SERIES FINALE ”Say Yes Before You Can Say No.” Sophy Norris in conversation with Emma McClarkin, OBE. CEO of the British Beer & Pub Associaiton

In the Series 4 Finale, Sophy Norris speaks to a true trailblazer, a woman unafraid to work in the worlds seen as typically male: politics, rugby and the great British pub.

Emma McClarkin is the current Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BPPA), a role she has had since 2019. A passionate beer and pub lover, Emma is the voice for the beer and pub sector, leading them through the pandemic and interfacing with Government and stakeholders to secure vital grant support and economic stimulus to aid the Sector's recovery.

Before joining the BBPA, Emma served as a Member of the European Parliament for 10 years and as a true beer lover, she also served as Vice President of the European Parliament Beer Club. Before that, she was the Government Relations Executive for the RFU.

Outside of work, Emma is a big fan of music and sport, closely following rugby, football, and cricket – as well as watching them in her local pub!

In this Episode, Sophy and Emma discuss:

• The importance of grabbing the opportunities in front of you and being open to them at all times
• Why the pub is the nation's living room, a national treasure. 80% of Brits see it as their sanctuary, and it needs preserving
• Why leaders are natural risk takers
• The power women have as natural communicators
• That boards are made better when there is strong female representation, and why investing in women is good for business
• Why being Queen Bee is not how you advance as a woman, rather it is important to create pathways for those travelling with you
• Hospitality needs to be showcased as a brilliant career option, and more women are needed at the C-suite level
• How important it is to listen to our gut and follow our instincts
• Our only competition should be with the best version of ourselves
• Dressing for success and empowering ourselves
• Managing grief at work and being open to help
• Why we need quality in politics to move beyond the Punch and Judy Show of today

• The Rest Is Entertainment | The Rest Is Entertainment
• BBPA Academy | BBPA
• Stroud Brewery
• The Fresh Standard Brew Co – Beers from The Five Valleys
• Open to all 2025 | BBPA
• Long Live the Local | BBPA
• Home | BBPA
• LinkedIn - Emma McClarkin
• The Alligator Pi Agency | LinkedIn
• LinkedIn - Sophy Norris