Kicking the Door Down with Julia Ward: Founder of FLISS. Project director at Xela Energy. Mother. Three roles, one woman

Discover how mentorship, societal barriers, and flexible work culture shape women’s careers in STEM—and how you can be part of the change. When Julia founded FLISS, a free mentoring charity dedicated to female leaders in STEM, she aimed to break down the barriers that keep women from thriving. Her story and insights reveal the hidden challenges women face—from societal expectations around motherhood and career to outdated workplace norms—and the powerful impact of community-driven solutions.Join Debbie and Julia in a candid conversation that unpacks the critical issues facing women in the workforce today. You'll discover: why societal values still hold women back, how workplace culture and leadership often perpetuate exclusion, and the profound influence of mentorship at every career stage. Julia shares stories from her own journey—balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and advocacy—and explains how flexible working and generational mentoring are redefining what success looks like for women.We also break down concrete tactics to foster inclusive environments: from rethinking traditional office hours, challenging outdated social norms, to implementing systems that support breastfeeding and parental leave. This episode underscores the urgency of systemic change, highlighting how businesses can unlock untapped talent and accelerate diversity by valuing real inclusion over tick-box initiatives.Whether you're a woman navigating your career, a leader committed to cultural transformation, or someone eager to support future generations, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring stories to drive real change. Perfect for those who believe in equity, want to challenge the status quo, and are ready to kick down barriers to create a more inclusive, innovative workplace.Julia is the founder of FLISS, a charity committed to mentoring women in STEM, known for her advocacy in breaking societal and workplace barriers to female leadership.Debbie is a podcast host passionate about empowering women in the workplace, exploring the systemic shifts needed for true inclusion.Get ready to rethink how we support women at work—and how you can be part of the movement. This is essential listening if you're committed to gender equity, workplace innovation, and creating a future where everyone can thrive.https://www.fliss.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/flissuk/posts/?feedView=allhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-ward-1440523b/?skipRedirect=trueKicking The Door Down