Why do moments of uncertainty feel so overwhelming? Why does imposter syndrome appear just when we need confidence most? And what actually happens inside our brains when we're under pressure?

In this bonus episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily are joined by Professor Abigail Gregory MBE former senior university leader, executive coach, mentor and higher education consultant to explore the science behind the emotions that shape our leadership.

Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience and her work in applied neuroscience, Abigail explains why emotions aren't something to suppress but signals we can learn to understand. Together they unpack the neurological responses behind stress, uncertainty, frustration and self-doubt, and share practical techniques to help leaders respond with greater clarity, confidence and compassion.

From the SCARF Model and emotional regulation to breaking cycles of negative thinking and protecting your mental bandwidth, this conversation is packed with evidence-based insights that every leader can put into practice.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to make sense of your own emotional responses, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of yourself and the tools to lead with greater intention.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on LinkedIn

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Follow Professor Abigail Gregory OBE on

LinkedIn Prof Abigail Gregory

Read See works of David Rock and Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Emotions

02:56 Understanding Emotional Responses in Leadership

12:34 The SCARF Model: Navigating Social Experiences

21:16 Meta-Awareness and Emotional Regulation

28:02 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership

32:25 Topping Up the Prefrontal Cortex

36:03 Breaking the Spiral of Negative Thoughts

41:13 Managing Uncertainty and Control

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Emotions

02:56 Understanding Emotional Responses in Leadership

12:34 The SCARF Model: Navigating Social Experiences

21:16 Meta-Awareness and Emotional Regulation

28:02 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership

32:25 Topping Up the Prefrontal Cortex

36:03 Breaking the Spiral of Negative Thoughts

41:13 Managing Uncertainty and Control

In this episode of Sex on Top, it’s just us — reflecting on the lessons from Season One and the themes that stayed with us after our conversation with Maureen Manning.

Inspired by Maureen’s powerful reminder that “this was always the path,” we explore what it means to trust your journey, make intentional choices, and recognise that leadership is rarely linear. From preparing for weddings and busy summers to creating a sense of home and sanctuary, this is a conversation about slowing down and prioritising what matters most.

We also dive into the difference between coaching and mentoring, the value of building your own personal board of directors, and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you can make all the difference.

At the heart of this episode is the idea that leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires reflection, self-awareness, and the courage to make decisions that align with your values — even when they look different from what others expect.

Honest, thoughtful, and grounding, this episode is an invitation to reconnect with your north star and trust that every step is part of the story

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

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LinkedIn ⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠

Links from the episode:

⁠⁠Revealing: The Surprising Power of Oversharing

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership

01:32 Reflecting on Season One and Community Building

03:22 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Self-Care

04:32 Personal Updates: Weddings and Life Changes

07:37 The Value of Home and Creating a Sanctuary

09:28 Transitioning to a Busy Summer

09:44 Crafting Personal Narratives

13:10 Crafting a Career with Intention

14:26 The Importance of Prioritisation

16:16 Communicating Priorities Effectively

17:53 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

20:56 Understanding the Differences: Mentoring vs Coaching

24:17 Creating a Supportive Community

29:27 Building Your Personal Board of Directors

30:02 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Maureen Manning, Founder and Principal Strategist of The Global Nexus Collective whose journey from aspiring performer to global education strategist is a powerful story of purpose, identity, and impact.

What began as a love for storytelling on stage took an unexpected turn during a formative study abroad experience at sixteen reshaping not just Maureen’s path, but her understanding of how stories can influence people, systems, and the world around us.

We explore the role of storytelling in leadership, and how building authentic narratives can elevate both individuals and organisations particularly in complex and shifting global contexts. From navigating the realities of the “sandwich generation” to making intentional, sometimes difficult life choices, Maureen shares what it means to lead with clarity, conviction, and care.

We also dive into mentorship, community, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you alongside the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.

Thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective, this episode is a reminder that the path isn’t always linear but when you lead with purpose and authenticity, every chapter has meaning,

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

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LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠

Follow Maureen

LinkedIn Dr Maureen Manning ⁠ The Global Nexus Collective

Website ⁠The Global Nexus Collective

Leadership networks mentioned by Maureen in this episode -World Council on Global and Intercultural Competence Global Leadership League

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership

02:11 Meet Maureen - A Journey Through Leadership

03:43 The Power of Storytelling in Education

09:20 Creating a Career From a Passion

09:46 Making Choices in Career and Family

17:17 Normalizing Personal Choices

19:32 The Sandwich Generation Experience

23:18 Authenticity in Storytelling

25:01 Creating Supportive Communities

27:41 The Role of Mentorship

31:39 Taking the Leap: Embracing Uncertainty

33:35 The Value of Credentials and Breaking Free

37:59 Understanding Your Value in the Sector

39:17 The Power of Storytelling and Performance

43:02 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth

43:02 Mentorship and Lifting Others Up

In this episode of Sex on Top, it’s just us reflecting on leadership, identity, and the realities that sit behind the roles we hold.

