She Leads Collective: Women, Leadership and What It Takes to Thrive at Work

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What happens when the loss that shapes your life is the one the world rarely talks about? In this deeply human conversation released to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October, UK), Shelley Kay—Talent & Development Business Partner and co-lead of the Gender Perspectives Network at the Adecco Group—shares her personal experience of five miscarriages and how she transformed private heartbreak into advocacy at work.

Shelley and I explore why baby loss remains shrouded in silence in many organisations, what that silence costs people trying to show up at work, and the practical, compassionate steps leaders and colleagues can take—listening without fixing, person-led support, flexible workload, and sensitive language. Shelley also describes the initiatives she helped seed inside Adecco: resources for managers and colleagues, signposting to specialist support, a “Holding Hands” network, and a memorial tree programme—simple acts that signal belonging.

If your organisation wants to move from good intentions to real care, this episode offers a roadmap.

Content note: this episode includes discussion of pregnancy and baby loss. UK support: The Miscarriage Association:  [email protected] , Sands [email protected] and Tommy’s [email protected]

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What does it take to turn good intentions into real change? In this conversation, Robert Baker—founder of Potentia Talent Consulting, board member at European Women on Boards, UN Women UK, and Women in Quantum Development, and former co-president of PWN Global—shares how to engage men as allies and build inclusive, gender-balanced cultures that last. 

We explore the “aha” moments from his men’s workshops (including stereotypes we don’t notice), how to counter the “zero-sum” fear when women rise, and why psychological safety and accountability matter more than one-off training. Robert also talks boards, redefining success for men, and practical steps leaders can take—starting this week. If you care about moving from statements to systemic change, then this one’s for you.

 Listen in and share with a colleague who’s ready to lead differently.

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-baker-potentia-talent-consulting/

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What happens when someone tells you “women aren’t funny”? If you’re Lynne Parker BCAa, you build a movement. In this episode, Lynne — Founder & CEO of Funny Women CIC and host of How to Have Fun at Work podcast— shares the origin story of Funny Women, the growth of the Funny Women Awards (from 70 entrants to 2,000+ across performance, writing, film and content creation), and why comedy is one of the most powerful confidence tools in leadership and life.

We talk about platforming new talent (not managing it), the loyalty and pay-it-forward culture among alumni, HERlarious workshops for business audiences, and the bold “Edinburgh Fringe challenge” that took nine first-timers from boardroom to five minutes on stage. Lynne also reflects on receiving the British Citizen Award for Services to the Arts (BCAa), why recognition matters for the arts, and what great leadership looks like when you’re building social impact.

Expect practical ideas, a few behind-the-scenes stories, and a lot of heart. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not funny,” this one’s for you.

To connect with Lynne: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynneparker/

Instagram - funnywomanlynne       website: https://www.funnywomen.com

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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What if the most powerful intelligence today isn’t artificial — but authentic?

In this episode of the She Leads Collective Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Nishma Patel Robb — Ex Google Brand Chief, past President of WACL (Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership), and now Founder of Glittersphere, a movement that’s part TED Talk, part Studio 54, all about making women visible.

Nishma shares her story of growing up as the youngest of three daughters in a creative South Asian/British household, navigating barriers in the media and tech industries, and learning how to find her voice in the most male-dominated rooms. From her turning point moment working with Geena Davis on representation in media, to her reinvention at 50, Nishma speaks with candour, humour, and sparkle about visibility, fairness, and building unapologetic presence.

We explore:

• How her eyes were opened by the actress Geena Davis and Miriam Gonzalez to the bias women face 
• The impact of having a powerful female role model in her CEO at Google
• Why authentic intelligence is the “other AI” every leader needs to master
• How to stop self-editing and start speaking up in rooms that matter
• The role of fear, reinvention, and alignment in building a career you love
• Why women’s stories matter — and how Glittersphere is helping them shine

If you’ve ever held back your brilliance, this conversation will inspire you to step forward, speak up, and be seen.

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of male suicide and mental health.

Why is it that men are told to be “strong” while women are labelled “too sensitive”? And what happens when those same societal rules leave both men and women struggling in silence?

In this powerful episode, released on World Suicide Prevention Day, I’m joined by award-winning cognitive hypnotherapist and author Zeenat Ahmed Peto. Together, we explore how the very system that holds women back also pressures men to hide their emotions — sometimes with devastating consequences.

