Ambitious Women's Guide

Women Entrepreneurs: Working Differences withMargaret Heffernan

Welcome to Women in the Work Place Mini Series, where we uncover the hidden truths behind women-led businesses and the remarkable impact they have on the economy. Margaret Heffernan — author, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for women's leadership and business innovation.

"My journey took me from radio and television into the tech world, where I embraced the freedom of entrepreneurship. But it wasn’t until I wrote my first book on women’s corporate careers that I stumbled upon astonishing data: in the U.S., women-owned businesses tend to be more successful, employ more people, and last longer than the average business."

"What shocked me most wasn’t just the data — it was the silence surrounding it. Why weren’t these achievements celebrated? Why had no one ever mentioned this incredible track record? The data only came to light because a group of powerful women fought to prove that women-led companies aren’t confined to stereotypes like nail salons and cookie shops. They’re diverse, resilient, and driving real change".

In this podcast, we shine a light on these hidden stories, challenge assumptions, and celebrate the women redefining what it means to be a business leader.

Come and Join the conversation and become a friend of the Project >>CLICK Here<<<

Or find out more about Margaret Heffernan >>CLICK<<

🎙️ Welcome to the Final Episode Happy Work Space with Sue Higgs 🎙️

Hello, I’m Sue Higgs, and welcome to the final episode of this podcast series. Over the past few episodes, we’ve tackled the joys, the challenges, and the realities of working in the creative industries. And today, we’re ending on a crucial and uplifting note—how to foster a happy, healthy workplace.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years as an Executive Creative Director, it’s that a company’s culture starts at the top. A great workplace isn’t about flashy perks or trendy office spaces—it’s about leadership that prioritizes people over ego, clarity over jargon, and collaboration over hierarchy. When leaders communicate with humility, humour, and honesty, they create an environment where everyone—regardless of title—feels valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work.

So, in this episode, we’re going to break it down:

✅ What makes a great leadership culture? Why the best workplaces have leaders who listen, show up, and genuinely care about their teams.
✅ How to spot red flags early. Whether you're starting a new job or re-evaluating your current one, how do you tell if a company is truly invested in its people?
✅ The role of psychological safety. When employees feel safe to voice their ideas, take risks, and even fail without fear of retribution, creativity thrives.
✅ Jargon vs. Real Talk. Why buzzwords and corporate speak can be exclusionary and how clear, human communication builds trust.
✅ Staying close to the work. As creatives, moving up the career ladder often means stepping away from the work itself—so how do we balance leadership with staying creatively engaged?

If today’s topic resonates with you, here are some fantastic books, talks, and resources to help you create or find a workplace that truly supports its people:

🎤 Brené Brown’s TED Talk on Vulnerability & Leadership

📘 “The Fearless Organization” by Amy Edmondson – A deep dive into how psychological safety fuels innovation and success.
🌍 The Happy Workplace Index (Search online for the latest rankings) – A resource to check out companies that prioritise employee well-being.

So as we wrap up this final episode, my challenge to you is this:

How can you contribute to making your workplace a happier, healthier space?

Whether you’re in a leadership position or just starting out, the way we show up, listen, and support each other matters.

Thank you so much for joining me on this podcast journey—it’s been an absolute pleasure sharing these conversations with you. Keep striving for workplaces that bring out the best in people. And most importantly, "Keep lifting others up as you climb".😊

🎉 Be Part of the Movement – Let’s Take This Show on the Road! 🎉

Well, hello, wonderful listeners!

We’ve come to the end of this incredible mini-series, and we hope you’ve loved every moment. But this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning! We have something BIG in the works, and we need YOU to help make it happen.

We’re gearing up to take Women Change Makers on tour across the UK—bringing this show, these stories, and these voices to even more people. To do that, we need your support! By becoming a Friend of the Project, you’re not just helping us thrive; you’re becoming part of a movement that amplifies the voices of extraordinary women making real change.

✨ What’s in it for you? ✨

• A personal invitation to the highly anticipated Women Change Makers Debut Show
• The chance to be part of something truly transformative
• The knowledge that your support is helping to shine a light on voices that deserve to be heard

🚀 Let’s make this happen together! 🚀
Every share, every donation—big or small—helps us get this show on the road and into communities that need it. Join us, spread the word, and help us make history!

💥 Donate or share now: >>GoFundMe Link<<

Thank you for being part of this journey. Now, let’s go change the world. 💫🎭

#WomenChangeMakers #SupportTheTour #BePartOfTheMovement

The Truth About Women’s Equality: Bridging the Gender Divide with Margaret Heffernan

This is the first episode in a three-part series with Margaret Heffernan, exploring the intricate connections between gender dynamics and workplace equality. Across the series, we’ll dive into the critical relationship between home life and professional success, the remarkable achievements of women-led businesses, and the complexities of collaboration between men and women.

Women in the Work Place Series, that unpacks the complexities of working together and challenges assumptions about gender dynamics in teamwork.

I'm Margaret Heffernan — author, entrepreneur, and passionate observer of what makes collaboration succeed or fail. Collaboration is often seen as a simple concept — just work together, right?

But the reality can be far more challenging. Many people have experienced teamwork that feels slow, uncoordinated, and full of conflict, where progress stalls and frustration builds. One common belief is that women are naturally better at collaboration than men. Is that really true?

Research shows that women tend to score higher on empathy-related tests, like the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" test, which measures how attuned we are to others' thoughts and feelings. Could this explain the perceived difference in collaboration styles? Or is there more to the story?

In this episode, we’ll dive into what makes collaboration work — and what holds it back — while exploring the roles empathy, communication, and gender play in creating successful teams.

Let’s start the conversation.

Come and read more about Margaret's amazing life

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Join the conversation and Become a Friend of the Women Change Maker's Project

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🎙️ Welcome to Episode Five Understanding Bad Behaviour in the office Environment with Sue Higgs 🎙️

Hello, I’m Sue Higgs, an Executive Creative Director, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s both deeply personal and universally relevant—bad behaviour in the workplace.

After more than 30 years in the creative industries, I’ve seen it all—acts of kindness, moments of brilliance, and unfortunately, some truly toxic behavior.

Today, I want to share one of my own experiences—an incredibly difficult period in my career when I was bullied, sidelined, and isolated by someone who, quite frankly, saw me as a threat. At the time, we didn’t have the language of Me Too or Time’s Up, and like so many others, I internalized the experience, thinking it was somehow my fault. Spoiler alert: It never is.

But while this was one of the hardest times in my career, it also came with powerful lessons—lessons about self-worth, resilience, and the importance of calling out toxic behavior. In this episode, I’ll talk about how to recognize bad behaviour, how to protect yourself, and most importantly, how to reclaim your power.

If you’ve ever felt minimised, overlooked, or made to doubt yourself at work—this one’s for you. Let’s shine a light on bad behavior and make sure it can no longer hide in the shadows.

Let’s get into it.

Hi dear listeners!

We need your support to continue bringing you inspiring content.

By becoming a Friend of the Project, you'll not only help us thrive but also receive a personal invitation to the highly anticipated Women Change Makers Debut Show. Your contribution will make a real difference in amplifying the voices of incredible women making change in our communities.

Join us on this journey and be part of something special!

Thank you for your support!

"Every little helps... share the celebration" >>>GofundMe<<<

Welcome to Podcast Four with Sue Higgs

Hello, and welcome back to episode 4 in the Female Work Place Mini series. I'm Sue Higgs, an Executive Creative Director, and today we're diving into an important and deeply personal topic—what it means to be a woman in the workplace, particularly in the creative industry.

Despite the progress we've made, the professional world remains challenging for women. From unconscious biases to systemic obstacles, the journey is anything but easy. In this episode, I'll explore both the pitfalls and the joys of navigating a career as a woman. I'll discuss the persistent gender biases, the difficulties many women face as they advance in their careers, and why so many promising female creatives seem to disappear from the industry, particularly around motherhood.

