In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan speaks with Sally Beavan, Chief Operating Officer at Santander UK, about leadership, conscious career choices, and building a path that works in real life.

Sally shares her squiggly career journey, the importance of doing work that energises you, and how mentors, coaches, and sponsors have shaped her leadership. The conversation also explores authenticity, adapting leadership styles, and why there is no single definition of success.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you are questioning your next move, rethinking what success looks like, or trying to build a career that works alongside real life, this episode will resonate.

Sally’s insights offer clarity without clichés and leadership lessons grounded in experience, not theory.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Karen Connell, Chief Audit Officer at Paysafe, for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership, career courage, and the choices that shape a meaningful professional journey.

From taking bold leaps across continents to finding her voice in senior boardrooms to navigating the fast-moving fintech landscape, Karen shares the pivotal moments and mindset shifts that helped her grow. She also opens up about imposter syndrome, continuous learning, and why women backing women is more powerful than we realise.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you have ever questioned your next move, felt the pressure to prove yourself, or wondered how to grow in fast-changing environments, this episode will resonate deeply.

Karen’s journey shows that leadership is built through intentional choices, honest reflection, and the courage to step forward before everything feels perfectly aligned.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders speaks with Rebecca Johnston, MD Commercial Direct at Direct Line, about confidence, leadership, and the power of backing yourself, even when you don’t feel 100% ready.Rebecca shares her journey into senior leadership, how she overcame imposter syndrome, and the practical strategies that helped her push past self-doubt. From returning to work after maternity leave to creating space for quieter voices, this episode is packed with insight for anyone navigating big moves or high-pressure roles.

🔥 Why Watch?If you’ve ever held back because you didn’t feel ready, this episode is for you. Rebecca’s honest reflections and tactical advice are a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, lead, or support others more intentionally at work.

In this episode of Women Who Make it Happen, host Sue Saunders speaks with Alison Tattersall, Portfolio NED and former banking exec, about bold career moves, building a support network, and what it really takes to lead.

Alison shares her journey from banking to marketing to the boardroom, and the unexpected allies who helped her get there. She also opens up about rejection, resilience, and why asking for help is one of the smartest moves you can make.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’re considering a career change, thinking about leadership, or feeling stuck between where you are and where you want to be, this episode offers practical insight, honesty, and encouragement. Alison’s story is a reminder that growth comes from bold questions, strong networks, and backing yourself.

In this episode of Women Who Make it Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Joanna Baird, Chief Risk Officer at Birmingham Bank, for an honest and powerful conversation about leadership, challenge, and staying true to yourself in a fast-evolving industry.

With 20 years in financial services, Joanna brings a wealth of experience, from working through the financial crisis and major IT transformations, to advocating for more inclusive, human leadership that supports people in life and at work.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’re navigating career challenges, figuring out your leadership style, or wondering how to bring more humanity into the workplace, Joanna’s story offers relatable insight, humour, and resilience. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned whether they belong

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Aileen Gillan, Group Chief Risk Officer at The AA, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and building a meaningful career across the financial sector.

From creating fan-first cultures to mentoring the next generation of women leaders, Aileen shares the mindset shifts, values, and strategic moves that shaped her 25+ year journey, and why she believes real leadership is about walking the talk.

Why Watch?

If you’re thinking about how to lead with impact, support rising talent, or shape a team that challenges you to think bigger, this episode is for you. Aileen’s story is honest, energising, and packed with practical leadership wisdom.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Felicity Cui, Executive Director at Nomura, for an open and empowering conversation about leadership, motherhood, mentorship, and the real work behind meaningful diversity in finance.

From navigating high-pressure environments as a working parent to saying yes to career-defining opportunities, Felicity shares the insights and experiences that shaped her journey, and why she believes empathy and execution can (and should) coexist.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’ve ever struggled with balancing career and family, or questioned whether leadership has room for empathy, this episode will speak directly to you.

Felicity’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between being driven and being human, you can be both.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Denise Ho, Head of Operations & Technology Risk at ClearBank, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and redefining what success really looks like.

From her unexpected pivot from game design to banking, to leading with authenticity in a high-stakes industry, Denise shares the lessons, mindset shifts, and personal truths that shaped her journey.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’ve ever felt like your path wasn’t following the “plan,” this episode will remind you that the detours are often where the magic happens.

Denise’s story is an honest look at growth, resilience, and leading with purpose, proof that your voice and perspective matter more than fitting in.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Sandhya Kawar, Chief Risk Officer at The Cambridge Building Society, for an honest and insightful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of backing yourself.

From navigating the evolving world of risk to shaping a leadership style rooted in authenticity and inclusion, Sandhya shares the pivotal moments, lessons, and mindsets that have guided her journey to the top.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’ve ever felt unsure of your leadership style, questioned whether you belong in the room, or wondered how to lead through change, this episode is for you. Sandhya’s story is filled with grounded advice and powerful takeaways for women ready to lead with confidence.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Harriet Wright, Chief of Staff at Saffron Building Society, for a candid and empowering conversation on self-belief, leadership, and owning your voice in the room.From redefining her role to embracing discomfort and advocating for others, Harriet shares the real, unfiltered version of what it takes to grow, not just professionally, but personally too.

Key Topics:Career progression, leadership, mentorship, self-confidence, women in finance, growth mindset, imposter syndrome, career discomfort, strategic communication, women in leadership