Stories by Career Sistas

By Career Sistas Limited (B Vanterpool)

Stories by Career Sistas – The Podcast That Gets Real About Work, Passion & Purpose
Are you ready for real talk, from real women, about real career journeys? Stories by Career Sistas is the pod... more

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FAQs about Stories by Career Sistas:

How many episodes does Stories by Career Sistas have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

Stories by Career Sistas episodes:

March 11, 2026 Menopause at Work: Understanding the Impact
In this episode of Stories by Career Sistas, Beverly is joined by Nancy Boulos, a FinTech professional and workplace menopause champion, for an essential conversation about menopause at work, perimenopause, and how hormonal changes can impact women’s careers, confidence, and wellbeing.

Nancy shares her lived experience of navigating perimenopause and menopause while working in a corporate environment. She explains the difference between perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, and discusses common menopause symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, sleep disruption, hot flushes, fatigue, and loss of confidence—and how these symptoms can affect performance, focus, and career progression.

This episode is for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, and employers who want to understand the career impact of menopause, how to support women at work, and why menopause awareness, inclusion, and empathy are essential for retaining experienced female talent.
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53min
March 04, 2026 Non-Linear Careers: Leadership, Motherhood, and Making Intentional Choices
In this episode of Stories by Career Sistas, Beverly sits down with marketing leader Sarah Sadiq to explore intentional career growth, leadership, and navigating a non-linear career path.

Sarah shares her global career journey—from training as an accountant in Pakistan to pivoting into marketing, working across banking, telecommunications, and FMCG, and later teaching marketing a University in Melbourne. She reflects on career pivots, transferable skills, and how exposure, risk-taking, and community have shaped her professional identity and personal brand.

The conversation dives into building a global career, becoming a global citizen, and challenging long-held beliefs about success, leadership, and work. Sarah speaks openly about motherhood and work–life balance, explaining how career pacing and intentional choices allowed her to stay fulfilled while navigating different life stages.

A key theme of the episode is intentional networking and career strategy. Sarah shares a powerful real-world example of proactive networking, personal branding, and creating opportunity through preparation, research, and meaningful human connection—offering practical career advice for navigating a competitive job market.

The episode also explores mentorship, sponsorship, inclusion, privilege, and representation at work, as well as the importance of building community and “building the table” for others. Insightful and honest, this episode is ideal for professionals, career switchers, women in leadership, and anyone seeking clarity on career development, leadership growth, and designing a career aligned with their values.
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53min
February 25, 2026 Manuscript to Market: The Publishing Reality Check Every New Author Needs
If you’ve ever said “I want to write a book” or you’ve already written one and don’t know what comes next, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Stories by Career Sistas, Beverly is joined by Karen Jackson , founder of The Vonnie & Ollie Agency, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to write, publish, and market a book. Drawing on her 20 years of marketing experience across the music industry, book publishing with a Big Five publisher, and now entrepreneurship, Karen unpacks the parts of the publishing journey that aspiring authors often underestimate, or misunderstand entirely.

We explore the true cost of publishing, why marketing often matters more than most authors realise, and the critical difference between being a writer and becoming a branded author. Karen highlights common mistakes first-time authors make, how to avoid spending money in the wrong places, and why building community and operating with intention are just as important as writing the manuscript itself.

The episode also explores advocacy in publishing, the importance and power of underrepresented voices and the stories they carry, as well as why books are one of the most challenging, yet most meaningful, products to sell in today’s attention economy. Karen closes with practical advice for writers who are sitting on an idea, unsure how to begin, and questioning whether their story is worth pursuing.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a first-time author, or someone dreaming of publishing a book that truly reaches its audience, this episode delivers clarity, strategy, and encouragement to help you take the next step.
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54min
February 18, 2026 Building Legacy Through Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Stories by Career Sisters, Beverly is joined by Bayo Adelaja, nonprofit CEO, entrepreneur, and founder of Do it Now Now, an organisation dedicated to advancing equity through entrepreneurship, with a primary focus on the Black community in the UK.

Bayo shares her journey, from growing up in a Nigerian immigrant family with traditional expectations, to questioning a pre-law path, and ultimately building a purpose-led organisation that has distributed millions of pounds in funding to Black-led social ventures. She reflects on how lived experience, community, and entrepreneurship became her chosen vehicles for change.

Bayo also discusses the realities of scaling a non-profit, leading a growing team, navigating leadership transitions, and why continuous learning — including completing multiple master’s degrees and an MBA — has shaped her leadership style. Listeners will also hear Bayo's honest reflections on fear, public failure, and the importance of practising courage before confidence arrives. From portfolio careers and creative fulfilment to building organisations that outlast their founders, this episode offers thoughtful insights for anyone seeking to build meaningful, community-driven work.
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49min
February 11, 2026 From Classroom to Code: Navigating Discomfort as a Woman in Tech
In this episode of Stories by Career Sisters, Beverly is joined by Julie Koon Koon, a data scientist, university lecturer, researcher, and mentor whose career journey defies linear paths. Julie shares how she transitioned from education into finance and data science, navigating male-dominated spaces where she often felt the pressure to work “ten times harder” to prove her worth. She reflects candidly on the absence of early mentorship, the role of sponsors in her career progression, and how discomfort has consistently been a signal for growth rather than something to avoid.

The conversation explores what it means to build credibility and confidence in tech, challenge stereotypes around women being “too emotional,” and stay true to yourself while operating in highly analytical environments. Julie also offers thoughtful insights on the future of AI, its impact on underrepresented communities, and why AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity and empathy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a pivot into tech or finance, navigating corporate growth without clear role models, or learning how to turn discomfort into a career accelerator.
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39min
February 04, 2026 Focus and Progress in STEM: Finding Purpose in a Non-Linear Career
In this episode of Stories by Career Sisters, we are joined by Letetia Addison, a mathematician, statistician, educator, and data science ambassador, for a thoughtful a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and using data to create meaningful impact.

Letetia shares how her early curiosity for numbers, supported by her family, shaped a career journey spanning teaching, research, strategic planning, mentoring, and AI driven climate change work. From lecturing at the University of the West Indies to championing representation and ethical data practices in the Caribbean, she reflects on why careers are marathons rather than races, and how unexpected deviations often lead to deeper growth and alignment.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the power of mentorship, the importance of diverse voices in data science, navigating uncertainty with faith, and why emotional intelligence and community matter just as much as technical skill. Letetia also discusses the responsibility that comes with using data and AI in ways that serve people and the planet. This episode is a must listen for anyone interested in STEM, AI, or building a career rooted in purpose, service, and long term growth.
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46min
January 28, 2026 Building Without Permission: Ownership, Endurance, and Scaling Against the Odds
This episode, the second half of the interview with Melesia Adderley, an award winning founder, dives into the unglamorous truth of entrepreneurship. Melesia shares how she built her company Women’s Haven, even when funding was inaccessible, recognition was absent, and the odds were stacked against her.

From navigating cash flow challenges and manufacturing constraints to redefining mentorship as practical, hands-on guidance, this conversation highlights what it really takes to build a sustainable, purpose-driven business. Melesia explains why consistency beats visibility, why empowerment starts with ownership, and how building community can be the ultimate growth strategy.

This is a must-listen for ambitious current and future founders, operators, and women building portfolio careers and businesses in under-resourced ecosystems who need honesty, not hype.
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34min
January 21, 2026 Discipline & Consistency: The Entrepreneur's Cheat Code for Ownership
In this powerful episode of Stories by Career Sistas, we sit down with Melesia Adderley, the award-winning entrepreneur and founder and president of Women's Haven, a Caribbean health and wellness brand that has scaled internationally. Melesia shares the unfiltered truth of her journey, breaking down the myth of overnight success and replacing it with a practical blueprint for growth. She details how she consciously moved from a "survival to an ownership type thinking" and took calculated risks, like launching the business even without investors.
Melesia reveals why Discipline & Consistency are the "cheat code" for all women with a dream, building success on habits, not luck, and keeping in mind that your efforts will often go unnoticed, but you must build anyway. Tune in for a grounded, motivating, and actionable discussion on achieving true financial and professional autonomy.
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31min
January 14, 2026 Empowerment Through Mentorship: Overcoming Community Challenges
In this inspiring episode of "Stories by Career Sistas," we feature Dr. Nicole Francis Cotton, a remarkable leader dedicated to empowering others through mentorship and community development. Join us as we explore Nicole's transformative journey, focusing on personal and professional growth, community impact, cultural identity, and resilience.

Nicole shares her evolution from a shy individual to a confident leader, emphasizing the importance of personal development and spirituality. She discusses her commitment to community work through the Victorious Living Foundation and the profound impact of mentorship programs on young people in St. Maarten. Listeners will be captivated by Nicole's reflections on the influence of her Caribbean and African heritage on her professional life and how integrating spirituality and cultural identity has shaped her work. Whether you're seeking motivation, guidance, or a deeper understanding of the impact of mentorship and community work, this episode is sure to resonate with you.
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49min
December 03, 2025 From Architect to Entrepreneur: Crafting a Life of Financial Freedom and Flexibility
In this inspiring episode of "Stories by Career Sistas," we delve into the remarkable journey of Charlotte Shields, an architect who transformed into a successful entrepreneur. Discover how Charlotte navigated the challenges of the architecture industry, overcame obstacles, and embraced change to craft a life of financial freedom and flexibility.
Listen as Charlotte shares her insights on building multiple income streams, the importance of financial literacy, and the strategies she used to achieve work-life balance. From the initial spark of interest in architecture to the bold leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivational stories that will resonate with anyone looking to take control of their career and financial future.
Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments, and the unwavering determination that defined Charlotte's path. Whether you're considering a career shift or seeking inspiration to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and encouragement.
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52min

FAQs about Stories by Career Sistas:

How many episodes does Stories by Career Sistas have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.