For this week’s Fearless Forward podcast guest, an early career setback became a gift. Having convinced herself she wasn’t good enough to teach, she lost faith in her own worth. It took the right conversations with the right people for her to see this wasn’t true.

Today, Esther Taylor is the CEO of the Lady Macadam Breast Cancer Trust. Historically, Lady Macadam was a pioneer in providing mammograms. But as the NHS improved its services and the charity’s equipment aged, Esther noticed a critical gap in the NHS’ capacity for ongoing emotional and practical support.

By listening to her nurses and the community, Esther identified where they could make the most difference.

“If I see a gap I try to fill it.” She says.

Inspired by a visit to a London charity, Esther and her team have transformed Lady Macadam’s headquarters into a welcoming sanctuary for breast cancer patients. The charity offers holistic services — Pilates, reflexology, nutritional advice, immediate counselling — and advocacy for patients struggling to access timely care.

It has become a lifeline for hundreds of families.

In our conversation we explore Esther’s experience of self-doubt, leadership, and impact. She also talks candidly about the challenges of balancing her CEO role with “mum guilt”, and the effects of menopause on her energy levels — just as her career ambitions are soaring.

Esther champions a culture of flexibility and understanding that recognises the real-life needs of her staff. Her perspective on leading with empathy and vulnerability speaks to the power of creating a supportive work environment where people can thrive both personally and professionally.

Listen to this episode for inspiration and actionable advice from a genuine leader who walks her talk.

This episode will help you:

• Reframe the concept of fear and the unknown from a threat into an exciting opportunity for personal growth and development.
• Understand how practicing vulnerability and flexibility can foster a supportive, trusting culture that gives your team permission to share their own struggles.  
• Learn to navigate the physical and mental demands of midlife while continuing to confidently grow and launch your career ambitions.  
• Evaluate how to manage full-time professional demands alongside family responsibilities and friendships without losing yourself to guilt or exhaustion.  

Highlights

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Esther Taylor and the Lady Macadam Trust
• [00:02:02] Esther's First Three Years as CEO
• [00:02:45] Shifting the Charity's Focus
• [00:07:40] The Importance of Advocacy
• [00:09:31] Rebuilding the Charity's Profile
• [00:11:41] Creative Fundraising: The Selfie Factory
• [00:15:25] Lessons from Creative Fundraising
• [00:16:41] A Collaborative Leadership Style
• [00:17:28] Overcoming Early Career Setbacks
• [00:21:38] A "Can-Do" Attitude to New Opportunities
• [00:25:05] Finding Her Place in the Charity Sector
• [00:27:43] The Fear of Not Doing a Good Enough Job
• [00:29:16] Balancing Work, Family, and Friendships
• [00:32:34] The Importance of Showing Appreciation
• [00:35:07] Navigating Midlife and Career Ambitions
• [00:37:56] The Physical Challenges of Menopause
• [00:40:11] Being a Vulnerable and Flexible Leader
• [00:44:12] What "Fearless Forward" Means

Links:

• Esther's website
• Esther on LinkedIn