Advertise on podcast: Speaking for ourselves

In this podcast episode, I’m joined by Dr Nichola Ashby for an honest and thoughtful conversation about leadership journeys — especially the ones that don’t begin with a clear destination in mind. Many leaders don’t set out knowing exactly where they’re heading. They learn, adapt, stumble, recalibrate — and grow into leadership through experience rather than intention. This episode explores Nicky's pathway to leadership and why uncertainty is not a weakness, but often the very ground where confidence, values, and purpose take root. If you’ve ever questioned your own path, or felt behind because your leadership story didn’t follow a straight line, this conversation is for you. — because leadership is often discovered, not declared #TheLionessEffect #SpeakingforOurselves #LeadershipMatters #ALionessSpeaks You can contact Nicky via:  Leadership & Culture First Podcast - YouTube www.axisculturegroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Axis Culture Group Email: [email protected]

Sometimes we don't always end up where we predicted. Our journeys in life so far have been shaped by many things - some driven by ourselves, others as a result of evens we had no control over. But in true lioness style - it is HOW we travel that can determine our achievements as well as our final destination. Our Internal leadership - the stories we choose to tell ourselves are key to this. In this podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with Mutiat Adebowale A quiet powerhouse of a woman who shared with me the twists and turns of her own leadership journey Hers is not the story of loud, noisy advancement but one of internal self appreciation and belief. Mutiat and I discuss the importance of learning the impact of your own presence and how that can move mountains. #TheLionessEffect teaches us the power of the silence and calm of the lioness as much as her fierceness - Look out for this one. You can contact Mutiat via: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mutiatadebowale1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutiat-adebowale #QuietLeadership #SelfLeadership #MindfulImpact #ALionessSpeaks

I'm so excited about this one! Through #BlackHistoryMonth2025 I have been talking about leadership, within this year's theme of "standing strong in power and pride"Well my next podcast guest is the epitome of exactly that. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacynth Ivey MBE - truly a woman who leads with integrity and delivers impact. if you have listened to our previous LinkedIn lives you will know what I mean! this one you won't want to miss!!!Contact Jacynth via: email: [email protected] linkedin: (8) Jacynth Ivey MBE | LinkedInwebsite: Jacynth Ivey - Inspiring Hope

In this episode I am speaking with the force of nature that is Melanie Alveranga.Melanie is true testament to the strength of the lioness "Power doesn't always need to ROAR!" Together we explore a truth that often gets pushed aside in the busyness of life: the importance of making time for yourself. Like the lioness in the wild, there is power in pausing, conserving your energy, and focusing with intention. When you hone in on your own path, you step into your destiny and create space to live your best life—fully and unapologetically.Melanie shares her insights with such honesty and clarity, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!🌟 BONUS - Early Notification 🌟 Melanie will also be leading a powerful one-day event: The Choosing Yourself Experience — a transformative opportunity to put these lessons into action.👉 You can find out more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eTcMv3fdThis is one not to miss—whether you’re ready to reset, realign, or step into your power like the lioness you are. You can contact Melanie viaLinkedin: Melanie A. | LinkedInInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/roomtoexhale?igsh=MXkxYW9kN2w3bTV5dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

🎙️ Standing in your power as a Lioness – In this episode, I speak with the inspiring Parveen Smith about courage, resilience, and staying true to yourself through life’s twists and turns. Like the lioness in the wild, leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges, but finding the bravery to face them and grow. Every act of courage, big or small, is a gift to yourself and others. 👉 Listen now for an honest, energising conversation that will leave you ready to step into your own lioness power!

Today, let's celebrate bravery —the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to take on new challenges, and to stand up for what we believe in. it all sounds good - but then there is the difficult question we ask ourselves as leaders and business owners - AM I BRAVE?? This is something I discuss with my next fabulous podcast guest 🧠 Caroline Pankhurst ❤️‍🔥 - In our discussion and musings we shared our thoughts and experiences as women business owners, leaders and simply humans on bravery, courage and sometimes 'just keeping going!!' As a well known and often cited phrase says - Being brave isn't about the absence of fear, but rather the triumph over it - and Caroline is certainly testament to that! Through her work with women in all walks of life, she reminds us that every small act of bravery counts. Whether it's speaking up in a meeting, taking on a new project, or pursuing a dream that seems just out of reach, your courage inspires others and fuels your growth. Listen to the podcast - you won't be disappointed! You can connect with Caroline via email: [email protected] LinkedIn: CarolinePankhurst Online: www.be-braver.com substack: Quiet Courage

Life does not always work out the way we thought it would. We often set out with a vague plan of what we would like to do or achieve in our lives – the work we would like to do, how we live our lives or simply the way we wish to ‘BE’. Surprisingly. when things are not working for us - we are likely to limit what we say, remain silent and quietly continue on the path we are on. Even the most successful parts of our lives may not have been something we foresaw – or even thought we wanted – But life has a way of placing opportunities or options in front of us…. inviting, or even daring us to take a chance, speak up and step out. In this space we are sometimes our own biggest challenge we have to overcome to take up the opportunities that COULD BE part of what is set for us. We are sometimes caught up, hesitant or talk ourselves out of moving forward into something new as we don’t know ‘HOW’ we will do it. We get in our own way. Quieting our curiosity and limitless possibilities. This is what I discuss with my next podcast guest @Audrey Pantelis she shares her thoughts on the importance of enabling others to speak, finding her connections and making peace with stepping into the whole of what life could be - learning most importantly to be at one with yourself and getting out of your own way. .... I hope you enjoy the Podcast You can contact Audrey Pantelis as follows: Email: [email protected] Website: www.elevationcc.co.uk LinkedIn: Audrey Pantelis | LinkedIn   Link to Audrey’s own podcast:  Specially Speaking, on Spotify for Podcasters!  https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Faudrey-pantelis&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ce62629ba2b8845368ddf08dc2e402846%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638436100283154885%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vHlTlOCRX8hWsLBwno1wMClr5QsQKFVVl5Ox5rxg1Ac%3D&reserved=0

Do you have enough?What a strange question you may say - enough of what?Time? Happiness? Space?....Money? - For most of us the biggest challenge in that question is actually deciding WHAT ENOUGH ACTUALLY IS - no matter what we focus on.The answer is often bound up with what we THINK our life should be like.The challenge is that much of what has influenced our thinking about our lives is not only down to us.Our choices and decisions about our lives are often a result of a complex mixture of things - our upbringing, our personalities and the experiences that we have - each of these things shape our expectations of life, of others and of ourselves. Our outlook on life, what we want from it and whether we are content with 'our lot' on any day is made up of a mixture of all things, past present and how closely we feel things are working out the way we imagined. BUT...how much of our expectations about life, having enough and what is important, actually serves us well? How do we make sense of what we have 'learned' and even more importantly decide if it is helpful in our journey to live the life we want?With reference to the initial question of 'enough?' The fear of 'scarcity' or not realising your life plans is often the unspoken worry of many of us. This is something my next guest and I spent time discussing.In this upcoming podcast I will be speaking with Yinka Ewuola - all round fabulous woman and successful business owner who speaks of the often unspoken subjects of cash and money. Yinka is a self-confessed Introvert - and yet confesses as a recovering 'good girl' to the importance of reconstructing our ideas of what it is OK to talk about or accept in your own version of life.We discuss the range of experiences she has had, relearning some of the 'truths' we have been told as women, as responsible workers and even as human beings....and how she came to move from a corporate job to speaking out and spreading her message of accepting that to be ourselves, we need to stop being restricted by ideas of lack. The first vital stage in recognising our own limitless capacity for purpose and possibility.  @yinkaewuola I hope you enjoy the Podcast! #Speaking4Ourselves #Cashflow #womeninbusiness #Tame2Trailblazer

Which of your past experiences or has impacted you the MOST? For most of us the biggest challenge in that question is actually deciding WHICH of our many memories to choose. Our choices and reflections today are made up of a range of events and our emotions - how we feel about those events - in fact, usually by the time we reach adulthood, we possibly have forgotten more things than we remember. Our outlook and how we are feeling on any day is made up of a mixture of all things, past present and how we feel about the future.BUT...Imagine if you didn't have a reference of the past? What if you had NO memory of your past...or very little of it. How do you restart and reset yourself from a position of 'not knowing'? How would you answer the question "Which of your past experiences or has impacted you the MOST?" This is something my next guest and I spent time discussing. In this podcast I am speaking with ⁠Carole Pyke MCIM⁠- Carole is a fabulous 'Sparkling' Human being - who describes herself as a 'Sophisticated 4- year old' . You see Carole has only 4 years of memory following a stroke - We discuss the range of experiences she has had, living with relearning yourself, getting to grips with the world and living with ⁠#unshakeableFaith⁠ ...and how she came to move from 'cheating death' to speaking out and spreading her message of being The Spark that ignites the flame of passion, purpose and possibility. Carole is a force of nature, vibrant, fun and very enthusiastic. I felt my own sparkle levels soar during our conversation.Listen out for the podcast. You won't be disappointed!! You can contact Carole via LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolepyke Website: www.carolepyke.com email: [email protected] Instagram: @carolepyke

What does your outfit say about you today?I don't know about you, but since lockdown my wardrobe has changed. All those zoom meetings got me thinking about which 'tops' to wear and less about how my overall 'look' was - cue smart blouses and comfortable trousers! (ok leggings!!)Our clothes are a reflection of ourselves, our outlook and how we are feeling that day - but have you ever stopped to think about HOW we learn or develop our way of presenting ourselves? During Lockdown many of us had to rethink this - we also had to adjust yet again afterwards. The world of online Zoom calls has changed the way we work for ever...and for some of us, the way we dress ( for exactly the same job).There are many more transitions that we go through in life, work is just one of them - age, family responsibilities, divorce, illness, parenthood...all have the potential to challenge how we are seen, or see ourselves. These 'life changes' bring about internal and social challenges which impact us - not just in terms of the changes themselves, but HOW well we adapt to them - and this, in turn, is often reflected in how we dress.This is something my next guest and I spent time discussing.In this episode I am speaking with Lucy Barrett - Style Coach™We discuss the range of experiences she has had, living overseas, career challenges and being an 'ex-pat' in her own home country!...and how she came to unite her interest in human beings and our travels' through life, change and transition......into a thriving business...all through the medium of what we wear. Lucy is vibrant, fun and very enthusiastic. I loved our time together - she really got me rethinking the old adage 'we are what we wear'Listen to the podcast. You won't be disappointed!!...Now, to relook at exactly WHAT I have at the back of my wardrobe....... You can contact Lucy on website: www.lucybarrettstylecoach.co.uk linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-barrett-style-coach/ Facebook: Lucy Barrett (style coach)

My mother used to say "we are all here just passing through" and that is very true. Life has a way of challenging us, lifting us and asking us to occasionally reflect on where we are headed - and why.We never really know for sure what will happen, but having a purpose and a direction certainly help - our past, present and future aspirations are only part of the story.At some point we all ask ourselves - why am I here? What difference do I make?? This is something my next guest and I spent time discussing - In this podcast I am speaking with ⁠Nicolina Andall⁠ A powerhouse of a woman - feisty, charming and definitely a live wire! - Nicolina will enthuse you with her infectious zest for life - and shares with us her journey to recognising we are all empowered through our experiences...challenging you to push yourself a little more but at all time remain you own primary cheerleader. Her commitment to changing opportunities for all by influencing the Diversity of people on Boards ( through Inspiring Diverse Leaders initiative) and in leadership roles in inspiring. Join us as we explore the questions above... - you are in for a treat! You can contact Nicolina via E: [email protected] M: 07951 743426  W: www.nicolinaandall.com www.linkedin.com/in/nicolinaandall/

Life happens....in unexpected ways. We are sometimes unaware of the lasting impacts of the events that occur...The ripple effects can last far beyond the experience of the event itself, sometimes catching us out, reminding us that we still have unresolved issues to address or challenges to face. The consequences and impacts of these changes may change our lives in ways we could not have imagined and sometimes in ways that are beyond our control - but how we face them and what we do about them is up to us. This podcast is about those effects..those ripples that happen as part of this life, and how we face them. I am speaking with Heather McLellan. Heather is a qualified physiotherapist and works with people who are facing the impacts of great 'ripples' in their life. People who  for a variety of reasons find themselves having to rebuild and reexamine how they see themselves, their work and their abilities. Heather has had to do this for herself - you'll have to listen to hear her story - but she uses her personal and professional experiences of ripples and their effects to help them find a way to regain, refresh and reimagine the world they inhabit.  I found speaking with Heather insightful, affirming and energising...a reset if you like...encouraging us to embrace the wonder of our own lives, opportunities and experiences in the world we each inhabit.  Heather can be contacted via  linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherkmclellan/ Twitter: @heatherkm22 I hope you enjoy the podcast.

For many of us, The last month of the year is when we spend more time with family and friends....for others of us, we may spend time on our own. Whether with others or on our own, This is a time for RELATIONSHIPS. Relationships are central to our human experience .....and indeed what makes us...'US' When we think about relationships - what works, which ones sustain us - or otherwise - it's easy to think only of the relationships we have with other people. We consider what has happened in those relationships and how they have shaped us, in the last year, the last months...or even for longer periods of our lives. We may plan to do better, make changes - or to give thanks for what has happened so far. However, in thinking about relationships we often forget one fundamental key relationship...that with ourselves. In this podcast I will be speaking with Women's Relationship coach Sandra Wood Sandra shares with me the importance of relationships in steering our path to a fulfilling life...With the most important the relationship being that with ourselves. Sandra openly invites us into her own story of relationships and experiences she in her life so far ...and what drives her commitment to helping other women find the key to reconnecting with their own self worth and having the fulfilling relationships - often with themselves - that they dream of. It is a conversation about courage to explore and connect with your own self....in order that we can better connect with and appreciate others....a conversation of learning to be. Speaking with Sandra is engaging and accepting! Listen to the podcast...I hope you enjoy it and find some little space for your own reflections....Just as I did. If you wish to connect with Sandra her details are: Sandra Wood Speaker, Author, Coach https://sandrawood.coach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraswood/ https://www.instagram.com/sandrawoodcoach/ https://www.facebook.com/sandra.s.wood

We are familiar with the phrase 'life is a journey, not a destination" and that's true. No one really knows which paths their life will take and which opportunities will come their way. But the distances we travel are measure in more than miles - life is a journey of becoming.. passing through phases of development marked by fortune misfortune and chances taken. As we move through our experiences we are shaped by what happens to us but we also have the ability to affect the world around us, and the people we meet on the way. In this podcast I will am speaking with Professor Calvin Moorley. Calvin shares with me the journeys he has taken in his life so far from growing up in Trinidad, coming to the UK and training as Nurse through to working as a clinical academic through the COVID19 pandemic. It is a story of learning to stand up, speak up and stand out...until speaking becomes a roar....and speaking out enables others to speak - and to be. Speaking with Calvin is infectious, engaging and fun! Listen to the podcast...I hope you enjoy listening it as much I I did recording it. You can connect with Calvin on  Twitter: @CalvinMoorley email: [email protected]

As we travel through life we learn about ourselves and where we belong, through the the experiences we have and choices we make. All of this leads to our sense of identity, what we are here to do, what contributions we make to the world.... Our purpose in life often takes time to become known to us - life itself 'gets in the way'. But eventually we reach a space where we think about our place in the world and what actions we need to take. Speaking with Kathy Sienko O.B.E she shares her thoughts on the importance of self and belonging - navigating life's journey with "Faith and Boldness" - learning most importantly to be at one with yourself and what the lights the flame inside you. .... I hope you enjoy the podcast!  You can contact Dr Kathy Sienko as follows: email: [email protected] Instagram - @drsienko LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-sienko-2604/