Podcast Episode: Resilience, Leadership and Mental Health with Sally Orange MBE

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sally Orange MBE - former British Army Major, record-breaking endurance athlete, mental health campaigner and award-winning charity fundraiser - to explore what true resilience really looks like.

From completing the legendary Marathon des Sables to racing 3,000 miles across America in the Race Across America, earning six Guinness World Records and four Invictus Games medals, Sally has continually pushed the boundaries of mental and physical endurance. Yet behind the extraordinary achievements lies a deeply personal journey through chronic depression and anxiety - experiences that now shape her authentic, compassionate leadership voice.

Sally shares practical, hard-won strategies for performing under pressure, building resilience in extreme environments, and leading courageous conversations around mental health. With warmth, humour and humility (often delivered in her signature slice-of-orange outfit), she challenges organisations and individuals alike to rethink how we support wellbeing and unlock human potential.

Recognised with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and appointed MBE for services to charity and mental health, Sally’s story has featured on BBC Breakfast and The Kelly Clarkson Show, among others - but in this conversation, you’ll hear the unfiltered lessons behind the headlines.

This is an episode about courage, compassion, and the kind of leadership that creates lasting impact.

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In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with world-record-breaking adventurer Kiko Matthews—one of the most impressive and resilient women of our time.

Kiko became the fastest woman in history to row the Atlantic Ocean solo and unsupported, completing the 3,284-mile journey in just 49 days. But her real story begins long before the record: after surviving two life-threatening pituitary tumours and Cushing’s disease, Kiko rebuilt her life with a fierce commitment to adventure, nature, and community.

She talks candidly about navigating extreme physical and mental challenges, the mindset required to take on the impossible, and how adversity shaped her purpose. Kiko also shares her passion for environmental activism—from cycling 6,900 km around the coast of the UK to lead 78 community beach cleans, to championing global initiatives that spark collective action for social change.

Uplifting, raw, and deeply motivating, Kiko’s story reminds us of the power of human resilience and the impact one person can make when they choose courage over comfort. This is an episode that will inspire you to rethink your limits and step boldly into your own potential.

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Emma specialises in creating positive change through communications. She has 30 years’ experience in the communications industry. Today she is Chief Executive of SEC Newgate UK, part of the international communications group, SEC Newgate S.p.A. on whose board she also sits. Her clients include business leaders, household brands and international organisations. She is a regular feature in the ‘PR Week UK Power Book’.

She is Deputy Chair of the Elton John Aids Foundation and a Non-Executive Director of the Green Finance Institute. She is the former Chair of the UK’s largest ovarian cancer charity, Target Ovarian Cancer, and of The Barbican Centre Trust and served on both boards for nine years. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2017.

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In this empowering episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with Louise Vardeman—cyclist, campaigner, and changemaker—as she shares her inspiring journey from a self-described non-sporty child to a trailblazer in women’s cycling. Louise speaks openly about overcoming injuries, navigating personal challenges, and discovering her purpose on two wheels. She dives into important topics like mental health, parenting, and redefining work-life balance to create a more meaningful life. You'll also hear how her efforts with The Internationelles helped ignite the campaign for a women’s Tour de France—and why she's committed to making sport more inclusive for all.

Best known as the founder of The Internationelles, Louise is a passionate advocate for gender equality in professional cycling. Despite having no elite sports background, her evolution into a prominent voice in the movement is a powerful story of resilience and vision. Off the bike, she champions mental wellbeing, inclusion, and structural change in sport—using her platform to inspire a new generation to embrace strength, community, and joy through cycling.

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Clémence Mahéo is a publishing professional and feminist activist who has built her career around amplifying powerful stories and championing social change.

Originally from Brittany, France, Clémence has always been passionate about books and the power they hold. She studied French Literature at the Sorbonne, followed by Media, Communication, and Marketing at CELSA in Paris. In 2008, she moved to the UK and began her publishing career, turning a lifelong love of literature into a global vocation. With over 15 years of experience, she now works internationally, connecting beautiful children’s books and thought-provoking non-fiction with readers around the world.

In March 2023, alongside her publishing work, Clémence co-founded togetHER (www.togetheragainstsexism.org), a UK-based feminist social enterprise and collective with a bold mission to end sexism and sexual violence. The organisation brings together people of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences to make feminism practical, inclusive, and accessible. Through free, action-oriented training, togetHER empowers individuals to understand gender inequality and actively challenge it in their everyday lives.

Clémence's involvement in togetHER reflects her strong commitment to justice, a collaborative spirit, and the belief that real change starts with everyday actions. Trilingual in French, English, and Spanish, she brings a truly international perspective

In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, host Leigh interviews Clémence Mahéo. Clémence shares her journey from a strict upbringing in Brittany, France, to her current work in the UK, where she champions women's rights and social justice through literature and activism.

The conversation explores her influences, the nuances of ambition, the importance of collaboration, and the founding of her social enterprise aimed at combating sexism. Clémence emphasises the need for practical action against sexism and the role of literature in empowering voices. She also reflects on navigating dark times and her aspirations for a legacy of justice and inclusivity.

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In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, Jacqui Wilkinson shares her remarkable journey as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and NATO, discussing the importance of self-leadership, authenticity, and vulnerability in effective leadership. She emphasizes the significance of understanding and overcoming shame, building healthy relationships, and the power of gratitude and forgiveness in personal growth. Through her experiences, she aims to inspire others to break the cycle of abuse and create a legacy of empowerment and resilience.

Jacqui, a survivor of nine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including intergenerational abuse, attempted suicide at 17 and was diagnosed with CPTSD two decades later. Determined to break the cycle of trauma for her children, she embarked on a profound journey of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Through vulnerability and authenticity, she reshaped her identity, earning an MSc with distinction and rising to Wing Commander in the RAF. Her story, shared in her 2024 book Turning the Tables on Trauma, serves as a beacon of hope for abuse survivors, advocating that the past doesn’t define our future.

Jacqui emphasizes that vulnerability is strength and that healing begins with facing hard truths and speaking the unspeakable—especially about intrafamilial abuse. Profits from her book support Axis Counselling, helping other survivors find their voice. As a leader, athlete, coach, speaker, and mental health advocate, Jacqui champions trauma-informed leadership and mental fitness. Her mission is to give a voice to the voiceless, inspire change, and help others rewrite their legacy. Per Ardua Ad Astra – Through adversity to the stars.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, Leigh Bowman-Perks interviews Lisa Bodell, founder and CEO of FutureThink, renowned for transforming businesses with her expertise in innovation and simplification.

Ranked among the Top 50 Speakers Worldwide and author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company, Lisa shares her journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming a global thought leader. She discusses the power of simplification, the need for soft skills in leadership, and how organizations can navigate an era of ‘perma-crisis.’

The conversation also explores overcoming fear, tackling bias in decision-making, and the role of leaders in driving systemic change, innovation, and accountability.

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🎙️ Episode Title: Deanna Oppenheimer – Leadership, Mentorship, and Leaving a Legacy

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Deanna Oppenheimer, a global leader, trailblazer in corporate governance, and passionate advocate for diversity in leadership. In this episode, Deanna reflects on her remarkable career journey across industries, sharing invaluable insights on the power of mentorship, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and the transformative impact of human connection.

Together with Leigh, Deanna dives deep into navigating leadership challenges, the critical role of confidence, authority, and gravitas, and how her upbringing shaped her perspective. She offers thought-provoking reflections on transitioning between industries, the evolving role of technology and AI in leadership, and the ethical considerations shaping the future.

Deanna also opens up about the darker moments of her career, sharing heartfelt lessons on resilience and how to channel passion into meaningful legacy-building. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an experienced leader, or simply curious about thriving in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers a wealth of actionable advice and inspiration.

About Deanna Oppenheimer:

Deanna is a seasoned global corporate board leader and turnaround executive with a career spanning financial services, retail, and digital transformation. She is Chair of IHG Hotels & Resorts (FTSE 100) and a non-executive director at Thomson Reuters and Slalom. Deanna is the founder of BoardReady, a non-profit accelerating diversity on governing boards, and CameoWorks, a consultancy for entrepreneurial transformation.

From her tenure as CEO of Barclays UK and Western Europe Retail Banking to her leadership roles at Washington Mutual, Deanna has consistently driven customer-centric innovation and organizational growth. Her accolades include Lifetime Achievement Awards, Diversity Director of the Year, and Women of Influence honors.

Deanna splits her time between London and Seattle, sharing her wisdom as a mentor, advocate, and family matriarch.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in modern leadership! 🌟

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In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, retired colonel and fighter pilot Kim Casey Campbell shares her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by the Challenger disaster to breaking barriers as a leader in the military.

Kim reflects on the role of mentorship, overcoming adversity, and the courage to confront fears—whether in the cockpit, at work, or in life. Together with host Leigh, they explore themes of leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the power of teamwork and trust in high-stress situations. Kim also opens up about the value of vulnerability in leadership, building supportive networks, and fostering cultural change through tough but necessary conversations.

This powerful conversation offers actionable insights for anyone facing challenges, while highlighting the importance of preparation, connection, and sharing stories to inspire others. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with lessons on courage, resilience, and leading with authenticity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.