Leadership that Lasts (part of the transformational leadership series)

John is a passionate entrepreneur and expert communicator with 25 years’ experience supporting major UK organisations. Ten years ago, he founded Social with no clients or income, growing it into a national, purpose-led B Corp agency. A Fellow of the RSA and graduate of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses programme, John champions inclusive growth and place-based impact. He’s known for his empathy-led leadership, deep commitment to communities, and expertise in built environment communications and stakeholder engagement.

Caroline has almost 20 years’ experience working with corporate organizations, both in the UK and internationally. As part of a dedicated team of wellness experts, she specializes in running corporate retreats that help professionals relax, refocus, and recharge.

With a strong background in mental and physical resilience, Caroline brings a unique mix of personal experience, neuroscience, and positive psychology to her workshops and retreats, helping people make meaningful and lasting changes.

She’s qualified in a range of psychometric assessments which she uses on retreats to help people improve their self-awareness and set powerful goals.

Sam has been at pro-manchester for 17 years and has been an integral part of its growth from a small, effective membership network to a sophisticated business development organisation. A firm part of the Manchester business community, Sam is a familiar face to most, constantly and efficiently working to bring businesses together in the city region.

As chief executive, Sam is responsible for the organisation’s corporate engagement as well managing all existing key partnerships and member relationships. Sam manages the day-to-day running and strategic direction of the business alongside Nicola McCormick – COO. They run the organisation together as equal partners with shared responsibility.

Sam also sits on the board of trustees for Forever Manchester, a charity that supports community activity across Greater Manchester. As well as this, Sam also sits on the Greater Manchester Economic Resilience Board, the Greater Manchester Organisational Representatives Group, the Manchester Business Sounding Board, the Bee Net Zero Advisory Board and the Manchester tech hub Board.

In 2019 Sam also became the Regional Deputy Chair of TheCityUK, where she helps to engage the national body on a regional level on behalf of individuals in the financial and professional services industries. In 2022 Sam was featured in the inaugural Top 50 North West tech Transformers list complied by BusinessCloud

An exiled Scotsman, Ian has spent his career working on environmental and public health issues – and the socioeconomic policies that underpin them – from community to international levels.

Starting his career as an environmental health officer with Carlisle City Council, he has worked in delivery, policy and leadership roles for Edinburgh City Council, the Health and Safety Executive, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, The World Health Organisation (Euro), the UK Public Health Association, Groundwork UK and The Growth Company.

Since March 2019, he has led the development and implementation of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, – an initiative established by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in his first term and now a major policy foundation to help address employment related inequalities and build economic and social resilience in his second.