This week's episode feels special. It feels like one everyone should hear, and in it I speak to Grace Mosuro, an organisational development consultant, inclusion coach, and strategist. Grace shares her compelling journey rooted in her experiences as a black, Nigerian-born, UK-raised woman, touching on her early career, overcoming workplace marginalisation, and her shift towards focusing on diversity and inclusion. We delve into fundamental lessons for founders, the significance of intersectionality, the importance of finding joy in daily life, and how resilience shaped her leadership post-breast cancer. Join us as we explore how to build inclusive workplaces and the transformative power of true allyship.

Find Grace on LinkedIn here

Find Grace's website here

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. 

AND I'm delighted that my first ever stationery collection is now available for pre-order, made in collaboration with the awesome Creative Stationery London.

Shop our bespoke weekly desk planner pad, and academic year wall planner, with specially designed stickers to help you plan your year with intention. Numbers are limited and orders close mid July. Shop here. 

 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 

01:20 Meet Grace Mosuro: Organisational Development Consultant 02:37 Grace's Early Work Experiences 08:44 The Journey to Business Management 13:23 Transition to Recruitment and Social Justice 18:20 The Impact of George Floyd's Murder on DEI 26:08 Building Inclusive Workplaces 33:15 The Power of Allyship and Vulnerability in Leadership 36:36 Coaching Leaders for Inclusivity 37:37 Breaking Down Misconceptions and Building Relationships 40:16 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges 42:01 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership 50:53 Parenting and Inclusion 55:01 Advice for Small Business Owners on Diversity and Inclusion 59:53 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts  

 

In this episode I speak to Jenn Jordan, professional organiser and founder of Orjenise about her unique path to finding her life's calling. Jen wasn't always an organised person; in fact, she was messy and struggled with a shopping addiction. We delve into her early career, time on tour with her rockstar husband, and the moment she realized she needed to declutter her life. Jenn shares the emotional complexities of letting go of sentimental items and offers practical tips for anyone looking to start their own decluttering journey. We also explore Jenn's views on work-life balance, success, and her decision not to have children. Join us for an insightful conversation about embracing change and finding joy in the things that truly matter.

Find Jenn on Instagram here

Find Jenn's website here

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. 

Stationery addicts unite! In case you didn't know I have launched my first small but perfectly formed stationery collection with bespoke stationery designer and maker Fi at Creative Stationery London. The collection includes a weekly desk planner pad, and an academic year planner in two sizes, with bespoke stickers to help you plot in everything from events to holidays to your periods. Check out the collection and pre-order here. 

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01:20 Meet Jenn Jordan: From Messy to Organised 02:32 Jenn's Early Life and Career Struggles 05:48 University Challenges and Personal Loss 09:08 Life on Tour and Career Shifts 12:08 Discovering a Passion for Decluttering 20:40 Starting a Business and Overcoming Obstacles 32:32 Navigating Grief and Sentimental Items 33:38 The Emotional Weight of Decluttering 36:12 Effective Home Organisation Systems 38:26 Mindful Shopping and Consumption 44:47 Challenges of Running a Small Business 52:29 Personal Reflections on Life Choices 57:25 Practical Tips for Overwhelmed Spaces 01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections  

In this episode of Women's Business, I speak to Imogen Partridge, a talented watercolor illustrator (and friend), about her journey from a career in interior design to launching her own successful art business. We delve into Imogen's early influences, her battles against the 'struggling artist' narrative, and the power of creativity in personal and professional growth. Imogen shares insights on how she cultivated her audience, managed the transition from traditional employment to self-employment, and the various revenue streams that support her creative enterprise.

We also touch on the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset, balancing family life, and breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice modeled by previous generations. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a business owner seeking inspiration, this wide-ranging conversation offers valuable takeaways for everyone.

In this episode I speak to Jo Proud, the founder of Mood Bears - emotional support bears designed to help children (and adults!) understand and express their emotions. Jo shares her incredibly inspiring story, which began with a late-night idea that was born out of her own mental health struggles. From creating her first prototype to importing a shipping container full of bears from China, Jo discusses the challenging and gratifying journey of building her business. We also delve into her personal life, touching on her upbringing and the choices she made to go against her mother's wishes to be a housewise, plus her one-of-a-kind experience on Dragons' Den, and how her resilience and drive have shaped her into the successful entrepreneur she is today. Jo provides valuable insights into not just her business growth but also the importance of mental health advocacy and how Mood Bears have impacted countless lives in homes, schools, and hospitals. Tune in to hear this compelling conversation on overcoming personal and professional challenges to create a product that brings happiness and emotional support to many.   Find the Mood Bears website here  Find Mood Bears on Instagram here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    ------------------   Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for supporting this episode. You know how it is, you spend loads of time and effort on your Insta content, and then only a handful of the people in your audience actually see it. If you're stuck in that constant frustration and would like closer to 80% of your audience seeing your content then Sophie has a £3 per day ad campaign that might be for you, and she's spilling her secrets on it totally free of charge!
Sophie is an absolute pro when it comes to the big and bold marketing moves you need to make in your business, so whether you need support on paid ads or access to her mastermind or mini mind to help you level up your business, I strongly suggest you check out Sophie's work. If you're keen to learn more about her listen back to episode 75 of this very podcast and then head here to find out more.    ---------------   01:16 Meet Jo Proud and Mood Bears 02:18 Jo's Early Life and Family Dynamics 03:54 Breaking Away and Pursuing Education 07:38 Mental Health Struggles and Coping Mechanisms 16:06 Creating Mood Bears: From Doodles to Reality 20:28 Challenges and Successes in Business 26:39 The Power of Poems and Teddy Bears 27:50 Impact of Mood Bears in Various Settings 31:05 Journey to Dragons' Den 36:19 Life After Dragons' Den 38:32 Personal Reflections and Mental Health 40:42 Mood Bears' Research and Success 44:48 Final Thoughts and Advice 49:31 Exclusive Merch Announcement  

My guest today is the utterly inimitable Jane Green, international bestselling author of books like Mr. Maybe and Jemima J, which put her at the forefront of the Chick Lit genre back in the late nineties. We delve into how her writing has evolved with her life, including her experience of divorcing after 18 years of marriage and starting anew in Morocco. Jane shares insights on internalised misogyny, the challenges and joys of creative reinvention, and how she balances work and personal life. We discuss her journey from journalism to fiction and now memoir writing while she recounts the pivotal moments of her career. Join us as we uncover Jane's profound wisdom on navigating life's transitions, reclaiming one's identity, and living authentically.

Find Jane on Instagram here

Find Jane's website here

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here 

To check out my brand new limited edition stationery collection head here

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Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for supporting this episode. You know how it is, you spend loads of time and effort on your Insta content, and then only a handful of the people in your audience actually see it. If you're stuck in that constant frustration and would like closer to 80% of your audience seeing your content then Sophie has a £3 per day ad campaign that might be for you, and she's spilling her secrets on it totally free of charge!

Sophie is an absolute pro when it comes to the big and bold marketing moves you need to make in your business, so whether you need support on paid ads or access to her mastermind or mini mind to help you level up your business, I strongly suggest you check out Sophie's work. If you're keen to learn more about her listen back to episode 75 of this very podcast and then head here to find out more. 

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 

01:15 Meet Jane Green: Bestselling Author 02:12 Jane's Early Work Memories 04:18 School Days and Career Beginnings 05:43 From Journalism to Novel Writing 07:39 Navigating the Chick Lit Genre 12:00 Personal Life and Writing 20:09 Motherhood and Career Balance 22:53 Facing Judgment and InternaliSed Misogyny 27:58 Marriage Struggles and Unheard Pleas 30:05 Financial Independence and People Pleasing 32:15 Conscious Uncoupling and Mediation Challenges 35:25 Rediscovering Self and Embracing Change 37:58 Writing Transformation and Memoir Journey 42:53 Starting Over in Marrakesh 44:50 Navigating Life Alone and Rebuilding Confidence 52:38 Advice for Women in Transition 56:49 Embracing Joy and Living Fully  

In this episode I speak to Lisa Smosarski, the award-winning editorial director of Stylist magazine, about her incredible journey in the magazine industry. From her early career in iconic nineties magazines to launching and leading Stylist, Lisa shares insights on evolving media landscapes, internalised misogyny, and the impact of motherhood on her career. We discuss Lisa's North Star of creating intelligent, feminist content that doesn't bow to the trends of clickbait, and the need for systemic change to support working mothers. Lisa's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering passion for her work.   Find Lisa on Instagram here Find Stylist on Instagram here  Find Stylist Magazine online here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here   --------------------   Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for sponsoring this week's episode!  Getting ads live is one thing, but making them work is another and that's why Sophie has added 6 weeks of support to her already brilliant Audience Builder Course. Sophie's approach isn't just to look at the ads but what makes the ads work eg your lead magnet and the content you're creating. The course helps you to get started building a Superfans System and is about growing an audience that are excited to buy from you. The live cohort starts 19th May for 6 weeks and the course is usually £250+VAT, but you can get 10% off using the code WILDER10 so jump in and take control of your audience growth at www.sophiegriffiths.co   -----------------   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   02:31 Lisa's Early Work Memories 04:53 Pursuing a Career in Journalism 06:19 First Job and Early Career 13:15 Becoming an Editor at Smash Hits 15:10 Reflecting on the 90s Magazine Culture 19:14 Launching Stylist Magazine 27:45 Evolving with the Audience 30:38 Navigating Media Changes 35:31 Balancing Career and Family 37:08 Generational Shifts in Work Culture 38:30 The Need for Structural Change 46:34 Internalized Misogyny and Confidence 54:57 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions 01:00:16 Personal Reflections and Advice

In this episode I dive deep into the life of Sara Marshall, an extraordinary strategic advisor who has worked with some of the world's biggest corporations and now runs her own consultancy. Sara opens up about her career journey, from early experiences in her family to the heights of being a Senior Vice President at Universal Pictures and her struggle with work-life balance. She shares the personal challenges she faced, including sexism in the workplace, her divorce, and the unique route she took to become a solo mom by choice. Sara's insights into strategic thinking, the importance of understanding your customers, and maintaining alignment with core values offer valuable lessons for all business owners. Join us as we get an inside look into Sara's life, her motivations, and her pragmatic approach to business strategy.

Find Sara's website here 

Find Sara on LinkedIn here 

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.

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Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for sponsoring this week's episode! 
Getting ads live is one thing, but making them work is another and that's why Sophie has added 6 weeks of support to her already brilliant Audience Builder Course. Sophie's approach isn't just to look at the ads but what makes the ads work eg your lead magnet and the content you're creating. The course helps you to get started building a Superfans System and is about growing an audience that are excited to buy from you. The live cohort starts 19th May for 6 weeks and the course is usually £250+VAT, but you can get 10% off using the code WILDER10 so jump in and take control of your audience growth at www.sophiegriffiths.co

In this episode of Women's Business, I speak to Sophie Griffiths, a strategic marketing and meta ad specialist who shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Sophie discusses her earliest work memories, dealing with her father's frequent redundancies, and the significant impact of burnout she experienced at various stages of her life. We delve into how she transitioned from a high-achieving corporate career at British Airways to facing an unexpected redundancy during her maternity leave, leading to a crisis of confidence. Sophie opens up about her diagnosis of ADHD, overcoming the challenges of motherhood while building a business, and the importance of authentic self-presentation in creating a personal brand. We talk about her advice for women forced into entrepreneurship by circumstance, how she approaches pricing and money mindset, and her ambition and drive, even as a mother. Sophie's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and finding joy and flow in her work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to navigate the twists and turns of business and personal growth.

Find Sophie on Instagram here 

Find Sophie's website here

Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram here 

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Thank you so much to Sophie herself for sponsoring this week's episode! 

Getting ads live is one thing, but making them work is another and that's why Sophie has added 6 weeks of support to her already brilliant Audience Builder Course.   Sophie's approach isn't just to look at the ads but what makes the ads work eg your lead magnet and the content you're creating. The course helps you to get started building a Superfans System and is about growing an audience that are excited to buy from you.    The live cohort starts 19th May for 6 weeks and the course is usually £250+VAT, but you can get 10% off using the code WILDER10 so jump in and take control of your audience growth at www.sophiegriffiths.co/abc-1)

 

In this episode I speak to Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids, a pioneering business that leverages technology to connect parents with nannies, offering a revolutionary approach to childcare. We discuss Rachel's diverse background, from the NHS to the mining industry, and her journey from supporting other businesses to launching her own. Rachel shares her views on the critical importance of childcare as infrastructure, the challenges and triumphs of scaling Koru Kids from a London-based startup to a UK-wide service, and the role of technology in transforming childcare. She also reflects on her personal experiences, including her life-changing scholarship to Oxford, her roles in the NHS and McKinsey, and the pressing issue of childcare affordability and its impact on working mothers. Join us to learn about Rachel's inspiring mission to make childcare efficient, personal, and accessible for all.

Find Koru Kids online here

Find Koru Kids on Instagram here 

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here 

 

Trigger warnings: loss, addiction, eating disorders 

In this quite amazing episode of Women's Business, I speak to Amber Keatley-Shaikh, a women's health coach who has been on her own incredible journey of building resilience and self-discovery. Amber takes us all the way back to childhood trauma and the heroin addiction that nearly killed her, before we discuss how she found a curiosity that kept her moving forward, before discovering strength and purpose in counselling and occupational therapy. Now, she and her wife run a female-only gym, balancing careers and family life. Amber shares her powerful insights on overcoming adversity, redefining health and success, and breaking down misconceptions about ageing. This deep and moving conversation illuminates how resilience and curiosity can transform your life, defying the notion of a linear career path.

Find Amber on Instagram here.

Find Amber's website here.

Find Amber and Suzanne's Fitology Hub here. 

Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram here.