The emPOWER Breakfast Podcast With James Hayhurst Is Out

The latest episode of The emPOWER Breakfast podcast, hosted by Athene Parker, is now live and features a powerful and deeply human conversation with James Hayhurst, founder of the Positive Parenting Alliance and creator of The Parents Promise.

James’s work is rooted in one simple yet profound idea: that separating parents, when supported with understanding and compassion, can create healthier outcomes for their children and themselves. Through the Positive Parenting Alliance, he is leading a movement that brings together organisations and employers to create more supportive policies and cultures for families going through separation.

In this episode, Athene and James explore what it really means to lead with empathy, to create change through care, and to bring humanity into the workplace. They discuss the ripple effect that compassionate leadership can have, and the importance of recognising major life events such as separation as moments that deserve understanding rather than silence.

Their conversation also delves into their shared experience as parent carers to non-speaking autistic children, opening a rare and heartfelt dialogue about what it means to hold space for others while navigating your own challenges.

It is a conversation that will resonate with anyone interested in leadership, workplace culture, or the complex realities of parenting. James’s openness and honesty remind us that meaningful change often starts with how we listen, how we support one another, and how we lead.

The full emPOWER Breakfast Podcast Series Two, Episode Five with James Hayhurst is out now. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe, and share your reflections with us.

A huge thank you to our podcast sponsors String & Tins, and to our brilliant all-female production team: producer Esi Jonuzi and engineer Livy Wicks, who also composed our beautiful theme music.