A Beginners Guide To Being A Grown Up

Women Are Good Business is the podcast making the economic case for female entrepreneurship in the UK.The argument is clear: female-led businesses deliver stronger returns, are less likely to go bankrupt, and outperform their male-founded equivalents across virtually every financial measure. This channel exists to change that — one conversation at a time.Each episode brings together the founders, investors, policymakers and advocates who are rewriting the rules of business in the UK. Real stories, hard data, and the proof that backing women is the single best investment this country can make.Hosted by Sam Cooper-Gray, Chair of the Gender Index, and lead of the Conditions to Scale workstream for the UK Government's Invest in Women Taskforce.New episodes every week from 20th May 2026.Subscribe and join the growing community who know that women are good business — and are doing something about it.womenaregoodbusiness.com@womenaregoodbusinessFuelled by FFInc

Sam Cooper-Gray is a strategist, storyteller, podcasters and fierce advocate for female-led business. As founder of The Wisdom Studio, she helps purpose-driven SMEs grow with clarity, impact, and intention—drawing on 25+ years in global finance, including her role as HSBC’s Global Head of SME Strategy. She is the creator and driving force behind Women Are Good Business, a national campaign that highlights and amplifies the economic power of female founders—showcasing the commercial, societal, and investment benefits of backing women. Sam’s legacy includes launching HSBC’s $1bn Female Entrepreneur Fund and the UK’s £250m Women’s Business Growth Initiative, and she now chairs The Gender Index and leads the Conditions to Scale workstream for the UK Government’s Invest in Women Taskforce, shaping national policy to unlock growth for women in business. Whether she’s in the boardroom, behind the mic, or mentoring founders, Sam brings a rare mix of corporate rigour, creative empathy, and unapologetic purpose.Listen to find out how Sam has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

