The Trailblazers Experience Podcast

Embracing Change and Building Authentic Connections: The Journey of Nicky Burgis

In this compelling episode, Nicky Burgis shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to launching her own fashion boutique, Snoop. Her story highlights the importance of relationships, self-belief, and giving back through community and charity work, demonstrating that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.

Main Topics:

• The golden thread: relationship-building as a career foundation
• Recognizing when it's time for a change and taking the leap into entrepreneurship
• Overcoming challenges of starting a business and managing personal wellbeing
• How authenticity and understanding clients foster brand loyalty
• The power of giving back and supporting women through fashion and charity initiatives
• Practical habits for staying grounded as a small business owner
• Advocating for diversity, confidence, and real stories in the fashion industry

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - The golden thread: People and relationships
• 05:00 - Recognizing the need for a career pivot
• 12:30 - The beginning of Snoop: Passion driven, not strategic
• 14:55 - Challenges of entrepreneurship: Wearing many hats
• 17:30 - The journey of confidence and resilience
• 21:50 - Practical habits for mental wellness and focus
• 42:45 - Giving back: Charity fashion shows and community impact
• 53:44 - Top tips for entrepreneurs: Believe, listen, and act
• 62:45 - The importance of authenticity in building a brand

Resources & Links:

• Snoop Boutique
• Snoop Boutique Instagram
• Charity Fashion Events for Breast Cancer
• Emma Greed's Book "Start with Yourself"

Connect with Nicky Burgis:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Notable Quotes:

• "Relationships are at the heart of everything I do."
• "It's never too late to reinvent yourself."
• "Believe in yourself, listen, and act."

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Women’s football has never had more momentum, yet so many players still end up wearing men’s shorts, “unisex” cuts that do not fit, or gym gear that was never designed for the pitch. That disconnect is exactly what sparked Julia to build 11 As One, a UK women’s football kit brand with a simple aim: give everyone access to that football feeling of belonging, confidence, and community.

00:00 - Introduction to Julia Cove-Smith and her purpose-driven brand
00:44 - Julia’s background in retail marketing and transition to entrepreneurship
01:49 - Insights from her long tenure at Emma Bridgewater and lessons learned
02:48 - Discovering the gap in women’s sportswear, particularly football kits
06:53 - Developing brand identity from concept to execution
07:13 - The relationship between product quality and marketing success
08:54 - The importance of testing, learning, and agility in e-commerce
10:36 - Strategies for brand messaging, community, and purpose
14:33 - Building a collaborative, trust-based work environment
15:32 - Pivoting from traditional retail to online and the importance of experimentation
16:51 - Creating a brand centered on accessibility, diversity, and belonging
17:50 - Developing brand visuals, name, and purpose with external support
24:39 - The value of a compelling product versus purpose-led branding
26:20 - Addressing product design gaps for women in sports kits
29:46 - Encouraging more women and girls into sports through inclusivity
32:02 - Implementing quotas and support systems for female leaders and coaches
35:35 - Common startup challenges, from sourcing to motivation
37:45 - The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the importance of accountability
41:57 - Personal growth, confidence, and embracing new passions like football
44:16 - Finding your community and staying externally connected
46:17 - Top three trailblazer tips:

Connect with Julia:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Julia Cove-Smith
• eleven_as_on

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From City Consulting to Building a Global Movement for Women in Hybrid Fitness — Caitlin Robbins on Rox Queens

Discover how Caitlin Robbins transitioned from a corporate consulting career to creating an inspiring community empowering women through hybrid fitness. This episode explores the importance of community, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and staying true to your values. Key Topics:

• Caitlin’s journey from traditional corporate job to founding Rox Queens
• The pivotal moment during her first Hyrox race that inspired community support
• The growth of Rox Queens from a WhatsApp group to a global network
• Strategies for building authentic partnerships with brands like Nike
• The lessons learned from launching tech products for community engagement
• The significance of vulnerability and community support in entrepreneurship
• The impact of health setbacks and the importance of self-care
• Future plans for Rox Queens including scaling and funding challenges
• Advice for founders on curiosity, collaboration, and valuing themselves

00:00 - Introducing Caitlin Robbins and the mission of Rox Queens
 02:32 - Caitlin’s background in sports and overcoming dyslexia through running
 04:09 - The decision to pursue high rocks competitively and build community
 05:48 - The support network behind Rox Queens’ growth
 07:06 - The loneliness of training and the need for community
 09:37 - Expansion of Rox Queens globally and partnerships
 11:00 - The serendipitous encounter with Simon Squibb and the power of dreams
 13:08 - Moving to Bali for new opportunities and community building
 14:37 - The importance of supporting others through community initiatives
 17:19 - Lessons from living abroad and taking risks in entrepreneurship
 19:51 - The importance of vulnerability and health during setbacks
 22:18 - The partnership with Nike and the journey of brand collaboration
 23:26 - Navigating funding, alignment with brands, and staying authentic
 26:14 - Creating inclusive community spaces for women of all ages and abilities
 27:55 - The shifting perceptions of hybrid athletes and Rox Queens’ global growth
 29:13 - The significance of community-driven impact over immediate revenue
 30:35 - Launching and iterating Rox Queens app for better engagement
 33:00 - Addressing barriers to participation and matchmaking in training
 34:00 - The creative approach to connecting female athletes using tech
 36:47 - Milestones, growth, and future funding plans
 39:08 - Personal health scare and lessons on community’s role in support
 41:59 - Balancing the entrepreneurial hustle with self-care
 43:00 - The ongoing journey of scaling Rox Queens and securing sponsorships
 45:40 - The importance of perseverance, community, and celebrating small wins
 47:19 - Advice for founders: curiosity, collaboration, and self-validation
 48:46 - Caitlin’s closing thoughts and how to connect with Rox Queens

Resources & Links:

 Rox Queens Instagram

• Caitlin Robbins - Instagram
• Lovable - AI-powered app builder
• Nike - Official Website
• Simon Squibb - TikTok

Connect with Caitlin Robbins:

Instagram

Rox Queens on Instagram

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Fiona Lambert is an author, experienced fashion and retail industry leader, board advisor and now fitness influencer who shares how redundancy sparks a full reinvention, from getting her fittest at 60 to becoming an author, speaker, and advocate for women who refuse to fade into the background. We talk candidly about identity beyond job titles, confidence through change, and the mindset shifts that turn rejection into redirection. • being made redundant as a catalyst for purpose and reinvention •

 resources
Fiona Lambert's Website - https://fionalambert.com
Invincible, Not Invisible (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Not-Invisible-Fiona-Lambert/dp/XXXXXX
SAS 60 Single (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/SAS-60-Single-Your-Manual/dp/XXXXXX

Find Fiona 
Website - https://fionalambert.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/fionalambert
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/fionalambert

Please remember to follow, like, share. We are on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever listen to your podcast.

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Summary
In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience Podcast, Frederike Knop shares her journey through the realms of change management and leadership, emphasising the importance of constant change, transparency, and empathy in business. From her early aspirations of becoming a CEO to her experiences in luxury retail and navigating the challenges of leadership, Frederike provides valuable insights for emerging leaders and advocates for women in executive roles. She discusses the significance of authenticity, the need for reinvention, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for change.

Takeaways

Frederike's drive for constant change stems from her upbringing and experiences.
She emphasises the importance of enjoying the journey in one's career.
Early aspirations included becoming a CEO 
Working in luxury retail taught her valuable lessons about leadership.
Achieving the CEO title did not bring the fulfilment she expected.
Empathy and putting people first are key traits of a great CEO.
Transparency within a team fosters trust and collaboration.
Vulnerability and authenticity are crucial in leadership.
Reinvention is necessary for personal and professional growth.
Women should be empowered to take on leadership roles without asking for permission.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Frederike Knop
01:18 The Drive for Constant Change
03:34 Early Career Aspirations and Influences
07:09 Entering the Luxury Space
11:43 The Reality of Being a CEO
12:26 Reflections on Achievements and Next Steps
16:40 What Makes a Great CEO?
20:22 Advice on Change Management and Transformation
23:25 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership
27:48 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Workplace
32:29 Cultural Influences on Leadership Style
36:11 Reinvention and Career Transitions
39:57 Empowering Women in Leadership Roles
43:57 Outro

Follow Frederike : Linkedin Frederike Knop | LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience, Leah Godfrey shares her inspiring journey from a diverse academic background to becoming a leader in women's sports and community building. With over 30 years of experience, Leah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of core values, and her transition from the food industry to women's sports. She highlights her initiatives, including the Sports Bra Initiative and her work with Neurodiverse Sport, emphasizing the need for systemic change and empowerment in women's sports. Leah also shares valuable insights on leadership, creativity, and the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leah Godfrey's Journey
02:16 Early Career and Academic Background
06:09 Core Values and Entrepreneurial Spirit
10:59 Transitioning from Food to Women's Sports
14:40 The Bold Move into Women's Sports
20:46 Leadership in Women's Football and Neurodiversity
24:53 Highlights and Impactful Initiatives
30:27 The Sports Bra Initiative and Its Importance
34:10 Building a Sustainable Future for Women's Sports
43:13 Creative Storytelling and Brand Building
48:11 Empowering the Next Generation
54:48 Closing Thoughts and Takeaway Tips

Find Leah 

(2) Leah Godfrey | LinkedIn

https://www.instagram.com/_alt_elle 

www.neurodiversesport.com

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In this episode , Kirsten Karchmer shares her inspiring journey from running a fertility wellness clinic to founding Conceivable, a digital platform aimed at making fertility care more accessible and affordable. She discusses the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle, the role of AI in healthcare, and the need for emotional support in fertility journeys. Kirsten emphasizes the value of mentorship, the significance of trust and truth in leadership, and offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the health tech space. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of building a startup while advocating for women's health and empowerment.
Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:35 Kirsten's Journey: From Literature to Fertility Care
03:29 Facing Challenges: The Impact of MS on Kirsten's Life
07:21 Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Key to Women's Health
10:01 Insights from Working with Fertility Patients
15:12 The Birth of Conceivable: Bridging the Gap in Fertility Care
18:41 Leveraging AI for Women's Health
21:14 Emotional Support in Fertility Journeys
26:03 Building Conceivable: Lessons in Entrepreneurship
31:09 Transforming Women's Healthcare
31:45 Values in Leadership
33:43 The Future of Women's Health
34:39 Building a Business with Impact
36:06 The Importance of Effectiveness
37:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
38:06 Leveraging Outsourcing
39:47 Starting Small and Iterating
41:39 Utilizing Social Media for Validation
43:59 The Role of AI in Business
44:35 The Joy of Mentorship
47:12 Building a Strong Team
48:30 The Need for Mentorship
51:55 10X Thinking for Growth
53:19 Trailblazer Takeaway Tips

Find Kirsten 

Linkedin Kirsten Karchmer | LinkedIn

Instagram The Fertility Experts (@conceivable.official) 

www.conceivable.com

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Listen :  to the audio version  Apple  Spotify .Amazon Music  Google Podcasts
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We trace Shannon Watson’s nonlinear path from theatre and psychology to public affairs, and how an introvert built a career convening people across differences. The conversation tackles invisible labour, reframing leadership as contribution, and practical ways to lower the temperature in polarised times.

• early exposure to civic life through family and door‑knocking
• career pivots from retail and banking to policy and lobbying
• introversion, authenticity and public speaking tactics
• the TEDx experience and trusting key points over scripts
• founding Majority in the Middle and building the Venn diagram
• creating “What We Can Do Week” and a civic pledge

Follow Shannon 

TEdX  -  Why We’re Divided and What You Can Do About It | Shannon Watson | TEDxSilver Lake 

LinkedIn :  Shannon Watson | LinkedIn 

Follow, like, share, and tell another woman about the podcast

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Annabelle shares her remarkable journey from shop floor assistant to global executive, revealing how she built her career across continents while staying true to her values and disrupting industry norms.

• Started at Lush in 1998 on London's King's Road, rising through the ranks over 26 years
• Learning to read financial accounts provided crucial insights for business strategy and market expansion
• Moved to Hong Kong to revitalize the Lush business, demonstrating courage in international career moves
ts about co-founder relationships and funding strategies
• Delivered a TEDx talk on beauty industry disruption, celebrating brands that challenge conventional standards

 Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction and Annabelle's Background
00:10:00 Journey from Shop Floor to Leadership
00:20:00 Challenges in Leadership
00:30:00 Importance of Financial Literacy
00:40:00 Transition to Startup World
00:50:00 Evolving Business Landscape
01:00:00 Trailblazer Takeaway Tips
01:10:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Connect with Annabelle on LinkedIn and check out her TEDx talk on disrupting beauty industry norms.

 Find Annabelle : 
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelle-baker/
TedX : https://youtu.be/iGIXPAtIyOw?si=NOMiTzmysVlqOdRQ 

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Listen :  to the audio version  Apple  Spotify .Amazon Music  Google Podcasts
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Sofia Panwar, founder of Under Lingerie and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, shares her journey from corporate lawyer to building a million-pound business in just three years without external investment. Her vision to reframe lingerie as a tool for self-empowerment rather than sexualisation has resonated with thousands of women seeking to elevate their self-care routines.

 Chapters 
00:00:00 Introduction and Sofia's Background
00:03:00 The Birth of a Business Idea
00:09:00 Leveraging Social Media for Growth
00:15:00 The Role of Community and Feedback
00:21:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Entrepreneurship
00:27:00 Leadership and Team Building
00:33:00 Mindset Shifts and Entrepreneurial Tips
00:39:00 Trailblazer Takeaways
00:45:00 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook 

 FInd Sofia 
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/unndrlingerie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=bDljNHNhOTB5dXB1
Linkedin :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-panwar-7b6421150/



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