WACL 101 President - Nishma Patel Robbs on Racism, Anxiety & Reinventing Success Beyond Corporate Leadership

In this episode of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by Nishma Patel Robbs, former Senior Director of Brand & Reputation Marketing at Google, former President of WACL, for a conversation about racism, anxiety, reinvention and redefining success on her own terms.An infamous figure within the advertising and marketing industries, Nishma reflects on her experience of growing up facing racism, and the lasting psychological impact this had on her identity and confidence, and her ongoing journey toward understanding herself whilst navigating senior leadership roles within high-pressure corporate environments.After a career helping shape brand reputation and leadership culture at one of the world’s biggest companies, Google, Nishma made the necessary decision to step away from corporate life and create something more aligned with her values, of purpose and vision for hers, and women’s empowerment.Now founder of The Glittersphere, a membership community focused on opportunity and financial independence, Nishma shares the emotional and professional transformation behind her “second act” her divorce at 50 and why building visibility and support for women has become central to her mission.Together, Athene and Nishma discuss:Racism and identityAnxiety, mental health and emotional wellbeingLeadership and navigating corporate cultureWomen in advertising and marketingCareer pivots and second actsCommunity, networking and empowermentAuthentic leadership and resilienceFinancial independence and women supporting women, which is clearly a topic close to her heart.This is an insightful conversation about reinvention, self-love and creating a life and career rooted in ambition, opportunity and connections.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Tracks:Donna Summer - I Feel LoveThe Fugees - Killing Me SoftlyMary J. Blige - My LifeAngie Stone - Wish I Didn’t Miss YouSophie Lloyd feat. Dames Brown - Calling OutNishma Patel Robb Spotify PlaylistTopics Covered:Racism: Nishma talked about her experience of racism and the impact of the Channel 4 Dispatches programme Defiance - Fighting The Far Right - Channel 4 on demand.Menopause: Athene and Nishma touched on menopause and The Louise Newson Clinic, a specialist private clinic for menopause health. Many women, including both Athene and Nishma, have found HRT life-changing.If HRT isn’t an option, lifestyle changes like cutting caffeine and sugar, mindfulness, and slowing down your responses can help manage symptoms. Nishma highlighted the mental health challenges linked to perimenopause, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and shared helpful articles:The Independent: Fear of Being Labelled Hysterical: 1 in 10 Women Experience Suicidal Thoughts Due to PerimenopauseMenopause Support UK: Study on depression/suicide in perimenopauseNishma also shared her experience with panic attacks. The NHS provides resources for managing symptoms, and holistic strategies like mindfulness, movement, and professional nutritional guidance.If you are struggling with depression or intrusive/suicidal thoughts, talk to someone—either your GP or groups who can support you. Reach out to friends who may have similar experiences.Remember, there are ways to support yourself - HRT, coaching, nutrition, and moving your body. You will get through this. Athene xJulia Leckey:Nishma spoke about her friend, coach, and author Julia Leckey, who helped her find a new career path. Nishma recommends Julia’s book:Think Fearlessly to Grow WealthyNishma Patel Robbs, Google, WACL, The Glittersphere, racism, anxiety, women in leadership, women in advertising, emotional wellbeing, leadership, career reinvention, second act careers, women supporting women, financial empowerment, leadership podcast, women in marketing, resilience, empowerment podcast, mental health, corporate leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.