Women in Business Ep. 4 - Leading with Numbers

03/26/25 • 45 min

In this episode of the Expert Exchange podcast, we sit down with Emma Swann, Managing Director at BOAL Extrusion UK, to explore the intersection of finance, leadership, and sustainability in UK manufacturing.

Emma’s journey from a senior career in finance to leading one of the UK’s most innovative aluminium manufacturers is both inspiring and refreshingly honest. She shares how her background in taxation and financial strategy has shaped her approach to leadership—and why a firm grasp of the numbers is essential when balancing commercial success with long-term sustainability goals.

Together, we discuss:

The realities of leading a manufacturing business in today’s economic and environmental climate
How finance can be a powerful foundation for strategic decision-making and innovation
The importance of representation and practical advice for women aiming to lead in finance and industry

This episode offers real insight into what it takes to lead with purpose, especially in sectors where change is complex but essential. A must-listen for anyone working in finance, manufacturing, or business leadership.

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Together, we discuss:

The realities of leading a manufacturing business in today’s economic and environmental climate
How finance can be a powerful foundation for strategic decision-making and innovation
The importance of representation and practical advice for women aiming to lead in finance and industry

Previous Episode

Women in Business Ep. 3 - Forging the Future: Women Leading the Aluminium Industry

In this powerful episode of Leyton’s Expert Exchange, we continue our Women in Business mini-series with a deep dive into the evolving world of the aluminium industry. Host [Your Name] sits down with Nadine Bloxome, Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), to explore how women are driving change, innovation, and sustainability in this critical sector.
With over a decade of experience championing the UK aluminium industry, Nadine shares her insights into the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector today. From advocating for policy changes and promoting sustainability to her work with Back British Metals and Women in Recycling, Nadine is at the forefront of creating a more diverse and dynamic manufacturing landscape.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on:
The Future of Aluminium: How the UK is positioning itself on the global stage and why sustainability and innovation are more important than ever.
Women in Leadership: Nadine’s journey to leadership and the initiatives that amplify women's voices in the manufacturing and recycling industries.
Driving Diversity & Innovation: Practical advice for women aspiring to leadership roles and the transformative impact of diverse teams on the sector's growth and sustainability.
Whether you're part of the aluminium industry, an advocate for diversity, or simply interested in learning from inspiring leaders, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights.
Listen now to hear how women like Nadine are forging the future of the aluminium industry—and how you can be part of this exciting journey.