We open up about grief, support systems, and the moments that bring everything into perspective alongside the ongoing juggle of work, family, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” From the idea of “sixteen summers” to the emotional weight of being present, this is a conversation about what really matters and how easily it can get lost.

We also explore the limiting beliefs that shape our decisions, from financial security and being the provider, to the fear of failure and what it means to attach your reputation to something new. What happens when you don’t feel like the expert in the room? And is expertise always what leadership actually requires?

This episode dives into the tension between confidence and doubt, the value of transferable skills, and why no one person holds all the answers - even at the top.

Honest, reflective, and deeply human, this is a conversation about self-compassion, challenging your own narrative, and learning to lead without having it all figured out 🎙️

Check out this article on reframing limiting beliefs on the Open University website

Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership

02:42 Personal Reflections on Grief and Support

07:56 Balancing Work and Family Life

11:53 Limiting Beliefs and Personal Growth

18:27 Fear of Failure and Importance of Reputation

21:33 Is Expertise a Proxy?

24:24 The Role of Expertise in Career Development

27:03 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

31:39 Everybody Brought a Skill

In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Gayathri Bala, founder of a community-led Pilates studio in Kingston upon Thames whose journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the boldest move is stepping off the traditional path.

Leaving behind a career in pharmacy and public health, Gayathri took a leap into entrepreneurship, building a business rooted in purpose, connection, and wellbeing. But behind the scenes, that leap has meant navigating uncertainty, challenging limiting beliefs, and learning in real time what it really takes to grow something from the ground up.

We explore what it means to build a values-led business, the reality of multiple career pivots, and how identity, ambition, and self-belief shape the way we lead. From questioning whether you need to be an expert, to facing the fear of failure, this is an honest conversation about figuring it out as you go.

At the heart of it all is one core idea: connection is currency. Whether it’s building a community, asking for help, or creating something that genuinely matters, Gayathri’s story is a refreshing take on success that goes far beyond titles or income.

Raw, real, and deeply relatable, this episode is for anyone thinking about taking the leap or already in the messy middle of it.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠

Follow Gayathri on

Insta ThePilatesClubLondon

Website thepilatesclublondon.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Meet Gayathri - A Journey Through Leadership

04:13 Building Community Through Pilates

08:27 The Importance of Authenticity in Business

12:19 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship

12:24 Navigating Identity and Race

17:34 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship

23:58 Identifying Your Limited Beliefs

26:05 Navigating Competition and Self-Promotion

31:08 Personal Growth Through Business Challenges

34:37 Finding Joy and Legacy in Work

39:05 But Do You Need To Be An Expert?

41:02 The Fear of Failure

42:23 The Power of Community Support

48:24 The Power of Asking for Help

49:14 Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Sex on Top, we take a step back to reflect on the strategic leadership themes sparked by our recent conversation with Jackie Carter, Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester.

What does it really mean to lead strategically in today’s world? We explore the difference between transformational change and incremental shifts, the importance of building a clear narrative for your strategy, and why thinking beyond your immediate context is critical to effective leadership.

We also dive into the role of trust, how to create strategies that genuinely connect with people, and the challenge of balancing ambition with sustainability both for organisations and ourselves.

Thoughtful, honest, and practical, this episode is a reflection on what it takes to lead with clarity, intention, and impact in complex environments.

Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership

01:29 Reflections on Season One and Community Engagement

03:36 The Featured Women Campaign

05:37 Audience Insights: Engaging Men in the Conversation

07:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life

10:11 Ambition: The Cost of Success

14:45 Understanding Strategic Leadership

20:59 Strategic Thinking Beyond the Echo Chamber

23:46 The Role of Trust in Leadership

26:10 Transformational Change vs. Incremental Adjustments

28:06 Building a Narrative for Strategy

32:27 The Importance of Listening to Your Body

36:04 The Weight of Representation in Leadership

38:46 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace

42:40 How to Make People Feel They Matter

Deaf, dizzy, disabled and proudly a proper Northerner -Jackie Carter has spent a lifetime doing things her own way and opening doors for others along the way. From being the first in her working-class family to attend university to becoming a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Manchester, Jackie’s 40-year career has been defined by challenging the status quo and using data to create real change.

In this episode, Jackie shares her journey through leadership, adversity and reinvention — from navigating hearing impairment and breast cancer, to advocating for disability inclusion and building cultures where everyone belongs.

We talk about the intersection of data and humanity, the importance of values-driven leadership, navigating difficult conversations, and finding purpose in new chapters of life.

