Women Who Make It Happen

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Ellen Watson-Hicks, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Railpen, for an inspiring and grounded conversation about leadership in regulated industries, embracing compassionate leadership, and building cultures of trust and inclusion.From navigating constant change to challenging outdated norms, Ellen shares her career journey, from accountant to executive, and the mindset shifts that helped her lead with both impact and empathy.

🔥 Why Watch?If you're leading a team, navigating career change, or building a culture of trust and inclusion, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-world insight to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Raluca Efford, COO at Vemi Money, for a powerful conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and reshaping how we define success, especially in fast-moving industries like fintech.From hiring based on potential, to creating inclusive spaces where every voice is heard, Raluca shares the real-life lessons that have guided her journey through executive roles, career pivots, and building high-performing teams.

🔥 Why Watch?If you're ready to rethink how leadership really works, and how to build a career without waiting for permission, this episode will give you the push (and the perspective) you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Clare Pearson, Strategic Advisor at Finexer and Panel Member at the Payment Systems Regulator, for an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, mentoring, and building a non-linear career in fintech.From transforming struggling teams, to mentoring young girls in STEM, to leading regulatory turnarounds, Clare shares how curiosity, assertiveness, and compassion have fueled her journey, and why she believes there's no one-size-fits-all path to success.
🔥 Why Watch?If you're curious about what real leadership looks like in action, and how to grow a career by staying curious and human, this one’s for you!

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders talks with Indhira Mani, Chief Data Officer at RSA, about her career journey and what real leadership looks like.From mentors who believed in her, to embracing failure as a teacher, to building diverse and inclusive teams, Indi shares lessons that every leader can learn from.

🔥 Why Watch?If you want real insights on leadership, resilience, and diversity in action, this episode is for you

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Layla Hamidian, Head of Property Finance Sales & Servicing, and Emma Bilan, Head of Property Finance at NOMO, to explore what it really means to lead with empathy, build inclusive teams, and balance ambition with authenticity.

🔥 Why Watch?

Whether you're rising in leadership, raising a family, or navigating both at once, Layla and Emma bring honest reflections, practical advice, and a fresh take on what modern success really looks like.

This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to choose between career and life, you can make both happen.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Vicky Stubbs, M.D. Compliance at Barclays UK, non-executive director, mentor, and seasoned leader in risk, compliance, and corporate governance.

Together, they dive into how compliance has evolved from a legalistic, tick-box process into a data-driven powerhouse, why building teams around strengths unlocks performance, and how Vicky’s career path, spanning small building societies, fintech, and big banking, shaped her leadership style.

With candour, clarity, and a passion for developing people, Vicky shares her journey from transforming risk functions in small firms to combining compliance expertise with technology in fintech, all while championing authenticity, adaptability, and collaboration.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you want real-world insight into leading authentically, creating strong teams, and turning compliance into a strategic advantage, this episode is for you.

Vicky’s story is rich with practical advice, inspiring career lessons, and strategies you can apply right away.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Victoria Sena, Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee at Truspine Technologies, and Founder of Cherrybank Consulting, to explore how a career built on curiosity, courage and strategy can shape industries and drive impact.From writing policy in Whitehall and representing the UK on energy reform, to leading AI conversations in financial advice and empowering new talent, Victoria shares the mindset behind her multifaceted success.
🔥 Why Watch?Whether you’re early in your career, considering a pivot, or leading change from the top - Victoria’s story is packed with practical lessons and fresh perspective.This episode is your guide to making bold moves, trusting your instincts, and creating space for others to rise.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Helen Bierton, Everyday Banking Director at Lloyds Bank and former Olympic archer, to uncover what it truly takes to balance high performance in sport, leadership and life.With over 25 years in banking and a life shaped by elite competition, Helen shares the mindset and habits that fuel her journey, from the archery field to the executive table.

🔥 Why Watch?If you’ve ever wondered how to bring Olympic-level focus to your everyday work, or how to lead with impact without losing your authenticity, Helen’s story will move you.This episode is packed with practical insights, powerful reflections, and the kind of inspiration that sticks with you.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Nidhi Agarwal, Chief Model Risk Officer at Virgin Money and a trailblazer in financial services, AI and inclusive leadership.

Together, they dive into what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry, why stepping out of your comfort zone is non-negotiable, and how Nidhi’s love for innovation is shaping the future of banking.

With candour, clarity and a real passion for progress, Nidhi shares her journey from automating analytics at HSBC to reimagining the next generation of model risk, all while championing inclusion and cheering on the next wave of STEM talent.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’re curious about what the future of banking looks like, how AI is reshaping decision-making, or how to lead with both purpose and precision, this episode is for you.

Nidhi’s story is packed with insight, honesty and a serious dose of inspiration.

In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Claire Barratt, Executive Director at BCB Group, to explore what it really looks like to evolve your career across traditional banking, fintech and crypto, without losing your sense of direction.

With two decades in financial services and a passion for continuous growth, Claire shares how she’s navigated career pivots, championed diversity and embraced the fast-paced world of digital assets, all while staying grounded in her values.

🔥 Why Watch?

If you’ve ever felt unsure about making a career change or questioned if your path makes sense, Claire’s story will hit home.

She brings clarity, curiosity and a refreshingly honest take on leadership in a fast-changing industry.