We discuss:

• How childhood and culture shape emotional expression differently for men and women.
• Why vulnerability is still so uncomfortable at work.
• The subtle signs someone may be covering up their struggles.
• Small, human actions leaders, colleagues and families can take to create safety and connection.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to 

Mind UK https://www.mind.org.uk  

The Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org

or your GP. In an emergency, always call 999.

Connect with Zeenat on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeenatahmedpeto/

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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What if the very thing we’ve been told to leave at the door—our emotions—is actually the most powerful leadership tool we have?

In this episode of the She Leads Collective Podcast, I’m joined by executive coach, facilitator, and author Steph Tranter. Together, we explore why emotions are still treated as “undiscussable” in many organisations, what happens when they’re ignored, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel safe to bring their whole selves—feelings and all.

Steph shares her journey from the checkouts at Tesco to coaching Olympic teams, her passion for helping leaders build resilience and emotional intelligence, and why understanding our emotions is essential not only for wellbeing but for performance.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too emotional” or trained yourself to stay stoic, this conversation offers a powerful reframe: emotions are data, wisdom, and energy that can transform the way we lead.

Connect with Steph on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephtranter/

Or visit her website - https://www.stephtranter.com

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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What does it take to lead with impact in your twenties without burning out? In this episode, I speak with India Hatfield, Senior Manager in AI Product Innovation at Capgemini Invent. India shares her journey from GSK’s Future Leaders programme to senior leadership in tech—all before turning 30. We explore how ambition evolves, how to say no without guilt, and what inclusive leadership really looks like in action. India’s clarity, humour, and honesty are a breath of fresh air. Whether you're early in your career or supporting the next generation of leaders, this episode is packed with wisdom and humanity.

Connect with India on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-hatfield-048a24bb/

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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What kind of leadership does the world need now?

In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, Dr Louise Austin—psychologist, senior lecturer, arts-based researcher, and integrative psychotherapist—joins me to explore what it truly means to be a whole leader in today’s complex, divided world.

We delve into topics rarely discussed in organisational life: the shadow side of leadership, how shame and power dynamics play out in teams, the role of reflective practice, and why genuine transformation always begins within. Louise brings her rich cross-disciplinary perspective to illuminate how depth psychology and arts-based methods can unlock new ways of leading with courage, connection, and compassion.

This episode is part of our Undiscussables series—shining a light on the hidden forces that shape leadership and workplace culture. If you're tired of surface-level talk about leadership and ready to explore the work that truly matters, this one’s for you.

Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-louise-austin-b2445156/

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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What if true leadership meant leading your finances—not just your team?

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Diane Watson—award-winning financial advisor, entrepreneur, and author of She Can Prosper. Diane shares her mission to empower women at every life stage to take control of their financial future. From navigating money mindsets to challenging outdated societal norms, Diane’s insights are practical, personal, and deeply inspiring.

Together, we explore:

• Why even successful women can hesitate to plan financially
• The hidden risks of outsourcing financial responsibility
• How to build confidence around money—no matter where you're starting from

Whether you’re building a business, balancing family life, or stepping into your next chapter, this episode is packed with encouragement and tools to help you prosper—on your terms.

Connect with Diane on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianewatsonsjp/

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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What if the thing that once threatened your life became the foundation of your purpose?

Diagnosed with severe anaphylaxis at age two, Julianne Ponan MBE has spent her life navigating a world that isn’t built for people with allergies—and doing something extraordinary about it.

As the founder and CEO of Creative Nature, Julianne built one of the UK’s leading Top 14 allergen-free brands, securing listings in major supermarkets, exporting to 16 countries, and supplying seven international airlines. She’s a bold advocate and policy voice, influencing allergy awareness across schools, Parliament, and even airline catering.

In this episode, we explore:

• The moment she turned down a Dragons’ Den offer—and why
• The bias she faced when pitching for finance as a young woman of colour
• Her role as Export Policy Champion for the FSB and Non-Exec Director at GS1 UK
• Becoming Medic Alert’s first ambassador in 65 years
• Leading with courage, resilience, and impact

Whether you’re a business founder, policy changemaker, or someone passionate about inclusion, Julianne’s story will leave you inspired—and fired up to lead with purpose.

Connect with Julianne and follow Creative Nature on Instagram - @julianne.ponan and @creativenature

🔗 Connect with Mary: marygregory.com

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