This week, we’re joined by Roisin McKeon-Carter, an accomplished healthcare leader whose 40‑year career across the NHS spans clinical practice, strategic transformation, and executive‑level leadership. Her work has shaped patient safety, workforce development, and the evolution of advanced practice roles across the UK.Roisin currently serves as Consultant Practice Development Lead in a major tertiary hospital, where she is driving the development of the Consultant Practice (Nurse/AHP) workforce in line with the NHSE long‑term plan. She leads a group of 25 exceptional healthcare professionals who are quietly — and powerfully — shaping the future of patient care.Across her career, Roisin has delivered large‑scale service transformation, strengthened clinical governance, and led system‑level workforce strategies. Her influence spans regional and national levels, contributing to policy workstreams and championing professional voice, compassionate leadership, and equitable care. Listen to find out how Roisin has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Sarah Bennett-Nash walked away from Wall Street to empower women to build not just wealth, but lives they love. For 20 years, from the trading floors of New York and London, she saw the inner workings of global finance, but also what was missing- joy, purpose, humanity. Now, Sarah is on a mission to teach ten million people how to create lasting wealth by doing work that matters, where success is measured in impact, freedom and fulfillment. Sarah has completed the University of Oxford's Executive Leadership Programme, qualified as a coach, founded the Wealth BE-ing, Members Club and is passionate advocate for personal development.Listen to find out how Sarah has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Christine Brown-Quinn, The Female Capitalist®, is a Career Strategist, Best-Selling Author, a former Managing Director in International Finance & an avid cyclist. With a trailblazing journey spanning decades in International Business, Christine transitioned into a transformative role in 2010, embarking on a mission to dispel the notion that a thriving career must clash with a gratifying personal life. She offers guidance through her online & in-person workshops & training programmes as well as strategic career & business coaching to unravel the true essence of career advancement as well as holistic success within demanding corporate environments. As a published author of two books (“Step Aside Super Woman” & "Unlock Your Career Success, an Amazon #1 Best Seller), she provides empowering resources for women in business.She holds a BA in Foreign Languages from Georgetown University and an MBA in International Business from The George Washington University. She served on the GW School of Business Board for many years, is a former President of GW’s Alumni Association, founder of the GW Alumni Network in the UK & recipient of the esteemed GW Alumni Outstanding Service Award.  She currently services on GW’s President’s Council as well as on the board of the International Women’s Forum UK  & co-chairs its Communication & Engagement Committee.Listen to find out how Christine has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Emma Warren is a seasoned entrepreneur and intuitive leader whose 40‑year career has been defined not by hustle culture, but by purpose, curiosity, and a steadfast belief that work and life are meant to inform one another—not compete. Stepping into the world of work at 18, Emma built a career she loves while remaining deeply present in her family life, proving that you can have it all, just not all at once.Guided by long‑term vision rather than short‑term noise, Emma plans in three‑year horizons, choosing focus over frenzy and intention over urgency. Her approach has often meant standing alone, moving ahead of the crowd, or pausing when others rush forward. But it’s this rhythm—this willingness to lead differently—that has shaped her into the grounded, thoughtful businesswoman she is today.Emma champions success that endures, not success at any cost. She believes in leadership that is intuitive, human, and in tune with the shifting landscape of modern business. As the world begins to embrace a slower, more intentional way of working, she no longer feels like a fraud for rejecting hustle culture—she feels perfectly placed for this moment.Substack has become her sanctum: a hearth to return to, a space to think, write, learn, and share her evolving understanding of work, life, and the spaces in between. Through her writing, Emma invites others to pause, breathe, and join her in exploring what it means to build a life—and a career—with depth, meaning, and intention.Listen to find out how Emma has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Emma is one of the UK's leading entrepreneurs'. She made her name launching the global female empowerment brand Killing Kittens in 2005, now incorporated into the KK Group with over 200,000 members having launched events across the US, Australia and Europe and has grown online into an online community network with sexual empowerment at its core. April 2023 saw the group launch the world's first sex positive social dating app WeareX now WAX app. In 2024 the group launched KK Cruises and retreats with cruises sailing from june 2026KK won the growth business of the year 2021 in the Business champion awards and Emma is a finalist in both the Lloyds Business awards 2022 and GBEALondon 2022 both as Entrepreneur of the yearThe press have pronounced her a leader at the cutting edge of the new dawn of female liberation. Recently in Business Leaders 2019 top 30 inspirational UK entrepreneurs and recognised by other awards and media setups including Natwest Great Entrepreneur awards 2019 Finalist, Top 10 women entrepreneurs Game Changer Magazine 2019 and 2020 Inside Out leaders board role modelShe has appeared in national and international media from TV shows to broadsheets to radio debates and corporate talks.June 2019 saw her and Hadleigh Bolt launch Sistr a networking and community for professional women from all industries to connect both on and offline and Safedate an app to add security for datingWhen she's not dominating the male-heavy adult entertainment world, Emma can be found running the Sisterhood. The Sisterhood is a group of gritty females boldly going where not many girls have gone before, competing in extreme and adventure sports, creating havoc whilst maintaining a perfect ph balance between Lucozade and wineThe group to date has raised over £1,000,000 for various women's charities. Emma herself has run the worlds hardest ultra marathon: the Marathon de Sables across the Sahara, won the women's Great Amazon raft race, climbed kilamanjaro, swam 6.5km across the Bosphorus, swum the Channel, relay run from LA to Vegas, raced rickshaws across india and is now showing women can have it all, only via teamwork across all aspects of life, by juggling an 11, 9 and 7 year old with KK world domination and somehow via wine being made chair of the school PTA in lockdown. Listen to find out how Emma has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Vivienne is a Business Exit Advisor and founder of Wellspring, an exit planning advisory practice helping business owners who feel trapped or burnt out prepare for sale before crisis forces their hand.After starting a multi-site dental practice with her sister, Vivienne experienced firsthand what happens when burnout drives business decisions. When her sister passed away after experiencing burnout, Vivienne had to navigate the exit: stabilising the business, hiring the right team, growing it, and ultimately exiting. That experience taught her that exit planning isn't just about the sale. It's about building a business that can thrive without you.Now, as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Vivienne helps established business owners increase their business value while reducing their dependency, so when they're ready to exit, it's on their terms and for maximum value. Her "Burnout to Buyout" methodology transforms owner-dependent businesses into transferable assets. Find her site link here. Vivienne brings a unique perspective shaped by a career across medicine, business design, asset management at JP Morgan, and ultimately, entrepreneurship. She believes the most important "grown-up" business decision is knowing when and how to let go.Listen to find out how Maggie has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Founder, Girls in Charge Initiative & Gamechangers InitiativeMaggie Chen is an impact entrepreneur, non-executive board member, and doctoral researcher passionate about creating positive change through creativity and play. She founded the Girls in Charge Initiative, an international non-profit empowering women through gamified learning to build confidence and entrepreneurial skills. What began as small community workshops has evolved into a global movement recognised by prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford, Cartier, Ffinc, and Northern Power Women.As the Initiative grew, Maggie and her team pioneered Live Social Gamification — their unique approach to in-person, human-centred learning — leading to the creation of the Gamechangers Initiative, the world’s first consultancy dedicated to this method.A strong advocate for greater diversity in business and policy, Maggie also serves on the Cheshire & Warrington Business Advisory Board, the Infrastructure Board at Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington, and the Cheshire Police Ethics Panel.Listen to find out how Maggie has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Sahar Hashemi, a former lawyer, founded Coffee Republic, the UK’s first US style coffee bar chain with her brother and built it into one of the UK’s most recognised high street brands with a turnover of £30m. She made Coffee Republic one of the first players in the ‘coffee revolution’ that transformed the UK high street. Sahar is an internationally recognized speaker, whose captivating and uplifting speeches combine her own enthralling story with key themes of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, customer service, change management and employee engagement.Sahar left the day to day management of Coffee Republic in 2001 and published a bestselling book called ‘Anyone Can Do It- building Coffee Republic from our kitchen table' which has been translated into 6 languages and is 2nd highest selling book on entrepreneurship on Amazone after Richard Branson’s book.In 2005 Sahar Hashemi started Skinny Candy, high profile brand of guilt-free sweets which she sold to confectionery conglomerate Glisten plc in 2007.Her latest book ‘Switched On: 10 Habits to Being Highly Effective in Your Job, and Loving it ’ focuses on creating an entrepreneurial mindset for employees in large companies.In 2011 Sahar Hashemi was nominated by Director magazine as one of the Top 10 Original Thinkers, taking her place alongside individuals such as Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web and Jonathan Ives, Vice-President of Design at Apple and designer of the iPod. In 2011 she was also invited to join the Entrepreneurs Forum set up by UK Business Minister Vince Cable to give advice to the government on enterprise and business policies. In June 2012 Sahar was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list “for services to the UK economy and to charity”.Sahar was named ‘Pioneer to the life of the nation’ by Her Majesty The Queen and Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos. She was also named one of 100 most influential women in Britain by Daily Mail and 35 top women in British business by Management Today. In a Shell Livewire survey of inspirational role models Sahar was among the top 5 along with James Dyson and Dame Anita Roddick. She has been on the cover of Director Magazine, Management Today, Observer Magazine, New Business Magazine, Business 550 and Voyager.Sahar writes a regular management column for Business Strategy Review, published by the London Business School. She is a member of the Customer Council of E.On, the energy group, representing the voice of the customer at board level.By telling her very personal journey, she connects with the audience on an emotional level and brings to life the passion, determination and open mindedness needed to succeed. She outlines the Habits that are the cornerstone of Switched On and ignites the audience with a ‘can do’ spirit and the tools and habits to ‘make it happen’.Listen to find out how Sahar has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Tina Dean, 98. Tina started her first business in the 1950s starting and growing a arts and crafts shop in Bristol market for many decades. She has been an active people’s rights activist  and became the leader of the South Gloucestershire older people’s forum in her 60s and led it for over 13 years, helping the voices of older people be heard across the county.Listen to find out how Tina has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Pregnant, sixteen and homeless, Claire Parkinson became a UK Prison Governor by 30. She went on to join the world’s largest mining company in Australia as a vice president, before stepping away to write her memoir, SHiTTY GRiT, which became a bestseller in three countries. Born in Britain and now based in Australia, she has led high-stakes change from maximum security prisons to multibillion-dollar boardrooms.Listen to find out how  Claire has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Helen is an award-winning Global Entrepreneur, international business expert, Non-Executive Director, TEDx speaker, coach and author.Trusted by both UK and foreign governments to tackle some of the most complex issues in the world’s trouble spots, Helen was awarded an MBE by the King for services to international trade in 2022.Helen led the scaling and internationalising of her company from humble beginnings to tackling modern-day issues such as terrorism, corruption, addiction, and medical forensics, to deliver in 27 countries - winning Best Small Business in the UK at the National Family Business Awards.Helen went on to found Helen Gibson MBE (www.helengibsonmbe.com) to reach and help more people. A Mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation, a UK Export Champion, and university Lecturer, Helen was appointed to represent the UK at the UN Women Commission on the Status of Women 2024. She has featured in The Guardian, Business Insider, International Journal of Education Management and BBC.  Helen will soon publish her first book “Go for Goosebumps!” about cultivating encouragement in today’s world.Listen to find out how  Helen has found success in different aspects of hier life, and what she would put in the guide...

