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 🎙️

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.

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

Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

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.

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.

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

In this week’s episode, we chat with Ria Yvonne Lingwood, a true creative powerhouse whose career defies the conventional path. From hair and make-up artistry to international creative projects, and from professional bodybuilding to coaching and judging, Ria has navigated a career full of bold risks, unexpected turns, and unapologetic curiosity.

Join us as Ria shares:

• How she turned her hobbies into a thriving career, including her journey in professional bodybuilding.

• Lessons from embracing the “Peter Pan” approach—staying playful, curious, and unafraid of non-linear paths.

• Insights on stepping beyond comfort zones, valuing your time and worth, and knowing your limits.

• The messiness, humor, and unpredictability of creative careers and self-employment.

This episode is for anyone looking to break societal expectations, pursue passions with courage, and find success on their own terms. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and entertained by Ria’s fearless approach to life and leadership.

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

Insta ⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠

Follow Ria Yvonne on

Insta ⁠@missriayvonne @artistic_stylist

Website www.ArtisticStylist.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Meet Ria - A journey through leadership

03:33 The Elevator Pitch: Defining Identity and Career

06:35 Challenging Societal Expectations

09:25 The Self-Employed Conundrum

13:28 Lessons in Valuing Your Time and Worth

16:38 The Messiness of the Career Path

19:17 When Your Hobby Becomes Your Job

23:13 Stepping Outside Of The Comfort Zone

27:42 Knowing Your Limits

31:38 Image and Confidence

36:54 Does It Always Need A Plan?

39:53 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

Reflecting on Alex's episode, in this episode Lily and Alice discuss themes of professional identity, empowerment and leadership, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and how to cope when your self worth is taking a knock.

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

Insta ⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠

LinkedIn ⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠

Links from the episode:

⁠Pecha Kucha⁠

⁠The Wheel of Life

Chapters

00:00:00 Reflecting on Alex's Story and Initial Listener Engagement

00:02:44 Listener Feedback Validates Our Unapologetic Voices

00:06:37 Navigating Identity During a Career Pause and Affiliation

00:13:19 The Challenge of Non-Affiliation and Forging New Connections

00:18:09 Showing Your True Self for Effective and Enjoyable Leadership

00:29:49 Finding Support and Perspective When Self-Worth is Tested

00:33:10 Strategies for Disruptive Leadership and Driving Change

00:38:10 Teaser for Future Guests and Featured Women Campaign

In this debut episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily crack open the real, raw, and unfiltered stories of women leading at the highest levels — starting with trailblazing digital leader Alex Butler. Alex’s career has been anything but ordinary. She’s led major digital transformations, championed creativity across civil society, and built cultures where ideas actually take root. Describing herself as a “butterfly” who pollinates, Alex brings wisdom, wit, and hard-won lessons to this episode.Together, we dive into the messy realities of leadership: misogyny in AI, ageism, confidence, authenticity, the emotional labour of leading, knowing when to walk away — and the true cost of staying aligned with your values. Alex reflects on pivotal moments in her journey, shares what it really takes to lead with courage, and offers one powerful takeaway every woman in leadership can act on tomorrow.

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 Alex Ludgate on

Insta @lilywednesday73 @alice_luds

LinkedIn Lily Wednesday Alice Ludgate

Follow Alex Butler on

Insta @butlerlovesbees

LinkedIn @alex_butler

Read Alex v. The Algorithm and Escape the Blob

Chapters

02:17 Meet Alex Butler: A Journey Through Leadership

05:28 The Elevator Pitch: Defining Identity and Career

05:34 Misogyny in AI: Addressing Gender Bias

10:49 The Challenge of Ageism in the Workplace

14:46 Self-Worth and Confidence: A Woman's Journey

18:55 The Relentless Nature of Career Progression

22:47 The Responsibility of Leadership

24:53 The Cost of Upholding Values

29:07 Navigating Values and Emotions in the Workplace

32:55 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability

37:55 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

Welcome to Sex On Top, the unapologetic, uncensored podcast where Lily and Alice dive head-first into the real, raw, and often messy realities of being a woman in leadership.

In our pilot episode, we’re lifting the lid on what it actually takes to rise to the top in today’s workplace from navigating vulnerability to owning your emotions.

Join us as we unpack the story behind our name, reflect on how we met, and explore the power of emotional honesty, anger as a tool, and the pressures that come with career pauses, identity shifts, and midlife reinventions.

We’ll also dig into the week’s topical conversations from oversharing, emotional truth, and messy feelings and how they mirror what so many women carry into boardrooms, team meetings, and leadership spaces every day.

This episode sets the tone for what’s to come:raw stories, unfiltered conversations, and practical tools for navigating leadership with emotional intelligence, boundaries, humour, and a whole lot of heart. Throughout the series, we’ll be bringing you the voices of brilliant women showing up with honesty, humanity, and fire.

Whether you're climbing the ladder, sitting at the table, stepping away for a moment, or redefining what success looks like… you belong here.

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 Alex Ludgate on

Insta ⁠@lilywednesday73⁠ ⁠@alice_luds⁠

LinkedIn ⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠ ⁠Alice Ludgate ⁠

00:00 A Warm Welcome and Introduction

05:59 Unpacking Sex on Top

12:02 The Impact of Vulnerability in Leadership

17:58 Emotional Honesty in the Workplace

25:27 Navigating Life Pressures and Career Pauses

29:27 Vulnerability in the Workplace

33:45 Harnessing Anger as a Tool

37:06 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

40:12 Exploring Wellness Practices

46:03 The Purpose Behind the Podcast

49:57 Empowering Women Through Shared Stories

56:14 Engaging with Our Audience