Inside the role that keeps England Women’s rugby running
This week, I sit down with Harriet Martin, the Women’s Operations Manager at England Rugby, to give a unique insight in to one of the most vital yet often unseen roles in elite sport.
We talk about:
How she removes “off-field noise” so players and coaches can perform at their best.
The hidden logistics behind training camps, away games, and international tours.
Why success in sport isn’t just about talent — but about the team behind the team.
Her career journey, lessons learned, and the surprising parallels between her role and mine in personal development.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to keep an elite sports team running smoothly, or how transferable skills power careers behind the scenes, this episode is for you.
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsey-hyslop/
From building multi-million pound hypercars to restoring classics on TV, Hannah Gordon's career is anything but conventional.
In this episode, she shares how her childhood love of cars led her to become a mechanic, her unexpected turn into the fire service after football, and how she built a portfolio career across mechanics, TV and beyond.
We talk about how she navigated leaving the fire brigade, the loneliness of starting a business, and what it’s really like to build some of the world’s fastest, most bespoke cars.
This one’s for anyone who loves variety, challenges, and following your passions and interests —even when the path isn’t linear and you're not 100% sure where it will lead.
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can follow Hannah on Instagram Hannah Gordon (@_femalemechanic) • Instagram photos and videos
In this episode, Lynsey sit's down with Jess Wiggins, who spent over a decade pursuing her dream career in law. From trainee to Deputy Head of a law firm, Jess had it all—on paper. But at just 33, the pressure of long hours, a demanding job, and raising two young children took its toll, leaving her burned out and questioning everything.
A chance offer of coaching from a friend gave Jess clarity she didn’t know she needed. What followed was a life-changing decision to step away from law and start a new chapter as a business and leadership coach founding Impact Coaching International.
Now, Jess helps purpose-led businesses, working with clients ranging from international cosmetics companies to law firms, fashion designers, and football training academy managers.
Jess shares how coaching not only helped her discover a new path but also ignited a passion that transformed her career. She discusses the importance of stepping back, re-evaluating, and reinventing yourself, and how every personal and professional challenge—even the toughest—can shape and strengthen your future.
Whether you're considering a career change or exploring ways to align your work with purpose, Jess's story is an inspiring example of resilience, reflection, and reinvention.
This episode contains inspiration and actionable advice on navigating life’s pivotal moments.
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here (3) Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can connect with Jess here (3) Jessica Wiggins | LinkedIn If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights
In this episode, Lynsey chats with Jade Robertson, founder and creative director of the fashion brand Little Lies. From her first job front of house at a theatre to having her designs worn by stars like Taylor Swift, Jade’s career story is a fascinating reminder that you don’t need a set path to make an impact.
Their conversation covers the importance of embracing new opportunities, sticking to your core values, and the power of knowing your “why” as well as many other interesting areas.
Jade shares how she discovered that the right environment can transform your experience of any job and how that’s helped shape her brand’s journey. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone looking to carve out their own unique path and she also testifies that even those who may be deemed as successful, don't always know what they are doing!
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can find Jade's fashion brand Little Lies here Little Lies | Rock n' Roll Fashion Clothing, Homeware & Accessories
If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here
In this inspiring episode, Lynsey sits down with Ellen, who once dreamed of becoming a vet but found herself taking an entirely different path.
Living in rural North Wales, Ellen used her ingenuity to transform her small piece of land into a flourishing business. She grows flowers, breeds pedigree ducks, and even uses wool from her sheep to help her flowers thrive.
Ellen opens up about her struggles in school following a diagnosis of autism and how stepping away from education left her feeling lost and without a clear plan for the future.
A self-confessed introvert, Ellen shares her experience of battling imposter syndrome while navigating the world of farming and flower growing. But through sheer resilience and passion, she’s found her place, even achieving a major milestone by being featured in Farmers Guardian—a publication she once admired from afar.
This episode is a brilliant example of how life doesn’t have to follow a set path to be successful. Ellen’s story shows that even if you’re struggling, like she did at school, there’s so much to gain from stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing what really drives you.
She’s an incredibly inspiring young woman, and anyone facing challenges, especially in education, will take away a lot from her journey.
You can find out more about your host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about Ellen's business here Ruthin | Firth Flock Flowers
And you can read the article Ellen refers to in the Farmers Guardian here A blossoming floristry business at a farm in Denbighshire | Farm News | Farmers Guardian If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here
This week I sit down with Elizabeth, a recently appointed Partner at her firm and an experienced Clinical Negligence Solicitor. Elizabeth takes us through her journey from an initial interest in becoming a Vet to thriving in the world of Law.
A lover of reading and crime novels, her passion for solving mysteries by her favourite authors has translated into a career where her analytical skills truly shine. She shares how a desire to challenge herself led her into clinical negligence and offers insight into the importance of giving your all while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
Whether you're exploring career changes or curious about the intricacies of clinical negligence law, this conversation is packed with insights from someone who's truly mastered her craft.....all whilst not having a defined career plan.
This episode is a fantastic story of resilience, dedication, and career discovery.
You can find out more about your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
For more information on Elizabeth, you can connect with her here Elizabeth Larner | LinkedIn And you can find out more about her Law firm here Elizabeth Larner - Wollens If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights (whenigrowup-career.com)
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jo Larkin, a consultant in sport and exercise medicine. Jo discusses her unique journey, from wanting to become a doctor at a young age to working with elite athletes and serving as a medical consultant across various sports, including rugby and sailing.
Jo shares insights on injury management, rehabilitation, and optimising performance for athletes ranging from children to seniors. Her role involves a mix of treating injuries and offering preventative care. She emphasises the importance of adaptability, sharing anecdotes from her experiences with the England rugby team and as Global Medical Director for SailGP.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the diverse pathways in sports medicine and how Jo’s passion, determination, and willingness to step outside of conventional roles have shaped her impressive career.
Tune in to hear more about Jo’s journey, her career highlights, and her advice for those looking to enter sports medicine including the significance of learning from both positive and negative experiences to shape your career.
P.S. This episode was recorded a few months back, so some details might have changed, but the insights are timeless and the conversation is still as valuable and inspiring as ever. Enjoy listening!
You can find out more about your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can find out more about Dr Jo Larkin and Fortius Clinic here https://www.fortiusclinic.com/specialists/dr-jo-larkin
If you’re curious about a career change or you just want to read key insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here https://inspire.whenigrowup-career.com/5-key-inspiring-insights
Welcome to the first episode of Season 2, and we're kicking things off with a truly inspiring guest!
Join your host, Lynsey Hyslop, as she dives into the incredible career journey of Amanda Bronkhorst, CEO and Founder of Just One Tree.
Amanda spent 20 years as a freelance producer in TV commercial production before founding a global reforestation non-profit that has now planted over 4 million trees worldwide. Recognised by the United Nations as part of the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Amanda shares how she’s on a mission to change the world—one tree at a time—and it all began with a simple cup of tea.
You can connect with your host on LinkedIn here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about Amanda and Just One Tree here JUST ONE Tree - £1 plants 1 Tree. Combat Climate Change through reforestation.
You can find out more about Just One Tree day and the education and resources available to schools here Schools Sustainability - get involved / JUST ONE Tree - JUST ONE Tree If you're curious about a career change or you just want to read key insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights (whenigrowup-career.com)
In this weeks episode Lynsey is joined by Emma Kernan-Staines, an award-winning Executive Assistant renowned for her exceptional support of leaders in the world of sports.
With a career trajectory that defies convention, Emma has carved out a unique niche as the power behind the throne, providing invaluable support and guidance to top sport executives.
If you've ever wondered how to step into the pivotal role of a personal or executive assistant within the dynamic field of sports leadership, join us to hear Emma's journey. From her humble beginnings starting work in the banking sector to navigating retail training programs and PR, Emma shares invaluable insights into her diverse career path.
Emma openly shares her experiences and lessons learned along the way, offering invaluable advice for aspiring professionals seeking to carve their own path in the world of PA.
This episode is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom, with some great behind the scenes info too.
You can connect with your host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can find out more about Emma here Emma (Kernan) Kernan-Staines | LinkedIn
In this week's episode Lynsey is in conversation with Lisa Curran, owner of Currans Homes. If you've ever browsed Right Move, bought or sold a house, or even just dreamed of your ideal home, this episode is for you.
Join Lynsey as she uncovers the behind-the-scenes workings of the estate agency industry and learn how Lisa prioritises relationships with vendors and exceptional service for her clients. Discover Lisa's journey from corporate banking to taking over her sister's estate agency and transforming it into the successful business it is today.
You can connect with your host here Lynsey Hyslop | Messaging | LinkedIn
You can find out more about Currans here Estate agents in and around Chester - Currans Homes, Chester
When Lynsey met Jane Hanson at the Women of the Year Awards lunch and learned that Jane was a qualified teacher, an educational consultant and wellbeing practitioner, a writer, a broadcaster, inspirational project leader, a soprano in the London Philharmonic choir, the Founder and Director of a global project; One Day One Choir, a former senior researcher in nuclear physics as well as being part of the Women of the Year management team, she knew she wanted to record an episode with her.
In this weeks episode you will hear a rich career history full of interesting stories and life lessons and some incredible advice to take away.
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can find out more about Jane and her global peace project here One Day One Choir Home | onedayonechoir.org
Have you ever wondered what it's like to have a job you don't even have to apply for? This week Lynsey sits down with Dr. Helen Fry and she explains what it means to be a Historian and they dive deep into how one becomes a Historian, the intriguing journey Dr Helen Fry took to discover her passion, and the fascinating world of historical specialisation.
Dr Helen Fry is a Historian, biographer and author of more than 20 books on intelligence, prisoners of war and the social history of the Second World War. Her ground breaking research has shed the light on one of the greatest intelligence deceptions of the war; the bugging of Hitler's Generals at Trent park in North London and thousands of prisoners of war at Latimer House and Wilton park in Buckinghamshire. Her current book is Women in Intelligence, the hidden history of two World Wars.
