Good Girl Deprogramming

Episode 29 - Leadership Lessons with Steph EduseiSteph is back on the podcast - this time to talk about her BRAND NEW BOOK!! The Little Book of Leadership Lessons.  Steph Edusei is the Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice, a large children and adults charitable hospice. She’s also a Director of the North East Chamber of Commerce.As an integral part of her local community, Steph has been a leader with Girlguiding UK for over 30 years and holds the position of Chair at Eliot Smith Dance Company. Previously, she served as a Non-Executive Director of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and was the co-chair of The Angelou Centre, a Black-led women's charity offering training, counselling, and refuge support.Steph is the founder of the ‘Black All Year’ podcast and associated events. She uses the platform to amplify black voices, highlight the challenges faced by Black people, and celebrate their successes and achievements.In 2022, Steph was named Transformational Leader at the Northern Power Women Awards.In 2024, Steph was named on the BusinessCloud Northern Leaders list and in 2025 Steph was added to the prestigious Northern Power Women Power List.What we talk about:01:48 – Steph shares the story behind her book A Little Book of Leadership Lessons.02:38 – Growing up Black and female: Steph talks about navigating identity and expectations.09:07 – The real roots of imposter syndrome and how it’s not just in your head.14:55 – Steph reflects on how burnout and illness forced her to re-evaluate her identity and leadership.30:14 – The mic-drop question: “If you believed you have always been enough, what would you do differently?”Follow Steph on social media:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephedusei/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-edusei/ Website - www.stephedusei.co.uk (live very soon)Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/steph.edusei.leadership Get Steph’s Book - https://amzn.to/44jWTKD (also available at load of other bookshops) Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 28 - Resist. Speak Up. Do Good with Marion AndersonMarion Anderson is a Scottish expat living in North West Arkansas, the Co-founder and CEO of The Fearless PX, and co-host of The Elephant in the Org podcast—where workplace taboos get the airtime they deserve. Currently pursuing a PhD, her research dives into psychological safety and how companies are (or aren’t) getting it right when it comes to remote, hybrid, and return-to-office policies. When not debating the future of work, she’s a devoted dog parent to Jack and Talisker—the latter named after her favorite Scottish whisky, of course. Expect hot takes, humor, and just the right amount of rebellion.What we talk about:01:48 – Growing up in 1980s West of Scotland: poverty, violence, and early caregiving03:36 – The strategic good girl: how conditioning served and harmed04:04 – Rebellion in HR: rejecting outdated norms and using data-driven influence05:59 – Class trauma, food insecurity, and safety behaviours that linger07:18 – Avoiding more dangerous paths: controlled rebellion and survival08:42 – Caring for her father through illness and dementia from a young age10:15 – Making the impossible decision to place her dad in care14:16 – Grieving through dementia: ongoing loss and emotional suppression19:06 – Burnout in the Middle East: filling the void with work and others’ problems19:41 – Complex PTSD and the realisation of deep emotional damage21:16 – The origin of Marion’s PhD: why workplace inclusion for carers matters24:23 – The George Banks problem: work built for men, not women25:23 – Elon, inequality, and the illusion of meritocracy27:59 – The cost of existing and how working class women are punished28:36 – Living in the US South: brainwashing, amnesia, and resistance31:23 – The call to arms: speak up, be a nasty woman, use your power33:01 – Research as resistance: how people still want to be heard37:42 – Why psychological safety must not be the next DEI casualty39:50 – The business case is clear—but control and conformity are rising40:47 – Final words: resist, speak up, do good—because it’s the right thingFollow Marion on social media:  Linkedin  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx/ Elephant in the Org - https://theelephantintheorg.buzzsprout.com/ The Fearless PX - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fearless-px  Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 27 - Authenticity, Approval, and Power with Alawna OzokaAlawna Ozoka is a Certified Professional Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Amazon International Bestselling Author of “Awareness Put Me On”.Her entrepreneurial journey began when she co-founded In Common, a platform to increase the economic wellness of the Black community. She later founded an operations management consultancy that supported small businesses with their customer strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.While her expertise is in project and operations management, Alawna’s passion is rooted in serving others. As an Authenticity Life Coach, she partners with individuals and companies looking to align their actions with their core values. She serves on the Board of Directors at Podium RVA, a nonprofit empowering youth 11-19 to communicate confidently and boldly to succeed in school, career, and life. Alawna also serves as a speaker, leading inclusion talks around topics like owning uniqueness, pushing through fear, and living in purpose.Whether it be coaching clients, collaborating with businesses, or speaking, Alawna’s love for humanity fuels her next steps. It is her mission to expand access to strategically undervalued groups and amplify their voices.What we talk about1:24 – Alawna joins: The LinkedIn connection that sparked a conversation1:58 – Did you grow up a Good Girl? Alawna’s early experiences4:37 – Pulling away from approval-seeking: “I’m not for everyone”6:01 – Who am I? Identity beyond roles and expectations8:22 – Living in the grey: Holding discomfort and growth9:15 – Control what you can: Power in small actions11:31 – Community, boundaries, and conscious activism14:04 – What does resistance to Good Girl Conditioning look like now?17:10 – Showing up authentically in business and social media19:44 – The realness of entrepreneurship: It’s not cute22:39 – Tenacity, resilience, and starting from scratch24:44 – Being a generalist and creator: No labels required25:40 – What does authenticity mean day-to-day?29:19 – Making things enough: Small shifts in power31:09 – The importance of community and connection33:39 – Final reflections: Where do you have power?Follow Alawna on social media:  Website: www.alawnaozoka.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alawnaozoka/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alawnaozoka/Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 26 - Smashing the Patriarchy, One Post at a Time with Jeremy StockdaleJeremy is the CEO and founder of Ylead, a leadership consultancy launched in 2020 to champion a more data-driven and human-led approach to developing leaders with purpose. Drawing on over two decades of experience in the banking industry, Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise from leading large, diverse, and multi-functional teams across the UK and Africa.Jeremy began his career at Barclays, working in branch roles before quickly progressing into strategic, operational, and customer-facing leadership positions. After earning his MBA with Distinction, he stepped into more senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Global Head of Servicing & Support. His move from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create lasting cultural change. Through Ylead, Jeremy works with organisations around the world to cultivate inclusive leadership, gender unity, and equity through a lens of curiosity, compassion, and continuous learning.Jeremy is also a passionate advocate for gender equity. He is well known for his “On Wednesdays We Smash the Patriarchy” LinkedIn series, which explores the real-world impact of gender inequality on women and men alike. His posts spark vital conversations and challenge traditional thinking-offering insights drawn from both personal reflection and ongoing learning.An engaging and candid speaker, Jeremy is regularly invited to deliver keynote talks, facilitate leadership development programmes, and consult on inclusive workplace cultures. Outside of work, Jeremy describes himself as an “enthusiastic armchair sportsman,” a slow but determined runner, and a lifelong Chelsea fan. He’s also a proud and dedicated father to Phoebe and Toby, whose insights and lived experiences continue to inspire much of his writing and advocacy work.Jeremy’s mission is simple but profound: to help leaders see differently, lead courageously, and create cultures where everyone-regardless of gender-can thrive.What we talk about01:35 – Meeting Jeremy: LinkedIn connection, smashing patriarchy, and the T-shirt story.02:11 – The backstory behind the “On Wednesdays We Smash the Patriarchy” series.04:23 – Being more provocative and stepping into discomfort.05:55 – The gendered nature of online backlash: men vs. women.07:48 – Fear of complaints and the mental load of posting as a woman.10:06 – Critical thinking and the art of disagreement.14:55 – Tone-policing, corporate leadership, and gendered feedback.17:25 – The fish and water analogy: men not seeing the patriarchy.20:42 – Discussing the Netflix series “Adolescence”: trauma, gender, and critical responses.24:44 – Jeremy’s turning point: reading Invisible Women and Everyday Sexism.25:27 – Book recommendations and reading women’s voices.26:22 – Learning from mistakes and navigating allyship with humility.28:06 – Structural change and the long game: what would it take to fix the police and education?35:43 – Leadership matters: how we grow (or don’t) great leaders.Follow Jeremy on social media:  Jeremy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-stockdale/ Ylead on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/yleaduk/Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 25 - Permission to Be Too Much with Angie ColeeAngie is a business coach and marketing strategist working with creative entrepreneurs - the rule breakers and rebels. She helps you turn ideas into assets and assets into revenue streams... all without becoming a completely different person or losing your edge.Angie has a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon and has consulted with and run creative teams for Jeff Walker’s Product Launch Formula (PLF), MasterClass, Lowe’s, Copy Chief, Orzy Media, and Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad brand.Angie is the author of Permission to Kick Ass (now available on Amazon!) and hosts a podcast by the same name. When she's not writing or publishing new episodes, you’ll find her on the road living as a full-time digital nomad with her cats, Stella and Ollie.What we talk about:02:04 – Shoutout to Podcast Producer James Ede02:56 – Growing Up with Good Girl Programming04:08 – Creative Swearing & Leadership Clues05:19 – Bluntness, Neurodivergence & Being Too Much06:33 – Boundaries & Saying No07:54 – Party Exit Strategies & Emotional Capacity09:30 – Doomscrolling for Comfort10:22 – Rabbits vs Cats: Pet Personality Wars11:07 – Proving Yourself & Confidence Evolution13:01 – Digital Nomad Life & Solo Travel14:39 – Living Off Grid & Facing Fear15:12 – TV Inspiration: Yellowstone & Beth Dutton16:07 – Channeling Iconic Women17:41 – What You Admire in Others18:52 – Stop Judging Women for Existing19:20 – Glennon Doyle Wisdom: Disappoint Others, Not Yourself20:39 – Being Afraid of Disappointment21:52 – Hairdresser Stories & Speaking Up22:49 – Disappointment Isn’t the End23:07 – Politics, Social Media & Real Conversations24:55 – Avoiding the Binary Thinking Trap26:00 – Energy Management & Not Caring Online27:19 – Becoming Unfuckwithable28:23 – You Can Be Kind and a Ballbuster28:57 – We Love Flawed Characters29:15 – Making ‘Wrong’ Decisions Is Okay30:02 – Final Reflection: What If It Did Go Right?Follow Angie on social media:  Angie’s website: https://permissiontokickass.com/ Permission to Kick Ass book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLVY3G3T Permission to Kick Ass podcast (available on all major streaming platforms): https://permissiontokickass.buzzsprout.com/ Angie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecolee/ Angie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@permissiontokickass Angie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realangiecolee Angie on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/angiecolee/ Angie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@permissiontokickass  Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 24 - The Power of Your Voice with Jo DarbyJo Darby is the Founder of Voice in the Room, delivering public speaking and communication training that transforms teams and individuals into