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S6E11 - Mike Roe (Tensense AI)

Author
Leah Talks
Published
Mon 19 May 2025
Episode Link
None

Episode Summary
In this gripping episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah is joined by Mike Roe, a former police commander turned tech CEO. Mike recounts the story of his longest day, a day when he found himself at the center of a crisis that shook Bristol. His experience offers a profound exploration of leadership, resilience, and the ethical dilemmas faced in high-pressure roles.

Key Points

  1. The Crack Cocaine Crisis in Bristol: Mike describes how a surge of crack cocaine flooded the streets of Bristol in the early 2000s, leading to a dramatic rise in crime and placing immense pressure on local law enforcement.
  2. Clash with the Home Office: Mike shares his struggles with government authorities, including a conflict with Home Secretary David Blunkett, who initially sought his dismissal.
  3. Media Exposure with The Guardian: Mike reveals how he and his chief constable collaborated with The Guardian to expose the negative impact of crime targets on policing.
  4. Leading Through Crisis: Mike reflects on how he maintained his values, supported his team, and navigated a challenging political landscape during his longest day.
  5. Transitioning to Tech Leadership: Drawing on his police experience, Mike discusses how his understanding of leadership, data, and resilience helped him build a successful career as a tech CEO.

Best Quote

“Leadership is about values, resilience, and sometimes compromise. You don’t get to pick your crisis — but you do get to choose how you lead through it.”

Guest and host information

Find Mike Roe here:

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

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