Sex on Top

In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Maureen Manning, Founder and Principal Strategist of The Global Nexus Collective whose journey from aspiring performer to global education strategist is a powerful story of purpose, identity, and impact.What began as a love for storytelling on stage took an unexpected turn during a formative study abroad experience at sixteen reshaping not just Maureen’s path, but her understanding of how stories can influence people, systems, and the world around us.We explore the role of storytelling in leadership, and how building authentic narratives can elevate both individuals and organisations particularly in complex and shifting global contexts. From navigating the realities of the “sandwich generation” to making intentional, sometimes difficult life choices, Maureen shares what it means to lead with clarity, conviction, and care.We also dive into mentorship, community, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you alongside the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.Thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective, this episode is a reminder that the path isn’t always linear but when you lead with purpose and authenticity, every chapter has meaning,Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maureen LinkedIn Dr Maureen Manning ⁠ The Global Nexus Collective Website ⁠The Global Nexus Collective Leadership networks mentioned by Maureen in this episode -World Council on Global and Intercultural Competence Global Leadership League Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership02:11 Meet Maureen - A Journey Through Leadership03:43 The Power of Storytelling in Education09:20 Creating a Career From a Passion09:46 Making Choices in Career and Family17:17 Normalizing Personal Choices19:32 The Sandwich Generation Experience23:18 Authenticity in Storytelling25:01 Creating Supportive Communities27:41 The Role of Mentorship31:39 Taking the Leap: Embracing Uncertainty33:35 The Value of Credentials and Breaking Free37:59 Understanding Your Value in the Sector39:17 The Power of Storytelling and Performance43:02 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth43:02 Mentorship and Lifting Others Up

In this episode of Sex on Top, it’s just us reflecting on leadership, identity, and the realities that sit behind the roles we hold.We open up about grief, support systems, and the moments that bring everything into perspective alongside the ongoing juggle of work, family, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” From the idea of “sixteen summers” to the emotional weight of being present, this is a conversation about what really matters and how easily it can get lost.We also explore the limiting beliefs that shape our decisions, from financial security and being the provider, to the fear of failure and what it means to attach your reputation to something new. What happens when you don’t feel like the expert in the room? And is expertise always what leadership actually requires?This episode dives into the tension between confidence and doubt, the value of transferable skills, and why no one person holds all the answers - even at the top.Honest, reflective, and deeply human, this is a conversation about self-compassion, challenging your own narrative, and learning to lead without having it all figured out 🎙️Check out this article on reframing limiting beliefs on the Open University website Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership02:42 Personal Reflections on Grief and Support07:56 Balancing Work and Family Life11:53 Limiting Beliefs and Personal Growth18:27 Fear of Failure and Importance of Reputation21:33 Is Expertise a Proxy? 24:24 The Role of Expertise in Career Development27:03 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs31:39 Everybody Brought a Skill

In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Gayathri Bala, founder of a community-led Pilates studio in Kingston upon Thames whose journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the boldest move is stepping off the traditional path.Leaving behind a career in pharmacy and public health, Gayathri took a leap into entrepreneurship, building a business rooted in purpose, connection, and wellbeing. But behind the scenes, that leap has meant navigating uncertainty, challenging limiting beliefs, and learning in real time what it really takes to grow something from the ground up.We explore what it means to build a values-led business, the reality of multiple career pivots, and how identity, ambition, and self-belief shape the way we lead. From questioning whether you need to be an expert, to facing the fear of failure, this is an honest conversation about figuring it out as you go.At the heart of it all is one core idea: connection is currency. Whether it’s building a community, asking for help, or creating something that genuinely matters, Gayathri’s story is a refreshing take on success that goes far beyond titles or income.Raw, real, and deeply relatable, this episode is for anyone thinking about taking the leap or already in the messy middle of it 🎙️Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Gayathri on Insta ThePilatesClubLondon Website thepilatesclublondon.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction00:42 Meet Gayathri - A Journey Through Leadership 04:13 Building Community Through Pilates08:27 The Importance of Authenticity in Business12:19 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship12:24 Navigating Identity and Race17:34 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship23:58 Identifying Your Limited Beliefs26:05 Navigating Competition and Self-Promotion31:08 Personal Growth Through Business Challenges34:37 Finding Joy and Legacy in Work39:05 But Do You Need To Be An Expert?41:02 The Fear of Failure42:23 The Power of Community Support48:24 The Power of Asking for Help49:14 Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Sex on Top, we take a step back to reflect on the strategic leadership themes sparked by our recent conversation with Jackie Carter, Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester.What does it really mean to lead strategically in today’s world? We explore the difference between transformational change and incremental shifts, the importance of building a clear narrative for your strategy, and why thinking beyond your immediate context is critical to effective leadership.We also dive into the role of trust, how to create strategies that genuinely connect with people, and the challenge of balancing ambition with sustainability both for organisations and ourselves.Thoughtful, honest, and practical, this episode is a reflection on what it takes to lead with clarity, intention, and impact in complex environments. Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership01:29 Reflections on Season One and Community Engagement03:36 The Featured Women Campaign05:37 Audience Insights: Engaging Men in the Conversation07:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life10:11 Ambition: The Cost of Success14:45 Understanding Strategic Leadership20:59 Strategic Thinking Beyond the Echo Chamber23:46 The Role of Trust in Leadership26:10 Transformational Change vs. Incremental Adjustments28:06 Building a Narrative for Strategy32:27 The Importance of Listening to Your Body36:04 The Weight of Representation in Leadership38:46 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace42:40 How to Make People Feel They Matter

Deaf, dizzy, disabled and proudly a proper Northerner -Jackie Carter has spent a lifetime doing things her own way and opening doors for others along the way. From being the first in her working-class family to attend university to becoming a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Manchester, Jackie’s 40-year career has been defined by challenging the status quo and using data to create real change.In this episode, Jackie shares her journey through leadership, adversity and reinvention — from navigating hearing impairment and breast cancer, to advocating for disability inclusion and building cultures where everyone belongs.We talk about the intersection of data and humanity, the importance of values-driven leadership, navigating difficult conversations, and finding purpose in new chapters of life.Honest, reflective and deeply human, Jackie’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting the mould — it’s about reshaping it.Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jackie Carter on Insta @sunflowerjackieLinkedIn Jackie CarterChapters00:00 Introduction 00:39 Meet Jackie: A Journey through Leadership11:20 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Voice20:10 The Intersection of Data and Humanity24:17 Challenging the Status Quo25:58 The Importance of Values in Leadership30:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations33:37 Embracing Change and New Beginnings39:42 Finding Purpose in Retirement

In this episode, Lily and Alice explore overwhelm, boundaries, and the changing nature of friendships in adulthood. From recognising when you’ve reached your limit to learning that boundaries don’t look the same for everyone, they unpack the realities of managing expectations at work and in life.The conversation moves into evolving relationships, the honesty required for meaningful connection, and the grief that can come when friendships change or fall away — alongside the joy of intentionally celebrating the ones that remain.A warm, honest discussion about protecting your energy, embracing “good enough,” and navigating relationships with authenticity.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠Sign up to our IWD Event on 5th March The View From The Top Chapters00:00 Feeling the Love in February03:14 Overcoming Overwhelm04:52 Identifying the Circuit Breaker09:08 When Boundaries Don't Suit Everybody13:09 Setting Boundaries That Work For You15:16 Embracing Good Enough16:27 Workload and Expectations17:31 Boundaries in Work vs. Friendships19:10 Evolving Friendships and Intentional Relationships23:05 The Loneliness of Adulthood25:04 Friendships Across Generations26:11 Authenticity in Relationships26:48 The Importance of Honesty28:42 When Friendships Change30:43 Grieving Friendship Loss32:06 Practicing Boundaries32:53 Celebrating Friendships

What happens when the world tells you who to be — but you choose to listen to yourself instead?In this episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily sits down with designer, founder and changemaker Shahnaz Ahmed, the creative mind behind the iconic green food hygiene rating signs displayed in cafés and restaurants across the UK. You’ve seen her work. But her journey to the top has been anything but straightforward.As a woman of colour from a South Asian background navigating white, male-dominated creative industries, Shahnaz has had to fight to be seen, heard, and paid what she deserves. From being underpaid in agency life to working inside the global tech machine at META, she shares what it really takes to build trust, lead with vulnerability, and refuse to shrink yourself to fit the room.We talk about career pivots, choosing difference, and the power of building a “first team” philosophy. Shahnaz opens up about motherhood, founding the global craft movement Knit Aid and the deeply personal impact of debilitating grief. Through it all, she’s arrived at a powerful truth: acceptance isn’t giving up - it’s recognising that you are your own best solution.This is a conversation about identity, creativity, resilience, and creating workplaces that are safe, human, and expansive enough for all of us.Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesdayand Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠Follow Shahnaz Ahmed on Insta ⁠@shahnaztahmed⁠LinkedIn ⁠Shahnaz Ahmed⁠  Chapters00:00 Introduction00:30 Meet Shahnaz - A journey through leadership02:26 The Elevator Pitch06:32 Navigating Career Challenges as a Woman of Colour08:29 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership09:45 Building a First Team Philosophy13:07 The Impact of Education and Support on Career14:48 Creativity and Self-Expression in the Digital Age17:33 The Power of Connections in Career Advancement25:16 Building Trust and Overcoming Obstacles27:15 Navigating Career Pivots andAcceptance29:16 Reflections on Working at Meta32:07 Life Beyond Work: Motherhood and Creativity35:35 The Impact of Grief on Personal and Professional Life40:56 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace44:26 Advice for Women in Leadership46:55 Moments of Triumph and Public Speaking 

As 2026 kicks off at breakneck speed, Alice and Lily reflect on new beginnings, Blue Monday, and setting intentions on their own terms. From celebrating milestones (200 listens and a little too much wine) to navigating overwhelm, self-care, and the myth of the “restful” festive break.They explore non-linear careers, the gig economy, and the freedom and the pressure of working outside the 9-to-5, alongside reflections on self-image, personal presence and global uncertainty. A candid conversation about ambition, authenticity, and embracing careers that don’t follow a straight line, ending with a celebration of women through the Featured Women Campaign.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠Chapters00:00 Welcome to 2026: New Beginnings01:57 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements04:18 Setting Intentions for 202608:00 Navigating Overwhelm and Self-Care11:39 Finding Joy in Small Moments15:09 Coping with Global Events and Emotional Boundaries20:31 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Image21:39 Exploring Personal Presence and Leadership25:07 Reflections on Non-Linear Career Paths28:35 Embracing Flexibility and Authenticity in Careers35:21 Celebrating Women: The Featured Women Campaign

In this week’s episode, we chat with Ria Yvonne Lingwood, a true creative powerhouse whose career defies the conventional path. From hair and make-up artistry to international creative projects, and from professional bodybuilding to coaching and judging, Ria has navigated a career full of bold risks, unexpected turns, and unapologetic curiosity.Join us as Ria shares:How she turned her hobbies into a thriving career, including her journey in professional bodybuilding.Lessons from embracing the “Peter Pan” approach—staying playful, curious, and unafraid of non-linear paths.Insights on stepping beyond comfort zones, valuing your time and worth, and knowing your limits.The messiness, humor, and unpredictability of creative careers and self-employment.This episode is for anyone looking to break societal expectations, pursue passions with courage, and find success on their own terms. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and entertained by Ria’s fearless approach to life and leadership.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠Follow Ria Yvonne on Insta ⁠@missriayvonne @artistic_stylistWebsite www.ArtisticStylist.co.uk Chapters00:00 Introduction01:28 Meet Ria - A journey through leadership03:33 The Elevator Pitch: Defining Identity and Career06:35 Challenging Societal Expectations09:25 The Self-Employed Conundrum13:28 Lessons in Valuing Your Time and Worth16:38 The Messiness of the Career Path19:17 When Your Hobby Becomes Your Job23:13 Stepping Outside Of The Comfort Zone27:42 Knowing Your Limits31:38 Image and Confidence36:54 Does It Always Need A Plan?39:53 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

