Inspiring Women Leaders

Clémence Mahéo is a publishing professional and feminist activist who has built her career around amplifying powerful stories and championing social change.Originally from Brittany, France, Clémence has always been passionate about books and the power they hold. She studied French Literature at the Sorbonne, followed by Media, Communication, and Marketing at CELSA in Paris. In 2008, she moved to the UK and began her publishing career, turning a lifelong love of literature into a global vocation. With over 15 years of experience, she now works internationally, connecting beautiful children’s books and thought-provoking non-fiction with readers around the world.In March 2023, alongside her publishing work, Clémence co-founded togetHER (www.togetheragainstsexism.org), a UK-based feminist social enterprise and collective with a bold mission to end sexism and sexual violence. The organisation brings together people of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences to make feminism practical, inclusive, and accessible. Through free, action-oriented training, togetHER empowers individuals to understand gender inequality and actively challenge it in their everyday lives.Clémence's involvement in togetHER reflects her strong commitment to justice, a collaborative spirit, and the belief that real change starts with everyday actions. Trilingual in French, English, and Spanish, she brings a truly international perspectiveIn this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, host Leigh interviews Clémence Mahéo. Clémence shares her journey from a strict upbringing in Brittany, France, to her current work in the UK, where she champions women's rights and social justice through literature and activism. The conversation explores her influences, the nuances of ambition, the importance of collaboration, and the founding of her social enterprise aimed at combating sexism. Clémence emphasises the need for practical action against sexism and the role of literature in empowering voices. She also reflects on navigating dark times and her aspirations for a legacy of justice and inclusivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, Jacqui Wilkinson shares her remarkable journey as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and NATO, discussing the importance of self-leadership, authenticity, and vulnerability in effective leadership. She emphasizes the significance of understanding and overcoming shame, building healthy relationships, and the power of gratitude and forgiveness in personal growth. Through her experiences, she aims to inspire others to break the cycle of abuse and create a legacy of empowerment and resilience.Jacqui, a survivor of nine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including intergenerational abuse, attempted suicide at 17 and was diagnosed with CPTSD two decades later. Determined to break the cycle of trauma for her children, she embarked on a profound journey of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Through vulnerability and authenticity, she reshaped her identity, earning an MSc with distinction and rising to Wing Commander in the RAF. Her story, shared in her 2024 book Turning the Tables on Trauma, serves as a beacon of hope for abuse survivors, advocating that the past doesn’t define our future.Jacqui emphasizes that vulnerability is strength and that healing begins with facing hard truths and speaking the unspeakable—especially about intrafamilial abuse. Profits from her book support Axis Counselling, helping other survivors find their voice. As a leader, athlete, coach, speaker, and mental health advocate, Jacqui champions trauma-informed leadership and mental fitness. Her mission is to give a voice to the voiceless, inspire change, and help others rewrite their legacy. Per Ardua Ad Astra – Through adversity to the stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this empowering episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with Louise Vardeman—cyclist, campaigner, and changemaker—as she shares her inspiring journey from a self-described non-sporty child to a trailblazer in women’s cycling. Louise speaks openly about overcoming injuries, navigating personal challenges, and discovering her purpose on two wheels. She dives into important topics like mental health, parenting, and redefining work-life balance to create a more meaningful life. You'll also hear how her efforts with The Internationelles helped ignite the campaign for a women’s Tour de France—and why she's committed to making sport more inclusive for all.Best known as the founder of The Internationelles, Louise is a passionate advocate for gender equality in professional cycling. Despite having no elite sports background, her evolution into a prominent voice in the movement is a powerful story of resilience and vision. Off the bike, she champions mental wellbeing, inclusion, and structural change in sport—using her platform to inspire a new generation to embrace strength, community, and joy through cycling.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a TEDx speaker, engineer, and founder of African Women in STEM, an organization driving global impact. With over two decades of experience managing billion-dollar projects in energy and engineering, Adaeze is a champion for cultural inclusion and leadership development. She shares how embracing cultural identity fuels innovation, the power of community in STEM, and how she’s helping women build values-driven careers. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on breaking barriers and redefining success in STEM! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, Leigh Bowman-Perks interviews Lisa Bodell, founder and CEO of FutureThink, renowned for transforming businesses with her expertise in innovation and simplification.Ranked among the Top 50 Speakers Worldwide and author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company, Lisa shares her journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming a global thought leader. She discusses the power of simplification, the need for soft skills in leadership, and how organizations can navigate an era of ‘perma-crisis.’The conversation also explores overcoming fear, tackling bias in decision-making, and the role of leaders in driving systemic change, innovation, and accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Episode Title: Deanna Oppenheimer – Leadership, Mentorship, and Leaving a LegacyJoin us for an extraordinary conversation with Deanna Oppenheimer, a global leader, trailblazer in corporate governance, and passionate advocate for diversity in leadership. In this episode, Deanna reflects on her remarkable career journey across industries, sharing invaluable insights on the power of mentorship, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and the transformative impact of human connection.Together with Leigh, Deanna dives deep into navigating leadership challenges, the critical role of confidence, authority, and gravitas, and how her upbringing shaped her perspective. She offers thought-provoking reflections on transitioning between industries, the evolving role of technology and AI in leadership, and the ethical considerations shaping the future.Deanna also opens up about the darker moments of her career, sharing heartfelt lessons on resilience and how to channel passion into meaningful legacy-building. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an experienced leader, or simply curious about thriving in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers a wealth of actionable advice and inspiration.About Deanna Oppenheimer:Deanna is a seasoned global corporate board leader and turnaround executive with a career spanning financial services, retail, and digital transformation. She is Chair of IHG Hotels & Resorts (FTSE 100) and a non-executive director at Thomson Reuters and Slalom. Deanna is the founder of BoardReady, a non-profit accelerating diversity on governing boards, and CameoWorks, a consultancy for entrepreneurial transformation.From her tenure as CEO of Barclays UK and Western Europe Retail Banking to her leadership roles at Washington Mutual, Deanna has consistently driven customer-centric innovation and organizational growth. Her accolades include Lifetime Achievement Awards, Diversity Director of the Year, and Women of Influence honors.Deanna splits her time between London and Seattle, sharing her wisdom as a mentor, advocate, and family matriarch.Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in modern leadership! 🌟 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, retired colonel and fighter pilot Kim Casey Campbell shares her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by the Challenger disaster to breaking barriers as a leader in the military.Kim reflects on the role of mentorship, overcoming adversity, and the courage to confront fears—whether in the cockpit, at work, or in life. Together with host Leigh, they explore themes of leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the power of teamwork and trust in high-stress situations. Kim also opens up about the value of vulnerability in leadership, building supportive networks, and fostering cultural change through tough but necessary conversations.This powerful conversation offers actionable insights for anyone facing challenges, while highlighting the importance of preparation, connection, and sharing stories to inspire others. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with lessons on courage, resilience, and leading with authenticity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alison Hutchinson CBE is the CEO of Pennies, an award-winning fintech charity making digital giving easy and affordable for everyone who chooses to give as part of everyday life. Pennies could unlock £1Bn of incremental donations if every UK adult gave around 30p/week. She is also a Senior Independent Director at DFS plc, Yorkshire Building Society and Foresight Group Holdings Ltd. Alison was previously a Trustee of the Charities Aid Foundation, Non-Executive Director of Aviva Life Holdings UK and AIL (General & Health Insurance), subsidiary boards of Aviva Group plc, LV=, and of LMAX Exchange. In 2016, she was awarded a CBE for services to the economy and charities.She has a wealth of experience in the consumer, technology and finance sector, across a variety of previous director positions. Alison was educated at Strathclyde University where she graduated at 19 with a BSc in Technology and Business Studies. She is married with three children and loves fresh air, exercise, and quality time with her familyIn this episode, Alison Hutchinson, CEO of Pennies, shares her journey from her early life in Scotland to leading a successful fintech charity that enables micro donations. She discusses the importance of values, purpose, and profit in business, the role of technology in enhancing customer experience, and the challenges faced in entrepreneurship. Alison emphasizes the need for a strong work ethic, accountability, and the significance of community engagement in business success. In this conversation, Leigh explores the themes of leadership, community impact, and personal growth through the lens of the micro-donation movement. They discuss the importance of navigating criticism, the growth of the Pennies initiative, and the power of storytelling in engaging communities. The conversation emphasises the balance between profit and purpose, the significance of personal leadership lessons, and the need for individuals to embrace challenges and stretch themselves for growth. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of inspiring leadership and the impact of playing one's own cards in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Inspiring Women Leaders, Sharon Peacock shares her remarkable journey from a challenging educational background to becoming a prominent figure in public health and microbiology.She discusses the importance of early education, mentorship, and the need for societal changes to support aspirations. Sharon emphasizes the power of curiosity, resilience, and the significance of self-reflection over comparison with others.Her story serves as an inspiration for those facing barriers in their educational and career paths. In this conversation, Leigh discusses the evolving concept of life phases, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community engagement as we age. She highlights the significance of health and wellbeing in achieving longevity, and reflects on her leadership role in COG UK during the pandemic, showcasing the power of collaboration in science. The discussion also delves into personal experiences of grief and loss, offering insights on how to navigate these challenges while maintaining a positive outlook on life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Inspiring Women Leaders Podcast: Dr. John HamiltonIn this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. John Hamilton, Chief People Officer at Bellrock Group, a prominent UK property and facilities management company with a £200M turnover and a 1,650-strong team. With a wealth of senior leadership experience across public and private sectors, John brings expertise in organizational change, transforming complex organizations, and empowering people to reach their full potential.John shares his dedication to inclusive leadership, emphasiSing that successful organisations are those that create growth opportunities for everyone. With a PhD in organizational psychology, John discusses his research on managing work-related stress and his belief in the powerful role leaders play in supporting wellbeing. Plus, outside his corporate role, John’s a talented playwright, blending creativity and strategy in every endeavor.Tune in to explore how purpose-driven leadership and people empowerment shape the workplaces of tomorrow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mandy Hickson, a trailblazer with over 30 years of experience in aviation. Mandy made history as one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line for the Royal Air Force, operating in hostile environments like patrolling Iraq’s 'No Fly' zone. After leaving the RAF, she became a coach and facilitator in human factors, translating her high-stakes experiences in the cockpit into lessons for leadership and management. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, Mandy shares powerful strategies on decision-making under pressure, calculated risk-taking, and the critical role of humans in complex systems. She’s inspired organizations around the globe, and in this conversation, she brings her sharp insights and passion to the table. Plus, we dive into her bestselling book, *An Officer, Not a Gentleman*, which chronicles her inspirational journey as a pioneering female fighter pilot. Don’t miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are excited to launch our charity podcast, Inspiring Women Leaders, the sister podcast to Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE. Today’s special guest is 21-year-old Zara Lachlan, who will be rowing solo and unsupported this October from Portugal across 3,600 miles to French Guiana. This mainland-to-mainland attempt will allow Zara to set three world records: she will be the first female to row this crossing solo and unsupported, the youngest person to complete this crossing in any boat, and the youngest female to row from any mainland to mainland across the Atlantic Ocean in any boat (others have crossed from Africa, which is about 600 miles shorter).Zara’s challenge will involve rowing for 15 hours a day, navigating through orca- and shark-infested waters, and facing waves up to 30 feet high. Remarkably, this will be Zara's first ocean crossing, and the first time she rows on an ocean will be when she departs from Portugal. None of this would be possible without the help and support of her sponsors, including Team Forces, Collins Aerospace, Telent, Civica, and Spectra Group. Zara's row will also raise funds for her two chosen charities: Women in Sport and Team Forces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are thrilled to launch our charity podcast, Inspiring Women Leaders, the sister podcast to Inspiring Leadership with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE. Today’s special guest is Dr. Samantha Pillay, a urological surgeon, entrepreneur, international four-time Amazon No. 1 best-selling, multi-award-winning author, and speaker. She was a finalist for SA Australian of the Year 2022 and the Telstra Best of Business Awards 2023.Samantha inspires the next generation of female leaders to dream big and aim high with her Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.