Welcome back to the One Bite Podcast — a short monthly voice note to help you slow down, reflect, and realign before your next big jump.

In this episode, I dive into the 3 silent blocks so many women face when stepping into entrepreneurship: Pricing, Projections, and Proving.

I unpack how old corporate patterns sneak into your new chapter, how to stop over-explaining your worth, and why the energy behind your offer matters more than any textbook strategy.

This one’s for you if you:

• Struggle with pricing your work
• Second-guess posting on social media or sharing your voice
• Feel like you’re doing everything right but it still isn’t landing
• Miss the joy of creating - just for the fun of it!

A timely reminder that you don’t need more proof. You are the proof.

Make sure you listen to my latest episode with Uche Enemchukwu for an extra boost of clarity, confidence, and real talk on the messy, magical journey of building a business with soul.

And don't forget to follow me on IG @lifewelllived.by.hv for more daily musings and insights!

Welcome to the first mini-episode from my new Sound Bite series "One Bite Podcast" - a short monthly voice note to help you slow down, reflect, and realign before your next big jump.

In this episode of "One Bite," I open up about my personal struggle with a lack of inspiration and how I overcame it, offering actionable advice on reigniting your creative spark.

Discover my techniques for moving from a state of stagnation to one of inspiration, including going for a walk, dancing, and engaging with like-minded people.

Learn how switching from a mindset of 'having to' to 'feeling like' can transform your approach to work and life, leading to more authentic and fulfilling outputs.

I also share a powerful interaction that rekindled my passion, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to turn things around.

Join me as I help you navigate the highs and lows and guide you to harnessing your inner creativity—ensuring that you, too, can find inspiration in the most unexpected places!

**Follow me on IG @lifewelllived.by.hv for more!

***And listen to episode 6 of Season 2 of the Sound of Breaking Glass for the full conversation with portfolio manager turned ethical farmer Tajana Greil-Castro - which inspired today's musings!:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-bonds-to-barns-lessons-in-patience-and-purpose/id1725714084?i=1000679257087

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dBusS9m8S6dKmJ17qjvVV?si=ZuzU8c0ETVa0-YrQkpAP2Q

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Elspeth Shaw, Director and Practice Leader at C&C Search, about creating a human-centered approach to recruitment and leadership. Elspeth shares her journey from candidate to recruiter, emphasizing the importance of partnership, empathy, and authentic connections in today’s business landscape. She discusses why empowering employees and prioritizing mental well-being are vital for personal and professional success.

Key Takeaways:

• • Humanizing Recruitment: Elspeth advocates for a compassionate approach, viewing candidates as individuals rather than products.
  • Balancing Fear and Confidence: Embrace fear, but don’t let it hold you back; use self-reflection as a tool for growth.
  • Effective Communication: Building strong relationships is about listening actively and adapting communication styles.
  • Mental Health and Leadership: Leaders need to prioritize their own and their team’s well-being, fostering a supportive environment.
  • Impact of Small Actions: Even small acts in recruitment and leadership can have long-lasting effects on people's lives.

Tune in to hear practical insights from Elspeth on building relationships, leadership, and navigating the complexities of recruitment with empathy.

Connect with Elspeth Shaw at [email protected]

Join our community on IG: @lifewelllived.by.hv

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva invites Liz Gebhard, a seasoned commercial executive whose career has dynamically spanned across the realms of video games, fashion, and technology. Liz began her journey in supply chain management, a field she never planned to enter, but one that sparked a deep and lasting interest in the intricacies of a vast industry. This early experience set the stage for her later role at Amazon, where she became a key figure in shaping their global diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Lessons Learned:

• Adaptability Opens Doors: Liz teaches us that flexibility in your skills and openness to new opportunities can propel you through diverse career landscapes.
• Diversity Enhances Environments: By fostering inclusivity, Liz shows that diverse workplaces are not just nicer, but stronger and more dynamic.
• Resilience Shapes Futures: Facing personal and professional challenges head-on can steer your career into more meaningful directions.
• Mentorship Drives Growth: Liz underscores the importance of nurturing talent, particularly in less represented groups, to cultivate a richer, more varied corporate culture.
• Intentional Career Moves Matter: Liz’s shift towards roles that align with her personal values demonstrates how purpose-driven changes can enrich your professional life and satisfaction.

Discover how the twists and turns along the way inspired Liz to navigate her career path with intention and innovation - and so will you!

Find out more about Liz’s current projects by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizgebhard/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join our community on IG @LifeWellLived.by.HV

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Gail Bishop, a recruitment powerhouse with over two decades of experience transforming how senior leaders and board members are placed in influential organizations. Gail’s career began in nursing, but her natural talent for connecting people led her to recruitment and eventually to becoming Head of Talent Research & Diversity.

This conversation goes beyond the mechanics of recruitment to tackle bigger issues like diversity in leadership, the importance of patience in building inclusive talent pipelines, and how organizations can truly support career returners and underrepresented groups. Gail also shares her personal insights on navigating male-dominated industries and why taking a chance on unconventional candidates can be a game-changer.

Key Takeaways:

• • Patience Pays Off: Building diverse talent pipelines requires time and commitment, but the rewards are transformative for organizations.
  • Returner Programs: Structured initiatives for career returners can help unlock hidden talent and bring valuable skills back into the workforce.
  • Diversity Isn’t Optional: Representation in leadership is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity, fostering better decision-making and innovation.
  • The Power of Networking: For those seeking board roles, proactive networking and personal branding are critical for opening doors.
  • Personal Courage: Gail shares how embracing vulnerability and preparation helped her build trust at the board level and navigate her own career challenges.

Tune in to hear Gail’s advice on how to create lasting change in recruitment practices and the workplace—and why taking risks in hiring might just lead to your organization’s next great leader.