But it's not all discouraging. There is hope, there is resilience, and there is a path forward. I'll share my own experiences—what it's been like to balance being a single mother while building a career, the importance of strong networks, and how we can work together to create a more inclusive and supportive industry.

So, let's talk honestly about the reality of being a woman in the workplace—where we are, where we need to be, and how we can get there.

Help Us Spread the word and Show the Women Making change for all to benefit.

Empowering Change;Women Change Makers Exhibition

Dear listeners, we invite you to join us in ourmission to tour an exhibition that celebrates inspiring women making significant strides toward better equality. By becoming a Friend of the project, you’ll receive a personal invitation to the Women Change Makers Debut Show, May29th 2025, where we’ll showcase these remarkable women and their stories.

Your support is crucial in helping us bring this vision to life, and we greatly appreciate any contributions you can make. You can donate for free through >>GoFundMe <<

where your generosity will directly impact our ability to share these powerful narratives with a wider audience.

Thank you forbelieving in change!

Episode 3 in the Female Workforce series by Sue Higgs

Hello there, so please you've found our channel, welcome to this mini-series which exploresWomen in the Creative Workplace. In today’s third episode, Sue Higgs explains the differences between ‘Soft’ and ‘Hard’ Industries and, more importantly, which one suits your work style.

Ever found yourself wondering whether you fit better in a fluid, creative environment or a structured, rule-based one? From the flexible, free-flowing vibe of advertising, design studios, and film production (what we call Soft industries) to the rigid, rule-driven world of banking and corporate offices (Hard industries), today, we’re breaking it all down.

Sue’s here to share her experience and insights on the pros and cons of both environments—where creativity and innovation thrive versus where structure and predictability provide clarity. We’ll talk about everything from hybrid working options to understanding what your work culture truly needs, helping you find the best fit for your personality and work preferences.

So, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s figure out where you truly belong in the professional world. Whether you’re all about that flexibility or you crave clear boundaries, this episode is for you!

Let’s get into it!

🎙️ Welcome to Episode Number 6 Feminine Minds, This weeks episode The Future United with Madelyn Freeman.

Listeners embark on an exhilarating journey into the depths of human consciousness and the future of global unity. In today's episode, the host tackles a profound question: Can humanity evolve into a unified field of cooperation?

Madelyn shares personal reflections on the transformative potential of collective consciousness and explores groundbreaking insights from a recent Psychology Today article that reveals the power of intuition—a hidden gem of knowledge residing within everyone. Neuroscience is shedding light on how gut feelings can guide decision-making, with even the military tapping into this fascinating realm of human experience.

But that's just the beginning! The discussion also delves into cutting-edge research from Imperial College, the leading university in the UK, as it investigates the role of plant medicine and natural health in enhancing the understanding of consciousness. In a world where food and medicine are often tainted with harmful chemicals, it's time to reclaim well-being and question the status quo.

Listeners are encouraged to strap in, open their minds, and get ready for an inspiring conversation about the future of humanity and the incredible possibilities that await when a deeper understanding of self is embraced.

Become a friend and unlock exclusive goodies and VIP tickets to our shows—sign up for your FREE Guide today! >>> CLICK<<<

Episode 6: Dame Caroline Haslett

The daughter of a Sussex railway worker, Caroline Haslett had a narrow upbringing and little formal education. But a combination of natural intelligence, iron will and diplomatic charm – along with good fortune – led her to become, through the magic of engineering, the most prominent businesswoman of her age.

 Caroline was motivated by a determination to relieve women from domestic drudgery – and thereby free them to pursue careers outside the home – by replacing manual labour with mechanical devices. Starting as an apprentice boiler-maker, she became first secretary of the Women’s Engineering Society and, later, founder and first director of the Electrical Association for Women.

 Energetic networking and excellent management skills, which won the admiration of all who met her, took Caroline to the peak of her profession, recognised in 1947 with her admission to the Central Electricity Authority as its first female member – and, for her role advising the government on women’s labour during the Second World War, the award of a damehood.

