Women Who Make It Happen

What does it take to lead across global corporations, high-growth startups, fintech, and boardrooms spanning 110 international markets?In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, Michelle Khan sits down with Sarah Clark to explore leadership, scaling businesses, and building high-performing teams across rapidly changing industries.From leading strategy at PayPal and overseeing growth across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, to running venture-backed startups and advising businesses at board level, Sarah shares the lessons she’s learned from operating in some of the world’s fastest-moving environments.
Sarah also shares honest perspectives on women in leadership, tokenism in boardrooms, and the importance of creating cultures where people can genuinely thrive.

Perfect for leaders, founders, fintech professionals, operators, and anyone navigating growth, leadership, and career progression in fast-moving industries.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Fleur Hicks, Founder, Advisor, and twice exited entrepreneur.They explore what it really takes to build businesses, challenge outdated thinking in finance, and lead with confidence in high-stakes environments.

🔥 Why Watch?If you are building a business, navigating your career, or making big decisions in complex environments, this episode offers clear, practical insight. Fleur shares honest perspectives on leadership, mindset, and how to take action when you see an opportunity to do things better.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan speaks with Anna Maxim, Group Chief Risk Officer at Wallester.

They explore leadership, fintech, and how compliance is shifting from a rule-enforcer to a true business partner.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you are building a career in financial services or leading teams in fast-moving environments, this episode offers practical insight into what good leadership really looks like.

Anna shares honest reflections on growth, confidence, and how to create teams that perform under pressure.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders speaks with Alexandra Winward, Finance Data & AI Executive at Lloyds Banking Group, about building a career beyond the traditional path.

Alexandra shares her journey from an apprenticeship into senior roles across manufacturing, retail, and financial services, and how varied experience shaped her leadership approach.

The conversation explores modern leadership, from building diverse teams and supporting returning talent to the growing importance of authenticity and empathy in an AI-driven world.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you are building or leading teams in financial services, this episode offers a grounded view on how leadership is evolving. Alexandra shares practical insight on decision making, team dynamics, and why different perspectives lead to better outcomes.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders speaks with Lorraine Solway about her career journey from early roles straight out of school to becoming a Chief Risk Officer in financial services.

Lorraine shares how curiosity, instinct, and varied experiences shaped a career that never followed a straight line. From internal audit and risk roles to leadership positions across financial services and social housing, she reflects on the lessons learned along the way.

The conversation also explores leadership growth, the importance of self reflection, and why trusting your instincts can open doors you did not expect.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you are building a career in leadership, finance, or risk management, this episode offers honest insight into how experience, resilience, and curiosity shape long term success. Lorraine shares practical lessons about confidence, career decisions, and growing into senior leadership roles.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan speaks with Veronika Lovett, CEO of Kroo Bank, about her journey from a banking graduate scheme to building challenger banks and leading major financial ventures.

Veronika shares lessons from a 16 year career in financial services, including the value of curiosity, non linear career paths, strong mentorship, and building teams with diverse thinking.

The conversation also explores leadership, personal growth, and the reality of balancing senior roles with life outside work.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you are building a career in finance, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this episode offers practical insight from someone who has helped shape new banking ventures from the ground up. Veronika shares honest reflections on career growth, mentorship, and the mindset needed to lead in complex industries.

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.