Ethical leadership with Antoinette Daniel
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PE teachers could run the world.
In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to award-winning entrepreneur and campaigner Antoinette Daniel — founder of Just Helpers, an ethical London cleaning agency on a mission to transform the cleaning industry.
Antoinette runs three businesses, has campaigned against modern slavery, and is a TEDx speaker. She believes business should create win–win–win situations for workers, clients, and the company. She shares how Just Helpers pays fairly, fights for better working conditions for cleaning staff, and challenges purpose-washing by showing what truly values-based leadership looks like in practice.
Antoinette also talks about her path from PE teacher to founder. She argues that great PE teachers could run the world: they learn to read the room, negotiate constantly, manage big budgets, and lead under pressure — all critical skills for entrepreneurship.
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Antoinette’s philosophy of interdependence. Growing up in the UK care system, she learned to be radically self-reliant. In her TEDx talk, she challenges the cult of independence and makes the case for asking for help, building trust, and borrowing the metaphorical ladder from your neighbour. That shift — from “I must do it alone” to “we can do this together” — is at the heart of how she now leads.
We also explore inclusive leadership, reputation, and how emerging leaders can challenge discrimination.
If you care about ethical business, leadership that’s human, and building systems that help people thrive — this one is for you.
In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to award-winning entrepreneur and campaigner Antoinette Daniel — founder of Just Helpers, an ethical London cleaning agency on a mission to transform the cleaning industry.
Antoinette runs three businesses, has campaigned against modern slavery, and is a TEDx speaker. She believes business should create win–win–win situations for workers, clients, and the company. She shares how Just Helpers pays fairly, fights for better working conditions for cleaning staff, and challenges purpose-washing by showing what truly values-based leadership looks like in practice.
Antoinette also talks about her path from PE teacher to founder. She argues that great PE teachers could run the world: they learn to read the room, negotiate constantly, manage big budgets, and lead under pressure — all critical skills for entrepreneurship.
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Antoinette’s philosophy of interdependence. Growing up in the UK care system, she learned to be radically self-reliant. In her TEDx talk, she challenges the cult of independence and makes the case for asking for help, building trust, and borrowing the metaphorical ladder from your neighbour. That shift — from “I must do it alone” to “we can do this together” — is at the heart of how she now leads.
We also explore inclusive leadership, reputation, and how emerging leaders can challenge discrimination.
If you care about ethical business, leadership that’s human, and building systems that help people thrive — this one is for you.
Chapters
- 00:03 Introduction to Speech Bubbles and guest Antoinette Daniel
- 03:09 Running a purpose-led cleaning business
- 05:25 Antoinette's three businesses and entrepreneurial journey
- 09:19 Skills from PE teaching that transfer to business
- 11:56 Interdependence vs independence
- 21:11 Antoinette's care system experience and university journey
- 25:24 Leadership style and autonomy
- 29:18 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership
- 31:44 Reputation and authentic leadership
- 37:57 Advice for emerging leaders and finding joy
