The talent leader who steered an aviation giant through crisis, culture, and transformation.

About this episode

What does it take to guide an organisation through one of the greatest disruptions ever faced by the aviation industry- and emerge stronger?

In this episode, we meet Victoria Gartside, who led talent and diversity at Manchester Airports Group (MAG) during the extraordinary upheaval caused by COVID-19. With global air travel halted overnight and the future uncertain, Victoria faced the immense task of rapidly rebuilding trust, reshaping the organisational culture, and dramatically scaling operations as restrictions eased.

She shares candid insights into how MAG approached this challenge - from redefining the employee value proposition to rethinking recruitment and leadership strategies at scale. At its heart, her story reveals how authentic listening and stakeholder engagement are essential when navigating complexity and driving real, lasting organisational change.

This conversation offers vital lessons for leaders on crisis management, resilience, and why putting people first isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Victoria Gartside

Global Talent & Diversity Director

Having previously led talent and diversity at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Victoria Gartside is now the Global Talent and Diversity Director at PZ Cussons, a leading international consumer goods business.

Recognised for strategic talent acquisition, leadership development, and cultural transformation, Victoria has steered organisations through complex and challenging periods. Passionate about embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into organisational culture, she frequently champions initiatives promoting diverse leadership and inclusive workplaces.

Victoria holds a degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and is an active voice in industry forums on talent strategy and inclusive organisational practices.