Discover more:

• Connect with Gail on https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailbishop/
• Join the Breaking Glass community on Instagram @breakingglasspodcast_
• Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Nneka Orji, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal and a passionate advocate for youth and diversity. Nneka shares her journey from engineering to corporate leadership, revealing how she found her voice in male-dominated boardrooms and why diversity at the top is crucial for driving real change.

With a passion for mentoring the next generation and a deep commitment to creating inclusive communities, Nneka's story is one of resilience, purpose, and balance. Whether you’re navigating your career or looking to step into a board role, Nneka’s insights will inspire you to find your authentic voice and use it in a way that’s aligned with your values and ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

1. 1. Finding Your Voice in Leadership (and How Social Media Can Help!)
   2. The Power of Mentorship and Finding Your Tribe
   3. Diversity Drives Change – but Don’t Wait for the Perfect Role Models
   4. Balancing a Full -Time Role with NED Work
   5. Building Resilience in the Corporate World

Tune in to hear Nneka’s practical advice on how to carve out a meaningful career while making an impact in the world around you.

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva sits down with Kevin Powell, a chartered physiotherapist and former professional athlete who transformed his personal setbacks into a holistic approach to healing. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the human body, why traditional quick-fix approaches often fall short, and how addressing root causes leads to long-lasting well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Listening: Kevin emphasizes the importance of truly listening to your body and addressing its signals rather than masking symptoms with quick solutions.
2. Holistic Healing: Understanding the body as an interconnected system is key to resolving chronic pain and improving overall health.
3. Sustainable Wellness: Lasting health is about small, consistent changes—not overnight fixes or magic solutions.
4. Empowering Women’s Health: Kevin’s work highlights unique challenges in women’s health and the importance of tailored, individual approaches.
5. Reframing Setbacks: Kevin’s personal journey from injured athlete to holistic practitioner showcases how adversity can lead to transformation and a deeper sense of purpose.

Join this Christmas special, first ever male guest conversation to explore the intersections of health, personal growth, and career reinvention.

Discover more:

• Connect with Kevin on https://kevinpowellphysio.co.uk/
• For more exclusive content, join the Breaking Glass community on Instagram @breakingglasspodcast_
• Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva sits down with Tatjana Greil-Castro, a trailblazing portfolio manager with a passion for sustainable farming. Tatjana’s story takes us from the fast-paced financial markets of London to the tranquil rhythms of her ethical farm, where she’s found a new kind of fulfillment. But this conversation isn’t just about markets or sustainability—it’s about answering the deeper call for a simpler, more meaningful life that so many of us crave.

Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic Finance: How blending financial expertise with environmental values can inspire sustainable investment strategies.
2. Career Evolution: Tatjana’s journey shows how diverse passions can enrich your professional life and open unexpected doors.
3. Living Sustainably: Why sustainable farming is more than a lifestyle choice—it’s a critical step toward a healthier planet.
4. Women in Finance: Tatjana shares her thoughts on increasing female representation in leadership roles and how it changes the narrative.
5. Nature’s Balance: Discover how connecting with nature can bring clarity and calm to even the most hectic lives.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on finding balance, purpose, and how embracing a multi-dimensional career can lead to extraordinary fulfillment.

Connect with Tatjana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatjana-greil-castro-phd-5710134/

Follow us for more stories on:

Instagram: @breakingglasspodcast_

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Christine Sandman Stone, an author, advisor, and advocate for women in technology. Christine’s unconventional career journey took her from philosophy graduate to accidental technologist, eventually leading global operations at Groupon and beyond. Now in her self-proclaimed “Renaissance” phase, Christine focuses on coaching, writing, and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reframe Career Changes: Christine views career shifts not as "pivots" but as deliberate, strategic moves based on self-awareness and preparation.
2. Value of Experimentation: Small experiments can build confidence before big leaps, whether writing a book, starting a business, or changing careers.
3. Recognize Your Energy Zones: Focus on work that energizes you and aligns with your strengths to avoid burnout.
4. Women in Tech: Layoffs in tech disproportionately affect women—mentorship and networking are crucial for representation and retention.
5. The Power of Prioritization: Saying no to non-promotable tasks allows you to focus on impactful, high-value projects.

Christine shares practical strategies for navigating career transitions and emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal values and energy. Tune in to hear her advice on creating a meaningful career while balancing life’s priorities.

Find out more about Christine's latest work: https://www.deliveratscale.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesandmanstone/

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Rachel Lankester, founder of Magnificent Midlife, about redefining midlife for women and embracing aging with empowerment. Diagnosed with early menopause at 41, Rachel set out to change how society views midlife and menopause, advocating for women to embrace this stage with self-acceptance and resilience. She dives into the cultural narratives around aging, the impact of the anti-aging industry, and how societal pressures affect women’s self-worth.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Midlife: Midlife is a dynamic stage, not a decline, and can span from around 40 to 60 years, offering opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Cultural Influence on Aging Perceptions: Societies with less ageism tend to value older women more, while Western marketing drives fear and insecurities around aging.
• Menopause as a Gateway: Menopause can be a time for self-reflection and reassessment, encouraging women to focus on mental, emotional, and physical health.
• Challenging Anti-Aging Narratives: Embracing the natural aging process allows for authenticity and self-acceptance, counteracting the pressures to ‘reverse’ aging.
• Flexibility and Self-Care at Work: Workplaces and personal lives should adapt to support cyclical and evolving needs as women age.

Tune in to this episode to hear Rachel’s refreshing take on how women can reclaim their narratives, embrace midlife, and redefine what aging means in modern society.

Find out more about Rachel's work and podcast here: https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/

Grab yourself a copy of Rachel's book: https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass