Joyful Ambition

What happens when the traditional HR playbook stops working - and a new generation decides to build something better? Luke O'Mahoney, Founder of Sapien X, joins the show to explore why so many founders, leaders, and solopreneurs are walking away from conventional people practices and writing their own rules.

From the very different realities of corporate HR versus startup life, to using technology as a force multiplier for lean teams, this is a conversation about building smarter, not just harder. Luke also unpacks why community and intentional networking are the hidden edge for independent operators - and why your mindset might be the most underrated business tool you own.

Takeaways

• The post-HR generation isn't anti-people - it's pro-intentionality. Traditional HR structures often create bureaucratic drag that stifles growth, especially in early-stage or lean businesses.
• Corporate HR and startup people ops are fundamentally different disciplines. What works at scale can actively harm a small team - and vice versa.
• Technology is the great equaliser for solopreneurs. The right stack can give a one-person business the operational leverage of a much larger team.
• Community is infrastructure, not a nice-to-have. For independent operators, intentional networking replaces the collaboration and accountability structures that corporate environments provide by default.
• Business acumen and mindset are inseparable. Luke argues that the shift from employee to entrepreneur requires rewiring how you think about risk, ownership, and time - before any tactical changes make sense.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Sapien X
• 16:12 Leveraging Tech for Business Optimisation
• 22:09 Community and Networking in Solopreneurship

What if the secret to becoming a better leader, colleague, or co-founder had nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with how you show up in relationships?

In this episode of Joyful Ambition, Bry sits down with Andrea Balboni, relationship and intimacy coach, to explore the profound connection between our personal and professional lives. Andrea unpacks why the same skills that deepen intimacy at home: communication, vulnerability, trust, and emotional safety, are the exact skills that make leaders more effective, teams more cohesive, and workplaces more human.

From navigating power dynamics to creating psychological safety in the boardroom, and from co-founder tensions to the small acts of kindness that quietly transform culture, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and honest insight.

If you've ever wondered why great talent leaves toxic environments, or why some leaders inspire loyalty while others breed distance, this episode is your answer.

You'll discover:

• The 5 relationship skills everyone needs - at work and at home
• Why emotional safety is the foundation of effective leadership
• How your personal relationship patterns show up in professional dynamics
• Practical tips for deepening trust and connection in any relationship
• What intimacy actually means and why it matters in the workplace

Guest: Andrea Balboni | Relationship & Intimacy Coach

Kayleigh Graham built a career that turned heads - promotions, influence, the kind of trajectory people notice. She also faced the question every ambitious woman dreads: "Did you sleep your way here?"

In this conversation, Kayleigh doesn't shy away from the reality of climbing in spaces that weren't built for you. She shares the strategies that accelerated her rise - relentless curiosity, asking the questions no one else would, driving DEI work even when it made her unpopular, and why those same skills eventually led her to build something entirely her own.

This isn't a story about leaving corporate life because it broke her. It's about choosing a different kind of power: one where the rules, the environment, and the definition of success are finally hers to set.

This is what Ladder vs. Landscape actually looks like - recognising when you've mastered the climb, and deciding the view is better elsewhere.

In this episode:

• How to respond when your success is questioned or diminished
• The career accelerators that actually work (curiosity, feedback, strategic visibility)
• Why driving inclusion often means challenging the people who promoted you
• Building tenacity without adopting toxicity
• Knowing when you've outgrown the structure, not the ambition

Takeaways

• Tenacity and Enthusiasm
• Strategically Asking Questions and Seeking Feedback

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey
• 06:08 Overcoming Adversity and Imposter Syndrome
• 12:33 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business
• 20:41 Personal Recommendations and Conclusion

Petra Gatto knows what it's like to start over. After years as an entrepreneur, she rebuilt her career around personal brand mentorship and in doing so, discovered that the most powerful networking tool isn't LinkedIn. It's confidence.

In this conversation, Petra shares how she moved from rebuild to rebrand, and why personal branding isn't about curating a perfect online presence - it's about doing the internal work so that when you show up, it's actually you.

We talk about the role of photography in shifting self-perception, why authenticity without self-care becomes exhausting performance, and how music and ritual can anchor your confidence before you walk into any room (virtual or real).

This is networking and personal branding for people who are tired of performing. It's about building a brand and a career that doesn't require you to be someone else.

In this episode:

• Rebuilding career confidence after a major transition
• Why personal branding starts with how you see yourself, not how others see you
• Photography as a tool for self-perception and presence
• The difference between authentic visibility and performative branding
• Self-care as the foundation of sustainable networking
• Using music and ritual to build confidence before high-stakes moments

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Petra Gatto
• 05:38 Building Confidence Through Photography
• 14:57 Authenticity and Personal Branding
• 20:22 Self-Care and Personal Branding

Join us for an inspiring conversation with British entrepreneur Angie Vaux, founder of the Women in Tech Forum supporting over 20,000 members globally.

Discover how to build your own “personal board of directors” for career growth, why diverse perspectives are crucial for effective decision-making, and the strategies that are driving real change for women in the tech industry.

Angie shares practical insights on preparing for impactful board meetings, the importance of self-care in leadership roles, and her vision for supporting career returners.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or advocating for workplace equality, this episode offers actionable advice on leveraging collective action to create lasting change.

This episode is a goody, you'll learn how to take strategic steps for setting up for success - take a seat!

Find Angie here:

• Women in Tech Forum & Women Leaders Forum & Restart in Tech Forum

• Follow Angie on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠⁠⁠here: ⁠⁠⁠https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

In this inspiring episode, Bryony sits down with Claire Shaw, former opera singer turned vocal coach, to explore how voice training empowers professional development, particularly when you're seeking a Leadership role.

Claire shares her fascinating journey from the opera stage to coaching executives and reveals practical techniques for developing presence, confidence, and authentic communication.

This conversation is so clever!! We unpack how breath awareness, body connection, and intentional practice can transform not just how we speak, but how we're received in professional environments.

Whether you're preparing for a presentation, navigating male-dominated spaces, or simply looking to develop greater vocal confidence, Claire offers invaluable insights and actionable strategies to help you find your voice and use it with power and purpose.

You'll takeaway:

• How to notice the critical connection between breath, body, and presence
• Specific challenges women face in asserting their voices professionally
• Practical exercises to enhance vocal confidence
• How self-care directly impacts communication effectiveness
• Grounding techniques for high-stakes speaking situations

Claire brings a unique perspective to executive communication, focusing on presence, breath awareness, and authentic expression. I can't wait for you to listen in!

Find Claire here:

• Claire Shaw's website

• Follow Claire on LinkedIn or Substack

Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠⁠⁠here: ⁠⁠https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

In this powerful episode, we welcome Katherine Wintsch, author of the acclaimed book "Slay Like a Mother."

Katherine shares her transformative journey from chasing external validation to embracing authentic self-acceptance. With refreshing honesty, she discusses the challenges women face in both personal and professional realms, including the pervasive impact of imposter syndrome and the critical need for supportive environments where vulnerability is welcomed.

Katherine offers profound insights on redefining success on your own terms, the shift from surface-level self-care to deeper soul care, and how women can recognise their inherent worth beyond achievements and accolades.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating self-doubt while striving for personal growth and fulfillment, I can't wait for you to listen!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How to recognise and overcome the trap of seeking external validation
• Why women often feel isolated in their struggles and how to break that cycle
• Practical strategies for addressing imposter syndrome in professional settings
• The difference between superficial self-care and transformative soul care
• How vulnerability can become your greatest strength
• Ways to create supportive environments that foster honesty and growth
• The importance of defining success on your own terms

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "Slay Like a Mother" by Katherine Wintsch
• Katherine's Website
• The Mom Complex
• Recommended book: "Seat of the Soul" by Gary Zhukov

Connect With Katherine:

• Instagram: @kwintsch
• LinkedIn: Katherine Wintsch

Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠⁠⁠here: ⁠https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Creating Access: The Key to Diverse Leadership with Sarah-Emily

In this episode, we're joined by the dynamic Sarah-Emily who shares her fascinating journey from Lawyer to Recruitment to VP of People and her profound insights on creating access for underrepresented groups in leadership positions.

From navigating career transitions to addressing the challenges of representation in the start-up world, Sarah-Emily offers a refreshing perspective on how organisations can move beyond simply swapping diverse profiles to truly creating meaningful change. She dives deep into the importance of honest exit conversations and making space for step-ups that allow emerging leaders to grow.

But it doesn't stop there! Sarah-Emily also explores the critical role of self-perception in leadership success—highlighting how the way you see yourself directly impacts how others experience your leadership.

Learn how effective communication, constructive feedback, and creating genuine opportunities can transform organisational culture and performance.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone interested in building more inclusive leadership environments or navigating their own career transitions—get ready to see leadership development through a new lens!

Take a seat and let's dive in.

Here's where to find the wonderful Sarah-Emily: ⁠LinkedIn

Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠⁠⁠here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Elodie Levasseur, Leadership Coach and Founder of Shine Bright Academy. From understanding the integration of masculine and feminine energies to creating psychological safety in leadership spaces, Elodie shares how balancing different approaches can transform your effectiveness at the Board table.

As someone deeply connected to embodiment practices, Elodie's expertise reveals how we can tune into our body's wisdom as a powerful Leadership tool. She dives deep into practical strategies like active listening and somatic awareness, offering unique insights on how to make clearer decisions and foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thrive.

But it doesn't stop there! Elodie also explores the significance of emotional awareness and self-care in leadership—making sure you're not just showing up, but showing up authentically.

Learn how creating space before contributing can dramatically increase your impact, help you process emotions more effectively, and enhance team cohesion.

This episode is packed with wisdom and actionable advice for aspiring board members—get ready to see leadership through a new lens!

Take a seat and let's dive in.

Here's where to find the wonderful Elodie: ⁠LinkedIn

Shine Bright Academy

Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠⁠⁠https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Evgenia Koroleva, Founder of One London and The Female Curve. From corporate finance to the fitness world, Evgenia shares how she discovered the power of tailoring your health, fitness, and environment to sharpen your mind and boost your performance.

As someone who grew up “outdoorsy,” Evgenia's curiosity led her to uncover how women can optimize their personal physiology to unlock their full potential. She dives deep into powerful strategies like cycle syncing and flipping the script on gym environments, offering unique insights on how to elevate your training and smash through obstacles in male-dominated industries.

But it doesn’t stop there! Evgenia also reveals how to approach raising investment with optimism—making sure your numbers are not just realistic, but ambitious. Learn how to set yourself up for success, design your career on your own terms, and thrive in every aspect of life.

This episode is packed with wisdom and actionable advice—get ready to be inspired! Take a seat and let’s dive in.

Here's where to find the wonderful Evgenia:

ONE LDN Gym

The Female Curve

Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠⁠here:https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice.We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.