Liz Bradford has over 20 years of diverse leadership experience, having worked across three continents and at firms spanning HSBC, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and SWIFT. She studied Information Communication Technologies and technological revolution before being a geek was sexy or cool. She is the founder of Transform Perform, a platform delivering employee development, engagement and wellbeing at scale. Through Transform Perform, she is on a mission to change the lives of a billion people through positive contagion by 2030.Her career has ranged from product management to C-Suite roles driving operational excellence, people engagement, and technology transformation across teams of 7,500+ in 19 countries and oversight og U$bn+ P&Ls. Her passion is employee engagement, wellbeing, and culture, specifically nurturing healthy, inclusive cultures and tackling toxic ones. Examples includes: Leadership of employee resource groups representing 48,000 diverse employeesCo-Founder and master trainer of coaching programmes delivering personal development and inclusive training to over 24,000 employees in 44 countriesDesign and delivery of female talent development programmes across 14 countries and, Implementation of wellbeing challenges and programmes impacting 5,000+ a year globally. An ICF-accredited organisational and executive coach, a qualified personal trainer, and a certified wellbeing coach, Liz regularly speaks on the topics of cultural evolution, technological transformation, inclusion, female leadership, wellbeing, busting burnout, stress management, and developing healthy cultures. Listen to find out how  Liz has found success in different aspects of hier life, and what she would put in the guide...

Emmie Faust is an exited founder, investor, and passionate advocate for women-led startups in the UK. She is the creator of Female Founders Rise, a thriving community of over 8,000 female entrepreneurs dedicated to closing the funding gap and amplifying women’s visibility in the startup ecosystem. Through this platform, Emmie provides access to resources, investor networks, and peer support, while actively investing in women-led businesses herself.Her voice carries weight in the venture space, with a verified LinkedIn influence score of 91.4/100. Emmie’s daily posts spark meaningful dialogue around the realities female founders face—burnout, lack of access to capital, and gender bias in investment. Blending personal insights with community-driven advice, her content is both relatable and actionable, earning trust from founders and investors alike.Before launching Female Founders Rise, Emmie successfully exited multiple ventures, bringing firsthand experience of scaling businesses through high-growth phases. This journey informs her mentoring style, particularly around leadership, mental health, and navigating toxic workplace cultures. She has also built partnerships with early-stage funding platforms and impact-driven brands, further expanding opportunities for women in business.Based in the UK, Emmie speaks openly about work-life balance, resilience, and the importance of building supportive ecosystems. Her mission is clear: to empower female founders with the tools, networks, and confidence to thrive.Listen to find out how  Emmie has found success in different aspects of hier life, and what she would put in the guide...

Leigh Smyth is the Founder of Impact Match and she is an award-winning pioneer in inclusive and impact-led talent search, digital skills and social impact strategy. Leigh was the first leader to introduce young peoples access to Technology via retail to the UK and then went onto to work for UK Government to design access to Technology for Low Income families. As the UK’s first-ever Responsible Transformation Director, she led the creation of the Lloyds Banking Group Digital Skills Academy, designing its strategy and pilot which has go on to train more than one million people for free. Through partnership consultation, Leigh also built what became one of the country’s largest digital skills-based volunteering networks. Her team also developed the UK’s first benchmark for Basic Digital Skills, now embedded into the national agenda and referenced globally. The Consumer Digital Index, now in its 10th year, is still the UK’s largest measure of digital and financial capability, used by policymakers, educators and employers to track progress and shape inclusive services. A lifelong talent matchmaker, Leigh has placed some of the UK’s most influential social impact leaders into senior roles across FTSE firms, NGOs, and purpose-led scaleups. Through her work at ImpactMatch, she continues to connect values-driven talent with organisations serious about doing good, helping them embed inclusion and impact into their culture, leadership, and workforce strategies. She also helped establish the Digital Poverty Alliance, helped to establish 11 national advisory taskforces for financial inclusion, and played a key role in embedding inclusive design and accessibility into Lloyds Banking Group’s transformation programme, enabling the bank to become the first FTSE to achieve Accessibility accreditation. Leigh is also the Co-Founder of ActionAble on a mission with Sara Weller CBE to drive workplace disability inclusion. From designing inclusive strategies to building the teams that deliver them, Leigh’s work sits at the intersection of impact, innovation, and inclusion, making her a vital voice in shaping the future of recruitment and training.Listen to find out how  Leigh has found success in different aspects of hier life, and what she would put in the guide...

Lisa Conway-Hughes is a Chartered Financial Adviser and a Fellow of The Personal Finance Society. Lisa joined the financial industry nearly 20 years ago and has previously been voted Financial Adviser of the Year – London by Professional Adviser Magazine – WIFA.In April 2024 Lisa became directly authorised with the FCA and set up LCH Wealth Ltd.  More than 95% of Lisa’s existing clients moved with her to LCH/WEALTH demonstrating the strong relationships she builds with her clients.Lisa, also known as Miss Lolly, writes, speaks, tweets, and blogs on all things money related. Lisa is passionate about making financial education open to all and loves taking the jargon out of the financial world. Lisa’s book, Money Lessons, was published by Penguin in 2019. Lisa also features as a money expert in the female press, newspapers and news channels, including the Telegraph, Red and Good Housekeeping.Lisa is regularly invited as a guest speaker at both corporate events and private members clubs.Listen to find out how  Lisa has found success in different aspects of hier life, and what she would put in the guide...

 Lee Chambers is the Founder and CEO of Male Allies UK. After a diverse career, from corporate finance to building and exiting a tech company, he is now focused on supporting organisations to engage men in inclusion and promote effective allyship. He has been featured on the Startups 100 Index, has received a Great British Entrepreneur Award, and sits on the board of CMI Women, Regenerage UK and the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. In 2024, he received the Freedom of the City of London for services to equality in business. He is a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences in the USA, the first Black British scientist to be awarded in its 33-year history, received for his work on health inequalities. He is the 2023 UN Women Changemaker of the Year, and is an ambassador for the UK Government’s Lilac Review for Disabled Entrepreneurship. He speaks globally on allyship and intersectionality, having taken the stage at One Young World, ChangeNOW and the Bloomberg Global Equality Summit, and is the author of the bestselling book, Momentum: 13 Ways To Unlock Your Potential.Listen to find out how  Lee has found success in different aspects of his life, and what he would put in the guide...

