Finding Your EPIC

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Parul Patel, a lawyer and founder of the legal and sports business consultancy, Fuel+Move.

Parul explains that her problem-solving prowess stems from a combination of innate curiosity and extensive professional nurturing, particularly during her time at Nike, where there was a strong expectation to "find a way." She emphasises that this skill is not just about legal acumen but also involves understanding people, reading between the lines, and adapting solutions to diverse stakeholder needs. She learns by doing, analysing situations retrospectively, and even drawing inspiration from unrelated activities, a concept she terms "career yoga" – creating space to explore new experiences and skills without a rigid agenda. 

The discussion concludes with Parul sharing a quote that deeply resonates with her from Dr Sunita Sah: “Defiance is acting in accordance with your true values when there is pressure to do otherwise.”

To get in touch with Parul, find her here:  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul01/ 

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Alexandra Foster, Director, Global Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) & Professional Business Services, Fujitsu.

Alexandra discusses transforming challenges into strengths. She highlights how self-diminishing language, like "just," can undermine self-worth, advocating for celebrating all wins. Alexandra, who is dyslexic, views this as a source of unique strengths like creativity. She champions creating an "epicentre" of internal power and believes true workplace freedom requires psychological safety and valuing diverse thinking. Leaders should help unlock these "hidden superpowers." 

Alexandra concludes with Louisa May Alcott's quote: "I'm not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship”, emphasising resilience in leadership.

To get in touch with Alexandra, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrajfoster/ 

Stay tuned for future episodes of the Finding Your EPIC® podcast

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Anna Mascolo, Executive Vice President, Low Carbon Solutions, Shell

Anna discusses key moments that shaped her remarkable career journey. Such as managing self-doubt by acknowledging but not surrendering to imposter syndrome, and how she evolved from trying to blend in to embracing her authentic leadership style. She shares how understanding workplace biases and dynamics helped her navigate challenges and emphasises that real progress begins with awareness.

She shares Sheryl Sandberg's philosophy: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" noting that by not trying, you are already making a choice that limits growth opportunities.

To get in touch with Anna, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamascolo/ 

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Isabel Berwick, Working It editor, Financial Times

Isabel describes how curiosity has shaped her career and personal life. Growing up, she moved frequently between schools, developing an extroverted nature and genuine interest in others. She describes herself as a "timid extrovert" who found traditional reporting challenging but thrived when she transitioned to editing roles.

The conversation concludes with Isabel sharing a meaningful quote from Martha Beck: "If you feel like you're blowing up your life, ask yourself if the opposite is true. Maybe you're bringing your real life into being for the first time." 

To get in touch with Isabel, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelberwick/ 

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Caroline Brown, PhD Partner at Deloitte 

Caroline reflects on her journey of self-awareness and leadership growth, sparked by a pivotal career setback when she is passed over for a promotion she expects to receive. She shares how this moment revealed a key blind spot: her exceptional ability to see clear strategic steps is not always matched by her ability to bring others along - assuming they share her clarity and failing to explain the “why” behind her direction.

Caroline highlights the power of storytelling and analogies to make complex ideas accessible, especially in pioneering, first-of-their-kind projects. Closing the episode by sharing the mantra she lives by: “Just say yes - Life is so much more exciting and interesting when you just say yes, it’s a much harder path, but oh my goodness, it’s so much more interesting.”

To get in touch with Caroline, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejbrown/

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Frida Dhal, HRBP Global Controlling & Procurement, Signify.  

Frida shares how having a bubbly personality creates positive environments and how this can initially hinder professional perception. She explains how building trust enables honest feedback and support during difficult times like restructuring. She emphasises the importance of making team members feel needed, competent and respected.

Frida concludes with Karen Salmansohn's quote: " When it comes right down to it, whatever business you're in, you're in the people business. After all, people prefer to do business with people and companies they find likeable."

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Dr Heather Melville OBE, Partner, Stork & May .

Heather shares her background as a child of Windrush generation parents who instilled strong values and a "can-do" attitude. She discusses how she transforms negative feedback into motivation and emphasises the importance of effective communication in leadership. The conversation concludes with Heather sharing Michelle Obama’s (whom she had the privilege of meeting), famous quote: "When they go low, you go high," which serves as a guiding principle in her approach to difficult situations.

To get in touch with Heather, find her here: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-heather-melville-obe-cmgr-ccmi/ 

Jacqueline and Michelle discuss her career journey, sharing her transition from sales to learning and development at Organon. She emphasises viewing careers as long-term journeys rather than just jobs. Drawing from her childhood love of Lego, Michelle reflects on how early interests often shape career choices. She describes how career paths have evolved from traditional ladders to more flexible trajectories, advocating for finding joy in one's work. The conversation concludes with a powerful quote from Rosalynn Carter: "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."

To get in touch with Michelle, find her here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-stokes-0914106/

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Lisa Ardley-Price, Global Co-Chair, NatWest Gender Network.

Jacqueline and Lisa discuss her career journey: the transition from private practice to an in-house role at NatWest, prompted by the loss of both parents in 2013. The move enabled her to develop broader business skills while maintaining work-life balance. Alongside her legal career, she has become a fitness instructor, yoga teacher, and certified coach, driven by her passion for helping others reach their potential. Lisa shares Eleanor Roosevelt's quote about gaining strength through facing fears and doing what seems impossible.

To get in touch with Lisa, find her here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-ardley-price-78076925/