Quality 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 Caitlin MacArthur, Safety Executive at Sodexo with 26 years of frontline experience, joins the show to expose how outdated habits (Friday Pie) are still shaping food safety culture.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.

 In this episode, host Rashad Issa sits down with Victoria Derbyshire CQP MCQI (Quality Manager at Cavendish Nuclear and the youngest CQI trustee) and Sam Boniface (Head of Quality for Pump Parts and Retrofits at Sulzer) to explore the real impact of apprenticeships. They share the highs and lows of learning on the job, the challenge of proving yourself in quality at a young age, and why it’s never too late to take the apprenticeship route. Whether you're starting out or looking for a career change, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Start your year with fresh insights into the future of auditing in the latest episode of Quality Impact. Host Rashad Issa welcomes Ian Mitchell, CEO of DeepFathom, and Sandy Domingos-Shipley, ISO Consultant and business author, to explore innovative ways to simplify audits. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how blended auditing with AI can streamline processes and enhance outcomes. Discover the power of storytelling and communication in driving organisational change. Gain insights into how auditors can shift from compliance-focused roles to strategic enablers.

In this special video podcast episode of Quality Impact, host Rashad Issa sits down with Vince Desmond, CEO of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), for a candid reflection on 2024 and an inspiring look ahead to 2025. From the challenges of embedding sustainability into business practices, to the transformative role of AI in quality management, Vince shares his bold vision for the future. He unpacks why quality must shift from being seen as a defensive tool to a strategic enabler, discusses the evolution of the CQI Council, and calls for a global movement to elevate quality’s role in society. With engaging listener questions and a thought-provoking wish for 2025, this is a must-watch episode for anyone passionate about quality, leadership, and innovation.

In this episode of Quality Impact, host Rashad Issa sits down with Andy Lewis, Framework Quality Manager at BAM Nuttall, to discuss the unique challenges of quality management in the rail industry. From developing robust quality plans to navigating the complex dynamics of multimillion-pound rail projects, Andy shares insights on creating a culture of continuous improvement, aligning with ISO standards, and balancing sustainability in high-stakes environments. Join us for a journey into the quality frameworks that keep our railways running smoothly.

In this episode of Quality Impact, Dr Silvie Coutuer PCQI, Founder and Consultant of KDENZA, and IRCA QMS and EMS Associate Auditor, discusses the intersection of quality and sustainability. From addressing greenwashing to integrating sustainability into corporate strategy, Silvie shares actionable insights on transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and organisational excellence. A must-listen for quality professionals.

Rashad Issa explores the transformative power of quality frameworks with Jill Roberts PCQI, Quality Lead at Achieve Together and Bianca Caruana PCQI, Quality Audit, Research and Innovation Manager at Agenzija Sapport. Highlighting real-world stories from the UK and Malta, the conversation covers the emotional complexities of safeguarding, the integration of technology, and the importance of stakeholder involvement. The episode highlights how different approaches can empower frontline staff, improve lives, and drive cultural change in social care, offering valuable insights into the evolving role of quality in professional and societal development.