Honest, reflective and deeply human, Jackie’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting the mould — it’s about reshaping it.

Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

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Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Jackie Carter on

Insta @sunflowerjackie

LinkedIn Jackie Carter

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Meet Jackie: A Journey through Leadership

11:20 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Voice

20:10 The Intersection of Data and Humanity

24:17 Challenging the Status Quo

25:58 The Importance of Values in Leadership

30:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations

33:37 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

39:42 Finding Purpose in Retirement

In this episode, Lily and Alice explore overwhelm, boundaries, and the changing nature of friendships in adulthood. From recognising when you’ve reached your limit to learning that boundaries don’t look the same for everyone, they unpack the realities of managing expectations at work and in life.

The conversation moves into evolving relationships, the honesty required for meaningful connection, and the grief that can come when friendships change or fall away — alongside the joy of intentionally celebrating the ones that remain.

A warm, honest discussion about protecting your energy, embracing “good enough,” and navigating relationships with authenticity.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠

Sign up to our IWD Event on 5th March The View From The Top

Chapters

00:00 Feeling the Love in February

03:14 Overcoming Overwhelm

04:52 Identifying the Circuit Breaker

09:08 When Boundaries Don't Suit Everybody

13:09 Setting Boundaries That Work For You

15:16 Embracing Good Enough

16:27 Workload and Expectations

17:31 Boundaries in Work vs. Friendships

19:10 Evolving Friendships and Intentional Relationships

23:05 The Loneliness of Adulthood

25:04 Friendships Across Generations

26:11 Authenticity in Relationships

26:48 The Importance of Honesty

28:42 When Friendships Change

30:43 Grieving Friendship Loss

32:06 Practicing Boundaries

32:53 Celebrating Friendships

What happens when the world tells you who to be — but you choose to listen to yourself instead?

In this episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily sits down with designer, founder and changemaker Shahnaz Ahmed, the creative mind behind the iconic green food hygiene rating signs displayed in cafés and restaurants across the UK. You’ve seen her work. But her journey to the top has been anything but straightforward.

As a woman of colour from a South Asian background navigating white, male-dominated creative industries, Shahnaz has had to fight to be seen, heard, and paid what she deserves. From being underpaid in agency life to working inside the global tech machine at META, she shares what it really takes to build trust, lead with vulnerability, and refuse to shrink yourself to fit the room.

We talk about career pivots, choosing difference, and the power of building a “first team” philosophy. Shahnaz opens up about motherhood, founding the global craft movement Knit Aid and the deeply personal impact of debilitating grief.

Through it all, she’s arrived at a powerful truth: acceptance isn’t giving up - it’s recognising that you are your own best solution.

This is a conversation about identity, creativity, resilience, and creating workplaces that are safe, human, and expansive enough for all of us.

Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesdayand Alice Ludgate on

Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠

Follow Shahnaz Ahmed on

Insta ⁠@shahnaztahmed⁠

LinkedIn ⁠Shahnaz Ahmed⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Meet Shahnaz - A journey through leadership

02:26 The Elevator Pitch

06:32 Navigating Career Challenges as a Woman of Colour

08:29 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

09:45 Building a First Team Philosophy

13:07 The Impact of Education and Support on Career

14:48 Creativity and Self-Expression in the Digital Age

17:33 The Power of Connections in Career Advancement

25:16 Building Trust and Overcoming Obstacles

27:15 Navigating Career Pivots andAcceptance

29:16 Reflections on Working at Meta

32:07 Life Beyond Work: Motherhood and Creativity

35:35 The Impact of Grief on Personal and Professional Life

40:56 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace

44:26 Advice for Women in Leadership

46:55 Moments of Triumph and Public Speaking

As 2026 kicks off at breakneck speed, Alice and Lily reflect on new beginnings, Blue Monday, and setting intentions on their own terms. From celebrating milestones (200 listens and a little too much wine) to navigating overwhelm, self-care, and the myth of the “restful” festive break.

They explore non-linear careers, the gig economy, and the freedom and the pressure of working outside the 9-to-5, alongside reflections on self-image, personal presence and global uncertainty. A candid conversation about ambition, authenticity, and embracing careers that don’t follow a straight line, ending with a celebration of women through the Featured Women Campaign.

Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.

Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on

Insta ⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to 2026: New Beginnings

01:57 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

04:18 Setting Intentions for 2026

08:00 Navigating Overwhelm and Self-Care

11:39 Finding Joy in Small Moments

15:09 Coping with Global Events and Emotional Boundaries

20:31 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Image

21:39 Exploring Personal Presence and Leadership

25:07 Reflections on Non-Linear Career Paths

28:35 Embracing Flexibility and Authenticity in Careers

35:21 Celebrating Women: The Featured Women Campaign