confident speakers and influential leaders. An expert in effective communication and public speaking working with Prior to establishing Voice in the Room she spent ten years practicing as a family and employment law barrister at Trinity Chambers in Newcastle. Before joining the Bar, she was a professional theatre director working for national and international companies, from Bristol Old Vic, to ATYP Sydney, Australia. Highly experienced at helping others confidently craft their message and create powerful communication that can connect with any audienceWhat we talk about:01:27 - Meet Jo Darby: From barrister to public speaking coach01:41 - Did Jo feel pressure to be a ‘good girl’ growing up?05:45 - What changed? Learning to step outside the ‘good girl’ mould10:01 - The challenges of being a woman in law12:50 - Voice in the Room: Jo’s business and mission18:20 - The power of storytelling & why we all need to be heard24:26 - Jo’s passion project: Girl Talks and helping young women find their voice28:06 - Challenging limiting beliefs & stepping into your expertise32:51 - Listener challenge: What would you do if no one was watching?36:49 - Final thoughts: Owning your power & embracing changeFollow Jo on social media:  Voice In The Room  - https://www.voiceintheroom.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodarbyvoiceintheroom  Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 23 - Feminist Business & Redefining Success with Clara WilcoxClara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced (doubly qualified) coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.We discuss the exhaustion of “good girl conditioning,” the power of self-employment, and the importance of working in alignment with your values.Clara shares her journey from corporate life to self-employment, how she structures her business to align with her values, and why deprogramming from traditional career expectations can be so liberating. We also dive into neurodivergence, menstrual cycle mapping, and the myth of ‘having it all’.What we talk about: 01:17 - Jumping right in: Did you ever think you were a ‘good girl’? 03:34 - Compliance vs. honesty: Why challenging norms is exhausting 05:55 - Fawn response, people-pleasing & burnout 08:58 - How self-employment helped deprogram ‘good girl’ conditioning 13:43 - Running a feminist, anti-capitalist business 17:05 - Pricing based on equity & fun: Can work feel good? 20:24 - Honesty in business & why saying no is a radical act 26:56 - Neurodivergence & why Clara started tracking her menstrual cycle 31:10 - The illusion of work-life balance & why corporate life is outdated 34:03 - Final Question: What can you do today that your future self will thank you for?Follow Victoria on social media:  Clara’s website - https://thebalancecollective.co.uk/blog/ Clara on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarawilcox/ Follow Michelle on social media:  Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl athttps://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 22 - Ditching Good Girl Conditioning for Good with Victoria TheriaultVictoria is the founder and owner of DISCover What Works. She’s a Certified Team Facilitator, DISC and EQ Analyst and a Keynote Speaker.Victoria helps raise individual and team performance as well as notably improve client service. She’s a co-author of the book Pursuit 365, and the creator and host of the DISCovering You podcast which explores the role that personality plays in our interactions at work and beyond, and how it affects us as we navigate through life.What we talk about:2:22 -  When Have You Felt Pressured to Be a Good Girl? – Victoria reflects on childhood experiences of rule-following, striving for high standards, and avoiding disappointment.5:46 -  The Fear of Disappointing Others – Michelle discusses the internal conflict of disappointing others vs. disappointing yourself.7:55  -  Good Girl Conditioning in Everyday Life – Victoria shares how being a highly sensitive person (HSP) and her communication style shaped her experience.10:53 -  Why Do People Do What They Do? – The fascination with human behaviour and how it influences relationships and workplaces.12:55 -  Navigating Judgment & The Power of Context – Why people rush to judge and how pausing to ask “Why?” can create better understanding.15:16 -  Seeking External Validation – Victoria shares how praise shaped her self-worth from childhood to adulthood.17:07 -  Unhooking from Praise & Criticism – Michelle explains the importance of detaching from external validation and staying true to your mission.19:21 -  The Trap of People-Pleasing – The challenge of managing expectations and learning to let go of needing to be liked.24:00 -  The Liberation of Not Caring (Too Much!) – What can we learn from people who don’t overthink every interaction?25:48 -  Forced Empathy & Communication Exercises – How walking in someone else’s shoes improves relationships and teamwork.26:52 -  Why Victoria Does What She Does – Her journey into communication coaching and the power of understanding different perspectives.31:56  -  The Secret to Successful Teams – How having diverse personalities and communication styles can transform workplaces.33:13 -  Final Reflection: The Power of Asking ‘Why?’ – Victoria’s advice on using curiosity instead of judgment in everyday interactions.36:39 -  Closing Thoughts & How to Connect – Michelle wraps up the conversation and invites listeners to explore more.Follow Victoria on social media:  Victoria’s website -https://discoverwhatworks.org/ Victoria on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/discoverwhatworks/ Victoria on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/discoverwhatworks/?hl=en Victoria on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaDISC/ Victoria on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@DISCoveringYouPodcast  Follow Michelle on social media:  Website -https://www.michelleminnikin.com/  Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/  Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming  TikTok -https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinBuy Good Girl DeprogrammingEbook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon -https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf) Audible -https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk Take the Good Girl QuizFind out if you’re a Good Girl athttps://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 21 - Being a Little Bit Naughty with Steph Edusei Steph Edusei is the Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice, a large children and adults charitable hospice. She’s also a Director of the North East Chamber of Commerce. As an integral part of her local community, Steph has been a leader with Girlguiding UK for over 30 years and holds the position of Chair at Eliot Smith Dance Company. Previously, she served as a Non-Executive Director of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and was the co-chair of The Angelou Centre, a charity offering training, counselling, and refuge support. Steph is the founder of the ‘Black All Year’ podcast and associated events. She uses the platform to amplify black voices, highlight the challenges faced by Black people, and celebrate their successes and achievements. In 2022, Steph was named Transformational Leader at the Northern Power Women Awards. What we talk about: 1:16 -  Introducing Steph: A Leader Who Challenges the Status Quo 2:45 - “Did You Ever Identify as a Good Girl?” 6:32 - The Cost of People-Pleasing in Work & Life 9:25 - What Changed? The Moment of Transformation 10:47 - How Being “A Little Bit Naughty” Changed Everything 14:10 - The Problem with Traditional Leadership Development for Women 17:52 - The Reality of Being a Female CEO 20:35 - The Role of Coaching in Leadership Growth 25:45 - Why Workplace Culture Must Change – Not Women 30:00 -  Steph’s Challenge for Listeners: “What’s Your Little Bit of Naughty?” Follow Steph on social media:   St Oswalds  - https://www.stoswaldsuk.org/  Black All Year - https://www.blackallyear.co.uk/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephedusei/   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-edusei/    Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 20 - Really Useful Conversations with Michelle Minnikin and Andrea Newton In this week’s episode, Andrea Newton welcomes back Michelle Minnikin, to the Really Useful Conversations Podcast. They explore the roots of societal conditioning, how it impacts women in the workplace and beyond, and how Michelle’s work is helping women unleash their inner rebels. Michelle also gives a sneak peek into her sessions at the upcoming Actually She Can event. What we talk about: 1:33 -  What Is Good Girl Conditioning? 3:50 - Michelle’s Sessions at Actually She Can 5:19 -  Recognising the Impact of Good Girl Conditioning 7:39 - Societal Progress – How Far We’ve Come and How Far We Have to Go 10:40 - Gender Roles in Family Caregiving 12:01- Unleashing Your Inner Rebel 13:30 - The Magic of Women Empowering Women 17:23 - Stereotypes and Gender Bias in STEM and Beyond 20:30 - Allyship in the Workplace 22:59 - Safety and Societal Conditioning 25:21 - The Power of Women Gathering Together Follow Andrea on social media:   LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-newton-cc/  Ticket’s for Actually, She Can - https://www.actuallyshecan.co.uk/  Podcast - https://podfollow.com/ruc/view  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 19 - Guilt, Boundaries, and Asking for What You Need with Michaela Thomas Michaela Thomas is a Clinical Psychologist, coach, speaker, founder of the psychology practice The Thomas Connection and author of The Lasting Connection – develop love and compassion for yourself and your partner. Michaela specialises in the intersection between perfectionism and ADHD, with its ties with stress, anxiety, depression, productivity, procrastination, burnout, and overall wellbeing. Michaela helps ambitious female leaders with ADHD burn bright without burning out, finding sustainable success using her Pause Purpose Play framework in group coaching, therapy and speaking. What we talk about: 1:28 - Michaela’s Journey with Good Girl Conditioning 2:55 - The Impact of Janteloven 5:13 - Keeping Women Small 9:11 - The Balance Between Modesty and Assertiveness 12:55 - The Tea Experiment 16:54 - The Role of Guilt and Backdraft in Good Girl Deprogramming 20:38 - Receiving Compassion from Others 23:52 - Burning Bright Without Burning Out 30:07 - Final Reflections and a Powerful Question Follow Micheala on social media:   Website  - https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-thomas/  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 18 - Harnessing Rage for Good with Hira Ali Hira Ali is a leadership development and allyship specialist, executive career coach, and acclaimed writer and speaker. Her award-winning career is dedicated to helping others realise their potential. Her work has been featured in outlets such as The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Telegraph, B.B.C., HuffPost, and Entrepreneur. She is a Senior Advisory Team member for Benedictine University Illinois L.E.A.D.S., an IDEA Practitioner at NASA, and an advisor for the Women in Transport Intersectionality Advisory Group. Recognised as one of the top 50 influential Muslims in Europe in 2022, Hira is also highlighted by Diverse In as a global D&I voice to follow on LinkedIn. As the founder of Advancing Your Potential, Hira champions allyship and inclusive talent initiatives. She is the award-winning author of Her Way To The Top: A Guide to Smashing the Glass Ceiling and Her Allies: A Practical Toolkit to Help Men Lead Through Advocacy. What we talk about: 1:44 – Pressures of Good Girl Conditioning: Hira discusses the societal and cultural expectations that shaped her life growing up, including anecdotes about being told not to laugh loudly and the pressure to marry the “right person.” 2:50 – Good Girl Conditioning as a Global Issue: Hira explains how these challenges are universal, spanning borders and cultures, with professional and personal implications. 5:29 – Choosing Battles: They discuss the importance of picking battles for one’s sanity and recognising when to conform versus resist. 6:40 – Dealing with Pushback: Hira shares her strategies for handling backlash, including unashamedly owning her space, finding allies, and building a supportive network. 8:45 – Raising the Next Generation Differently: Hira emphasises the importance of teaching girls and boys to break free from outdated gender norms. 9:38 – Harnessing Rage for Good: Michelle and Hira explore how to transform frustration and anger into collaborative, positive action. 11:27 – The Power of Advocacy: Hira highlights the importance of balancing public advocacy with private efforts and the role of social media in influencing change. 13:17 – Leadership and Intersectionality: Hira talks about the additional pressures of being a Muslim, immigrant, female leader, and how intersectional identities amplify challenges. 16:05 – Navigating High Standards for Women: Discussing the disproportionate expectations women face, particularly in leadership roles. 19:46 – Processing Grief and Finding Strength: Hira shares the importance of grieving injustices but moving forward to create meaningful impact. 20:51 – Advocacy in Many Forms: Advocacy doesn’t always have to be public; small, private actions can be equally impactful. 24:04 – The Role of Male Allies: Hira discusses her book Her Allies and the importance of compassionate, informed male allyship. 27:21 – Global Policy for Workplace Equity: If Hira could implement one global policy, it would be an accountability framework to ensure equity across all levels of organisations. Follow Hira on social media:   Website  - https://www.advancingyourpotential.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancingyou/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hira-ali-careercoach/  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 17 - Noticing the Water We Swim In with Katy Lumsden Katy is a seasoned practitioner in organisational behaviour, organisational development, and human resources, with extensive leadership experience across the public sector in Ireland, as well as in church and trade union environments. Her work is driven by a passion for learning and empowerment through self-inquiry, underpinned by a values-led approach. Holding an MBS in Organisational Development, Organisational Behaviour, and Leadership, Katy has designed and delivered programmes for children and young people, focusing on leadership, followership, and culture. A regular speaker, podcast guest, and co-author of Soul Excellence Publishing’s best-selling leadership book, The X-Factor: Spiritual Secrets Behind Successful Executives and Entrepreneurs, Katy frequently shares her insights on leadership, systems, and culture through social media. Before transitioning into organisational development, Katy trained and practised in Visual Communications. In 2004, she was awarded Craft Membership of the Society of Heraldic Arts, joining an exclusive group of fewer than 50 artists worldwide to have earned this distinction. Katy’s career path has been far from linear, but it has always been guided by her personal values of excellence, professionalism, fairness, courage, and growth. She continually seeks opportunities to align her work with these principles, carving out a distinctive and impactful professional journey. But first and foremost, Katy is a mum to an inspiring and astonishing young woman, who is her breath after breath. Her daughter’s hope, joie de vivre, and bold assumptions cast a searchlight across generations of systemic injustice - forces vested in keeping her small, quiet, and unconfronting simply because she is female. What we talk about: 1:28 – How Michelle and Katy Connected - Katy shares how a LinkedIn post about Good Girl Deprogramming led to her starting a reading group for the book. 5:01 – The Impact of Good Girl Deprogramming - Katy discusses her eye-opening experience with the book, particularly Biderman’s Chart of Coercion and its application to systemic patriarchy. 7:33 – The Noticing Effect - How the book changed Katy’s perspective on societal norms, influencing her own behaviour and those around her. 8:46 – Changing the World - They discuss how small, collective changes can lead to systemic shifts. 9:18 – Navigating Difficult News and Conversations - Katy shares a personal story of processing difficult news stories and finding solace in her Good Girl Gang. 13:26 – Decoupling Patriarchy from Men - Exploring the idea that patriarchy is a system harming everyone and the importance of engaging men in allyship. 15:16 – The Workplace and Systemic Change - Practical examples of workplace barriers for women, from ill-fitting chairs to inaccessible spaces, and how these reflect deeper systemic issues. 20:28 – The Problem with “Quick Fix” Solutions - Critiquing the oversimplified solutions often marketed to women and the need for systemic change instead of individual fixes. 26:05 – Internalised Misogyny and Self-Policing - Katy reflects on how women are conditioned to self-police and judge one another under systemic patriarchy. 28:44 – Katy’s Provocation for Listeners 32:47 – Building a Good Girl Gang - Katy shares her advice for forming supportive groups to navigate and discuss Good Girl Deprogramming. Follow Katy on social media:   Website  - https://www.knownoboundsleadership.com/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-lumsden-noisy-introvert/  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 16 - Redefining Ambition & Rethinking Christmas with Tiffany Scott & Alex Morgan In this festive episode of the Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast, Michelle sits down with the dynamic duo Tiffany Scott and Alex Morgan, co-hosts of the Mambition podcast. This episode is a refreshing, honest, and often hilarious conversation about the realities of ambition, motherhood, and the invisible mental load that comes with Christmas. Tiffany, Alex, and Michelle unpack the societal “shoulds” that weigh down women during the holiday season and share how they’ve redefined Christmas for themselves and their families. From rejecting perfectionism to letting go of people-pleasing, this conversation will inspire you to do Christmas your way. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things during Christmas while others just “show up,” this episode will remind you that you don’t have to carry it all. Give yourself permission to delegate, do less, and prioritise your joy this December. What we talk about: 02:30 - Building the My Ambition Podcast - How Tiffany and Alex combined their talents to create a podcast for ambitious mothers. 05:13 - Motherhood, Ambition & Juggling It All - The reality of juggling kids, work, and ambition as a mother. Why you have to accept that some balls will drop — and that’s OK. 07:45 - The Power of Imperfection - Tiffany and Alex share why they don’t edit their podcast — embracing imperfection as a value. 08:51 - The Pressure to Be “Good” at Motherhood - The trio discuss the endless criticism mothers face, regardless of their chois. 09:49 - The Birth of “Free Jill” - Michelle shares a story from her book about a man loudly announcing in a restaurant, “Jill does all the Christmas stuff, I just buy her a present.” 12:00 - Rethinking Christmas Traditions - Alex and Tiffany discuss why the traditions of Christmas often feel forced and how they’re letting go of “what Christmas should look like.” 14:39 - The Mental Load of Christmas - Tiffany shares how her experience of Christmas changed after becoming a mum. 18:19 - The Magic of Simplicity - The trio discuss how simplicity can be more magical than expensive gifts. 20:57 - Materialism, Social Media & the “Perfect Christmas” - They discuss the rise of unboxing videos and how they shape children’s (and parents’) expectations. 22:08 - Single Parenthood & Christmas Burnout - Michelle reflects on her time as a single parent and how she burned herself out trying to create “magic” for her son. 24:22 - Permission to Do Christmas Your Way - Tiffany shares her reflections on “frugal but fulfilling” Christmases. 26:11- Delegating Christmas Tasks - How to delegate the Christmas workload — and why saying “I need help” isn’t enough. 27:45 - Listener Challenges Follow Mambition on social media:   Podcast  - https://open.spotify.com/show/4II2QSrD8NCU8m6btOgTI5?si=UE6MifgjSIinq89XwBVcFA  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mambitionpod/profilecard/?igsh=eWhzaTB5a2N0MGFj  Alex on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-m-morgan/  Tiffany on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-sanya/  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 15 - The Hidden Costs of Workplace Politeness with Harriet Waley-Cohen With a background in psychology, a decade of experience in investments, and a further decade coaching senior women on confidence and leadership, Harriet Waley-Cohen is a speaker, facilitator, trainer, and coach specialising in supporting companies within traditionally male-dominated industries, including financial services, property, and tech. She works with organisations to attract, recruit, and retain top female talent at all levels, fostering a culture of exceptional allyship and driving a measurable return on investment (ROI) from gender-focused DEI initiatives. Her services range from one-off workshops designed to spark fresh, impactful conversations about DEI to comprehensive series of workshops, programmes, and consultancy aimed at breaking through the diversity glass ceiling. Additionally, she delivers in-house confidence and leadership programmes for senior and “rising star” women, alongside allyship initiatives. Each year, she also offers bespoke 1:1 coaching to a select number of clients, providing tailored support to meet their unique development needs. What we talk about: 2:56 – “Too Polite” DEI Conversations: Harriet reveals the gap between organisational policies and lived experiences, highlighting NDAs, sexual harassment, and the protection of “high-performing predators.” 9:07 – Impact of NDAs: NDAs silence women, preventing them from speaking to friends, family, or therapists, causing emotional and psychological harm. 10:33 – Gossip as a Survival Tool: Harriet reclaims “gossip” as a vital tool for women’s safety and information-sharing. 12:31 – The Complicity Problem: Reflecting on the Jimmy Savile case, they discuss how complicity and silence enable abusive behaviour. 16:05 – Legislation vs. Lip Service: Harriet argues that legislative change, like Iceland’s gender laws, is essential for true cultural change. 17:16 – “Stop Fixing Women”: Confidence programmes aren’t enough. Companies must shift the systems that hold women back. 20:23 – Why Girls Struggle at Work: Traits that help girls excel in school work against them in the workplace. 23:39 – The “Game” Backfires: Playing into hyper-femininity often leads to a lack of respect in the workplace. 27:43 – DEI’s Blind Spots: Harriet calls out DEI’s failure to address antisemitism and reflects on online backlash. 30:05 – Final Question: Harriet invites listeners to ask, “Is it her, or is it the system around her?” Follow Harriet on social media:   Website - https://www.harrietwaleycohen.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-waley-cohen-speaker/  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 14 - Deprogramming from Trust with Michelle Minnikin In this episode of the Good Girl Deprogramming podcast, Michelle Minnikin takes us on a deep dive into Chapter 3 of her book, Good Girl Deprogramming, titled “Establishing Trust: We’ve Got Your Best Interests at Heart.” With a powerful quote from Stephen King — “The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool” — Michelle sets the stage for a critical exploration of trust. While trust is essential for human connection, it can be weaponised to control and manipulate, particularly for women taught to “trust the grown-ups” in their lives. This conditioning leaves us vulnerable to manipulation, self-doubt, and a silenced inner voice. In this episode, Michelle unpacks the five key steps to deprogram from this “blind trust” and embrace critical thinking — a vital skill for reclaiming our power and agency. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Trust Can Be Dangerous: How society conditions women to trust blindly — and how this conditioning keeps us small, compliant, and easy to control. The Role of Critical Thinking: Why critical thinking is essential for deprogramming from Good Girl Conditioning and how it helps us resist manipulation. The Five Steps to Deprogramming Trust: Don’t believe everything you’re told — Learn to question authority and the motives behind the information you consume. Don’t believe everything you think — Discover how biases, societal narratives, and your own brain can mislead you. Ask better questions — Embrace your inner 5-year-old and use curiosity to challenge assumptions and dig deeper. Listen to perspectives you disagree with — Why staying in an echo chamber is dangerous and how to gain valuable new perspectives. Question your own thinking — Reflect on your beliefs, challenge them, and be open to change. We Want to Hear From You! What’s one area of your life where you’re ready to question the status quo? Send Michelle a message or tag her on social media with your thoughts! Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 13 - The Burden of Being ‘Good’ with Rose Covenant Rose Covenant is a globally recognised somatic healer and trauma expert, dedicated to helping conscious people who've already "done the inner work" go deeper to heal past trauma and dissolve destructive patterns. She supports clients to break free from societal conditioning and step into their fullest, unapologetic expression. With a background in international humanitarian work spanning over a decade in West Africa, Rose brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining science-backed methodologies with deep intuitive understanding.As the creator of The Recalibration Effect™, Rose specialises in helping conscious people heal deep emotional wounds, recalibrate their nervous systems, and dissolve the internalised emotional suppression and beliefs that hold them back. Her flagship program has transformed the lives of countless people worldwide, guiding them to shed their masks and embrace lives aligned with their true purpose.Drawing from her experience in neuroscience, somatic healing, and personal transformation, Rose offers an approach that goes beyond surface-level fixes. Her work empowers clients to navigate the complexities of healing, providing tools, mentorship, and a supportive community to facilitate profound and lasting change.Currently based in Cusco, Peru, Rose’s practice extends across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. When she’s not mentoring clients or developing transformational programs, Rose can often be found exploring new corners of the globe, embodying the freedom and authenticity she inspires in others. What we talk about: 2:00 – Have You Ever Thought of Yourself as a Good Girl? - Rose reflects on her journey through “good girl” conditioning and the pressure to be the best at everything, even at the expense of her own needs. 3:28 – The Exhaustion of “Having It All” - Michelle and Rose discuss the societal myth that women can and should do it all—and how this belief leads to burnout. 5:34 – Breaking Free from Chronic Pain and Societal Expectations - Rose shares how her body manifested years of emotional pain as physical pain and the healing process that helped her let go of external validation. 9:12 – The Cycle of Programming in Relationships - Rose discusses how societal conditioning re-emerges in relationships and how she approaches it now with love and curiosity rather than judgment. 11:28 – The Constant Alertness of Living as a Woman - Michelle and Rose compare women’s hypervigilance to the instincts of prey animals, illustrating the mental and physical toll of living in a patriarchal society. 18:00 – Processing Rage and Intergenerational Trauma - Rose discusses the importance of addressing the rage and trauma inherited from centuries of patriarchal oppression, including the witch trials. 22:43 – The Patriarchy Hurts Everyone - Michelle and Rose explore how patriarchal systems harm men and women alike, exacerbating issues like environmental degradation and extractive leadership. 24:53 – Healing Through Love - Rose shares the power of choosing love and compassion over hate and division, even when faced with societal challenges. 30:24 – The Burden of Beauty Standards - Rose unpacks the conditioning around beauty and self-presentation, contrasting it with the kindness our bodies deserve. 34:26 – Healing as a Path to True Connection - Rose explains how healing ourselves enables us to connect authentically with others and live mask-free. Follow Rose on social media:   Website - https://iamrosecovenant.com/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosecovenant/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/i.am.rose.covenant/  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 12 - From Rebel Woman to Raising Rebels with Jo Phillips In this episode, host Michelle Minnikin welcomes Jo Phillips to the Good Girl Deprogramming podcast. Together, they delve into the journey from societal expectations to authentic self-expression, highlighting the challenges women face in corporate environments and how they can reclaim their power. Jo shares her experiences of breaking free from “Good Girl Conditioning,” championing leverage and confidence, and coaching other women to find their voices and build meaningful careers. Jo’s early career was in the recruitment and staffing industry with market leaders such as Staffline, Kelly, and Adecco, where she headed Adecco’s sales academy. She later transitioned to a national role in learning and development, researching, designing, and delivering training through mediums like classroom, online, and face-to-face sessions. With over 23,000 hours of training delivered, Jo specialises in onboarding, legislation, sales cycles, recruitment, management, and leadership. She has trained trainers to become confident, authentic facilitators and designed curricula to support women’s career advancement. Jo is a coach and mentor to senior leaders, acting as a confidential sounding board and critical friend. Her passion for empowering women is evident in her work, particularly through programmes like inHerSpark, which focuses on accelerating women’s careers. This initiative enhances retention by providing specialist development at critical career points, enabling women to excel within their organisations. Recognised for her inclusive, knowledgeable, and open approach, Jo coaches women to achieve their potential. In the past year alone, her clients saw an average salary increase of 39%, with the highest increase reaching £70,000. Jo is a gold-level facilitator for Google’s #IamRemarkable initiative and collaborates with award-winning software, Fintech, and FTSE 100 companies. Based in the UK, she is a devoted mother to a preteen son, an avid reader, and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Jo frequently speaks at events and podcasts, continuously researching the challenges women face in their careers. What we talk about: 1:16 – Michelle welcomes Jo Phillips, sharing how their connection was fatefully suggested by multiple people. 1:54 – Jo discusses taking the Good Girl Quiz and proudly identifying as a “Rebel Woman.” 4:37 – Jo reflects on her early corporate career, shaped by societal expectations that limited her confidence. 8:23 – A missed promotion becomes Jo’s wake-up call, revealing the importance of self-promotion. 10:43 – Jo discovers a 40% pay gap in her role and boldly negotiates for fair compensation. 15:55 – Jo highlights how workplace U-turns, like ending hybrid work, disproportionately affect women. 17:56 – Jo shares her current focus: coaching women to reclaim confidence and articulate their value. 23:54 – Michelle and Jo discuss the critical role of self-promotion and leveraging networks for success. 28:35 – Jo challenges listeners to envision their ideal life and reverse engineer the steps to achieve it. Follow Jo on social media:   Website - https://thewomanbehindthewomen.com/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-p-thewomanbehindthewomen/  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 11 - Writing, Good Girl Conditioning, and Too Muchness with Nicola Humber In this special episode to celebrate the first anniversary of Good Girl Deprogramming, Michelle sits down with her publisher, Nicola Humber. Whether you’re dreaming of writing a book or simply want to live more authentically, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you break free from societal expectations and unleash your full potential. Nicola Humber is the author of three transformational books, Heal Your Inner Good Girl , UNBOUND and Unbound Writing and creator of the #unbound365 journal. She's also the founder of The Unbound Press, a soul-led publishing imprint for unbound women. After playing the archetypal good girl up until her mid-thirties, Nicola left her 'proper' job in finance to retrain as a coach and hypnotherapist and this leap of faith led her to what she does now: activating recovering good girls to embrace their so-called imperfections and shake off the tyranny of 'shoulds', so they can be their fullest, freest, most magnificent selves.
 Nicola helps women to write the book their Unbound Self is calling them to write, whilst growing a community of soul-family readers and clients.
 She's also the host of The Unbound Writer's Club podcast. What we talk about: 2:30 – Nicola’s Journey - from corporate life to founding The Unbound Press Nicola reflects on her path from the structured corporate world to creating The Unbound Press, a space where women’s unique voices and stories are celebrated. 4:51 – The Myth of the Linear Writing Process Both Michelle and Nicola debunk the myth that writing a book is a linear process, explaining how life’s ebbs and flows shape creative journeys. 6:07 – Embracing Cyclical Creativity They discuss how embracing natural cycles—seasonal, lunar, and menstrual—can help women let go of rigid productivity expectations. 8:12 – Fear of Criticism Nicola opens up about the internal battle many writers face, from questioning their worth to fearing judgment from readers. 10:32 – Turning Criticism into Content  Michelle and Nicola share personal experiences of dealing with negative reviews and turning them into opportunities for reflection and growth. 13:36 – Pleasing Everyone vs. Authenticity  They explore the dangers of seeking universal approval, explaining how authenticity resonates more deeply with the right audience. 16:42 – Reconnecting with Your Body and Cycles Nicola highlights the importance of listening to your body and cycles, breaking free from the linear productivity models that dominate workplaces. 20:21 – The Impact of “Good Girl” Conditioning at Work Michelle previews her upcoming book, examining why high-achieving girls often struggle when they enter the workforce. 24:22 – Women Supporting Women The conversation shifts to the transformative power of community, as they emphasise the importance of women lifting each other up. 27:31 – Writing Your Own Story Nicola encourages aspiring authors to embrace their unique perspectives, even in a world saturated with similar stories. 30:36 – Valuing Your Own Experiences They discuss how personal stories bring writing to life, helping readers connect with deeper truths. 33:22 – Listener Challenge: Embrace your “too muchness” Follow Nicola on social media:   Website - https://nicolahumber.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolaahumber/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolahumber  Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!

Episode 10 - What Would Donna and Cheryl Do? with Dr Donna Elliot & Cheryl Reid Dr. Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid are the Co-Founders of Now Is Your Time, creators of the Mind Coding® framework, and authors of the #1 bestseller Become The Real You. As TEDx Women speakers and former senior leaders with over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, they bring a wealth of expertise in empowering women to break free from limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and fear. Their mission is to help women harness their inner power to live radically authentic lives. Drawing on 40 years of combined experience in building high-performing teams, alongside their own transformative personal journeys, Donna and Cheryl deliver life-changing coaching programmes. They have worked with global organisations such as the BBC, Adobe, Sage, and American Express as Mindset and Imposter Syndrome Experts. Their insights have been featured in leading publications including Health & Wellbeing and Glamour. In their interactive masterclasses, they share proven mindset techniques and practical strategies designed to dismantle imposter syndrome and foster unstoppable self-belief. Discover more about their work, book, and TEDx talk at www.nowisyourtimeto.com. What we talk about: 2:11 - Good Girl Conditioning Discussion - Donna and Cheryl share personal stories about overcoming societal expectations, people-pleasing, and imposter syndrome. 10:00 - Breaking Out of Corporate Conditioning - The duo discusses their shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship and their journey toward finding authentic work styles. 18:01 - Personal Growth & Manifestation - Donna and Cheryl explore how personal growth and mindset shifts, especially during the pandemic, helped them redefine success. 28:01 - Community and Future Plans - They share plans for their coaching programs, aimed at empowering others to embrace transformation and authenticity. 31:49 - Key Takeaways & Reflections - Donna and Cheryl challenge listeners to reflect on living authentically and pursuing what they truly want. Follow Donna and Cheryl on social media:   Website - https://www.nowisyourtimeto.com/  Linkedin - https://www.instagram.com/iamdonnaelliott/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-reid-now-is-your-time-to-com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nowisyourtimeto/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/donna.elliott.NIYT  Follow Michelle on social media:   Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin Buy Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops (and Amazon - https://amzn.to/3AQHuFf)  Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0D9MKBDBW/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-406719&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_406719_rh_uk  Take the Good Girl Quiz Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/  If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends!