Thoughtful Leadership from AMBITIOUS

Leading through Uncertainty: Banking, Business and Growth with Carmen Peacock

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura Lear speaks with Carmen Peacock, Head of Corporate Banking for Lloyds Bank, Chair of the CBI South West and a senior leader helping to shape the region’s economic future. Originally from Romania, Carmen moved to the UK to study banking before building a career across some of the UK’s largest financial institutions. From working at the Bank of England during the financial crisis to leading national teams through the pandemic, her journey has been shaped by a consistent focus on creating value for businesses, communities and people. Now based in the South West, Carmen brings a rare regional, national and board-level perspective to leadership. Through her role at Lloyds, her work with the CBI, and as a non-executive director with South West Investment Group, she has a unique view of how SMEs, scale-ups and large corporates are navigating growth, disruption and uncertainty.

Episode Notes

In this episode of the Thoughtful Leadership Podcast from AMBITIOUS, Laura Lear speaks with Carmen Peacock, Head of Corporate Banking for Lloyds Bank, Chair of the CBI South West and a senior leader helping to shape the region’s economic future.

Originally from Romania, Carmen moved to the UK to study banking before building a career across some of the UK’s largest financial institutions. From working at the Bank of England during the financial crisis to leading national teams through the pandemic, her journey has been shaped by a consistent focus on creating value for businesses, communities and people.

Now based in the South West, Carmen brings a rare regional, national and board-level perspective to leadership. Through her role at Lloyds, her work with the CBI, and as a non-executive director with South West Investment Group, she has a unique view of how SMEs, scale-ups and large corporates are navigating growth, disruption and uncertainty.

In this episode, Laura & Carmen explore:

• Carmen’s leadership journey from international student to senior bank leader
• What makes the South West one of the UK’s most dynamic and investable regions
• Using your voice and creating value at the table in male‑dominated environments
• How businesses are approaching AI adoption in practical, productivity‑led ways
• Supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs through growth, funding and uncertainty
• Balancing senior leadership, purpose and family life

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