Inspiring Leadership – The Leader’s Role in Motivation (part of the transformational leadership series)

Nick Cooper is Managing Director of Adept Corporate Services, a Manchester-based provider of security, cleaning and technical services across the UK.

He started his career as a frontline security officer and has since held roles within large global organisations, shaping his approach to leadership and the importance of visible, engaged management.

Under his leadership, Adept has become a Real Living Wage and Living Hours employer, a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, and a multiple award-winning business.

Nick combines a people-first approach with investment in technology and data-led services, helping organisations improve outcomes without compromising standards.

He is also a member of the Living Wage Foundation Leadership Group and regularly contributes to Adept’s “Adepting to Change” podcast.

Lesley Butchard is an executive coach and founder of The Leadership Programme.

She works with ambitious leaders through one-to-one coaching, to reduce overwhelm and stress, and still perform at a high level.

She also partners with organisational teams to improve communication, remove bottlenecks, and enable faster, clearer decision-making so the business runs more efficiently and performs at a higher level.

She worked for over 25 years at a senior leadership level in roles in Enterprise organisations, developing and managing high-performing teams of over 200, and generating over £1bn in sales.

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.

Gillian is an experienced chair, non-executive director, advisor, and mentor, with a strong track record of supporting purpose-driven organisations that prioritise people and growth. Currently holding a number of NED role, Gillian serves as Chair of Back on Track, a Manchester-based charity, and as a Board Member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

With extensive leadership experience in global retail, Gillian has held pivotal roles within IKEA Group across diverse international markets. She was CEO for IKEA in China, UK & Ireland, and more recently, led IKEA’s global consumer experience. Her career has been defined by a passion for making a meaningful difference to both people and businesses. She is known for driving business growth and sustained profitability by fostering inclusive organisational cultures and transforming business practices.

Gillian’s leadership at IKEA UK led to a significant milestone in 2017 when the company became the first large retailer to achieve accreditation as a Real Living Wage Employer. This achievement highlights her long-term commitment to humanistic values—believing that when employees receive fair compensation and positive working conditions, it not only boosts their well-being but also enhances customer experiences, driving long-term growth and success for the business.