Summary In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience Podcast, Frederike Knop shares her journey through the realms of change management and leadership, emphasising the importance of constant change, transparency, and empathy in business. From her early aspirations of becoming a CEO to her experiences in luxury retail and navigating the challenges of leadership, Frederike provides valuable insights for emerging leaders and advocates for women in executive roles. She discusses the significanc...

In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience, Leah Godfrey shares her inspiring journey from a diverse academic background to becoming a leader in women's sports and community building. With over 30 years of experience, Leah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of core values, and her transition from the food industry to women's sports. She highlights her initiatives, including the Sports Bra Initiative and her work with Neurodiverse Sport, emphasizing the need for systemic ...

In this episode , Kirsten Karchmer shares her inspiring journey from running a fertility wellness clinic to founding Conceivable, a digital platform aimed at making fertility care more accessible and affordable. She discusses the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle, the role of AI in healthcare, and the need for emotional support in fertility journeys. Kirsten emphasizes the value of mentorship, the significance of trust and truth in leadership, and offers practical advice for as...

We trace Shannon Watson’s nonlinear path from theatre and psychology to public affairs, and how an introvert built a career convening people across differences. The conversation tackles invisible labour, reframing leadership as contribution, and practical ways to lower the temperature in polarised times. • early exposure to civic life through family and door‑knocking • career pivots from retail and banking to policy and lobbying • introversion, authenticity and public speaking tactics • the ...

Annabelle shares her remarkable journey from shop floor assistant to global executive, revealing how she built her career across continents while staying true to her values and disrupting industry norms. • Started at Lush in 1998 on London's King's Road, rising through the ranks over 26 years • Learning to read financial accounts provided crucial insights for business strategy and market expansion • Moved to Hong Kong to revitalize the Lush business, demonstrating courage in international ca...

Sofia Panwar, founder of Under Lingerie and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, shares her journey from corporate lawyer to building a million-pound business in just three years without external investment. Her vision to reframe lingerie as a tool for self-empowerment rather than sexualisation has resonated with thousands of women seeking to elevate their self-care routines. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Sofia's Background 00:03:00 The Birth of a Business Idea 00:09:00 Leveraging Soc...

In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast, my guest Dr. Laura Catena discusses her transition from a Stanford-trained emergency physician to a renowned winemaker in the family business. She shares insights on blending science with tradition in winemaking, the importance of preserving Argentinian wine culture, and her advocacy for evidence-based insights on wine and health. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Laura Catena 00:03:00 Journey from Medicine to Winemaking 00:...

Join us in EP81 of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast as we explore the concept of joyful health with Laurine Hanquez, co-founder of Bloma. Laurine shares her journey of creating a wellness brand that balances a vibrant social life with productivity, challenging the traditional wellness culture. Discover the importance of personalisation in wellness products and gain valuable insights from Laurine's trailblazer tips. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - The Concept of Joyful Health 05:30...

In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience podcast, Mairin, the founder and CEO of Tech FoundHer, shares her journey in tech innovation and gender equity. She discusses the importance of diversity in tech, the barriers women face in entrepreneurship, and how Tech FoundHer aims to empower women through community support and visibility. Mairin emphasises the need for collective action and resilience in overcoming challenges while also highlighting the future initiatives of Tech FoundHer to ...

Summary In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast, host Tola talks with Quinn Li O'Shea, founder and CEO of Braid, about the evolution of remote and hybrid work. They discuss the inspiration behind Braid, the importance of authentic connections in teams, and Quinn's journey through various tech companies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fundraising, the dynamics of co-founding, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance. Quinn shares valuable in...

EP78 Kelly Vero returns to the podcast to explore the hidden history of women in technology and her journey as a tech innovator, game developer, and author. Her latest book, "Breaking Through Bytes" uncovers remarkable female tech pioneers dating back to Ancient Egypt, challenging the narrative that women's contributions to technology. • Kelly founded Nak3d, an AI-powered digital fashion factory that reduces waste by creating items only when there's demand • Kelly's crime fiction writing has ...

EP77 Annabel our next guest, is the founder and CEO of Tea Rebellion, shares how she's disrupting the tea industry by connecting consumers directly with farmers and challenging existing practices. Her company rejects industry norms of blending and flavoring, instead treating tea like fine wine with clearly labeled origins that honor the farmers who grow it. • Agricultural roots and early passion for international development that eventually led to founding Tea Rebellion • How the traditional...

In this Episode 76, CEO Amy Anzel , founder of Hollywood Browzer Beauty, shares her journey from entertainment to creating award-winning dermaplaners that make Hollywood beauty accessible to all. Her entrepreneurial story reveals how identifying a market gap led to developing products that empower women to take control of their beauty routines without expensive salon treatments. • From acting and theater to beauty entrepreneur after discovering dermaplaning through a celebrity makeup artist ...

My next guest on EP75 is Gillian Ridley Whittle CEO & Founder of Peachaus shares her journey from corporate fashion director to ethical entrepreneur , creating a brand that serves as an antidote to the destructive fast fashion system. • Founded Peachaus in March 2022 as an ethical underwear and lifestyle brand • Currently focused on revolutionizing the underwear industry by putting women first • Uses bra fitting experiences as opportunities for connection and education • Built...

A captivating journey through the world of mezcal with Susana, founder of Mezcal Arena, reveals how this traditional spirit is gaining momentum among enthusiasts. Through Susana’s personal stories and insights, we learn about mezcal's production, cultural significance, and the challenges faced in bringing an artisanal spirit to market. • Introduction of the podcast and Susana's background • Discussion about the rise of mezcal and its unique qualities • Insights into the painstaki...

In this Takeaway Tips Episode, Peachies is a bold new player in the nappies industry, founded by two female entrepreneurs, Rima & Morgan, who faced significant challenges with determination and resilience. They share valuable insights about branding, community support, and the importance of self-care in entrepreneurship. • Exploring the significance of distinct branding in a competitive market • Understanding the risks and logistics involved in launching a product • The ...

In this Takeaway Tips episode, Yvette shares the journey of a balance coach and highlights the importance of authenticity in personal branding and leadership. It explores themes of active listening, the power of storytelling, and the necessity of integrating health into career success. • Discusses the evolution of personal branding and authenticity in business • Emphasises the importance of active listening versus being overly communicative • Highlights the role of storytelling i...

How do you transform mathematical prowess into groundbreaking entrepreneurship? Rosie Bailey, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Nibble, an innovative AI negotiation tool, joins us to share her remarkable journey from the world of mathematics and investment banking to trailblazing in tech. Rosie's story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, working with dedication, and strategically utilizing one's strengths to navigate bold career transitions. She opens up about the motivation...

In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience podcast, Michaela Weber shares her remarkable career journey from her early years in Cape Cod to becoming the SVP & GM at BigCommerce. She discusses the importance of networking, navigating the financial crisis, and her transition into the FinTech and payments industry. Michaela emphasizes the significance of being open to new opportunities, the challenges of working in a global environment, and the need for women to empower each other in bu...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Brie Reid, the visionary founder and CEO of Snag. Discover how her personal experience with uncomfortable tights led to a complete transformation in the fashion industry, starting with a simple survey of 3,000 people and growing into an ethical and size-inclusive clothing brand. Brie's journey from a marketing background to creating a product she truly believes in underscores the entrepreneurial spirit and highlights the importance of listening to cu...