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can find out more about Dr Helen Fry, her research, expertise and books here Helen Fry (helen-fry.com)
Lynsey is joined today by Sally Orange who is an endurance runner and adventure athlete who has completed a marathon in every continent dressed as a piece of fruit. Sally is also a physiotherapist with over 20 years in the military, a mental health campaigner, has run more than 80 marathons raising money for charity and has recently been awarded her MBE.
Sally treats Lynsey to a really honest conversation explaining how an accident which resulted in a broken leg was the starting point to her career.
In this episode, Sally opens up about the ups and downs, the challenges, the unexpected surprises, and the paths she navigated in her career journey. Her passion for running as a mental health game-changer is contagious and her conviction that running can truly change lives, especially when it comes to mental health, is inspiring!
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
You can find out more about Sally Orange here Sally Orange | Adventurer and connect with her here Sally Orange MBE | LinkedIn
Have you ever wondered what you would get if you crossed a Lawyer, a Scientist and a business person? In this weeks' episode Andrea Brewster explains how this mix would make a great Patent Attorney.
After earning her Chemistry degree and discovering that her true passion did not align with laboratory work, Andrea's career took a different path when she consulted a careers advisor familiar with the Intellectual Property sector. This advisor introduced her to the role of a Patent Attorney, leading Andrea to shift her trajectory towards the legal profession.
This enlightening discussion not only delves into Andrea's efforts in assisting inventors in bringing their ideas and products to market but also explores the various supporting roles crucial to her career in the Intellectual Property industry. You can connect with your host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn Discover additional information about Andrea Brewster and access valuable links related to the industry below
IP Inclusive - Promote, improve equality, diversity and inclusion CITMA - Homepage The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys | CIPA Homepage - Careers in Ideas
Have you ever wondered how to become a Head Coach at Elite level? In this episode, Lynsey talks to Jess Thirlby former England netball international and now England Netball Head Coach about her career journey from player to coach and everything in between.
From representing England at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 to last year coaching the first England team other than Australia and New Zealand to play in the World Cup Final since 1995, Lynsey gains an insight in to life as England Netball Head Coach, hears what drives Jess to strive for success and learns what Jess hopes for the future of The Roses.
You can connect with the host here
Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about England Netball here
Lynsey Hyslop explains the exciting reason why she has been quiet lately; being in training camp with the England Women's rugby team The Red Roses, however she reassures listeners that there will be some exciting episodes being released in the next few weeks.
You can connect with your host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
What job could you do if you enjoy working outdoors, you want to educate all ages about their part in habitat conservation as well as having the requirement of being able to use a chainsaw to maintain the countryside (sensibly, with a licence I might add!). In this week’s episode Lynsey learns all about the varied role of a Countryside Ranger from Jean Cheadle who has been in her role for 20 years. Jean explains how her career journey started with her studying visual art and geography at university, mainly to avoid making the decision of what career she wanted to go in to, however, this was in fact the first step to her longstanding love for the countryside. It was the door that opened her up to some valuable volunteering opportunities and to a job where she can have a tangible positive impact in protecting the natural world around her.
You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsey-hyslop/
Some people may be more familiar with this role being referred to as 'Ground Staff' and with the industry being reportedly made up by only 2% of women, some may refer to it with the job title of 'Groundsman', however in conversation with Lynsey, Meg Lay explains how she wants to use her role as Sports Turf Professional at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club to help ignite some interest in the industry by other women. Meg doesn't do things by half either, as one way to promote the role and raise the awareness of it as a career choice was when she, early this year, made history by spearheading an all female ground staff team to become the first female to curate an international wicket. How this came about and what was involved was a highlight of the episode for your host Lynsey.
Meg talks about how being part of a team, spending your days outside doing a physical job, having the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best athletes in the sport are just some of the many positives of the job. Meg talks with passion about her job and the industry and how the fire in her belly turned out to be from working in Cricket, not as a firefighter which she initially considered as a career choice.
You can connect with the host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can connect with Meg Lay here Meg Lay | LinkedIn You can find more information about the industry here
Have you ever wondered how you can become a qualified Pilot and work for a global airline flying all around the world and get to call that your job? In this episode, Lynsey has a open and honest conversation with Laura Azancot who does just that. After starting her academic career in psychology at University where she initially wanted to train as a Clinical Psychologist, Laura talks about how after not quite getting the grades needed to be accepted on to a Masters she decided she wanted to travel the world and so became cabin crew which was the first step in to her flying career and love of aviation. Fast forward a couple of years (and a lot of training and tears!) Laura became a qualified Pilot, went back to being cabin crew after the credit crunch, piloted private jets in Africa for 4 years to then become a Pilot for British Airways...yes, a really interesting career journey.
Laura gives a genuine account of her time as a Cadet training to become a pilot as well as the hard decisions she has had to make during her career to enable her to do the job she loves whilst also having a family, all of this she has done without ever even being interested in aviation until she was in her 20's!
You can find out more about careers in aviation here Careers at Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) You can connect with the host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn
