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Leadership lessons don’t always come from boardrooms or management books; sometimes they’re learned on the pitch, through teamwork, pressure, and shared responsibility. In this episode of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci is joined by Eamon Reily, originally from New Zealand and a member of Rugby Club Luxembourg (RCL), for a thoughtful conversation about what rugby teaches us far beyond the game itself. From communication and composure under pressure to resilience, humility, and volunteering, Eamon reflects on how rugby shapes people into better leaders, colleagues, and community members. The discussion explores how leadership is distributed, why every role matters, and how learning to handle mistakes can build confidence and character. This episode offers practical and relatable insights into leadership, belonging, and the power of showing up - both on the pitch and in everyday life. Click here for full show notes and resources mentioned in the episode. 

Success isn’t always a straight line and sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones that take unexpected turns. In this inspiring episode of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci sits down with Bárbara Daroca, Head of Corporate Services at ING Luxembourg and host of the podcast Hello Success. Known for her leadership and mentoring work, Bárbara shares her journey from structured finance to marketing communications, and how embracing career pivots led her to create a platform that celebrates real, relatable success stories. Together, Giulia and Bárbara explore what it means to let go of outdated definitions of success, find value in every stage of your career, and balance ambition with authenticity. From celebrating small wins to learning from mistakes, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that thriving professionally doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means staying curious, adaptable, and kind to yourself along the way. Click here for full show notes and resources mentioned in the episode. 

In this inspiring episode of KnowThyBrand, Giulia sits down with Stuart Alexander, a finance professional, entrepreneur, and humanitarian - to explore what it really means to lead with values, purpose, and compassion. From his roots in Lancashire and an early career as a geologist to becoming a respected leader in fund distribution, Stuart’s story takes an extraordinary turn. Today, alongside running his financial ventures, he dedicates much of his time to a volunteer project supporting Ukraine. With a small team of volunteers, Stuart drives SUVs across Europe - vehicles converted into emergency field ambulances to help evacuate wounded soldiers and civilians. Each journey saves lives and reminds us what leadership, courage, and empathy look like in action. Beyond the frontlines, Stuart’s philosophy extends to everyday life and business. He believes companies can have a soul - one that empowers people, builds community, and makes a difference far beyond profit. His reflections on authentic leadership, empowerment, and shared purpose offer a refreshing reminder that success is measured by impact, not hierarchy. Whether you’re a business leader, a volunteer, or someone looking to reconnect with purpose, this episode is a moving invitation to use whatever resources you have - time, energy, or courage - to make a difference. Click here for full show notes and resources mentioned in the episode. 

What role does intuition play in business success – and how can entrepreneurs strengthen this often-overlooked skill? In the first episode of the new season of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci speaks with Lia Dunlap, intuitive business strategist and founder of the Limitless Life Club. Lia shares her journey from corporate life to embracing her intuitive gifts and supporting entrepreneurs in aligning their work with authenticity and purpose. Together, they explore how intuition, emotional intelligence, and authenticity are not only personal strengths but powerful tools for leadership, communication, and influence. Lia offers practical steps for tuning into your inner guidance, building confidence, and making aligned decisions that lead to both fulfillment and sustainable success. Whether you’re seeking to grow your business, connect more deeply with clients, or lead with greater clarity, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that intuition is a skill anyone can develop – and a catalyst for building work that truly connects with your values, your vision, and the people you serve. Click here for full show notes and resources mentioned in the episode. 

Money doesn’t have to be confusing, restrictive, or overwhelming – it can be a powerful tool for freedom when aligned with your values. In this episode of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci welcomes Jessica Cooke, founder of DEFINANCE and financial coach dedicated to helping women - and anyone excluded from traditional financial spaces - rewrite their money story. Jessica shares how societal narratives have historically left women out of financial conversations, and why reclaiming financial independence isn’t just about numbers - it's about agency, alignment, and bold life choices. From unlearning limiting beliefs to building personalized financial safety nets, this episode is a roadmap to turning money into a tool for freedom, not fear. Whether you're managing debt, dreaming of early retirement, or simply want to feel more in control of your finances, Jessica offers practical strategies, mindset shifts, and a warm reminder: you can do this - and you don’t have to be a finance expert to start. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

What if the real key to productivity, fulfillment, and emotional balance isn’t time management - but energy management? In this episode, Giulia sits down with executive coach and sustainability consultant Alina Ignatieva to explore the powerful link between purpose, authenticity, and energy. Drawing from her work with high-performing professionals and her own experience as a mother, entrepreneur, and leader, Alina shares why women especially need to rethink what drains them, what fuels them, and how to reclaim their agency. From battling burnout to letting go of the “supermom” myth, this episode dives into the real-world challenges we face and the small but mighty shifts that can help us restore balance and joy. Whether you're navigating career stress, parenting overwhelm, or just feel depleted this conversation will help you reflect, reset, and redirect your energy toward what truly matters. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

In industries where fire and safety take center stage, women are still fighting to claim their space. But what happens when two trailblazers decide to create a movement to empower the women shaping the future of fire protection? In this inspiring episode, Giulia welcomes Niina Beltowski, Key Account Manager at Viking Nordic and co-founder of K(vinn)-Faktor, an association dedicated to supporting women in the fire protection industry. From the first female salesperson at her company to a key supporter building a fast-growing community of over 60 women, Niina shares her journey, challenges, and bold vision for a more inclusive future. Niina opens up about the pressure of navigating male-dominated spaces, the power of authenticity, and how clear communication and shared purpose can help foster respect in even the most traditionally male-dominated environments. Whether you’re in tech, engineering, or any other male-heavy industry, Niina’s story will inspire you to show up as yourself, and create room for others to do the same. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

Given the current climate where DEI efforts are increasingly scrutinized, scaled back, or politicized, Jenny Chen, founder and CEO of Catalais Consulting, joins Giulia for a candid and powerful conversation about what it truly takes to build inclusive, equitable workplaces that go beyond performative gestures. With a background in investment sales and deep personal experience navigating the corporate world as a woman of color, Jenny pulls back the curtain on performative D&I efforts—and offers a blueprint for real, systemic change. From restructuring outdated business processes to fostering genuine sponsorship over surface-level mentorship, Jenny explains why respect, intentionality, and leadership accountability are key to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or advocate for inclusion, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to equity at work—and give you tools to start making a difference today. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, a pressing question looms: Should we, as humans, be afraid of AI, or is it simply the next step in our technological evolution? With fears that AI will replace jobs, disrupt industries, and redefine how we work, it’s natural to wonder about our place in a world increasingly dominated by machines. But instead of fearing the rise of AI, perhaps the real challenge is how we adapt. How can we stay relevant in a landscape that’s changing rapidly, without losing the very essence of what makes us human? In this article, we’ll explore how to harness AI’s potential while preserving the qualities that make us irreplaceable—creativity, emotional intelligence, and the unique human touch. In this insightful episode, Giulia welcomes Joan Palmiter-Bajorek, linguist, ex-academic, and founder of Women in Voice, to explore the intersection of AI, gender equality, and career resilience in an ever-changing tech landscape. Joan brings a wealth of personal experience to the table—having navigated two layoffs in the AI sector, she turned her challenges into a roadmap for others through her new book Your AI Roadmap. From building a standout personal brand to advocating for more inclusive datasets, Joan shares her unique perspective on how individuals and organizations can thrive during this era of digital disruption. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering how to future-proof their career, navigate tech’s volatility, and push for equity in a male-dominated industry. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

Traditional economic models prioritize profit and endless growth, often at the expense of social and ecological well-being. But what if there was a better way? In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Jennifer Brandsberg Engelmann, an expert in regenerative economics, to explore how economic education can evolve to address today’s pressing global crises. From the Donut Economics model to the overlooked role of households and commons in economic systems, Jennifer shares how shifting our perspective on value and sustainability can pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient future. Together, Jennifer and Giulia discuss the urgent need to rethink economic education, the barriers to change, and the optimism surrounding this movement. If you've ever questioned whether our economic system truly serves people and the planet, this episode is a must-listen. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

As we leave another International Women's Day behind, the conversation about gender equity in the workplace remains more important than ever.  True gender equality isn’t about good intentions—it’s about data-driven change that dismantles bias and creates real opportunities for everyone. In this special episode, we welcome Iris Bohnet, Harvard professor, behavioral economist, and co-author of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results. Iris challenges the myths surrounding fairness, diversity, and meritocracy, offering research-backed strategies to make workplaces more equitable. From why traditional diversity efforts fail to how data can drive real change, this conversation is a powerful reminder that fairness benefits not just women, but entire organizations and economies. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

Networking is more than just exchanging business cards—it’s about building genuine connections, finding a supportive community, and amplifying each other’s voices. For Yulia Kulakova, fostering these connections is at the heart of her work. In this insightful episode, Yulia and Giulia discuss the power of professional networks, the challenges women face in corporate environments, and the importance of creating safe spaces where women can thrive. From overcoming networking discomfort to addressing gender biases in communication, this conversation sheds light on how women can support each other and grow both personally and professionally. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful fundraising, yet many startup founders overlook its importance.  For Ksenia Zykova, Chief Communications Officer at AngelsDeck Global Ventures and founder of NODE Communications, mastering both verbal and non-verbal communication is key to making a lasting impression on investors.Ksenia has dedicated her career to helping B2B projects, startup founders, and venture capital firms refine their messaging and presence.  In this compelling episode, she joins Giulia to discuss the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in VC funding and how they can harness communication strategies to increase their chances of success. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

Storytelling has the power to drive awareness, inspire connection, and create meaningful change. In this episode, we sit down with Emmy-winning filmmaker Robin N. Hamilton, founder of ARound Robin Production Company, to explore how her mission-driven work amplifies marginalized voices - particularly those of women and Black women whose contributions have often been overlooked. Robin shares her journey from corporate rejections to building a production company centered on impactful narratives, offering a candid look at the grit and vision required to succeed as an entrepreneur. In this energetic and vibrant episode, Robin and Giulia discuss the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of staying rooted in your purpose, and the strategies that sustain mission-driven storytelling. From navigating budget constraints with nonprofits to creating sustainable income streams, Robin’s insights are a must-hear for creatives and changemakers alike. Tune in to discover how Robin champions the stories that matter and learn actionable takeaways for building resilience and amplifying impactful voices. For the full article, visit our website. Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode. 

Navigating a return to the workforce after a career break can be a daunting task. Whether due to family responsibilities, relocation, or a shift in personal priorities, many of us find it challenging to reenter our chosen fields after stepping away.  In this episode on Embracing Career Returners and Redefining Workforce Inclusion we’re joined by Esther Celosse. Esther is the founder of Return2Career, a company with the objective of supporting organizations to tap into the highly experienced and under-utilized professional talent pool of returners, while increasing gender equality and employer brand value through custom designed Returner programs Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode.