Stressed But Well Dressed

Dahlia is joined by Barbara Nixon, Executive Coach and host of podcast Smash The Ceiling to discuss clothes, confidence and removing our self limiting beliefs (how to smash the ceiling).

Barbara talks about how we build our identity at work, how we get clear about what we want and develop the confidence to ask for it with clarity and conviction. From being told to 'look like' a manager to finding her own way to lead Barbara shares practical tips with listeners on how to build your career identity and smash your perceiving ceiling.

Barbara Nixon is an Executive Success and Leadership Coach and founder of Smash Your Own Ceiling. She's been in the people development space for almost 30 years andhas worked with 1000+ leaders to help them get out of the weeds, side step self doubt and elevate into their next level of leadership.

She is the author of The Boss Hat, the host of the Smash Your Own Ceiling podcast, and has been featured on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show,BBC Radio Leeds, BBC Radio Sheffield and Addicted2Success.

Website:www.barbaranixon.co.uk

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaranixon1

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@iambarbaranixon

ConfidentLeaders Scorecard:https://barbara-dn4exwq0.scoreapp.com

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Behind the scenes can be on instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast and Dahlia is on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahliastroud/ 

Dahlia is joined by Marisa Hordern, founder and creative director of jewellery brand Missoma.

Dahlia and Marisa discuss the sentiment jewellery holds whether it is bought for yourself, gifted or passed down through generations. Marisa shares the story of the brand from kitchen table creation to becoming a globally recognised brand - and what she aimed to create in the jewellery space.

Marisa Hordern founded Missoma from a spark of inspiration at her kitchen table, driven by a simple but powerful idea: jewellery should be both meaningful and accessible. What began as a personal passion has grown into the UK’s leading demi‑fine jewellery brand, celebrated for its distinctive design language, quality craftsmanship, and approachability.

As Founder and Creative Director, Marisa has shaped Missoma’s identity from the inside out — curating its design aesthetic, steering its retail strategy, and overseeing its international expansion. Her hands‑on leadership ensures that every decision reflects the brand’s ethos of thoughtful, sustainable growth and its commitment to community.

Under her direction, Missoma has earned major recognition, including the Queen’s Award for International Trade and a place as the 6th fastest‑growing UK SME in 2019 — milestones that underscore both commercial success and cultural resonance.

Today, Marisa is focused on deepening Missoma’s global footprint, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, while continuing to build a brand that feels personal, empowering, and rooted in connection. Her mission remains unchanged: to bring accessible luxury to women around the world, creating pieces that become part of their everyday stories.

Find more behind the scenes of Stressed But Well Dressed on instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast

Dahlia is joined by Lauren Mishcon and Nicole Goodman, co hosts of award winning podcasts Self Care Club and 40ish to get the low down on tried and tested self care practices and what to wear to turn 40.

Lauren and Nicole have tried hundreds of different types of self care (everything from goat yoga to vagina steaming) to understand whether any of these things actually improve your life style. The friends share their findings and also the reflections from their podcast 40ish which reflects on how it feels to embark on midlife and what to wear to feel well-dressed.

Lauren Mishcon and Nicole Goodman are theaward-winning hosts of Self Care Club and 40ish, two hit independent podcasts that blend humour, honesty, and real-life insight. For over five years and more than 600 episodes, they’ve tested every kind of wellness trend imaginable, cutting through the noise to help their audience make smarter, more meaningful choices about self care. As outspoken voices for midlife women, they shine a light on the realities of this often-overlooked life stage with humour, candour, and relatability. With over 4 million downloads, multiple industry awards, and a bestselling book (Have You Tried This?), they’ve built a fiercely loyal community and a fully independent podcasting business from the ground up. Known for their sharp wit and genuine friendship, Lauren and Nicole create content that feels like a conversation with your smartest, funniest friends.

Enjoyed this episode? Go behind the scenes with the show on instagram @stressedbutwelldressed

Dahlia is joined by Rebecca Coxon to discuss family, fertility and uncovering a secret that shaped who she is today. Rebecca shares what she has coined her 'inconceivable' story of finding out the facts about her family history.

Rebecca discusses the story behind her book 'Inconceivable' published in March 2026, sharing her perspective on family relationships shaped both by her genealogy and her personal fertility challenges. Dahlia and Rebecca discuss how challenges with fertility can shape your identity and how you see yourself and Rebecca shares the stress of keeping her family's biggest secret.

Rebecca Coxon is a writer and former documentary filmmaker whose work is shaped by a deep curiosity about people, identity, and the hidden architectures of family life. Before turning to fiction, she spent more than a decade producing and directing films for the BBC and Channel 4, earning a shortlist place at the British Journalism Awards in 2022. Her storytelling is grounded in the discipline of documentary — attentive, humane, and unafraid of complexity.

Rebecca’s writing is informed by a life lived in the open: she is one of triplets conceived via IVF and donor conception, has donated her own eggs, and has navigated endometriosis and infertility. These experiences give her work a rare emotional clarity and a lived understanding of the modern family in all its forms.

She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Manchester and an undergraduate degree in English & Drama from Queen Mary University of London. Originally from rural Nottinghamshire, she now lives in Leeds and works part‑time in an independent bookshop in Wetherby, where she remains close to readers and the literary community.

Dahlia is joined by Kasia Bromley, designer and founder of ACAI Outdoor wear. Kasia swapped a career in high fashion to find a way to combine her love of clothes and her desire to spend more time outdoor. She moved North and started working at a cycling brand. Realising that the market for outdoor womenswear was limited and most products were 'male centric' she identified a gap in the market to bring a brand to life that was focused on what women really wanted, not a 'pink it and shrink it' design strategy.

Dahlia and Kasia discuss the importance of clothes that are fit for purpose for the job in hand, how Kasia built ACAI and what it takes to develop a fashion brand.

Kasia’s journey into the world of women’s clothing started studying womenswear at Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating she worked at legendary fashion house Alexander McQueen, where she was integral in the creation of Sarah Burton’s iconic ‘Butterfly Dress’. But following a move to Scotland and a role with a men’s sportswear brand, Kasia’s journey changed course starting the journey of ACAI.

Find out more about Stressed But Well Dressed by following Dahlia Stroud on Linkedin or going behind the scenes on the show on instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast

Dahlia is joined by Ruby Hammer MBE one of the UK's leading makeup artists to discuss the beauty landscape today and share her story.

Ruby reflects on her upbringing in Nigeria, the influence her mother's style had on how she now dresses and the resilience she has built through her career. Dahlia and Ruby discuss the beauty industry today, why to buy certain products and how to understand what works for you. Ruby talks about managing menopause, her divorce and gives her outlook on the world and what truly makes someone beautiful.

Ruby Hammer MBE’s stellar beauty career has made her one of the most recognisable and sought-after makeup artists, beauty and grooming experts in the world. From creating iconic looks on 80s supermodels to launching Ruby & Millie, the first British inclusive makeupartist range. In 2007 Ruby received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the cosmetics industry. Ruby has been pushing boundaries andredefining the beauty category for over 40 years. Today, Ruby remains numberone on speed dial for celebrities, royalty, and editors alike – just as sought after for her unrivalled industry insight as her award-winning eponymous products.

Ruby’s passion for colour started at a young age. Born in Jos, Nigeria to Bangladeshi parents, she moved to London in at the age of twelve, where she discovered the world of beauty – covering her bedroom wall with torn out iconic looks from her favourite makeup artists instead ofpop stars. Before obtaining her BA (Hons), her career began on the shop floor in Harrods, where the store discount was used to buy makeup and international fashion magazines. A chance encounter led to being invited to work as assistantto a leading makeup artist, gaining experience working on the top fashion magazines of the time and building key contacts. A few short years later, Ruby was a leading makeup artist in her own right – creating her own iconic looksfor editorial and red carpets, and breaking boundaries as one of the first makeup artists of colour to feature regularly on British TV.Today, Ruby remains one of the leading makeupartists in the world with a huge presence in both print, digital and social platforms. Her beauty motto is “Makeup shouldn’t be a mask”, preferring to use her skill to emphasise your features and celebrate difference. Always achampion of diversity and age inclusivity, she avoids filters and photoshopping on her social media feeds celebrating natural beauty, creating and defining newinfluences rather than following the trends. In addition, Ruby being recognised for her impeccable style and design sense, has been hand-picked to collaboratewith brands such as Scamp and Dude and Wyse and served as ambassador on both commercial and charitable projects. She is loved by her peers and VIP clients both for her innovation and genius, as well as for her huge heart and willingness to give back.

Dahlia is joined by Daniel Rubin, founder and chair of Dune London the global shoe brand.

Daniel shares the journey of building Dune London, where he started and how the way we wear shoes has changed over time (you guessed it we now absolutely love our trainers).

Dahlia and Daniel discuss what it takes to grow a brand and how to constantly reassess and pivot in line with what the customer needs and changing demands of the market.

Daniel explains the power shoes have to transform your mood and his favourite fashion moments!

Daniel Rubin has spent over 50 years in the shoe industry and launched Dune London in 1992. He published his book 'Sole Survivor' in 2025 and joins Dahlia on the podcast to share some of the insights from his work and the ins and outs of building the brand.

Enjoyed the episode - don't forget to leave a review and share it with a friend! Find more behind the scenes on the show on the instagram account @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast

Dahlia is joined by Harriet Glover to discuss clothes, courage and a cancer diagnosis. The episode shares Harriet's story and her determination to use clothes to demonstrate that whilst she was being treated for cancer, that diagnosis would not define who she was.

Harriet was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in March 2025, just four months after giving birth to her second daughter, Holly.With her eldest, Rowan, having only just turned three, her immediate reaction was simple and honest: “I haven’t got time for this.”

While Harriet quickly had to place her physical health in thehands of the incredible team at St James’s University Hospital, she made a conscious decision to hold onto control of her mindset and outlook. There were, of course, moments of anger and overwhelm, the “why me?” and “this isn’t fair”days, but with the unwavering support of family and friends, she navigated over 18 months of treatment while continuing to live busy family life alongside it.

Throughout her journey, Harriet found unexpected empowerment in self-expression. Letting go of the “mum bun,” she embraced bold hairstyles anddopamine dressing, using fashion as a way to feel uplifted, put together, and still connected to joy. It became a daily reminder that even in the hardest moments, there were choices she could still make for herself.

Now, having been given the all-clear, Harriet has returned to her work in learning and development with a renewed sense of purpose. Her passion for helping others grow and take control of their careers has been reignited, now enriched by her own powerful story of resilience, perspective, andpossibility.

Personal note from Dahlia as the host: This episode was recorded in person and it was a privilege to sit with Harriet on the sofa and listen to her story which was so incredibly inspiring. This episode covers the topic of receiving a cancer diagnosis in detail.

Stressed But Well Dressed is hosted by Dahlia Stroud and a new episode of the show is released every Friday with Dahlia interviewing a guest on the link between clothes and confidence and discussing their version of well-dressed.

Go behind the show on instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast, follow Stressed But Well Dressed on substack or find Dahlia Stroud on LinkedIn

Dahlia is joined by writer and journalist Justine Picardie to talk about her new book Fashioning the Crown and the role clothing plays inside the royal family. The conversation looks at how dress becomes part of the institution’s communication from confidence and presentation to the quieter work of “dress diplomacy.”

They explore how clothing shapes the way the monarchy is understood, why certain choices carry weight, and how garments can signal continuity, change or intent. Justine also reflects on her career in journalism and how years of reporting shaped the way she reads clothes, archives and the stories behind them.

Justine Picardie is the author of seven books, including the international bestsellers Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture and Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life. Previously the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, she was an investigative journalist for the Sunday Times, columnist for the Telegraph, editor of the Observer Magazine and features director of Vogue.

Stressed But Well Dressed is hosted by Dahlia Stroud and a new episode of the show is released every Friday with Dahlia interviewing a guest on the link between clothes and confidence and discussing their version of well-dressed.

Go behind the show on instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast, follow Stressed But Well Dressed on substack or find Dahlia Stroud on LinkedIn

Dahlia is joined by Ginny Seymour, CEO and founder of fashion brand ALIGNE to discuss clothes, confidence and cultivating a community through a brand.

Ginny shares her background in fashion retail and the journey that she has taken the ALIGNE brand on since she became CEO in 2023. She shares how under leadership they pivoted the brand design and presentation, creating a clear handwriting for ALIGNE and more recently partnering with SheerLuxe - the biggest activation for both brands to date.

The conversation covers how to embody the role of CEO of one of the hottest new fashion brands, London vs New York street style and why ALIGNE is focused on psychographics not demographics creating what Ginny describes as an 'attitude' of confidence. 

Ginny Seymour is the CEO and founder of ALIGNE, the London-bornwomenswear brand she re-founded and reimagined in 2023 with a clear mission: to redefine contemporary fashion through design-led, accessibly-priced hero pieces made for modern women. Under her creative and strategic leadership, ALIGNE has established a distinct aesthetic rooted in confident silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and refined essentials designed to power everyday life with ease andconfidence.

Born in Toronto, Seymour began her career in New York as a Contemporary Buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue and brings more than 20 years of global fashion leadership across design, merchandising, product development, e-commerce, marketing and operations. Her career spans senior roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay Company, Roots Canada and Astrid & Miyu, shaping brand and product strategies across North America and the UK. Since relaunching ALIGNE as a DTC-first brand in 2023, Seymour has overseen significant growth in the UK – where the brand is designed and creatively led – while thoughtfully expanding into the U.S. market. ALIGNE recently launched with Nordstrom and opened a New York operational hub to support international scale and community growth. Known for its tailoring, outerwear and denim, ALIGNE has cultivated a growing globalcommunity of women who value confidence, craft, and clothing with purpose.

Beyond fashion, Seymour is a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment, mental health, and women’s sport. She champions initiatives that create pathways for women to thrive, including support of Smart Works, the UK charity helping women re-enter the workforce, and programs uplifting athletes from grassroots to professional level. Seymour in London, where she lives with her husband and two sons.