Henrietta Heald is the author of Magnificent Women and Their Revolutionary Machines (Unbound, 2021). Her other books include William Armstrong, Magician of the North (McNidder & Grace, 2012), which was shortlisted for two literary prizes.

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Empowering Change: Celebrating Women Championing Equality

We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of an inspiring journey with our exhibition project that shines a spotlight on the incredible women who are breaking barriers and championing equality. Our mission is to honour these trailblazers and share their powerful stories through theWomen Change Makers Debut Show on May 29th, 2025.

By becoming a Friend of the project, you not only support our vision but also receive a personal invitation to this landmark event. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in bringing this exhibition to life, allowing us to reach a wider audience and amplify these important narratives.

 With platforms like GoFundMe, donating is easy and free, and your generosity will directly impact our ability to showcase the remarkable journeys of these women. Together, we can inspire change and foster a community that believes in equality for all.

Become a friend and unlock exclusive goodies and VIP tickets to ourshows—sign up for free today! >>> CLICK<<<

 Thank you for standing with us and believing in the power of change! 💪✨

Episode 5: Margaret Partridge

Author Henrietta Heald reads: Margaret Partridge loved everything about engineering and devoted her entire professional life to its practice – and to encouraging and training young women engineers. In 1919 she founded her own electrical consulting business in Devon, whose purpose was to provide lighting and electrical power for local communities. ‘For sheer exciting experience,’ she wrote, ‘give me a town to light!’ 

Margaret was a moving force behind the creation in 1924 of the Electrical Association for Women, chief author of the popularElectrical Handbook for Women and a regular contributor to the EAW’s journal,Electrical Age.

 Among the many female apprentices employed at the Devon firm of M. Partridge & Co. was Beatrice ‘Tilly’ Shilling, who would make her mark as an aeronautical engineer in the Second World War with an invention reckoned to have saved the lives of many airmen.

Hey Podcast listeners! We need your support to create a touring exhibition combined with this podcast station called Women Change Makers. It celebrates remarkable women from diverse industries—women who are not just dreaming of a better future, but actively creating it. Their stories embody resilience, wisdom, and the spirit of trailblazing change

By becoming a Friend of the Project, you'll not only help us influence change, but you'll receive a personal invitation to the highly anticipated Women Change Makers Debut Show. Your contribution will make a real difference in amplifying the voices of incredible women making change in our communities.

Join us on this journey and be part of something special!

Thank you for your support!

Become a friend and unlock exclusive goodies and VIP tickets to ourshows—sign up and get your free Guide today! ⁠>>> CLICK<<<⁠

Christina Ioannidiswelcomes you to the "Women’s Health at Work" Mini Series

In today’s fast-paced world, working women oftenjuggle countless responsibilities, and it’s easy for their health and well-being to take a back seat—but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m Christina Ioannidis, CEO of Aquitude, where we help companies keep their top employees engaged and thriving. In this podcast, we’re tackling the big question: How can women succeed in their careers without sacrificing their health and happiness?

According to Forbes women are typically diagnosed:

· 2.5 years later than men for cancer

· 4.5 years later than men for diabetes;

· later than men in more than 700 diseases.

Moreover, 60% of long-Covid sufferers are women.
Questions we find ourselves asking;

· Why are these disparities present? 

· What needs to change? 

· Who are involved in making these changes happen?

In this exciting new series called Female Health, we’llexplore how women can thrive at work while taking care of themselves along the way. From balancing the demands of career growth to fostering personal well-being, this podcast is all about supporting women as they navigate their professional paths. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, juggling multiple roles, or just figuring out how to stay energised and healthy in your busy life, I’ve got you covered with expert insights, actionable tips, and inspiring stories.

 Let’s get started on this journey of building healthier, happier careers—together!

MEET Christina Ioannidis

CEO, Aquitude
Consultant, Trainer, Speaker

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