In Conversation with Q5

In a recent appearance on the Questioning Gurus podcast by QuestionPro APJ, Chris Parsons, Co-Founder of Q5 and Managing Partner for Australia and New Zealand, explored a question many organisations grapple with: what separates genuine transformation from a restructure dressed up in PowerPoint?

This episode is a recording of a live panel discussion held at The Old Hall, Lincoln’s Inn, where we brought together leaders from across policy, business and academia to explore London’s role in the UK’s future.

Chaired by Dave Hill (On London), the panel featured Alexander Jan (London Property Alliance), Antonia Jennings (Centre for London), Hannah Buckley (Q5), Dr Jack Brown (King’s College London) and Muniya Barua (BusinessLDN).

The conversation explored London’s economic importance, the realities behind anti-London sentiment, and why the UK’s biggest challenge may be over-centralisation rather than the capital itself. A key theme throughout was the need to move beyond a zero-sum view of London versus the regions and instead focus on how growth can be shared more effectively across the country.

Listen to the full episode to hear the panel’s insights on devolution, regional investment, and how London can better articulate its role as a driver of national growth.

In a recent episode of Strategy Meets Reality, Joel Grundy, Head of Strategy at Q5, brings the focus back to what strategy is meant to do: help leaders make a small number of tough choices in an uncertain world. 

In this episode, Atlantic Media’s Chief Growth Officer Megha Garibaldi shares how The Atlantic is approaching its next phase of growth, with a sharp focus on “quality traffic” as referral sources decline across the news media landscape.

With more than 1.4 million subscribers already, the opportunity isn’t simply scale, it’s sustainable, high-value growth. Garibaldi explains why strong journalism remains the foundation of subscription success, and why deep discounting isn’t a long-term strategy.

Joining the discussion, Q5's Head of Media Graham Page highlights the structural shifts publishers need to make to thrive, from building cross-functional teams across editorial, product and commercial functions to aligning around clear leadership priorities and shared performance metrics.

A practical conversation on growth strategy, organisational design and the future of subscription media.

Chaired by Prospect's Deputy Editor, Ellen Halliday, our expert panel share their perspectives on this rapidly evolving topic in a dynamic discussion, exploring how AI is reshaping the way we live and work, the implications for leaders and organisations and what is required to protect the human edge in tech-driven systems.

Our guests:

• Jean-Paul Carvalho - Professor of Political Economy in the Department of Economics, University of Oxford
• Felicity Oswald OBE - Chief Executive, Girlguiding
• Matt Truman - Executive Chair and Co-Founder, True
• Timothy Ferris - Healthcare Practice President and Partner, Red Cell Partners

Join them as they explore how AI is reshaping work, learning and society, from the uneven impact on talent and the risks of widening inequality, to the pressures on education and the future of meaningful work. They examine the biases emerging in AI systems and the need for early, inclusive intervention, alongside the growing challenges of truth and trust in an age of AI-generated content. The panel also considers what smarter, faster regulation should look like, ensuring innovation can thrive responsibly.

Whatever medium publishers started out on, many are now racing towards Youtube and other online video platforms as the fastest growing source of both audience and revenue.

 

Goalhanger co-founder Jack Davenport joined Press Gazette editor Dominic Ponsford to discuss this phenomenon alongside consultant Connie Krarup of Q5 Partners.

 

He revealed how the producer of hit shows such as The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Politics now sees itself as a video production company more than an audio producer and explained why podcasts is now a term eschewed by the high-ups at Goalhanger.

 

Davenport also spoke about Goalhanger's commercial model, which includes strong incentives for hosts, and shared his tips for other publishers who want to succeed in an increasingly video-dominated media age.

 

This edition was sponsored by Q5 Partners.

Recording of a live webinar discussion, hosted by Tama Learning, featuring Blanche Improv, Mindshift Empowerment, Saterman Connect, and Q5.

How do we truly create inclusive spaces for learning before, during, and after the session?

This 45 minute virtual discussion on “How to Create Inclusion in the Learning Space” brings together a group of passionate and experienced practitioners to explore exactly that.

Together, we unpack key themes such as designing learning that supports neurodiversity and diverse needs, fostering psychological safety in the moment, and ensuring content, language, and case studies are genuinely inclusive.

We also examine how to navigate power dynamics, encourage equitable participation, and embed inclusion throughout the entire learning journey. Each panellist brings a unique perspective, offering practical insights and real-world approaches to making learning environments more welcoming and effective for all.

This podcast is brought to you by ClimbUK.

 

What does it really mean to lead with purpose in your career, your company, and your community?

Annabel Tonge has been answering that question for years. As a Director at Q5, she’s helped businesses across the globe sharpen their purpose and boost their organisational health. But her own journey has been just as intentional.

Annabel joins Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman to unpack:

· Why purpose isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong evolution

· How Q5 pivoted fast during COVID-19, and why some of those changes stuck

· The cultural nuances that quietly shape how businesses operate

· Why organisations with strong purpose retain talent better

· How a new foundation is helping charities, and Q5’s own people, to thrive

· Why authenticity beats buzzwords when it comes to impact

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply figuring out what drives you, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and heart.

In this podcast, we debunk the myths and discuss what Strategic Workforce Planning really means, hearing from Hannah Buckley, Associate Partner at Q5, Jay Patel, Head of Strategic Workforce Planning at Q5 and Kyle Fitzgerald, Head of Q5 Analytics. Together, they break down the core theory, translate it into practical, real-world application, and share examples that illustrate how it works in action. We also explore the key role of data on an SWP journey - how it empowers better decisions and helps organisations stay ahead of workforce challenges. 

What do we need to shift the dial on UK growth? Chaired by Prospect Editor Alan Rusbridger, our expert panel share their perspectives on this crucial topic in this dynamic discussion, exploring the implications of latest policies, their impact on businesses and wider communities, and the stimuli to help nudge the dial in low-growth Britain.

Our guests:

• Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation
• Mary Macleod, Chief Executive of Business in the Community
• David Clarke, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association
• Sharon Rice-Oxley, Founder and Partner at Q5

Join them as they address the barriers and opportunities that present themselves following the Government's pivotal pledge to make the UK the fastest-growing economy in the G7.