The Leader Unmasked: Sue Wesby on Embracing Authenticity

 

Feeling boxed in by a corporate career that doesn’t fit? Wondering if midlife can bring a fresh start?

 

In this episode of The Leader Unmasked, host Angela Cox chats with Sue Wesby, CEO and founder of Sandacre, a property investment firm built on ethics and values. Sue opens up about her 15 years at Barclays Bank, where progression was rigid and impersonal, and her later stints in pharmaceuticals, contrasting that with her leap into property investing in 2021. She shares how shedding corporate expectations let her flourish, finding passion and purpose later in life.

 

For leaders in the “silent middle” wrestling with burnout or self-doubt, Sue’s story is a nudge to chase what lights you up. Tune in and subscribe for more real insights on leading as your true self.Here are three reasons to give it a listen:

Episode Highlights:

 

[00:01:25 - 00:03:30] Corporate Roots: Sue recalls her time at Barclays, where career steps were pre-set, offering solid training but little personal freedom.

[00:04:19 - 00:05:03] A New Outlook: She reflects on how age and passion helped her care less about others’ views, sparking the courage to try property investing.

[00:30:34 - 00:31:21] Inspiring Others: Sue talks about challenging the education system’s limits, encouraging young people to explore entrepreneurship over traditional paths.

[00:32:06 - 00:32:37] Open Doors: Sue mentions her approachable nature, inviting people to her property open days for a cuppa and a chat.

 

About the Guest:

 

Sue Wesby is the CEO and founder of Sandacre, a property investment firm grounded in ethics and values, where she’s become a leading light in the industry. After 15 years at Barclays Bank—where progression was automatic but impersonal—she moved into pharmaceuticals and later ran her own commercial vehicle business. Post-2008 financial crash, she left corporate life in 2021 to dive into property, a passion that now defines her. Sue’s journey from corporate rigidity to authentic leadership speaks to the “silent middle”—leaders quietly pushing through pressure—and her open, inspiring approach motivates others, especially younger generations, to rethink their paths.

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity changes everything. If Sue Wesby’s story on The Leader Unmasked struck a chord, subscribe and share it with someone who might need it. Leave a review and tell us how finding your passion has helped—your words help others find us. Got questions? Reach out to Angela on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more episodes, check out theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.