From Your Seat to the Board

Bryony Williams

Hi I'm Bry & I'm on a mission to find out why our male peers always seem to get promoted before us! I'm a mum, sister, wife & high performance coach. I am obsessed with the lack of women on Boards, can you be ambitious AND a woman? Yes. So what's stopping us? Get ready to be inspired and amused. Hear the women & men I interview on route to a Board seat, sitting on a Board or chasing it through failure, struggle and success and how they have navigated power, male dominance and glass ceilings. I hope you are listening. Take your seat. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

#15 Breaking Barriers: Networking your way to Leadership & a Board Seat with Helen Tuddenham
2d ago
#15 Breaking Barriers: Networking your way to Leadership & a Board Seat with Helen Tuddenham
In this insightful conversation with Leadership Coach Helen Tuddenham, we dive into the intricacies of career progression, networking like a boss and overcoming challenges as Women in Leadership roles. Helen shares her journey from the world of Big Four accounting to Executive Coaching and offers practical tips for those looking to advance in their careers, particularly those aspiring to board seats. Join us as we cover the importance of visibility and community, and how diversity and inclusion play a role in the barriers women face in Leadership. Helen also emphasises the value of the water cooler chats, maintaining self-care, and cultivating a strong sense of community to thrive as a Leader. You are going to learn how to: Build confidence as a pivotal tool in your leadership development, with varying levels for different individuals. Use Networking as a powerful tool for expanding your professional influence; andUse self-advocacy to build your value, including your previous experience, even if outside traditional board roles, to offer valuable perspectives to a board. A big thank you to Helen for sharing her time, so many juicy takeaways - make sure you go and join Helen's amazing newsletter! Here is the very uplifting music Helen recommends: ⁠Proud by M People & the book recommendation is Your Invisible Network by Michael Urtuzuástegui Melcher Get in touch with me here if you fancy coming on the pod and have something to share on Careers, Board Seats and the journey: ⁠here:https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/⁠ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice.We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#14 Bloom & Lead: Own Your Voice, Confidence and Boardroom Impact with Ruth Penfold
24-01-2025
#14 Bloom & Lead: Own Your Voice, Confidence and Boardroom Impact with Ruth Penfold
In this insightful conversation, we talk to the brilliant Ruth Penfold and dive deep into the importance of creating environments where individuals, particularly women, can truly thrive. We focus on the critical elements of psychological safety, personal empowerment, and leadership energy. Ruth, founder of Bloom, shares her personal journey of creating a platform designed to help women reclaim their confidence and manifest their dream careers. Our discussion covers the unique challenges women face in corporate settings and specifically the systems around us, the significance of self-awareness, and the vital need for authentic leadership. Ruth introduces her powerful methodology, which includes the "Five P’s of Career Freedom," and highlights how self-love and radical self-awareness are essential components of achieving professional success. I can't wait for you to listen to this deeply moving, insightful and brilliant episode. Please, take a seat. A big thank you to Ruth for sharing his time and experiences with me and I hope you thoroughly enjoy this episode of From Your Seat to the Board. Here is the very special music Ruth recommends: ⁠All My Love by Elderbrook⁠ Get in touch with me here:https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice.We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#13 The Accidental Board Member: My Unexpected Path to a Celebrity packed Charity Board with Richard Shaw MBE
13-12-2024
#13 The Accidental Board Member: My Unexpected Path to a Celebrity packed Charity Board with Richard Shaw MBE
Welcome back to From Your Seat to the Board! In this gorgeous episode, the lovely Richard Shaw MBE shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a key figure in the Teenage Cancer Trust Board make-up. He shares with us the importance of core values, building relationships, and navigating the complexities of board dynamics in the charity sector. Richard reflects on his recognition as an MBE and offers valuable advice for those aspiring to join a board, emphasizing the need for real belief in oneself and the importance of a diverse skill set. Your top takeaways will be​How core values and a shared mission are essential for a cohesive board.​Why a diverse skill set is crucial for effective board composition.​When you surround yourself with people who compliment your skills, you fill in the gaps.The discussion also touches on the influence of music in Richard's life, highlighting his passion for artists like MarkKnopfler and Bob Dylan and all the amazing celebrities he got to meet on his journey. This episode is wholesome AF with some great insights, I think you are going to LOVE it!A big thank you to Richard for sharing his time and experiences with me and I hope you thoroughly enjoy this episode of From Your Seat to the Board. Here is the very special music in aid of Teenage Cancee Trust : Guitar Heroes Get in touch with me here:https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice.We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#12 Empowering Women for Board Success with Yemi Jackson
22-11-2024
#12 Empowering Women for Board Success with Yemi Jackson
