Quality Impact

Vince Desmond, CEO of the CQI, explores the most significant shifts redefining quality in 2026 – from where AI is delivering real value to growing resilience expectations, global collaboration, and the seven critical gaps organisations must address. A sharp, forward-looking conversation for quality professionals reflecting on 2025 and preparing for what’s next. Key dates for 2026: World Quality Week takes place in the second week of November. September marks Quality Careers Week, while June brings Quality Live and the International Quality Awards.

Dr. Ken Hudson, an innovative thinker and author, applies brain science to enhance creativity in workplaces. He shares a fascinating two-minute trick to toggle between analytical and creative thinking, using metaphors like 'box vs ball' to illustrate his points. Learn how leaders can energize teams by shifting perspectives and fostering an environment of playfulness. Ken emphasizes the importance of rapid idea sprints and unexpected prompts to combat rigidity and spark innovation, making it easier for teams to break free from limiting thought patterns.

In this episode of Quality Impact, host Rashad Issa speaks with Graham Upton, Technology & Innovation Director and Chief Architect at Capgemini Engineering. Drawing on experience from aerospace to pharmaceuticals, Graham shares how quality must evolve to keep pace with Industry 4.0. From embedding quality in R&D to balancing bold innovation with rigorous standards, he discusses AI, agile, and future skills that will shape the profession. Discover why quality professionals need to think differently and act earlier to drive trust, resilience, and innovation across industries.

In this episode of Quality Impact, host Rashad Issa sits down with neuroscience expert Hilary Scarlett and Lean Six Sigma specialist Martin Brenig-Jones to explore how understanding the human brain can transform change management. From building trust and psychological safety to navigating uncertainty and embracing AI, they share practical insights for leaders and quality professionals. Discover how neuroscience-backed strategies and empathy-driven leadership can make improvement initiatives more engaging, effective, and sustainable.

Richard Corderoy, CEO of Oakland, a data and AI consultancy, works with some of the UK’s biggest organisations to turn data into a source of competitive advantage. He shares how companies can move beyond AI buzzwords to build processes that are ethical, efficient, and rooted in governance. This episode is a must-listen for quality professionals navigating digital transformation and looking to align innovation with impact.

In this episode of Quality Impact, host Rashad Issa speaks with Benedikt Sommerhoff, Head of QualityLab at the German Association for Quality (DGQ). Benedikt shares insights into how AI, digital transformation and paradigm shifts are disrupting the quality profession. From navigating change to building future-proof careers, this conversation dives deep into the tools, skills, and mindsets quality professionals need to thrive.

What does quality have to do with modern slavery? In this eye-opening episode, Rashad Issa speaks with Steve Gibbons, Director at Ergon Associates and expert in human rights due diligence. Steve unpacks how businesses – often unknowingly – contribute to exploitation across global supply chains. From certification blind spots to the real impact of climate-driven migration, this conversation reveals the risks hiding in plain sight, and the bold moves quality professionals can take to lead meaningful change.

Is the food industry doing enough to keep us safe? Or is it just ticking boxes? Caitlin MacArthur, Safety Executive at Sodexo with 26 years of frontline experience, joins the show to expose how outdated habits (Friday Pie) are still shaping food safety culture. From her early days scrubbing tins in 1984 to leading national campaigns, Caitlin shares hard-won insights on risk, regulation, and why quality is more than a paper trail. If you've ever questioned what’s really going on behind the kitchen door—this episode is your backstage pass.

How can quality management drive sustainability in agriculture? In this episode, we explore smart farming, carbon footprint reduction, and practical solutions with industry expert John Taylerson MBA, FCIM who is a Programme Lead at BIC Innovation. With decades of experience across the food and drink supply chain, John shares insights on governance, financial resilience, and the intersection of technical and commercial operations. Discover how quality assurance can support sustainable practices, making businesses more efficient, ethical, and future-ready.Quality is evolving — are you ready? Quality Live 2025 is back 🎉 Be part of the discussion that shapes the quality profession. Book your ticket by Friday 11 April to save up to £60 off with our limited-time offer. Group booking offers available on 3 or more tickets

 In this episode of Quality Impact, Rashad Issa speaks with Lou Doyle, Founder of Mesma and a leader in quality, change management, and education improvement. Lou shares her insights on the evolving role of women in quality, the importance of diversity in leadership, and the structural changes needed to support future generations. From recruitment practices to mentoring and AI-driven decision-making, Lou highlights the steps organisations must take to foster inclusion and innovation in the profession.