Pip Stocks – Founder, Brand Strategist & Champion for ChangePip Stocks is a powerhouse business builder, brand strategist, and unapologetic question-asker who thrives on growth—both personal and professional. With a double major in Marketing and Psychology from Monash University, Pip launched her career in London, sharpening her customer insight and marketing skills at Grey Advertising and Virgin Energy.Back in Australia, she co-founded and scaled BrandHook into a three-city consultancy, partnering with leading brands to solve complex challenges. Her next chapter led her into tech, where she built Hearsay, an AI productivity platform designed to help corporate brands have smarter customer conversations.Today, Pip mentors female founders, sits on boards as a Non-Executive Director, and is building The Startup Muse, a bold new platform for tween girls. She’s your go-to for customer discovery, product-market fit, brand strategy, and experience mapping—always bringing fresh perspective and fearless curiosity to the table.Her passions? Disrupting the status quo, championing fairness (especially around gender and neurodiversity), and empowering first-time entrepreneurs with practical, battle-tested wisdom.Listen to find out how Pip has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Sarah Pittendrigh is a true example of a serial entrepreneur that has experienced the full cycle.Losing it all in 2008, to rebuilding again from the dust as a single mum to become a multi award winning entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker and investor.At 53 she is embarking on her 4th start up creating a beautiful range of knitwear, designed by her, manufactured from British Wool, here in the UK.When not at work she enjoys country life with her family, horses, dogs and chickens.Listen to find out how Sarah has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Beverley Brown is a senior leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a track record of building ventures that blend financial innovation, gender equality, and social purpose. She co-founded and scaled Nicoll Curtin to 90+ staff across three continents, and now leads purpose-driven businesses including Sherloc, a fintech platform for SMEs, and Kenbury Associates, a strategic consultancy for C-suite teams.Her leadership spans commercial strategy, community-building, and inclusive growth. At Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF), Beverley launched national programmes supporting over 10,000 women, built the Entrepreneurs Network, and helped shape policy and partnerships across the financial sector. She also led commercial strategy at The Female Lead, engaging an audience of 8.6 million.Beverley is passionate about women’s economic empowerment and has raised over £500,000 for NSPCC/Childline, now chairing their 40th Anniversary Fundraising Committee. She co-founded Stronger Together, the UK’s first cross-industry gender equality alliance, and regularly collaborates with UHNW individuals, family offices, and institutional investors.With deep experience in scaling communities, designing hybrid service models, and driving sustainable impact, Beverley is uniquely positioned to lead Beam into its next phase of growth.Listen to find out how Beverley has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Jacqueline has over 30 years of investment banking and entrepreneurial experience. During her career in banking, she led the Derivative Sales group and served on the Executive Committee.In 2009, drawing on her experience in demanding, high-pressure roles, she began coaching and mentoring senior leaders, sharing practical strategies for success. She soon recognised that if these skills and insights were introduced earlier in a career, they could be truly transformative – enabling people to lead more effectively, contribute with confidence, and be heard, while also enhancing other aspects of their lives.This raised a bigger question: could these tools be shared with many more professionals across industries and geographies?The answer was yes.In 2016, she founded Elevate, and in just nine years more than 10,000 participants have graduated from the programme.Outside of work, Jacqueline is a proud parent of a daughter and son – one starting their career journey, the other enjoying post-university backpacking. Travel is also one of her great passions: she has visited over 60 countries, adding Poland, Namibia and Denmark to the list this year. She also enjoys skiing, Pilates and planning her next travel adventure.Listen to find out how Jacqueline has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Kerrin Marcon is the CEO and Founder of KaiZhan Ltd, the sports technology company behind VIA Academy—a revolutionary platform bringing elite sports coaching, community, and retail to athletes worldwide through a mobile-first experience.With over two decades of experience across sport, business, and social impact, Kerrin blends global insight with deep purpose. Her inspiration for VIA Academy came from years of competitive sport and raising three children—one of whom now plays professionally—while living across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Her firsthand experience of the barriers athletes face sparked her mission: to give to many what is usually reserved for a few.Before launching VIA, Kerrin scaled multiple ventures across the UK and Asia, connecting players to elite clubs and growing client bases exponentially. She also founded Friends of Child Protection, a charity that has supported thousands of abused children in South Africa since 2002.A former telecoms analyst turned wellness entrepreneur, Kerrin has always been ahead of the curve—pioneering holistic corporate wellbeing programs before they were mainstream. She brings authenticity, vision, and an unwavering drive to democratize elite sport through innovation.Listen to find out how Kerrin has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Meggie Palmer is a confidence creator and globally renowned speaker, facilitator, and Executive Coach. Her work’s been recognized by Vogue Magazine, Forbes, and on NBC.She works with Fortune 100 companies supporting the diversification of their leadership talent pipeline and retention of high-potential staff. Her clients include Microsoft, DocuSign, and JP Morgan.She built the PepTalkHer App with the mission of closing the gender pay gap. It’s a Fitbit for your career, helping professionals track success and navigate their pathway to promotion. She runs a community of 60,000 professional women focused on elevating performance and supercharging their career success.In her former life, she was an award-winning journalist. Her films won New York Festival TV & Film Awards, UN Media Awards & a Logie nomination. She spent 15 years as a Foreign Correspondent, traveling from Syria to Italy and telling stories for networks including BBC World, CNBC, and Dateline.  She has interviewed Brad Pitt on the red carpet, Bashar Al Assad in his Palace in Damascus & once had the fun task of speaking on stage after Obama. She’s a highly sought-after speaker and has keynoted for Vogue, at Dreamforce for Salesforce, and in Germany for Nico Rosberg’s Greentech Summit. Before founding her company, she was VP for the Financial Times. Meggie lectures at Columbia University & Barnard College. She sits on the board of several high-growth companies and not-for-profit Boards including the Australian Press Council.  Meggie is a Tory Burch Fellow & was recognized with a grant from Sara Blakley's Spanx Foundation. She’s a passionate angel investor, cook, and ocean swimmer. She is a proud Aussie who now calls NYC home.  You can find her on Linkedin and on social media @MeggiePalmer & @PepTalkHer. Listen to find out how Meggie has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk is the founder of The Women’s Chapter®, an impact-led community supporting the economic and personal growth of women in business. At its heart is a belief in the exponential power of women as economic drivers and forces for social and environmental change. Since 2014, The Women’s Chapter has reached more than 30,000 women through curated events, thought leadership and pro bono initiatives, becoming the UK’s first women’s network to earn B Corp certification in 2023.Under Michelle’s leadership, the community supports impact beyond its membership, pledging 5% of all membership fees to charities supporting women and girls, offering a pro bono membership and mentoring programme with The King’s Trust, and hosting W.Walk & Talk events across the UK to raise funds for charity.Michelle is an ambassador for The King’s Trust Women Supporting Women, a UN Women UK delegate, and an elected council member for Founders4Schools and Maths4Girls. A sought-after speaker, moderator and host, she has led hundreds of hours of live conversations with female changemakers on topics ranging from resilience and wellbeing to funding and failure. Her insights have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, The Telegraph, Country & Townhouse and Forbes.Listen to find out how Michelle has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Barbara Gottardi is a globally seasoned Chief Information Officer turned entrepreneur and non-executive leader with over two decades of experience driving digital and operational transformation at major financial institutions, including HSBC, Vanguard, Admiral Money. Over 20 years of experience in Finance technology leading high performing team globally across Investment Banking, Asset Management, Retail Banking and Wealth management. A trusted leader and strategic thinker with a record of successful deliveries across the globe. A real advocate for women in tech and true diversity in business. Outside work she is a mother of 2 teenager boys and a keen runner. Listen to find out how Barbara has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

With a passion for people, entrepreneurship and storytelling, Lucy is a two-time Founder and Presenter looking to bring as much energy to any event she has the pleasure of hosting as she does to her agency, The Leaf Group, and community network, Ecomm Girls Club.Having led a multifaceted and international career across London, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, a former Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff, Lucy decided to launch her own agency, The Leaf Group, to support purpose driven startups with community engagement, content marketing and digital profile building for founders.Alongside a Co-Founder, Lucy also launched Ecomm Girls Club, a community for women in the ecommerce industry to build networks, forge relationships and create opportunities for one another.Lucy currently presents conferences and events across Asia as well as regularly appearing behind the microphone for Hyrox fitness racing in markets such as Latvia, Hong Kong and Japan.With a true passion for bringing people together and creating opportunities, Lucy has previously launched and hosted programmes for female entrepreneurs, young executives and those looking to use sport to forge connection for HSBC, The British Chamber of Commerce and Exeter University.Lucy holds a degree from the University of Exeter in History and International Relations, alongside a Diploma in Intelligent Marketing. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys completing fitness-related challenges, travelling and learning Mandarin. Listen to find out how Lucy has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

🎧 Reflecting on Lessons Learned: Highlights from our first two series- dive into key takeaways, powerful advice and behind-the-scenes insights from our journey so far. 📲 Catch up on every episode here#PodcastReview #LessonsLearned #PodcastSeries #AdviceAndInsights #TopEpisodes #MustListenPodcast #ContentCreators #PodcastCommunity #ListenNow #BingeWorthy

Louise Hill is founder and CEO of GoHenry - the money app helping kids learn to earn, save, spend and invest. Louise has built the business from the ground up, from launching GoHenry in the UK in 2012, expanding to the US in 2018, then acquiring French Fintech Pixpay in 2022, followed by the merger with US Fintech Acorns in 2023. Louise is a passionate advocate for financial education, campaigning tirelessly to make the subject compulsory in all schools starting from primary age. Her expertise in kids' banking was recognised when she appeared as an expert judge on The Apprentice (Series 19). Dedicated to promoting financial inclusion, Louise is a Non-Executive Director at Sibstar, the UK’s leading debit card provider for people with dementia.Keen to nurture UK businesses, Louise works to support several UK-based start-ups and is part of Innovate Finance's Unicorn Council for UK FinTech (UCFT), driving growth in the UK FinTech sector. She is also a huge supporter of women in business, regularly mentoring female founders to drive cultural change around female leadership.Listen to find out how Louise has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Trigger warning- This episode contains discussions of suicide and domestic violence. If you’re affected by these topics or need someone to talk to, please reach out for support. You can contact Samaritans at 116 123 or Refuge UK at 0808 2000 247. You're not alone.Hetti became Chair of Refuge’s Board of Trustees on 1st June 2020. Hetti has a career spanning British Airways, Centrica, BT and Vodafone, leading financial, commercial and transformational change, often enabled by leading edge technology. She became the CEO of Ploughshare Innovations in April 2020 and is renowned for leading cultural and commercial transformation, and her highly creative, collaborative and engaging approach with teams and partners. She is also a recognised champion for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Hetti was recognised in the New Year's Honours 2024 list, receiving a CBE for her services to people affected by domestic abuse and domestic homicide. Hetti has been an active campaigner raising awareness about domestic abuse and the criminal justice system since her best friend, Joanna Simpson, was killed by her estranged husband. Hetti is the founder and former Chair of the Joanna Simpson Foundation and was previously a Pioneer at Safe Lives. In October 2024, she was awarded a Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award, alongside her co-founder of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, Diana Parkes CBE for their service in transforming the care, support and protection of children affected by domestic abuse and homicide. As CEO of an organisation which is on a high growth trajectory, and Chair of Refuge which is going through transformational change whilst seeing ever increasing demand for services, Hetti focuses her spare time enjoying long walks in the countryside with her family and the dogs. Listen to find out how Hetti has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Christine Locke is the Founder and CEO of Diversity House; a charitable organisation she established over 18 years ago to tackle social inequalities. The charity provides services in prisons, schools, and communities, promoting individual and family well-being. She is also the Senior Partner at COGOL Concerns, a consultancy specializing in training, EDI audits, research, and development.Christine recently completed her PhD at Canterbury Christ Church University. She holds multiple qualifications, including degrees in Modern European Languages, Community Cohesion, Health Promotion, and Public Health. A social scientist, educator, administrator, chartered banker, and intersectional feminist, she is a passionate advocate for equality, inclusion, and social justice.Her commitment to global change led her to become a signatory of the UN Global Compact, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Christine has presented at prestigious venues, including:United Nations Assembly, New YorkUnited Nations Conference Centre, BonnAidEx, PALEXPO, GenevaHer Majesty’s Prisons, Isle of SheppeyGreenwich University, LondonRoyal Overseas League, LondonChristine is married with two daughters and remains dedicated to driving social transformation and empowerment.Listen to find out how Helen has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Helen and Sam first met around 10 years ago working at a global bank. Helen has since moved into professional services and alongside her day job is a charity founder and trustee. Mum to Alf aged 7, and human to 2 cats and a sausage dog. She is founder and trustee of Brightest Stars charity- supporting bereaved families. She's also a long suffering Southampton FC fan but the less said about that the better!Listen to find out how Helen has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

With 26 years in the fashion industry, Susan worked with some of the biggest high-street brands, shaping trends and leading creative design. After experiencing burnout in 2018, caused by imposter syndrome and self-doubt, she made the difficult decision to step away from the industry.Determined to help others facing similar challenges, she co-founded The Creative Space Coaching in 2020, coaching  highly creative professionals working at top design agencies, studios, and fashion houses—including LVMH and YSL—who struggle with the pressures of self-doubt, perfectionism, and creative confidence.In April 2025 she co-founded Trust Your Creative, a training and development company that moves people and companies forward with creative excellence that thrives beyond imposter syndrome.Listen to find out how Susan has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Jill Pay, Chairman – The Gender IndexJill is Co-founder and Chairman of The Gender Index, a not-for-profit organization that is quantifying the impact of women-led companies to achieve positive and disruptive change.  She is also Non-executive Director of mnAi, an AI-driven technology company that gives real-time research and analysis on UK companies.  Her career has zigzagged across public and private sectors and the enormous impact is that she is now a relentless champion of the need to establish metrics to standardize economic progression led by women.Previously Jill was Serjeant at Arms in the House of Commons and the first woman to hold this position in 600 years. Her appointment was unusual in that her predecessors all came from a military background, whereas her roots are firmly established in business. Jill holds a number of senior roles for organisations including the children’s literacy charity Coram Beanstalk, the global women’s business hub Savvitas Global and the Women and Enterprise All Party Parliamentary Group. She is a major driving force behind the acceleration and empowerment of female entrepreneurship internationally.Listen to find out how Jill has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Lydia Amoah, the dynamic CEO of BACKLIGHT and visionary Founder of the Black Pound Report, is a beacon of inspiration in her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her personal journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to the transformative power of diversity. Renowned for her pioneering work, Lydia is a leading figure in consultancy, data, and communications insights. She is also a highly respected business coach and mentor, guiding professionals and organisations towards success. BACKLIGHT: Empowering Authentic Connections Under Lydia’s exceptional leadership, BACKLIGHT is revolutionising how brands, ad agencies, and businesses communicate authentically with diverse audiences. Our innovative media planning tool, a testament to Lydia's vision and expertise, has proven to be a game-changer, empowering companies to connect genuinely with diverse demographics. It ensures their messages and marketing/communication strategies resonate meaningfully, instilling confidence in their effectiveness. The Black Pound Report: Illuminating Consumer Insights The Black Pound Report, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by Lydia, is pivotal research that illuminates the spending habits of Black and Multi-Ethnic consumer audiences in the UK and provides actionable insights on how businesses can successfully cater to these vibrant communities. This invaluable resource, showcasing Lydia's commitment to diversity, has helped companies like News UK and Channel 4 to foster more inclusive and effective marketing strategies. Recognised Excellence Lydia’s exceptional contributions have earned her a place among the Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch by the UK Black Business Show, sponsored by HSBC. Her recognition on the Diversity Power List 2023 and the Market Research Society - Liz Nelson Award for Social Impact underscore her influence and impact in promoting business diversity, further acknowledging her credibility and expertise. Expertise and Services Beyond data analysis, BACKLIGHT offers consultancy and bespoke training, helping companies create products, services, and campaigns that resonate with a diverse consumer audience. Lydia’s invaluable insights into Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic audiences and her successful C-suite business coaching have yielded tangible results for organisations. With her expertise as a business coach and mentor, Lydia empowers professionals and leaders to unlock their full potential, guiding them towards success in their endeavours.Listen to find out how Lydia has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Fiona Lambert, is renowned as one of the UK’s leading businesswomen, having held board roles at Next, George at Asda, Dunelm, River Island and most recently Managing Director of Jaeger at M&S, where she led its celebrated reinvention.She is now President of The Twenty Club, a long-standing exclusive members dining  club with a 137 year history. At 60, she made a pivot, setting herself the goal of getting into the best shape of her life, determined to break stereo-types of aging and wrote Invincible not Invisible, sharing her sustainable approach to mindset change, exercise and nutrition. Link to Invincible not Invisible here.With a rapidly growing social media profile creating content on @fionalambertofficlal, Fiona has become a role model and advocate for ‘It’s never too late, and you’re never too old.'Her second book launches on July 8th. Listen to find out how Fiona has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Sara Whatley is a 43-year-old ovarian cancer survivor and the inspiring founder of Ailsa’s Aim, a charity that supports cancer patients and families with babies in neonatal care. Motivated by her own journey, Sara created Ailsa’s Aim to provide comfort, essential care items, and heartfelt support to those navigating incredibly difficult times. Her strength, compassion, and determination are at the heart of everything the charity does, turning her personal experience into a powerful force for good. Through Ailsa’s Aim, Sara is dedicated to raising awareness, spreading hope, and making a meaningful difference—one bag, one family, one life at a time.Listen to find out how Sara has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

A leader in the realm of women's boxing and the visionary tech founder of Pillow, a transformative Al integrated platform dedicated to powering survivors to thrive after domestic abuse. As founder of Fight Forward, a social impact business, she has a mission to support women to reclaim their strength and voice after experiencing abuse.A trailblazer in the sport, Lesley became the first British woman to win gold at the EU Championships in 2008 on first entry, proudly representing England and Great Britain on numerous international stages.Motivated by her own personal journey out of abuse, Lesley launched the pioneering initiative The Fight Back, which gained prominent coverage on Channel 4, SKY Sports and the BBC.Her ambitious goal to help 100,000 women "fight forward" out of abuse is rapidly gaining momentum."My work with Fight Forward is particularly disruptive because it challenges preconceptions about boxing. We are using what is typically considered a violent sport to heal women who have experienced violence. The program helps women reclaim consent over their own bodies and voices, connect with their bodies in a healing way, find community and connection and process trauma through physical movement".Lesley's influence extends beyond the ring. She co-produced an independent documentary with BBC Sport that highlights the challenges faced by female boxers in Ghana, broadening the narrative around women in sports globally. Additionally, her expertise has been showcased as a guest trainer on Channel 4's "How To Get Fit Fast" and as an athlete on BBC 3's "Last Woman Standing."An engaging speaker, Lesley has delivered impactful presentations to diverse audiences, including leading FTSE 100 companies such as Barclays, Standard Chartered, and Facebook. Her talks center on empowerment, resilience, and transformative change, drawing inspiration from her own experiences overcoming adversity in both her personal life and sporting career.Listen to find out how Lesley has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Kim Palmer founded Clementine after navigating anxiety during pregnancy — what began as personal survival became a mission to support women’s mental health in a more honest, human way. Clementine is now an award-winning femtech app with over 160,000 downloads (achieved with minimal marketing), more than £1M raised in investment, and 40,000+ glowing reviews. It’s been named App of the Day twice, featured in Google’s ‘Best Of’ list, and recognised globally with strategic partnerships in the UK, Sweden, Colombia, and Mexico. In May 2024, Clementine won the Fem Tech World Award for Best Mental Health Business.Listen to find out how Kim  has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Aishah N. Ahmad is a central banker, board leader, and global financial expert with over 28 years of experience across public policy, financial services, and governance.A trailblazer in her field, she made history as the first female Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where she played a pivotal role in shaping financial policy, preserving stability—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—and driving record growth in real sector credit. Her leadership helped deliver key financial reforms, including the landmark Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA 2020), whilst improving financial inclusion by a record 11% and pioneering Nigeria’s first International Financial Inclusion Conference.With a career spanning wealth management, banking, and regulatory leadership, Aishah has a proven track record of driving innovation, aligning diverse stakeholders, shaping policy and transforming ecosystems. She has been instrumental in cementing Nigeria’s position as a global hub for payments innovation, introducing policies that significantly expanded electronic transactions and digital financial services.Aishah holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and INSEAD’s International Director’s Programme (IDP-C) designations, bringing a deep expertise in financial markets and governance. She currently serves as a board member at SOS Children’s Villages International and the Financial Alliance for Women and is a trustee of Women in Management, Business & Public Service (WIMBIZ). Previously, she chaired the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), the country’s primary payments market infrastructure.Beyond finance, Aishah is a passionate advocate for gender equity, mentoring thousands of women through initiatives like the 100 Women Breakfast and WIMBIZ’s Big Sister Programme, which has impacted over 8,000 teenage girls in public secondary schools in Nigeria. During her tenure at the CBN, she institutionalized female empowerment as a strategic priority, contributing to female CEO representation in Nigeria’s banking sector reaching an all-time high of 25%.A regular speaker at global forums, including the World Bank/IMF, Harvard Kennedy School, and Saïd Business School, Oxford University, Aishah is widely recognized for her contributions to finance and gender advocacy. In 2023, she was honored with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) for her impact on Nigeria’s financial sector.She holds an MSc in Finance & Management from Cranfield School of Management, an MBA in Finance from the University of Lagos, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Abuja.Aishah Ahmad is committed to championing financial stability, inclusive growth, and the next generation of leaders.Listen to find out how Aishah has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Edwina Dunn OBE is one of the most successful leaders in the data industry, with a  career of delivering transformational business change  Dunnhumby revolutionised the world of retail and consumer goods when they  pioneered Tesco Clubcard and other global loyalty programmes.  Founder & Chair - The Female Lead, an educational foundation celebrating the  achievements and diversity of women who shape our world ; using data to  understand the challenges women face, working with business and government to  help create new models and policies for the workplace, all driven by a social  platform with over 8 million followers. In 2019 Edwina received an OBE for her services to data and business in the UK. Edwina is former Chair at Starcount where she helped forge a new era of consumer  insight and technology and former Chair at the CDEI (Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation) and a former Board member of the Geospatial Commission. Listen to find out how  Edwina has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Amber is a Dutch/British entrepreneur, who founded several healthtech companies. As the founder of Pregnancy+, the world's leading pregnancy app with over 150 million users globally, Amber has revolutionised health tech.Bootstrapped and later acquired by Philips NV, Pregnancy+ stands as a testament to her relentless focus on customer-centricity and scalable impact. Powered by ML and deep analytics, it became the world’s leading pregnancy app globally. Amber is now spearheading 28X, a transformative FemTech initiative addressing systemic inequities in women’s health. By leveraging on-device AI, 28X provides inclusive, privacy-first education and health insights, ensuring accessibility for underserved communities. Her commitment to ethical technology and sustainability underscores her belief in a more equitable future. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Amber is a NED for a diagnostics PLC and and is a sought-after public speaker on topics like AI ethics, women’s health, and innovation. Outside work, she is a dedicated mother and enjoys playing tennis.Listen to find out how Amber has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Julia Elliott Brown is a highly respected board advisor to entrepreneurs with a wealth of experience in inspiring, guiding and supporting high-growth potential businesses, and a passion for empowering women, operating at board level for over 16 years in an executive and non-executive capacity.As a serial entrepreneur working in the start-up industry for over 25 years, Julia has built, funded, and grown several successful businesses, including digital publisher and dot com pioneer UpMyStreet.com, ground-breaking fashion-tech footwear brand Upper Street and advisory consultancy Enter The Arena. Julia is on the board of multiple businesses spanning both B2C and B2B includingleading D,E&I consultancy Shape Talent, sustainable TravelTech platform Not In The Guidebooks and is chair of the board of innovative SportsTech business Feldspar Sports.Julia is a member of the Women and Enterprise All Party Parliamentary Group, a long-standing judge at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and mentor on the Barclays Eagle Labs and Natwest entrepreneurial programmes. She chairs and presents at leading start-up events including the Evening Standard’s SME Expo, IdeasFest, London Tech Week and Enterprise Nation, and speaks regularly in the media, representing the voice of the female founder. Julia is also the host of leading business podcast Fundraising Stories with Female Founders and author of bestselling book RAISE: The Female Founder’s Guide To Securing Investment, shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2023.She has a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Open University, Honours (1st Class) degree in European Business from Nottingham Trent University and a Diploma in Commerce from L'Institute Européen de Negoçiation in Toulouse.Listen to find out how Vanessa has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Vanessa Vallely OBE is one of the UK’s most well-connected women and a leading authority on gender equality. She has delivered keynotes for over 600 companies, inspiring more than 50,000 women globally. A sought-after consultant, Vanessa advises both government bodies and corporations on strategies to attract, develop, and retain female talent. In June 2018, she was awarded an OBE by King Charles for her contributions to women and the economy, and in 2024, she received an honorary Doctorate of Science from Warwick University.In 2008, at the peak of her 25-year career in banking and finance, Vanessa launched the award-winning WeAreTheCity, a platform designed to support women’s career development. Its sister organization, WeAreTechWomen, together with WeAreTheCity, has grown to a membership of over 80,000, offering resources, conferences, awards, and job opportunities to women worldwide. To date, Vanessa has helped over 50,000 women gain new skills and expand their networks. In 2024, she launched the first-ever National Women in Tech Week, which offered more than 50 free events across the UK to women in the tech sector. Vanessa is also the founder of several prestigious awards programs, including Rising Stars, TechWomen100, Trailblazer50, Pioneer20 and Themis20, collectively raising the profile of over 2,500 extraordinary women and men. She is the author of the acclaimed book Heels of Steel: Surviving and Thriving in the Corporate World, which chronicles her journey from a council estate in East London to the C-suite. Her next book is set for release in 2025. Over the past 20 years, Vanessa has earned 26 industry accolades, including Women in Banking & Finance’s Champion for Women, Financial News' Top 100 Rising Stars, and The International Alliance for Women's Top 100 Women globally. She has also been recognized as one of Brummell’s Top 30 London Entrepreneurs and was recently inducted into Computer Weekly’s Hall of Fame as an icon for women in tech. Additionally, Vanessa has been featured in GQ UK’s Top 100 Connected Women and the Evening Standard’s 1000 Most Influential Londoners. A regular media contributor, she has appeared on Sky News, BBC, Talk London, and Radio 4.Find the nominations information for the Rising Star Award here- Nominations are open for WeAreTheCity’s 2025 Rising Star Awards. Listen to find out how Vanessa has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Paul Sesay is the Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies Limited, the National Diversity Awards, the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List and the Inclusive Awards. Paul’s entrepreneurial endeavours have been driven by a strong social focus. With a wealth of over eighteen years of experience, Paul is a prominent figure in the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion sector. He has collaborated with some of the world’s largest organisations to enhance their D&I initiatives. Demonstrating a deep commitment to inclusivity, Paul works comprehensively with diverse communities throughout the UK. His mission is to inspire and support individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, empowering underprivileged communities across the nation to achieve their full potential. Social Media Accounts: Paul Sesay (Twitter)@sesaypaul National Diversity Awards@ndawards Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers @inclusivetop50 Inclusive Companies Awards @InclusiveAwardsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sesay-93260013/Listen to find out how Paul has found success in different aspects of his life, and what he would put in the guide...

Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE is a globally recognised leader, innovator, and advocate for social justice, youth empowerment, and women's leadership. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Ojo has made an indelible mark on civil society through her strategic vision and unwavering dedication to transforming lives. She serves as the Chief Executive of The Diana Award the only charity established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. For over two decades, she has worked closely with Diana’s sons, including attending both of their weddings.Dr. Ojo’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding The Diana Award’s global footprint and quadrupling its income. The charity now runs pioneering programs focused on youth development, leadership, and social impact, empowering thousands of young people around the world. Her ability to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into organizational strategies underscores her commitment to creating sustainable, equitable change. She is an advocate for inclusivity and belonging, using her platform to promote diversity and cultural competence, especially in mental health and anti-racism initiatives.Beyond her role at The Diana Award, Dr. Ojo is the founder of Tessy's Brunches, a community initiative that fosters empowerment through authentic connections and personal growth for women. Her leadership in these spaces, combined with her academic background in STEM and an MBA, positions her as a transformative figure merging business acumen with a deep commitment to social justice.Dr. Ojo's global recognition includes being honoured as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to children and young people by the Late Queen. She is also the first British national to receive the Martin Luther King Award for humanitarian work. In addition, she has been featured in British Airways' Top 100 British Leaders and honoured by Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Foundation with an Excellence Award.As a Non-Executive Director at Comic Relief, Co-Chair of the #Iwill Leadership Board, and an executive member of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, Dr. Ojo continuously champions the welfare of young people and advocates for social equity at the highest levels. Her voice extends through frequent TV appearances, international speaking engagements, and as a media commentator on youth culture, diversity, and inclusion.With a strong social media presence, reaching over 150,000 followers across multiple platforms, Dr. Ojo uses her influence to engage diverse audiences and inspire action. Whether discussing strategies for global growth, mentoring the next generation of leaders, or fostering strategic partnerships for social good, Dr. Ojo remains an inspiring and powerful force for positive global change.Her work is currently centered on envisioning schools as hubs where young people’s mental health and academic success are equally prioritized by 2030, aligning with her vision of hope, purpose, and resilience.Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE is a true champion for inclusivity, youth development, and women’s leadership, making her a beacon of inspiration in today’s global landscape.Listen to find out how Tessy has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Catherine Crump is the Managing Director of WIRED’s Consulting Business. Her life experience has spanned roles from large corporations to small scale-ups - across a wide spectrum of sectors . She engages with the world’s leading thinkers, academics, business leaders and entrepreneurs, on topics ranging from AI to climate tech She is passionate about championing innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, empowering women, and making a positive impact on the world. Listen to find out how Catherine has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Eleanor Mills is an award-winning editor, writer and broadcaster. She worked for The Sunday Times for 23 years as Editorial Director, Editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, and as a columnist and interviewer (interrogating everyone from Mikhail Gorbachev to Sheryl Sandberg and Theresa May). As Chair of Women in Journalism (2014 – 2021) she argued that the media must be a true mirror, not a distorting lens, which is what happens if decision makers are not diverse. She is a trustee of the Society of Editors, a board member of Reporters Sans Frontiers and her publications include Cupcakes and Kalashnikovs: 100 Years of the Best Journalism by Women, published by Hachette. She is working on her first novel and lives in London with her husband and two teenage daughters.Listen to find out how Eleanor has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Sarah Salway is the author of three novels, including Something Beginning With, Tell Me Everything and Getting the Picture. In addition, she has published two short fiction collections, Leading the Dance and Not Sorry, and three poetry collections, You Do Not Need Another Self-Help Book and Digging Up Paradise. Her latest book, Learning Springsteen on my Language App was the joint winner of the Geoff Stevens Memorial Award. She is a former Canterbury Laureate and Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the London School of Economics, and has taught creative writing at post-graduate level at the Universities of Kent and Sussex. Sarah is currently a mentor with the Royal Literary Fund, helping to run Reading groups around the country, and is passionate about how writing and reading – for pleasure! - can improve wellbeing and personal development. She has worked with charities, business people and the local community to help this happen. To this end, she has a substack called Everyday Words. Her other interest is in writing about gardens - not for the plants but the people and stories contained within them. She has two websites - one for pictures of the plaques on benches, and one called Writer in the Garden which began as part of her Laureate project.  Sarah trained as a journalist at the London College of Fashion, and has worked for Lynne Franks PR, Cosmopolitan, Time Out and the Scotsman newspaper. She currently lives in Kent, and constantly fails in her ambitions to make more of her own clothes and to create a healthy herb garden for culinary and medicinal use.Listen to find out how Sarah has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...

Viviane Paxinos CEO of AllBright leads a global collective of 500,000 ambitious women committed to creating a more equitable world for all. Based at the Mayfair headquarters of the membership club, Viv was appointed to the leadership role in October 2022 with her extensive experience in driving tangible results and business growth. Formerly Global GM of UNiDAYS, one of the world’s leading student affinity networks, Viviane successfully grew the business, connecting some of the world’s leading lifestyle brands with new audiences. Previously, Viv has held senior roles for BBC Worldwide, Comcast and Discovery Inc; Viviane has a legacy of delivering global growth for brands through strategic insights and innovative creativity.     Viv passionately believes in the power of the collective is committed to developing global teams who are empowered to achieve results; maintaining a people-first culture through nurturing and mentoring talent to create a best-in-class working environment. Listen to find out how Viv has found success in different aspects of her life, and what she would put in the guide...