Be The Ripple Podcast

What does it mean to create impact when you may never see the outcome? In this episode of Be the Ripple, Sabine Hutchison speaks with Nicoletta della Valle, founder of Sempre Berna, a neighborhood café in Bern, Switzerland, that opened in October 2025 and pairs good espresso with free, walk-in support for anyone who needs it.In six months, Sempre Berna has handled around 130 cases: individuals navigating government forms, residents applying for apartments, young people looking for work, and one man who came in wanting help writing a CV, not for a job application, but for his own funeral. Nicoletta and her team of volunteers rarely find out what happened next. That is the whole point.This conversation explores what it means to build something whose ripple you may never witness, why removing data collection from care is a values-based decision, how collaboration with food trucks and local businesses keeps the whole thing alive, and why being missed might be the truest form of legacy. If you’ve ever felt the pull to respond to a gap you keep noticing, this episode is for you.Find Sempre Berna at sempreberna.ch. Learn more about The Ripple Network at theripplenetwork.com.Key topics: invisible impact, community support, volunteer leadership, values-based design, legacy as daily practice, social entrepreneurship, collaboration, Bern, Switzerland

What if success isn’t something you achieve, but something you feel? In this episode of Be The Ripple, Sabine Hutchison sits down with Susi Hutchison (Founder of Wild Redbird) for a conversation about redefining success as peace and contentment, without shrinking ambition or living by someone else’s scoreboard. Susi shares what it looked like to leave a corporate leadership role without a plan, take time to soften, and rebuild from self-love. They explore the practice of returning to the moment, through breath, nature, and small rituals, and why legacy isn’t what we leave behind,but how we show up every day. Key themes: redefining success • presence aspractice • breath and nervous system grounding • self-love and self-worth •“medicine” moments • the ripple of how we treat others. If you’ve been feelingpressure to prove, this episode is a gentle return. Listen, and ask yourself: whatwould success look like if it felt calm on the inside? If you would like to contact Susi, here are herdetails:https://www.wildredbird.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/susi-hutchison/

This episode explores what happens when skin healthntools are designed as systems, not quick fixes, and what that reveals about howplatforms shape dignity, behavior, and trust at scale. In this episode of BeThe Ripple, Sabine speaks with Dr. Akvile Ignotaite, founder of System Akvile,about the unseen impact of acne and skin issues, especially for young people growing up in the world of TikTok, filters, and fast misinformation. Akvile shares how her platform evolved from “fixingskin” to supporting self-perception, using micro-learnings, myth-busting quizzes, and a calmer, kinder environment that reduces shame instead of amplifying it. You’ll hear why quick fixes don’t work in health, why language matters, and why her mantra is simple: you are not alone, and it’s not yourfault.

Season 2 of Be the Ripple begins with a quieter definition of impact. In this opening episode, Sabine shares why this season goes deeper, not wider, and why influence isn’t about scale, it’s about movement. You’ll hear the story behind the ripple, how delayed impact can take years to reveal itself, and why legacy isn’t something we leave behind, but something we practice every day, through presence, values, and the way we show up in our relationships and lives. This season is an invitation to reflect, listen, and notice the ripples you may be creating without even realising it.

What happens when storytelling stops being about performance, and starts becoming a practice of listening?In this reflective episode of Be the Ripple Podcast, Sabine sits down with Samar Nahas, the narrative designer and creative guide who helped shape Beyond the Ladder from the inside out. Together, they explore why storytelling isn’t a marketing tactic or a personal brand exercise, but a deeply human process of meaning-making. This conversation moves through creative ego, compassion, legacy, and the often-ignored wisdom of the body, revealing how our stories, when truly listened to, can reconnect us to clarity, courage, and purpose.This episode is an invitation to slow down.To stop polishing the story.And to start listening to yourself, to others, and to what your body has been trying to tell you all along.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why storytelling starts with ownership, not deliveryHow the myth of “unimportant stories” disconnects us from ourselves and othersListening as a foundation for meaningful leadership- Creative blocks as signals, not failuresCreativity as a messy, non-linear, and essential part of reinventionWhether you’re a leader, creator, or simply someone navigating change, this conversation offers a different way of relating to your story, not as something to perform, but something to inhabit.Ripple Reflection: When we listen, truly listen, to our bodies and our stories, we stop performing our lives and start living them.

We’re surrounded by stories in leadership, business, and personal branding.
But very little is said about how stories are actually formed.In this episode of Be the Ripple, Sabine Hutchison sits down with Narrative Designer, Editorial Guide & Creative Mentor - Samar Nahas for a thoughtful conversation about what makes a story resonate and why so many stories fall flat.Together, they explore:Why storytelling isn’t a performance, but a processHow listening shapes clarity, confidence, and credibilityThe difference between telling a story and owning itWhat leaders miss when stories are rushed or over-polishedHow stories quietly become legacyThis episode is for anyone who leads, writes, speaks, or communicates and wants their words to carry meaning, not noise.Press play to rethink what storytelling really asks of us.

What if comfort wasn’t a luxury, but a leadership strategy?After 25 years at the top of the global fashion industry, Gillian Ridley Whittle reached a breaking point. Burnout, anxiety, and the relentless pressure to perform had become her normal, until one day she said out loud: “I hate my life.”That moment became the catalyst for Peachaus: a values‑led brand redefining underwear, loungewear, and fashion itself around dignity, comfort, and care. In this episode of Be the Ripple Podcast, Sabine and Gillian explore what happens when women stop shrinking themselves to fit broken systems and instead design lives, careers, and businesses from the body, truth, and soul outward. This conversation will change how you think about: Burnout vs. alignment and how to tell the difference
Why comfort is a radical act of self‑leadership
Bras as wellness tools that shape confidence, posture, and identity
Healing through entrepreneurship and design
Building businesses that prioritize human connection over profit at any cost.This isn’t just a fashion story. It’s a reinvention story. A healing story. And an invitation to ask yourself: Where have I normalized discomfort, and what might change if I didn’t?Press play and discover why comfort might be the most powerful thing you wear.

Menopause is not a niche issue.It’s a leadership issue, a health issue, a career issue and a human issue.In this powerful episode of Be the Ripple, Sabine Hutchison opens up an honest, myth-busting, and deeply needed conversation about peri-menopause and menopause, a life phase that affects over half the population, yet is still misunderstood, under-supported, and too often dismissed.Joined by two bold changemakers — Ann Broché (Uma Health) and Victoria Finlay (The MenoPal), this conversation goes far beyond symptoms. Together, they explore:Why menopause is finally entering the spotlight and why resistance still existsThe real impact on identity, confidence, mental health, and careersHow tech, community, and courageous conversations are reshaping support for womenWhy women supporting women is not optional it’s transformationalWhat it truly looks like when “one plus one equals three”This is not about fixing women.It’s about fixing systems that were never designed with women’s full lives in mind.Expect warmth, honesty, lived experience, and a strong call to action:We can — and must — do better. Together.Listen if you are:Navigating peri-menopause or menopauseSupporting someone who isLeading teams, shaping policy, or building workplacesReady for more open, informed, and empowering conversations about women’s healthBecause menopause isn’t the end of something, it’s a powerful transition that deserves clarity, dignity, and support.Let’s ripple this conversation forward.

When awareness meets action, change begins. In this episode Sabine Hutchison speaks with Prof. Dr. Christine Meyer-Zürn and Dr. Eliza Kaplan about founding a women’s heart clinic in Basel, Switzerland. They share how empathy, science, and teamwork are reshaping how women’s heart health is understood and treated.From the challenges of creating something new to the joy of seeing lives change, this is leadership grounded in humanity and guided by values.We discuss:– Building a women’s heart clinic from scratch– Understanding women’s symptoms and risk factors– The power of co-leadership and shared purpose– Why taking time to listen saves livesListen now and be inspired to lead with heart.

Four men. One book written for women.And a question:Do we really lead so differently, or are the foundations of good leadership the same for all of us?When Sabine invited Ben Osborn, Cyrus Park, Damiano Urbinello, and Patrick Bartosch to read Beyond the Ladder and explore its accompanying workbook, she wasn’t just curious; she wanted honest feedback. Could the stories, reflections, and exercises written for women also resonate with men? Could they see themselves in the themes of purpose, courage, and clarity and apply them in their own leadership journeys?What unfolded was a conversation that went beyond gender. It became a space for reflection on fairness, empathy, trust, and the courage to lead with integrity. Together, they discussed legacy, vulnerability, and the kind of leadership that creates belonging, not just performance.The dialogue moved between laughter and insight, challenge and recognition. There were moments where the book’s ideas took on new meaning through their perspectives, reminders that leadership, at its heart, is human before it’s hierarchical.This episode isn’t about difference; it’s about connection, curiosity, and listening.And it’s about how the language of leadership might not need rewriting, just expanding.

A solo reflection by Sabine Hutchison on clarity, reinvention, and how Beyond the Ladder sparked The Ripple Network.In this episode, Sabine shares how Beyond the Ladder became a framework for clarity and how the stories of the women she interviewed inspired something new —The Ripple Network.Born during her preparation for a TED-style talk, The Ripple Network became a platform for women to learn, practice, and share their voices. Together with her conversation with Laura Burke, this episode explores how structure, storytelling, and connection can turn insight into impact.Subscribe to Be the Ripple Podcast for more stories on clarity, courage, and connection.Every ripple starts with one voice.Join The Ripple Network (free for 14 days) and connect with women building clarity and confidence in their own stories.Explore Beyond the Ladder, or invite Sabine to speak on storytelling and leadership.• 🌐 Explore The Ripple Network → https://theripplenetwork.com• 📖 Get Sabine’s book Beyond the Ladder → https://sabinehutchison.com/career-book• 💡 Learn more about Sabine’s work → https://sabinehutchison.com• 💌 Subscribe to The Ripple Monthly Newsletter → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/every-ripple-starts-choice-sabine-hutchison-gof4f

A simple question sparked this episode: “Why is this just for women?”Join host Sabine Hutchison in conversation with siblings Caroline Clarinval and Philippe Clarinval as they explore values, leadership, and the ripples we leave behind.Caroline, a humanitarian leader, and Philippe, an executive advisor with a background in hospitality, bring very different career paths, but their reflections meet at a common point: integrity, courage, and connection.✨ This episode invites you to reflect on:– The universal need for trust and safe spaces– How bias shapes, but doesn’t define, our leadership journeys– Why legacy is not a far-off destination but a daily practiceA warm, reflective dialogue that will inspire you to pause, realign, and ask yourself: What ripples am I creating today?

In this energizing episode of Be The Ripple Podcast,Sabine sits down with Tatyana Staneva, an entrepreneur and business strategist whose career is a testament to intentional momentum. Tatyana doesn’t call herself fearless, she simply keeps moving forward, even when the outcome isuncertain. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or a “safe” Plan B, she fully commits to her chosen path, trusting that clarity comes through action. She is featured in Sabine’s book, Beyond the Ladder, where she shares her unique and powerful approach to making life-altering decisions.Listen or watch as they discuss:The "No Alternative" Philosophy: How Tatyana creates "tunnel vision" to eliminate doubt and drive success when facing a big decision.An Army of Mentors: A heartfelt thank you to the leaders who saw her potential and invested in her career, creating ripples of opportunity.Legacy of Clarity: How Tatyana is building her legacy by helping others untangle complexity and execute on their vision.This conversation is a masterclass in courage, gratitude, and forging a career path that is authentically your own.

In this special episode, the microphone is turned around: Sabine Hutchison, host of Be The Ripple Podcast, becomes the guest. Interviewed by Laura Burke, she shares candid reflections on her journey of reinvention, the creative process of writing Beyond the Ladder and why legacy is built every single day.From decades of notebooks to the courage of self-publishing, from embracing feedback to weaving together the stories of 36 women, Sabine opens up with honesty and heart. In this conversation:– How reinvention shaped her career– Why documenting your story matters– How feedback—even the hard kind, can be a gift– The daily ripples that become our legacyA warm, inspiring episode that invites you to pause, reflect, and ask: “What story am I writing with my life?”

What does it mean to lead without needing to have all the answers?In this episode, Sabine Hutchison sits down with Susan Braakman—people leader, mentor, and quiet force of nature—to talk about the power of presence, perspective, and choosing growth over safety.Susan shares how her first big career leap came when she was just 28—and how that decision shaped a leadership path centered on empathy, trust, and real human connection.She also reflects on a key coaching moment that helped her see her impact in a new light—and how that led her to pursue mediation, active listening, and non-judgmental leadership as tools for lasting change.If you’ve ever wondered whether you're ready for your next step, this episode is your reminder:You don’t need to know everything.You just need to be willing to learn—and to lead with heart.

What does it take to keep saying yes—even when it’s not the safe choice?In this episode of Beyond the Ladder, Sabine Hutchison sits down with Christina Busmalis, a global executive with a career that spans consulting, tech, pharma, and biotech. Christina shares how one pivotal decision—to leave a high-performing consulting track for a struggling pharma account—led to her finding her purpose in life sciences.We talk about the risks, the reinventions, and the ripple effects of saying yes to the unknown. Christina shares the lessons she learned from her greatest mentor, how she found her footing in new industries, and why authenticity is her most important leadership tool.This is an episode for anyone who’s questioning the plan, facing a crossroads, or wondering if they’re “ready.” Spoiler: you don’t have to be. You just have to be willing.

What if your most life-changing decision wasn’t something you planned—but something you felt?Dr. Caroline Clarinval was 25 when she said yes to a humanitarian mission that would take her far from home and even further from the path she thought she was on. That single choice set her on a lifelong journey through crisis ones, public health systems, and some of the most complex leadership roles in global healthcare.Now the WHO Country Representative in Romania, Caroline, joins me to talk about what it means to lead without losing yourself, how legacy is built moment by moment, and why empathy is as essential as strategy.This isn’t a story of ladder climbing. It’s a story of listening to your gut, to the people around you, and to what the world needs most from you next.Caroline is brilliant, deeply human, and refreshingly honest about what it takes to live a purpose-led career in high-stakes environments.If you're navigating change, questioning the plan, or wondering whether it’s okay to choose the unexpected, this conversation is for you.

Featuring: Romina OxboroughRomina Oxborough is a scientist, strategist, and senior executive who has built a global career across drug development, clinical operations, and executive leadership. Her story is shaped by big moves—not just in job titles, but across countries, disciplines, and definitions of success. In this episode, Romina shares how choosing growth over certainty has guided her every step of the way.The story behind the episode:Romina’s career spans preclinical research to post-marketing and access, with deep expertise in science and business. But it’s her mindset that makes her story resonate. A relentless learner and pragmatic optimist, Romina talks about how curiosity and courage helped her say yes to new roles, new countries, and new possibilities—even when fear or doubt were in the room.We explore what it means to lead with intention: to be ambitious without apology, to make space for mentoring others, and to own the decisions that didn’t go as planned. Romina reflects on a moment early in her career when she accepted a role that looked great on paper but quickly felt wrong. Instead of staying stuck, she chose alignment—and that move taught her that “failure” is often just redirection.Romina also shares the importance of strategic influence, the impact of role models who lead without ego, and her belief that legacy isn’t about recognition—it’s about ripple effects. Her story is a reminder that confidence is not about having the perfect plan, but about trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.

Kathrin’s story is one of quiet strength and thoughtful disruption. She shares how early-career experiences shaped her understanding of team dynamics and how she learned to build psychological safety before it was a buzzword. Her journey reflects what happens when you lead not just with skill—but with soul.We talk about personal turning points: stepping away from a role that no longer felt aligned, navigating the complex realities of being a working parent, and finding joy in mentorship. Kathrin’s clarity comes not from control, but from her willingness to stay in conversation—with herself and others—about what matters most.

Zoë Healey is a strategist, scientist, and storyteller whose path has never followed a straightline. In this episode, she shares how learning to pause, trust her intuition, and speak up reshaped not only her career but her sense of self.From walking away from a role that no longer fit to embracing moments of uncertainty as opportunities for clarity, Zoë invites us into a conversation about courage,connection, and what it really means to lead with integrity.We explore:· The moment she asked herself, “What if I don’t?· Why stepping back can be a step forward· How visibility is more than being seen—it’s about being real· The quiet power of helping others reconnect with their purposeThis one’s for the thoughtful disruptors, creative connectors, and anyone navigating the space between where you are and where you’re meant to be.

In this episode of Be The Ripple, Sabine sits down with Mary Morrison, CEO of How We Heal, to explore a transformative perspective on stress—not as something to avoid, but as a signal pointing toward deeper insight. With a background in business and acupuncture, Mary shares how she helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers use their stress symptoms as powerful tools for growth.Together, they unpack what it means to lead from a place of awareness, why turning toward discomfort can be a leadership superpower, and how to use emotional signals as a form of strategic intelligence in both business and life.Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, leading a team, or simply feeling stretched thin, this episode offers practical wisdom and reframes stress as a guide—not a threat. Tune in to discover how decoding your stress can unlock clarity, purpose, and renewed momentum.

What if your next bold move wasn’t about climbing higher—but going deeper into what truly matters?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Montse Barcelo Riera—a seasoned clinical research leader who made a radical shift after 30+ years in pharma. What sparked the change? A personal crisis involving her father’s health. What followed was a powerful awakening—and a completely new mission in elder care and the silver economy.We talk about what it takes to follow purpose over prestige, the courage to leave the familiar behind, and why your career evolution doesn’t have an expiration date.Montse opens up about how she makes hard decisions, what it means to lead with integrity, and the one question she always asks herself before any big leap.Whether you’re mid-career, shifting lanes, or just feeling the nudge to grow—this one’s for you.Key takeaways:– Reinvention is possible at any stage– Your purpose might emerge from personal experience– Trusted voices matter when making bold choices– The silver economy is a rising space for innovation and care

What if the best career moves are the ones that don’t fit your plan?In this inspiring episode, Sabine Hutchison sits down with EY Partner Annette Schulz to talk about saying yes to unexpected opportunities, redefining leadership, and building a legacy one step at a time. We talk about the pressure many women feel to stay on a linear path, making  career choices that "make sense" on paper. Annette challenges that thinking, inviting us to trust the pull of a new direction, even when it’s not clearly defined. Her story is a reminder that the best moves don’t always come with guarantees, but they often lead to greaterimpact, deeper learning, and more authentic leadership.Annette’s story is one of curiosity, clarity, and smart risk-taking. If you’re navigating change or just need a refresh on what truly matters, I hope you’ll listen in.To the women who think reinvention means startingover: sometimes, it means building on what’s already there.

When Ann Broché found herself overwhelmed and unsupported during perimenopause, she didn’t accept "this is just the way it is." Instead, she built something better.In this week’s podcast episode, we talk about her journey from corporate certainty to the chaos and clarity of startup life. We talk risk, resilience, and ripple effects. We talk about the powerful question: "What if I don’t?"Ann’s work is reshaping care for women in midlife. Her story is a reminder that we don’t have to wait for permission to lead change. We can start where we are, with what we know, and who we are becoming.Legacy doesn’t wait. It begins now.

Sabine Hutchison talks with Sarah Matthew—founder of The Vibrant Company, serial entrepreneur, and transformative coach—about building three businesses, betting on herself, and the freedom of writing your own rules.From her early days at Johnson & Johnson to co-founding Virgo Health and beyond, Sarah shares how mentorship, self-trust, and values can powerfully shape the way we lead and live.If you’ve ever felt torn between success and authenticity, this episode will remind you—you don’t have to choose.

When we think about career milestones, we often focus on titles, promotions, or achievements. But what if some of the most defining moments come from stepping into uncertainty? Diana Lagalante’s story is a testament to the power of asking, "What happens if I don’t?" and choosing courage over comfort.Diana and I met through volunteering for the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA), not in a boardroom or Zoom call, but shoulder-to-shoulder working on something bigger than ourselves. That spirit of shared purpose threads through everything she does.

In this dynamic episode, Sabine brings together the partners of The Ripple Network for a candid and inspiring discussion. From the Netherlands to the U.S., these powerhouse women share their thoughts on what makes The Ripple Network unique, the importance of community, and how embracing imperfection can lead to true authenticity in speaking and leadership. Listen in as they exchange personal stories, challenges, and insights on amplifying women's voices and fostering impactful connections.

Sabine reconnects with longtime friend and leadership coach Mary Morrison for a thought-provoking conversation on personal power, presence, and well-being. Mary shares how her background in Chinese medicine and leadership coaching helps women navigate stress, embrace their physical and emotional wisdom, and show up with confidence in their personal and professional lives. Learn how simple yet powerful techniques can help you regulate emotions, improve leadership skills, and step into your full potential.

Sabine sits down with Susan Braakman to discuss the foundational values of The Ripple Network—connection, empowerment, and learning. With over 15 years of personal and professional collaboration, they explore the power of building authentic networks and the importance of giving and receiving feedback as a tool for growth. This conversation dives deep into mentorship, mediation, and the role of safe spaces in professional development. A must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their voice and confidence.

Sabine sits down with brand strategist Gina Dunn to discuss the power of personal branding and owning your voice. Gina shares her journey from struggling with public speaking to helping others find their authentic confidence on stage. They explore how branding is deeply personal and how The Ripple Network creates a safe space for women to practice, grow, and gain the confidence to share their stories. If you've ever felt nervous about public speaking or unsure about how to present yourself, this episode is filled with invaluable insights!

In this inspiring episode, Sabine Hutchison sits down with Emma Wainer to discuss the power of finding and using your authentic voice. Sabine shares how taking Emma’s TED Talk course was the catalyst for The Ripple Network, a platform dedicated to amplifying women's voices and stories. Emma, a seasoned speech and voice coach, talks about her journey from speech therapy to global speaking coaching, helping women step into their confidence and own their expertise. Together, they explore the importance of community, personal impact, and how small steps can create big ripples in both career and life. Whether you're looking to refine your public speaking skills, build confidence in professional settings, or simply be part of an empowering network, this conversation is filled with insights, personal growth moments, and practical advice. Don't miss this engaging discussion!