Kaplan‘s Learn Better Podcast

Ep. 52 - Time, Wellbeing and Reading at Speed, Miranda Smythe

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by learning and development consultant and author Miranda Smythe. Drawing on her extensive experience, Miranda shares practical insights on wellbeing, time management and learning under pressure.

Together, they discuss how to balance work, study and personal life, and how small, realistic changes can help learners work smarter, stay resilient and build sustainable habits

Ep. 51 - Sustainability Reporting and the Future of Audit, Will Jones

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Will Jones, Director in PwC’s Non-Financial Assurance team.

 

They explore how sustainability reporting and ESG assurance are reshaping the accounting profession, from regulation and double materiality to the growing role of AI. This is a forward-looking discussion on how accountants can apply their skills beyond the numbers and make a real impact in a changing world.

Ep. 50 - Ethics First: Building Trust in AI, Jo Stansfield

In this episode, Caron and Lee are reunited with our guest host, Chiraag Swaly, as they sit down with Jo Stansfield, founder of Inclusioneering and a leading voice in ethical, inclusive tech.

They explore how AI is shaping the workplace, why trust and transparency matter more than ever, and how unexamined assumptions in data and algorithms can create real-world inequality. Jo shares insights from her work in inclusive innovation, AI auditing, and professional ethics - offering practical guidance on how we can build technology that truly works for everyone.

 

Ep. 49 - The Price of Football: Financial Sustainability in the Game, Kieran Maguire

In this episode, Caron and Lee dive into the finances behind the beautiful game with football finance expert Kieran Maguire - author, lecturer, and co-host of 'The Price of Football' podcast.

Kieran breaks down why clubs earn billions yet still struggle to make a profit, how the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules really work, and why ownership models raise big ethical questions. From creative accounting to the rise of the women’s game, he reveals what football can teach us about money, risk, and responsible decision-making.

Whether you’re a football fan or simply want to understand financial sustainability in action, this episode turns headlines into meaningful lessons about the numbers that shape the sport.

Ep. 48 - The Transition from Apprentice to Professional, Irsa Hussain

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Irsa Hussain, Senior Associate at Vialto Partners and former Kaplan apprentice.

Irsa shares her inspiring journey - from an internship with the Social Mobility Foundation to becoming an award-winning apprentice and passionate advocate for diversity in the workplace.

Together, they explore the realities of apprenticeships, the importance of representation, and how taking small, purposeful actions can spark lasting change.

 

Ep. 47 - Beyond Compliance: Data-Driven Inclusion, Addison Barnett

In this episode, we’re joined by Addison Barnett (Addie), Principal Consultant at Inclusive Employers - the UK’s leading inclusion membership organisation.

Discussing how Addie’s career has always been guided by fairness and a drive to make the world better, they explore what real inclusion looks like, and how data, trust, and open conversation can drive meaningful change.

Ep. 46 - Living and Working with ADHD, Tania Martin

In this episode, we’re joined by Tania Martin, founder of PegSquared and an award-winning neuro-inclusion consultant. Drawing from her own ADHD diagnosis and extensive corporate experience, Tania demystifies neurodiversity. 

We explore the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to a team, the importance of language and labels, and what ‘reasonable adjustments’ really mean. 

Ep. 45 - Closing the Gap: Race Equity in Education, Dr. Iwi Ugiagbe-Green

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by academic activist Dr. Iwi Ugiagbe-Green, Lead Education Innovation Scholar for Differential Outcomes and founder of STRIVE, an award-winning student success programme at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Together, they explore the challenge of differential outcomes for minoritised students in higher education. The conversation unpacks key terms like equity vs. equality and minority vs. minoritised, while also analysing the data that highlights systemic gaps.

This is a challenging but essential discussion on how we can all take steps, individually and collectively, to ensure education fulfills its promise of opportunity for every learner.

 

Ep. 44 - The Data-Driven Accountant: Skills for the Future, Chiraag Swaly

In this episode, Caron and Lee are joined by Chiraag Swaly, Head of Data and Technology Curriculum at Kaplan. 

We explore how data is transforming the finance world, and what it means to be a data-driven accountant. We dive into the essential skills you need to succeed and discuss the critical role of ethics when handling sensitive information. 

Discover how to leverage data to provide deeper insights, make smarter decisions, and add more value than ever before. If you're looking to future-proof your career and stay ahead of the curve, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

Ep. 43 - Meet the Hosts: Caron and Lee on Learning, Careers and Accounting

Meet our new hosts: Caron Betts (Learning Technologies Manager) and Lee Rowlandson (Content Specialist and seasoned tutor). 

Together, they speak about their fascinating career paths, from Lee’s dreams of being a radio DJ to Caron’s passion for making complex topics accessible. They preview upcoming discussions on topics such as AI, diversity in finance, and the unique challenges women face in the industry. 

Whether you're studying for professional qualifications or advancing your career, this episode sets the stage for conversations designed to help you seize opportunities and truly understand what you're learning.