Reflecting on Alex's episode, in this episode Lily and Alice discuss themes of professional identity, empowerment and leadership, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and how to cope when your self worth is taking a knock.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠LinkedIn ⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠Links from the episode:⁠Pecha Kucha⁠⁠The Wheel of LifeChapters00:00:00 Reflecting on Alex's Story and Initial Listener Engagement00:02:44 Listener Feedback Validates Our Unapologetic Voices00:06:37 Navigating Identity During a Career Pause and Affiliation00:13:19 The Challenge of Non-Affiliation and Forging New Connections00:18:09 Showing Your True Self for Effective and Enjoyable Leadership00:29:49 Finding Support and Perspective When Self-Worth is Tested00:33:10 Strategies for Disruptive Leadership and Driving Change00:38:10 Teaser for Future Guests and Featured Women Campaign

In this debut episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily crack open the real, raw, and unfiltered stories of women leading at the highest levels — starting with trailblazing digital leader Alex Butler. Alex’s career has been anything but ordinary. She’s led major digital transformations, championed creativity across civil society, and built cultures where ideas actually take root. Describing herself as a “butterfly” who pollinates, Alex brings wisdom, wit, and hard-won lessons to this episode.Together, we dive into the messy realities of leadership: misogyny in AI, ageism, confidence, authenticity, the emotional labour of leading, knowing when to walk away — and the true cost of staying aligned with your values. Alex reflects on pivotal moments in her journey, shares what it really takes to lead with courage, and offers one powerful takeaway every woman in leadership can act on tomorrow.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at @SexOnTopPod — and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alex Ludgate on Insta @lilywednesday73 @alice_luds LinkedIn Lily Wednesday Alice Ludgate Follow Alex Butler on Insta @butlerlovesbees LinkedIn @alex_butler Read Alex v. The Algorithm and Escape the Blob Chapters02:17 Meet Alex Butler: A Journey Through Leadership05:28 The Elevator Pitch: Defining Identity and Career05:34 Misogyny in AI: Addressing Gender Bias10:49 The Challenge of Ageism in the Workplace14:46 Self-Worth and Confidence: A Woman's Journey18:55 The Relentless Nature of Career Progression 22:47 The Responsibility of Leadership24:53 The Cost of Upholding Values 29:07 Navigating Values and Emotions in the Workplace32:55 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability37:55 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

Welcome to Sex On Top, the unapologetic, uncensored podcast where Lily and Alice dive head-first into the real, raw, and often messy realities of being a woman in leadership.In our pilot episode, we’re lifting the lid on what it actually takes to rise to the top in today’s workplace from navigating vulnerability to owning your emotions.Join us as we unpack the story behind our name, reflect on how we met, and explore the power of emotional honesty, anger as a tool, and the pressures that come with career pauses, identity shifts, and midlife reinventions.We’ll also dig into the week’s topical conversations from oversharing, emotional truth, and messy feelings and how they mirror what so many women carry into boardrooms, team meetings, and leadership spaces every day.This episode sets the tone for what’s to come:raw stories, unfiltered conversations, and practical tools for navigating leadership with emotional intelligence, boundaries, humour, and a whole lot of heart. Throughout the series, we’ll be bringing you the voices of brilliant women showing up with honesty, humanity, and fire. Whether you're climbing the ladder, sitting at the table, stepping away for a moment, or redefining what success looks like… you belong here.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠ — and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alex Ludgate on Insta ⁠@lilywednesday73⁠ ⁠@alice_luds⁠ LinkedIn ⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠ ⁠Alice Ludgate ⁠00:00 A Warm Welcome and Introduction05:59 Unpacking Sex on Top 12:02 The Impact of Vulnerability in Leadership17:58 Emotional Honesty in the Workplace25:27 Navigating Life Pressures and Career Pauses29:27 Vulnerability in the Workplace33:45 Harnessing Anger as a Tool37:06 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership40:12 Exploring Wellness Practices46:03 The Purpose Behind the Podcast49:57 Empowering Women Through Shared Stories56:14 Engaging with Our Audience