The Female CEO™ Podcast

Stop managing symptoms and start regulating the system. In this episode, Carmen Stoffel breaks down the blueprint for co-regulation, neurodivergent parenting, and why self-regulation is the ultimate power move for female CEOs.In this episode of The Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Carmen Stoffel, founder of the Institute for Core Regulation. Carmen is a pioneer in shifting the parenting paradigm from "managing behavior" to "supporting the nervous system."After navigating her own challenging parenting journey, Carmen realized that what we often label as "bad behavior" is actually a physiological response to stress and dysregulation. Today, she helps families move beneath the surface to create environments of safety, connection, and true balance.In this episode, we discuss:Beyond Behavior: Why traditional discipline often fails and what it means to look at the nervous system first.The Parenting Mirror: How a parent’s own regulation (or lack thereof) directly impacts their child’s ability to stay calm.The "Normalcy" Trap: A candid look at the diagnosis process and why "neurodivergent" vs. "normal" is often a subjective line.Practical Regulation: Simple, science-backed ways to restore safety within the body when a child (or parent) is spiraling.The Mission of Core Regulation: How Carmen’s Institute is providing a lifeline to parents who feel stuck and frustrated.If you’ve ever felt like you’re just "surviving" your child’s meltdowns, this conversation will give you the tools to start thriving as a family again.Connect with Carmen Stoffel:Website: http://www.institut-kernregulation.ch/Explore the Institute for Core Regulation’s resources for families.

What if your greatest trauma was actually your greatest leadership asset? Annyx Day joins us to share her incredible journey from being a police officer surviving a shooting to helping female leaders heal. Discover why the key to authentic power isn't hiding your past, but learning to lead from your scars rather than your wounds.Annyx opens up about her past as a police officer and the life-altering experience of surviving a shooting. She explains how that moment of adversity became the foundation for her work today, helping others find their worth and live the life they were meant to live.Key Takeaways from this Episode:The "Noise" vs. The Core: Learn how to block out external pressure to find out who you truly are and what you are good at.Healing to Lead: Why leading from "scars" rather than "wounds" allows for authentic connection and authority.The Power of Purpose: Annyx shares how she helps clients who feel "stumped" by their own identity to rebuild and find their inner light.Mindset Shifts: Discover why enjoying every single day is a vital part of the leadership journey.

Can you be a high-level CEO in the luxury space and still be a present, intentional mother? Tatiana Vostrikov joins us to discuss the "courage to pivot" and why putting yourself first isn't just self-care - it’s a business strategy.In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Tatiana Vostrikov, the CEO of Aesthetics Innovations and founder of Genova Med Spa. Tatiana shares her incredible story of international transition, moving from Europe to North America and the grit required to rebuild a luxury brand from the ground up. She explains her "hyper-natural" philosophy and why true beauty—and true business—must be rooted in authenticity. Key Takeaways from this Episode:Rebuilding a Dream: Tatiana discusses the challenges and rewards of navigating two distinct careers across different continents. Filling Your Own Cup: Discover why Tatiana believes putting yourself first gives you the capacity to make others happy and make their lives better. Leading with Values: How to stay anchored in your personal values while managing a luxury brand with footprints in both Toronto and Frisco. Undetectable Excellence: Insights into the aesthetics industry and why the best results are those that honor the individual's natural beauty. 

"Winning is an outcome, but trying is a decision." How do you lead a global team while navigating the complexities of single motherhood and a cross-cultural career? In this episode, Denisa Dudaskova reveals why "rebellious optimism" is the ultimate secret weapon for the modern female leader and how to finally stop hiding parts of yourself to fit into the corporate mould.How do you lead a global team while navigating the complexities of single motherhood and a cross-cultural career? In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, Mark Sephton sits down with Denisa Dudascova, an international leader and innovator who has successfully navigated high-level careers across multiple industries and countries.Denisa opens up about her unique path—growing up in Slovakia behind the "wall" to becoming a global executive who leads with a blend of strategic strength and inner development.Key Takeaways from this Episode:Stop the Trade-Off: Denisa explains why women don’t have to choose between professional excellence and personal devotion.Motherhood as a Training Ground: Discover how the challenges of parenting sharpen high-stakes decision-making and empathy in business.Leading Diverse Teams: Learn how to find synergies between different cultural mentalities to build the "best team in the organization".Inner Growth: Why Denisa believes "when the student is ready, the teacher appears" and how she uses self-reflection to stay grounded.

Stephanie Palmer’s life changed in an instant when a routine surgery went wrong. In this episode, we explore how she turned a devastating personal crisis into a powerful mission for transparency - and what every woman needs to know about advocating for herself in the healthcare system.As a Registered Nurse and Certified Bariatric Nurse with over 11 years of experience, Stephanie found herself in the unique and terrifying position of having to "advocate like hell" for her own life when she faced severe post-operative complications. Today, she is the founder of Bariatric Warrior Support and the recipient of the Bariatric Advocate of the Year award, dedicated to ensuring no one else has to walk their health road in silence.In this episode, we discuss:Turning Adversity into Purpose: How Stephanie used her clinical expertise and lived experience to build a movement rooted in radical transparency.The "Easy Way Out" Myth: Breaking the stigma surrounding bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications.Patient Advocacy: Practical advice on how to listen to your body and effectively communicate with your medical team when you know something isn't right.Radical Transparency: Why sharing the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of healing is essential for community survival.Whether you are on a specific health journey or navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, Stephanie’s story of resilience and community building will empower you to become your own best advocate.

Are you a female CEO who has achieved "success" but still feels a sense of emptiness or chronic burnout? In this episode, Shamanic Practitioner Adina Andronic reveals The Shamanic Approach to Leadership - a powerful framework for blending corporate strategy with ancient spiritual wisdom.We dive deep into why traditional leadership models are failing high-achieving women and how tools like the Medicine Wheel and intentional healing can shift your business from "surviving" to truly "thriving."This week on the Female CEO Podcast, Mark Sephton sits down with Adina Andronic, founder of ARA Shamanic Healing. With an illustrious international career spanning the demanding sectors of nursing, law, HR, IT, banking, and insurance, Adina experienced a profound awakening that led her from the boardroom to a path of ancestral wisdom. She now helps ambitious women heal, release emotional blocks, and reconnect with their truest selves.Key Takeaways:The New CEO Acronym: Understanding the internal journey of Create, Evolve, and Overcome.Life Hygiene: Why regular emotional and spiritual clearing is as essential as physical hygiene for a leader.Breaking the "Bubble": How the modern way of living causes us to "focalize and focus" on a narrow culture, missing out on vast opportunities for growth and community.Reclaiming Individuality: Why self,acceptance is the practical foundation for authentic, impactful leadership.La Vita e Bella: Adopting a perspective of beauty and resilience even during the "hard yards" of business.

Are you a high-achieving woman who feels like you’re constantly "on," yet never doing enough? In this episode, therapist Justine Carino breaks down The Psychology of Perfectionism and reveals how to break the cycle of high-functioning anxiety to build a business that doesn't cost you your mental health.In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Justine Carino, a licensed mental health therapist and anxiety treatment specialist.Justine pulls back the curtain on the hidden pressures many female leaders carry, specifically exploring the psychology of perfectionism and high functioning anxiety. She explains why many ambitious women struggle to "turn off" and how to redefine success so it includes your well being, not just your bottom line.In this episode, we discuss: The "CEO" Journey: How the pillars of Create, Evolve, and Overcome apply to mental health and entrepreneurship.High Functioning Anxiety: Why being a "doer" often masks a deeper struggle with the need for control and the fear of failure.The Perfectionism Cycle: Understanding the "all or nothing" mindset that leads to burnout.Success Without Sacrifice: Practical strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining personal goals alongside business ambitions.Measuring Peace: Shifting your metric of success from pure performance to internal peace.About Our Guest:Justine Carino is a mental health expert who helps high achieving women navigate the intersection of ambition and anxiety. She is the host of the "Thoughts From the Couch" podcast and a dedicated advocate for healthier relationships with success.Connect with Justine: Website: JustineCarino.com

In this episode, Rachel Paling explains how the neuroscience of conscious communication can transform education and leadership.How can understanding the brain transform the way we learn, lead, and connect? In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Rachel Marie Paling, the visionary behind Neuro-Language Coaching and Neuro-Heart Education.Rachel discusses the "neuro language" approach, a revolutionary blending of coaching, neuroscience, and communication designed to help teachers and students thrive in a high-powered, stressed-out world. She shares how shifting from directive commands to calm, curious dialogue can move learners out of "survival mode" and into a state of optimal, rapid discovery.In this episode, we discuss:The Survival Brain: Why students cannot learn when they are in a fight or,flight state.Beyond IQ and EQ: Introducing the "MQ" (Metacognitive Intelligence) and social intelligence as critical tools for the future.The Power of Curiosity: How teachers can move from reactive aggression to deep curiosity about their students' perspectives.Limitless Potential: Why giving students "permission" to think outside the box is a core leadership duty.Transforming the Classroom: Moving away from a "one size fits all" curriculum to a dialogue, based voyage of discovery.About Our Guest: Rachel Marie Paling is an author, coach, and the founder of the Academy for Educational and Language Coaching. She has revolutionized language learning by integrating brain science into traditional teaching methodologies.Connect with Rachel: www.neuralanguagecoaching.com

This week on the Female CEO Podcast, Mark Sephton welcomes Ana Placencia Block, the founder of New Mind Psychology. With 25 years of experience working with traumatized youth and schools, Anna has developed a comprehensive 8-week program designed to build mental health literacy and resilience at scale.Anna breaks down the vital connection between integrated self-identity and leadership, explaining how early childhood attachment (or the lack thereof) dictates whether an adult operates from a place of "surplus" or a place of "survival".Key Takeaways:Prevention vs. Intervention: Why we need to act before "the horse has bolted".The Three-Track Approach: Why effective change requires simultaneous training for children, parents, and schools.The "Operating System" of the Brain: Understanding why the first 18 years are critical for long-term psychological stability.A Call to Action: Moving past "paralysis" to bring your own "light" to the mental health crisis.

The DNA of Decision Making with Olga Kiendler | Human Judgment, AI & Meta-ThinkingIn this thought-provoking episode of The Female CEO Podcast, executive advisor and decision scientist Olga Kiendler joins us to explore the most critical, yet often overlooked, driver of success: how we make choices.Olga, the creator of the Decision DNA and Decode frameworks, shares her journey from global finance and law to the frontier of cognitive leadership. She dives deep into the subconscious patterns that shape our judgment and explains why, in an increasingly automated world, refined human intuition is the ultimate competitive advantage.Together, we discuss:Decoding your Decision DNA: Understanding the subconscious "software" that runs your choices.The Experience Fallacy: Why past success can sometimes be a liability in a rapidly changing world.Human Judgment vs. AI: How to strengthen your unique edge in an age of automation.The Power of Meta-Thinking: Why "thinking about thinking" is a vital leadership skill.The Seven-Second Gap: Identifying the moment between an impulse and a conscious decision.The "Decode" Framework: Strategic tools to uncover hidden biases and mental models.Leading through Curiosity: Treating the business world as a "playground of excitement" and discovery.Integrity-Based Leadership: Why your personal values are the bedrock of sustainable decision-making.As technology continues to evolve, Olga reminds us that the most powerful tool we possess is our own mind. This conversation is an invitation to step out of "autopilot" and move toward a more intentional, strategic, and self-aware way of leading.If you are a leader navigating the complexities of the digital age, a founder looking to scale without losing your clarity, or simply someone fascinated by human behavior and the brain, this episode is a masterclass in modern wisdom.This is a conversation about insight, innovation, and the mastery of the mind.

In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Josephine Eneje to unpack her 25-year evolution from a powerhouse corporate leader to a successful entrepreneur. Josephine shares her blueprint for success, emphasizing that true authority doesn't come from a title—it comes from deep conviction and a clear, unwavering purpose.We explore how your corporate experience can be leveraged as a foundation for business innovation, why the art of observation is a secret weapon for professional growth, and how something as intentional as your daily skincare routine can actually support your emotional well-being and inner fulfillment.Leading with Conviction: Why knowing your "why" is the most critical step in navigating challenges and avoiding the trap of following fads.Corporate to Entrepreneur: How to translate years of HR and corporate expertise into a thriving, purpose-driven company culture.The Power of Observation: Learning to lead by example and using your surroundings to sharpen your business strategy.Skincare as Self-Care: Understanding the psychological connection between your beauty rituals and your daily resilience.Redefining Legacy: How to build a business that is not just successful today, but impactful for the future.

In this transformative episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton talks with Bronwyn Sciortino, the visionary founder of Chic Life. Bronwyn shares her incredible journey from the high-pressure corporate world to becoming a global voice for empowered, conscious living.They explore how personal trauma can be the catalyst for profound leadership insights and why visibility is no longer optional for women in business. Bronwyn challenges us to stop viewing success as a destination and start seeing it as an adventure—one built on radical authenticity, conscious choices, and the courage to own our authority.Identity Over Roles: Why the most impactful leadership comes from who you are, not just what you do.The Visibility Non-Negotiable: Why women must overcome internal barriers to be seen and heard in today’s market.Redefining Success: Moving away from traditional benchmarks toward a life of exploration and adventure.The Power of Conscious Choice: How small, intentional decisions align your professional life with your core values.Male Allyship: How men can support women’s advancement by stepping aside and making space without fear of loss.

In this insightful episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton welcomes Emma Persson, the founder of Coach Companion. Emma is on a mission to help professionals build genuine credibility and authority by mastering the art of self-reflection and personal growth.Together, they dive into the internal narratives that create self-doubt and discuss how rewriting your personal story can unlock a new level of confidence. From building a powerful personal brand to the importance of professional connection, Emma shares why there is no competition when you are focused on becoming the best version of yourself.Building Authority: Why self-awareness and leading by example are the foundations of credibility.The Imposter Narrative: How to identify and silence the internal voices that hinder your leadership.The Power of Reflection: Why looking inward is the most effective strategy for outward growth.A Culture of Support: The vital role of women empowering women and how men can become better allies through active listening.No Competition: Shifting your mindset from external rivalry to internal excellence.

Are you achieving external success while feeling internally unfulfilled?In this evocative episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with mentor and guide Eleni Kantzos. Together, they explore the complex intersection of visibility, authenticity, and the reclamation of inner authority. Eleni dives deep into the "crossroads" many high-achieving women face—where societal expectations lead to self-betrayal—and offers a path back to fulfillment through embodiment and body intelligence.From understanding the balance of healthy masculinity and femininity to the vital role of erotic energy and pleasure in leadership, this conversation is a call to step out of the shadows and into your most authentic self.The Visibility Shift: Why true personal growth requires moving from hiding to radical authenticity.The Fulfillment Gap: Understanding why external milestones often fail to satisfy the soul.Embodiment in Leadership: How trusting your body intelligence transforms how you lead and communicate.Healthy Dynamics: The role of grounded masculinity and how men can provide the presence women need to flourish.Healing Self-Betrayal: Identifying the patterns that lead us away from our truth and how to reconnect with pleasure.

In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Olga Roberts, founder of Olga Roberts Studio and Body Intelligence Pilates. Together, they dismantle the "no pain, no gain" myth and introduce a more sustainable approach to high-performance leadership: Body Intelligence.Olga shares how aligning physical well-being with professional ambition is the secret to longevity. By shifting the focus from high-intensity exhaustion to mindful movement and alignment, female leaders can reduce stress, sharpen their decision-making, and build a foundation of true, controlled strength.Discover how to stop fighting your body and start leading with it.Sustainable Leadership: Why body intelligence is the foundation for long-term professional success.The Myth of Intensity: How traditional fitness culture can actually contribute to burnout for women.Elite Performance: Lessons female CEOs can learn from elite athletes about quality over quantity.Decoding Body Signals: Learning to recognize the subtle signs of stress before they become chronic issues.Redefining Progress: Why true strength is found in control, recovery, and alignment rather than just "pushing harder."

In this episode of The Female CEO Podcast, Melanie Herschorn explores the art of impactful stories and why powerful storytelling is one of the most important tools female leaders can use to grow their visibility, authority, and influence.Melanie shares how entrepreneurs and CEOs can transform their experiences into meaningful narratives that connect with audiences, build credibility, and position them as trusted thought leaders. She explains why many women struggle to share their stories, the mindset shifts required to step into visibility, and how authentic storytelling can open doors to new opportunities.Throughout the conversation, Melanie provides practical insights on crafting stories that resonate, communicating your expertise with confidence, and using storytelling as a strategic tool for personal branding, leadership, and business growth.If you’re ready to own your voice, share your journey, and use your story to create impact, this episode will inspire you to step forward and lead with authenticity.

In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, Dr. Kim Dang explores what it truly takes to transform your life and leadership from the inside out. She dives into the powerful role of certainty and clarity in personal growth, explaining why real transformation starts with investing in yourself and doing the inner work.Dr. Kim shares how ambitious women can move from fear and self-doubt to confidence and direction, and why the biggest mistake in personal transformation is trying to do it alone. She discusses the importance of self-validation, identity shifts, and preparation when stepping into the next version of yourself.Drawing on her own diverse experiences and coaching philosophy, Kim explains her unique approach to reinvention coaching, helping women anchor into their strengths while evolving into more empowered leaders. The conversation also highlights how female leadership, self-investment, and inner freedom unlock new possibilities for success in both business and life.If you’re ready to embrace change, gain clarity, and step fully into your power as a female leader, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to begin your next transformation.

Kate Hoyle on Hypnotherapy, Self-Acceptance & Subconscious TransformationIn Episode 2 of Series 1 of The Female CEO Podcast, award-winning hypnotherapist Kate Hoyle shares how hypnotherapy can unlock powerful transformation by working directly with the subconscious mind.From a successful corporate career to becoming a leading therapist, Kate’s journey is rooted in personal growth, mental health awareness, and a deep understanding of anxiety — particularly among high-achieving adults and teenagers.In this honest and empowering conversation, we explore how subconscious limitations shape leadership, confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-worth — and how hypnotherapy can help “find it, fix it, and see the results.”Kate explains why self-acceptance is foundational to both happiness and success, and how many female leaders silently carry anxiety while appearing strong on the outside. By addressing the root cause — not just the symptoms — real and lasting change becomes possible.In this episode, we discuss:• How hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind• Breaking subconscious limitations that block success• The root causes of anxiety in high-achieving women• Emotional intelligence and leadership growth• Why language is powerful in transformation• The importance of self-acceptance in personal growth• Mental health support for female leaders• Embracing female empowerment without burnoutKate’s message is simple but powerful: you deserve to live your best life — and you are as important as anyone else.This episode is essential listening for ambitious women navigating leadership, anxiety, growth, and identity — and for anyone curious about the transformative power of hypnotherapy.

Unmasking True Identity with Gem Dentith | Vulnerability, Self-Awareness & Personal GrowthIn this powerful episode of The Female CEO Podcast, Gem Dentith — author of Undressed — joins us for a deeply honest conversation about self-awareness, vulnerability, relationships, and personal growth.Gem shares the story behind her book Undressed and the transformative concept of “unmasking” — the process of shedding conditioning, expectations, and protective layers to reveal who we truly are. She explores how the hardest moments in life often expose our deepest patterns, and how relationships act as mirrors for growth, healing, and greater self-understanding.Together, we discuss:• The real meaning behind “undressing” your identity• Why vulnerability requires safe spaces• How relationships trigger — and accelerate — growth• The importance of self-awareness in mental health• Recognising conditioning and emotional patterns• Female empowerment through authenticity• Setting aligned intentions for 2026• Why the quality of your goals matters more than the quantityAs we approach 2026, this conversation also explores goal setting from a place of stillness rather than pressure — focusing on clarity, energy, and intentional momentum for the year ahead.Gem reminds us that personal growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness. It’s about compassion. And it’s about having the courage to be seen — fully.If you’re navigating self-discovery, working on your mental health, redefining your relationships, or stepping into a new chapter in 2026, this episode will resonate deeply.This is a conversation about identity, truth, and the ongoing journey of becoming.