride of their heritage and the challenges they’ve faced.
Wed, October 20, 2021
Ffion Reilly: HR, parent, student
Ffion isn’t just working a full-time job in HR. She’s a parent. And she’s studying for a Masters degree. Last year, Ffion started working on her dissertation – with a focus on the Menopause. There are around 34 recognised symptoms of the Menopause but they aren’t often discussed. Many of these can affect people in the workplace. Emotional changes, sleep deprivation and confidence decrease are just some of those challenges that come with the Menopause. Ffion has been working with the reward and benefits team internally to shape and deliver a new policy about Menopause at work – breaking down the taboo and ensuring colleagues know how TalkTalk and their leaders can support. A new policy for colleagues, delivered by colleagues. Dominic Laurie talks to Ffion about why she felt it was important to play her part in this new policy – and the benefits of signposting everything the company is doing, and will introduce, to show it cares.
Wed, October 13, 2021
Charlotte Edwards: Head of Billing, volunteer, parent
Last weekend, Charlotte completed her first ever marathon. She pushed herself to her limits and it was all for a fantastic cause. The Miscarriage Association charity. A charity close to Charlotte’s heart. Charlotte opens up to presenter Dominic Laurie about her struggles with pregnancy – her first sadly resulting in miscarriage. And how it was something she dealt with in private. But Charlotte is campaigning to break down the taboo and has worked with TalkTalk’s reward and benefits team to create a brand-new pregnancy loss awareness policy for colleagues. A new policy by colleagues, for colleagues. Up to two weeks paid leave for those who wish to use it. For all genders. With no limit. Listen as Charlotte tells us about her own experiences and journey, which has led to the great work she’s doing now.
Wed, October 06, 2021
Jane Garnsey and Lisa Adkin: Care, Challenge, Commit
TalkTalk has always had a strong set of company values. And as the business embarks on a new phase, a new set of values will underpin its journey. We believe values should be shaped by collective principles, beliefs and standards of behaviour. What is thought to be important in life. And there was no better way to explore, adopt and create a brand new set of values than with current colleagues. The people who will live and breathe them. Various workshops, conversations and group sessions later, the new values were born. In three simple sentences: We Care – We care about each other, our customers and our community We Challenge – We challenge each other to be better for our customers We Commit – We commit to doing what we say we will There’s been a lot of change at TalkTalk – and the company values are just one example of these changes. People Director Jane and Inclusion Manager Lisa spoke to presenter Dominic Laurie about what these really mean for TalkTalk and how they’ll play out for the colleague’s and customer’s benefit.
Wed, September 29, 2021
Adele Ablett: Civil Servant, leader, supportive
Affordable connectivity is no longer a luxury, but increasingly viewed as a necessity. Data usage has soared since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with people relying on broadband more than ever before. With face-to-face support restricted at DWP job centres and training and job support moving online during the pandemic, TalkTalk was approached by the DWP to help support jobseekers. The connectivity provider joined forces with the UK’s biggest public service department to promote digital inclusion and find a solution for everyone. The newly created product gives jobseekers a broadband connection for six months at no cost to them, allowing them to access vital DWP services and apply for jobs. After encouraging results from trials across Cheshire and Greater Manchester, the product has been rolled out to jobcentres across England, Wales and Scotland (with Northern Ireland to follow shortly). Adele Ablett, JCP external relations lead for Cheshire, tells presenter Dominic Laurie about the challenges, hard work and successes of the joint effort between the DWP and TalkTalk, as well as what this really means for jobseekers across the country.
Wed, September 22, 2021
Sarah Stirk: TV presenter, journalist and co-founder of REACH
She’s normally seen presenting on Sky Sports from golf courses around the world as a correspondent. But Sarah Stirk has another mission – to give young women the confidence and opportunity that she was offered earlier on in her life by a mentor who took her under her wing. She set up the Reach Next Generation summits for girls aged 11-15 to meet role models and get inspired about the possibilities that lie ahead of them. We were delighted to host the first ever instalment in Greater Manchester last weekend at our HQ in Salford. Sarah explains why empowering young girls is more important now than ever.
Wed, September 15, 2021
Ian Simpson: People leader, CrossFitter, charity founder
At the start of the pandemic, Ian was 24 stone and ‘fed up’ with himself. As a child, he was victim to sexual abuse – something he still carries on his shoulders today. He suffered from depression, anxiety and mental ill health because he didn’t speak out. Over the years, he’s learned to deal with it in his own ways, talk about it and, selflessly, created a foundation to help others who might be experiencing the same struggles. Safe Family Safe Children aims to support and empower survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Fast-forward to today – Ian has lost 10 stone. He’s just been promoted to a people leader at work. And he recently took part in – and won! – a CrossFit competition. Ian used all his anger and emotion to focus on himself. And Ian has changed his whole life.
Wed, August 18, 2021
Carolyn Bunting: CEO, online safety expert, parent
Digital is a fundamental part of our children’s lives now – when the pandemic hit, our lives became underpinned by technology for work, education and relationships. And while it was a huge saviour, many young children were thrust into this online world without a lot of preparation. Parents worry about bullying and graphic content, amongst other things, and that’s where Internet Matters comes in. A non-profit organisation created to help keep families safe online. TalkTalk has been a long-standing partner of Internet Matters - it was founded by the four leading internet providers. TalkTalk’s Head of CSR, Bronagh McCloskey, talks to Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, about how the organisation has advised parents and carers, even more so during the pandemic, and what we should be looking out for to keep children safe online.
Wed, August 04, 2021
Stephen Cooper: IT guru, dad, pilot
Lockdown and remote working when you’re in charge of monitoring the service level of a network brings its own challenges. Service level manager Stephen Cooper tells presenter Dominic Laurie all about how he brings IT and networks to life through pictures…another of the many angles to working in tech…and how he’s had to adapt through the last year. But Stephen’s spare time is very different to breaking down data, as he is a keen plane enthusiast… and even flies them himself! He holds a private pilot’s license – not something you hear about too often! And away from the skies, he spends a lot of his time caring for his daughter who suffers from a rare condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Stephen tells us all about it and the challenges they’ve had to work through.
Wed, July 28, 2021
Asanga Gunatillaka: Commercial Director, dad, new ‘eero’ for TalkTalk
We've had a year of unprecedented data usage since the start of the pandemic and the hybrid working model is here to stay. So fast, reliable broadband in every room has never been more important. And this week we announced that we’re the first major ISP in the UK to offer the award-winning Amazon eero 6 and eero Pro 6 routers to our Future Fibre customers. Using the power of Wi-Fi 6, Amazon eero works hand in hand with Future Fibre to deliver TalkTalk’s fastest, most reliable connection yet, with greater Wi-Fi coverage across the entire home. This means our connection can blanket your home like never before! Commercial Director Asanga Gunatillaka tells us what this brand new partnership means for the business and our customers, in this new ‘eero’ for TalkTalk. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, July 21, 2021
Sophie Eccleston: Kickstarter, grafter, proud
When the pandemic hit, we were all affected in different ways. Some more than others. For Sophie Eccleston, it caused unemployment. She previously worked in customer service and is a full-time carer for her mum and grandma. And she was unsure what her next steps would be before she came across the Kickstart Scheme and found herself with two placement offers from TalkTalk. Proving herself a hard-worker and fitting seamlessly into her team, she was offered a full-time, permanent role with the business after just three weeks and couldn’t be more thankful for the support she’s had since joining. And we’re glad to have her. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, July 14, 2021
Angel Thomas: TalkTalk Kickstarter, aspiring actress and goal setter
The last year has been challenging for every one of us, for different reasons. Not least those who have been looking for a job. One such person is Angel Thomas who joined us thanks to the new Government Kickstart Scheme. Prior to the pandemic, Angel’s dream was centred around arts and performance. When Covid hit, she spent hours and hours searching for opportunities only to be told she didn’t have the experience. Now she’s part-way through her placement at TalkTalk, and is thankful for the experience she’s getting. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, June 30, 2021
Emma Brennan: Customer marketing manager, cardiac arrest survivor, opera singer
Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Euro match shocked the world of football. What happened to the Danish player is rare. However it certainly isn’t unheard of. Something similar happened to our colleague Emma Brennan in an equally dramatic setting: an operating theatre, only months after becoming a new mum. Thankfully, four years later she has a thriving career at TalkTalk, and is here to tell the tale to our presenter, Dominic Laurie.
Wed, June 23, 2021
Cat Heathcote: Kickstart Internal Comms Exec, film graduate, non-binary
It’s Pride month 2021, and this week’s podcast guest is Kickstart Internal Communications Executive Cat Heathcote. Things have changed and we no longer label each other as just male or female – presenter Dominic Laurie talks to Cat about what it’s like to be non-binary, the journey to realising who you are and the value of support around you. From a young age, Cat didn’t feel like they fit in and on joining university had, what they describe as, a ‘reinvention moment’. And they haven’t looked back since.
Wed, June 16, 2021
Todd Bennett and Rachael Woodhead: Pride Month 2021, employee network TalkPride, being a good ally
June is Pride Month and this year we are talking about how we can be better allies, better friends and a better team. Our employee network, TalkPride, turns 3 this month and we’re proud of the community we have created. Todd Bennett founded TalkPride and works to promote LGBTQ+ awareness to the business and link TalkTalk with local and important events and calendar dates. Rachael Wood, a member of TalkPride, gives some of her time to volunteering for a local LGBTQ+ charity. In this week’s podcast, we hear all about what Pride month means to them. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, June 09, 2021
Susie Hargreaves OBE: Internet Watch Foundation CEO, Campaigner, Mum
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) works to make the internet a safer place. Its vision is the global elimination of child sexual abuse imagery online. Working with partners worldwide – industry, charities, governments, law enforcement agencies and other hotlines – IWF is working to find a global solution and we spoke to CEO Susie Hargreaves about the latest campaign about self-generated content. It came about after the charity found a 77% rise of self-generated imagery in 2020, compared to 2019. And the IWF aims to educate and empower girls, and warn parents and carers about the risks online. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, June 02, 2021
Ken Anton: Technology Lead, Hospital Radio DJ and Bell Ringer
Two broadcasters meet for Volunteers Week: Ken Anton started volunteering for Hospital Radio in Dundee in 1976, while still at school. Now a trustee and secretary of Northern Air Hospital Radio in Manchester, Ken’s passion is still the same as it was 45 years ago. In his spare time, Ken is a bell ringer at his local church and has also published a book about his own family history. Day-to-day, Ken is Technology Lead at TalkTalk - responsible for the delivery of software systems which support the back-room telecoms operations. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, May 19, 2021
Chloe Fisher: Manc Yogi, Vegan Baker and Ray of Sunshine
Chloe Fisher goes by the name of Manc Yogi. The perfect name for somebody who teaches yoga in Manchester. When the COVID pandemic hit, Chloe’s career was turned upside down. She said she wasn’t going to switch her classes to online sessions because yoga is something she enjoyed with her clients face-to-face. But this new journey she’s on presents even bigger opportunities. Friends across the globe are now able to join in. Plus, our treasured corporate sessions for TalkTalk have been able to continue. She showed resilience, the ability to adapt and react… and thankfully it’s been a great success. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, May 12, 2021
Lee Rogers: Performance Coach, Employee ‘Wellbeing Network’ Founder, Fantastic Listener
Managing your mental health in the workplace is something we wouldn’t have talked about much a few years ago. But things have changed. Society for one. But the COVID pandemic brought work into our homes for many people - and worlds inevitably collided. One person who has seen the effect of this on not just himself but others is Lee Rogers who runs TalkTalk's mental wellbeing network. He's seen the sharp end of mental ill health himself - and is the guest on this week's episode of walking the walk, with me Dominic Laurie.
Wed, May 05, 2021
Steve Johnson: Product Readiness Manager, Visually Impaired, CrossFitter and Skier
Steve Johnson started losing his sight as a very young man, and now he’s lost almost all of it. However, he works at TalkTalk, on highly detailed projects, marshalling and organising huge amounts of information, using excel and lots of different bits of kit. He’s also a skier and fitter than the vast majority of the rest of us. Someone to learn from and be inspired by. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, April 21, 2021
Lisa & Darragh: Inclusion Lead and Head of Talent Acquisition, both passionate about recruiting and retaining female talent
In a competitive world, TalkTalk needs the best talent available. That means getting access to potentially great candidates wherever they may be. And holding on to them once they join. Given women are historically underrepresented in the world of tech and telecoms, that’s an opportunity for TalkTalk to hire exceptional talent. That job falls to Lisa Adkin, inclusion lead at TalkTalk, and Darragh Lee, our Head of Talent Acquisition. They tell Dominic Laurie how companies such as TalkTalk can make sure they are doing things right.
Wed, March 31, 2021
Theo & Clare: Train Timetable Planner & Programme Director, both Ambitious about Autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, affecting around one in 100 people in the UK. It influences how a person communicates and how they experience the world around them. However, it does not mean they can't fit into the world of work. Far from it. Theo Albert, a young man from London with autism, has a job he loves - planning rail timetables with Network Rail. He's able to combine a job he is good at with a private passion. Helping him to prepare for and secure that role was Clare Caccavone at TalkTalk's partner organsiation Ambitious About Autism. They talked to Dominic Laurie.
Fri, March 26, 2021
Kat Lawrenson: Service Asset & Configuration Manager, COVID Survivor, Thankful
Many of us have been worried about getting COVID. But for Kat Lawrenson, it wasn’t getting the virus that was the problem – it was what happened afterwards. Months after contracting it, the TalkTalk employee was hit with side effects so serious that she’s convinced she’s only around today because of the quick wittedness of her husband and a locum doctor. A year on from the start of the COVID pandemic, she is a living testimony to the long-lasting effects the virus can have, but also the desire to enjoy life after it has gone. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Fri, March 12, 2021
Ian McDonald: Technology Leader, Gender Equality Ally, Parent
We learned in the last episode of Walking the Walk how valuable it is for women in traditionally male dominated careers to have their own networks. But one message that comes through often is that mutual support isn’t enough. At TalkTalk we recognise the importance of Allyship – noone more so than Ian McDonald, who says that men have to step up too. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, March 10, 2021
Lizzie Kelly-Dyson: Lead UX Designer, Co-founder of Ladies that UX, Problem Solver
Having a supportive network is one of the most common routes to success in business. But in careers that have traditionally been a male domain, those networks have often resembled a bit of a boys club. That’s now changing – especially in the world of tech. But it wasn’t always the case. A few years ago, when times were a bit different, my colleague Lizzie Kelly-Dyson decided to create a space that for people working in UX especially for women. And it went from Manchester to all around the world. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Mon, March 08, 2021
Jen Mossop Scott: Technology Director for Delivery, Mentor, Optimist
Jen Mossop Scott has a job that demands a comprehensive understanding of all the various technology systems TalkTalk uses, which, as one of the UK’s biggest ISPs, is a significant number. However, she began her journey a million miles away from where she is now. Not just because she grew up on the other side of the world to Salford, TalkTalk’s home city. But also because she began her studies in the world of words and philosophy, not code. But that’s been no barrier to becoming TalkTalk’s Technology Director for Delivery. Hear her story. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, February 24, 2021
Isla Simpson: Marketing Executive, Deaf, Remote-worker
The world of work in this pandemic has been hard for most of us. Some have lost jobs. Others have kept them but had to work in a strange new challenging outside environment of masks and social distancing. Others still have worked from home and are dealing with hours of video calls without the usual camaraderie of colleagues. Difficult for most of us. But what if you are profoundly deaf? How do you deal with those challenges? Our colleague Isla Simpson was the youngest person in the UK at the time to have cochlear implants fitted. Without them she can’t hear anything. With them – she can talk to us on Walking the Walk. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, February 17, 2021
Mia Phillipson: Analyst, LGBT+ Champion, Friend
Mia Phillipson is a business analyst at TalkTalk, and also a trans woman. She grew up in an environment and at a time where being different was tough and risky. So she hid her real self away. After travelling to the other side of the world and back, and several jobs later, she has found in TalkTalk a place where she has the confidence to be herself. So much so that it’s allowed her to come out and face the world in other areas of her life. Never underestimate the power of a supportive workplace, she says. Hear her story. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Wed, February 10, 2021
Charmaine Connors: Apprentice, Coder, Mum
Charmaine Connors breaks the mould of who you think an apprentice might be. She isn’t in her late teens and working in manufacturing. Instead, she only went to college at 29, did a degree at 34, and learned to code at 36. She’s also a proud mum to an 11 year old son. In the first episode of Walking the Walk, Charmaine tells us how being an apprentice at TalkTalk has changed her life, and how she sees her future. Presented by Dominic Laurie.
Trailer · Fri, February 05, 2021
Welcome to Walking the Walk
At TalkTalk we are helping keep Britain connected at one of most challenging times in our country's recent history. Hear inspiring inside stories from some of the people who work here, and why it’s a great place to work. www.talktalkgroup.com
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