S3 Ep 4 | Cognizant: I'm the Obstacle

Alicia Herring is CISO for the Americas at Cognizant and has spent nearly two decades leading global security teams. But when it comes to leadership, Alicia knows the biggest risks aren’t always technical, sometimes they’re personal. Alicia shares how she came to a career-defining realisation: she was the one standing in her own way. What followed was a shift in mindset and a quiet mantra that’s stuck with her ever since: “I’m better than that.” If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or unsure how to lead when you don’t have all the answers, this one’s for you.

Ep 4 | Bupa: Building Better Belonging at Work

Claire Maydew is Group Head of Inclusion at Bupa. She shares her journey from community engagement work to spearheading inclusion strategies in large organizations like M&S. Claire opens up about the challenges of inclusion on a global scale, the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, and how leaders can drive real change through vulnerability and action. This episode is packed with valuable insights into creating inclusive environments that empower people to bring their full selves to work.

Ep 5 | IKEA Retail: Driving Digital Diversity

Tie Wang-Jones is Global Head of Inclusive Design & Accessibility, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). With over two decades of experience, Tie shares her journey toward making technology more accessible and equitable for all. She spearheads IKEA's global initiatives to weave digital accessibility into their corporate strategy, focusing on creating inclusive environments across teams and products. Tune in to hear Tie’s passion for inclusion and the challenges of driving digital diversity forward.

Ep 6 | Microsoft MVP: Elevating Women and AI Innovation

Noelle Russell is a four-time Microsoft MVP and award-winning technologist. Noelle has been a major force in AI, pioneering responsible technology at a global scale while helping leaders and their teams embrace AI's full potential. She discusses the powerful role AI can play in levelling the playing field, particularly for women in leadership. From her hands-on experience building AI-driven tools to support her neurodiverse children, Noelle’s passion for inclusive tech shines through. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and her vision of a future where AI helps break down barriers and drive true diversity in leadership.

Ep 3 | Oracle: Scarcity of Women in the Workplace

Lisa Hornshemeier is Vice President of Engineering, OCI at Oracle. Lisa emphasizes the scarcity of women in tech, particularly in higher positions, and discusses the societal and cultural factors contributing to this imbalance. This episode is brimming with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will empower you to forge a successful career on your own terms. Tune in for a masterclass on investing in yourself, developing self-awareness, and building strong networks to drive change in the industry...

Ep 7 | Clue: Femtech at Full Speed

Ida Tin, co-founder of Clue, a revolutionary period tracker app with over ten million users in 190 countries, coined the term "Femtech" and sparked a global movement in female health innovation. We explore her unique journey, from motorbike adventures to pioneering entrepreneurship. Ida shares how the freedom of the road mirrors her bold approach to business, navigating risks and empowering women through technology. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and breaking new ground in women's health...

Ep 8 | ServiceNow: Cultivating Courage and Curiosity

Jayney Howson is Senior Vice President, Head of Global Learning and Development at ServiceNow. Jayney brings profound insight into how leaders can cultivate environments that nurture growth and resilience. Her story is rooted in her belief in continuous learning and the metaphor of trees—steadfast yet adaptive, capable of weathering storms and thriving through all seasons. Just as a tree grows strong through sun and rain, Jayney has cultivated her leadership style by embracing challenges and fostering spaces where others can grow. Join us as Jayney inspires with her insights on fostering growth, courage, and self-reflection.

Ep 2 | Standard Chartered Bank: Building a Career vs Doing a Job

Anshu Sharma Raja is the Chief Technology Officer at Standard Chartered Bank. Anshu is a seasoned strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in investment banking and technology sectors. Tune in for a masterclass on determination, career growth, and balancing professional success with personal responsibilities.

Ep 9 | Burberry: Motherhood and Management

Tanya Campbell, Director of Supply Chain Strategy at Burberry, has over 20 years of experience navigating the intricacies of supply chain management, Tanya offers a candid and inspiring perspective on balancing a demanding career with the joys and challenges of motherhood. Tanya’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. As a single mother of two young boys, she reflects on the guilt and pressures mothers often face in balancing career aspirations with family life. Drawing on her personal journey, Tanya shares how she has learned to prioritize, delegate, and find strength in both her professional and personal roles. This conversation is one that truly celebrates motherhood, leadership, and the pursuit of joy and fulfillment in all areas of life.

S2 Ep 1 | Bravely: Redefining Career Growth & Coaching

We're back for season 2, to kickstart Women's History Month. Sarah Sheehan, CEO and co-founder of Bravely, joins us to reflect on this and share her incredible journey from corporate leadership to launching a game-changing career coaching platform. With a background in HR and sales, Sarah has built a company that empowers employees at every level through on-demand coaching and career support. Sarah shares the transformative power of coaching and the biggest workplace distractions holding people back. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on career growth, leadership, and how we can create workplaces where everyone thrives.

Ep 10 | Unilever: Wellness and Working Women

Claire Hennah, Unilever’s Beauty and Wellbeing Chief Customer Officer, reflects on her 20+ years leading global brands like Dove, L’Oréal, and Estee Lauder. She shares insights on balancing a high-powered career with managing chronic conditions like endometriosis and Crohn’s disease. Pilates became her solace, inspiring her to become a certified teacher and start a non-profit promoting children’s well-being. Claire offers invaluable lessons on integrating work with personal life, embracing authenticity, and leading with resilience. Her journey underscores the power of wellness, support systems, and redefining success. Join us to explore how women can thrive with purpose and humanity.

S2 Ep 10 | Netflix: Confidence is Your Choice

Melissa Banister is Head of Project Management & Operations for Talent at Netflix, and a true believer that confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. From navigating leadership changes at 24 to landing her dream role at Netflix, Melissa has learned (and lived) the power of choosing confidence, even when it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, or unseen by others. This episode is for anyone second-guessing their place in the room, their seat at the table, or their next big leap. Melissa reminds us that confidence doesn’t mean having no fear, it means showing up anyway.

S2 Ep 2 | Snyk: The Power of Yes

Diana Locke Brunelle, Chief People Officer at Snyk, joins us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, career growth, and the transformative power of saying yes. Diana shares her own experiences of bold career moves, from launching a business as a single mother to saying yes to unexpected opportunities that changed her path. She explores how yes can accelerate action and create a culture where people and organizations can grow. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an HR professional, or simply someone looking to embrace new opportunities, say yes and join this conversation.

S2 Ep 3 | Hornblower Group: Game-Changing Leadership

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo knows how to lead, and win. She made history as the first female CEO of Celebrity Cruises, now she's Chairwoman of Hornblower Group, a best-selling author, and CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. So, she’s living proof that big things happen when you put ‘smarts, hearts, and courage’ into the game. Lisa breaks down how the mindset that builds champions on the field is the same one that builds legendary teams in business. This one’s all about bold moves, big wins, and leading like a pro, on and off the field.

S2 Ep 4 | Tax Jar: Owning Your Role, Owning the Business

Elaine Page is most recently the Chief People Officer at TaxJar, where she has helped lead through hyper-growth and major acquisition by Stripe. Her journey is a masterclass in what it truly means to take ownership. With wisdom rooted in experience, Elaine reminds us that ownership isn’t just about responsibility – it’s about curiosity, courage, and clarity. She shares how asking better questions, trusting your instincts, and realising your own power can truly change your career. Whether you’re stepping into leadership, taking on a bigger challenge, or just learning to bet on yourself – this conversation will leave you fired up to lead with heart and own your path.

S2 Ep 5 | BNY: Bootcamp to Business

Anne Higgins is a powerhouse leader in cybersecurity and risk who has worked at the top of the industry with firms like BNY, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, and KPMG. From managing risk across 19 countries at 25 to leading through crises and career pivots, Anne shares how a bootcamp mentality - discipline, consistency, and determination - shaped every part of her career journey. If you're navigating change, chasing your next big challenge, or simply looking for a fresh dose of real talk and resilience, this one’s for you. The views expressed within this material are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of BNY. This material does not constitute a recommendation by BNY of any kind.

Ep 1 | Mastercard: Golden Impact in a Global Arena

Michelle Carter is Executive Vice President, Advisors Business Development, NAM at Mastercard. Michelle’s journey to leading sales for Mastercard Services in North America, managing a team of 150+, is nothing short of inspirational. Tune in for her masterclass and be inspired by one of the top leaders in the industry. 

S2 Ep 6 | Pigment: Founding with Focus

Eléonore Crespo is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Pigment, the business planning platform powering the world’s fastest-growing companies. And she is unstoppable! From advising Google’s EMEA leadership team to raising $73M just weeks after giving birth to twins, Eleonore’s story is anything but typical. She’s now leading Pigment into its next chapter, after securing unicorn status with a $145M raise in 2024, but her focus isn’t on headlines. It’s on building smarter, better, and faster. This episode is for anyone building through chaos, redefining ambition, or needing a reminder that you are so much more than just one label!

S2 Ep 7 | Club Pilates: Accountability at the Core

Rayna Fort is a powerhouse operator and leadership coach who serves as a COO at Club Pilates, with over 15 years in franchise operations. Her philosophy? Accountability isn’t just about responsibility; it’s about alignment, ownership, and turning up as your best self. From guiding franchise teams to creating workshops on ‘Energy Potatoes’ (love!), Rayna shares how true leadership starts with consistency, compassion, and learning to flex your own growth muscles first. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent, lead with clarity, or exhale doubt and inhale confidence, this conversation is your reset.

S3 Ep 3 | Hitachi: The Expat Experience

Stephanie Roberts is Chief Communications Officer at Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, and the company’s very first expat sent to their Tokyo headquarters. With a career that spans continents and a mindset built on raising her hand for the hard things, Stephanie is a global leader who proves that growth happens when you step way outside your comfort zone. If you’ve ever dreamed about working overseas, felt unsure about fitting in somewhere new, or just needed a push to raise your hand, this one’s for you.

S3 Ep 2 | MHR: Building from Within

Jeanette Wheeler is Chief People Officer at MHR, where she’s spent over 26 years growing teams, building culture, and saying yes to the unknown. A true people-first leader, Jeanette proves that staying put doesn’t mean standing still. Her philosophy? Growth doesn’t require changing companies, it requires changing gears. From knocking on factory doors as a teenager to leading HR strategy at scale, If you’ve ever questioned your next move, felt pressure to keep climbing, or wondered if long-term growth still counts in a fast-moving world, this conversation is your reminder: some of the strongest careers are built from within.

S3 Ep 1 | Aon: The Power of No

Jessica Deckinger, Global CMO at Aon, and a powerhouse with 20+ years of experience across finance, fintech, consumer goods, and healthcare tech. But this episode isn’t about her resume, it’s about what she’s chosen to leave off it. Jessica shares her journey of learning to say no; not out of defiance, but out of intention. From walking away from toxic expectations to protecting quiet breakfasts with her daughters, Jessica reveals how the most powerful career move she ever made wasn’t taking the next role, it was reclaiming her time. If you’re a perfectionist, a people-pleaser, or someone who just needs permission to pause, this conversation is for you.

S2 Ep 9 | BBC: Real and Resilient

Helen Rabe is the Senior CISO at the BBC. As the top 100 CISO globally, and one of the Most Inspirational Women in Cyber UK, Helen brings more than experience to the table, she brings honesty. With a career spanning continents, disciplines, and decades of tech evolution, she knows what it takes to stay resilient in high-pressure roles, and why ‘bringing your whole self to work’ isn’t always that simple. Resilience isn’t a buzzword. It’s showing up, and it’s being real, especially when it would be easier not to. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform while trying to stay human, this one’s for you.

S2 Ep 8 | Insight Global: Building Your Own Brand

Bronwen Gregg is Director of Sales Enablement, External Events & Partnerships at Insight Global - a $4B professional services firm - and a relentless advocate for women’s leadership. From building a powerhouse presence in Las Vegas to serving on multiple boards supporting female athletes and leaders in gaming, Bronwen is a master of momentum. Her journey proves that personal branding isn’t vanity, it’s strategy. Whether you’re building your career, growing your presence, or figuring out how to be seen without selling out, this episode is your blueprint. Your brand is the echo that remains after you leave the room. Let’s make it powerful.