Welcome back to From Your Seat to the Board! In this conversation, we talk to the wonderful Yemi Jackson on the critical issues surrounding leadership diversity, particularly the lack of women and people of color in boardrooms. Yemi shares her journey in establishing Engage Transform, an executive search company designed specifically to bridge this gap. We explore the importance of challenging the status quo in board meetings, how coaching women to prepare them for board roles stops them from being a "diverse hire", and the significance of assessing organisational culture to ensure a safe environment for diverse hires. Yemi also provides practical tips for aspiring board members, emphasising the importance of critical thinking, relationship building, and understanding the broader organizational impact of decisions. Your top takeaways will be How to equip yourself to win;How to challenge the status quo in board meetings; and How to build crucial relationships with board members for success. You're going to LOVE it. So, settle in, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take notes as Yemi shares her top tips. This episode is a must-listen for anyone sitting on a Board, considering a Board seat or curious about what it takes to get there. You can find Yemi at Engage Transform Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#11 From Grassroots & Zumba to Renewable Energy: Jordan Brompton's Inspiring Journey to the Board
08-11-2024
#11 From Grassroots & Zumba to Renewable Energy: Jordan Brompton's Inspiring Journey to the Board
Welcome back!! Join me as I sit down with the absolute BABE that is Jordan Brompton, co-founder of MYENERGI, for an inspiring conversation about female leadership in the renewable energy sector. Jordan shares her remarkable journey from teaching Zumba classes to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the power of passion and adaptability in business - from grass roots to the table! Jordan's story is SO inspiring, in this episode, you'll discover: How Jordan navigated the challenges of building a renewable energy company The importance of female representation in boardrooms and leadership roles Strategies for balancing personal well-being with the demands of entrepreneurship Insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your voice in male-dominated industries The role of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals Jordan offers candid advice on risk-taking, sacrifice, and the realities of hustle culture. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this conversation provides valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the power of determination in the face of adversity. Tune in for an empowering discussion that will inspire you to pursue your passions and make your mark in the world of business as a female entrepreneur! I hope you're listening, Take a Seat. You can find Jordan over on IG Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#5 How to Be Commercial for the Board with Geraldine Butler-Wright
15-10-2024
#5 How to Be Commercial for the Board with Geraldine Butler-Wright
Welcome back to another exciting episode of From Your Seat to the Board, this week we are learning all about 'How to Lead: Being Commercial for the Board' with a strategic goddess! In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Geraldine Butler-Wright (G for short), CPO, board member, total bad a*s and strategic advisor to start-ups, scale-ups and product-led businesses. Get ready to be inspired as she shares valuable insights on how to lead with a go getting attitude in your career and beyond! G shares secrets from her career journey and emphasises the need to control that inner narrative, by the end of the episode you might even be a fear-setter instead of a goal-setter! G has an appetite to do things differently, to challenge the status quo, and clearly, it has paid off, come and join us for this special episode, where we'll dive deep into why the numbers matter in HR, the power of your network, and the importance of your inner narrative. But being a leader isn't just about the professional realm. As a mum, she shares with us why it's not all about balance and how not to be afraid to disrupt the traditional career pathways. So, settle in, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take notes as G spills the beans. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of leadership. You can find Geraldine at https://www.rorcas.com/ and over on LinkedIn.  Music of choice: Into the Unknown, Frozen 2 Book reads: Fear Setting by Tim Ferries The Blend by Tobi Asare / IG @mybumppay Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#10 How to recognise your own Boardroom Value with Viviane Paxinos
31-07-2024
#10 How to recognise your own Boardroom Value with Viviane Paxinos
Come and join me on Episode 10 of From our Seat to the Board as I sit down with AllBright CEO, Viviane Paxinos. In this episode, Viviane, the dynamic CEO of AllBright, a global collective empowering women in business, shares her insights on the impact of diverse boards on business innovation, AllBright's role in supporting and upskilling ambitious women and her personal story in taking on the challenge. Viviane also touches on AllBright's initiatives, including the AllBright Alliance, designed to help corporate businesses transform their workplaces to be more diverse and inclusive, as she shares with us how to challenge in the right spaces. This episode is jam packed with insights into what it means to be on a board seat, why women have ALL the skills and what questions to ask to get there. Viviane encourages us to be bold - and if your table is all white men, Viv will ask you to consider giving up a seat! If you're intrigued by AllBright and its leader, come and have a listen! Don't miss this insightful conversation with a leader who's at the forefront of transforming the business landscape for women worldwide. If you're inspired by Viv and this podcast, don't forget to follow, rate and share! Connect with Viv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviane-paxinos-378a513/?originalSubdomain=uk Books of choice: Women vs Capitalism Vicky Pryce, All the Light we Cannot See Anthony Doerr Music of choice: Billie Holliday / Miles Davis Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#9 Driving Board Inclusion with the OG of Allies, Robert Baker
31-05-2024
#9 Driving Board Inclusion with the OG of Allies, Robert Baker
In this insightful episode, I sit down with Robert Baker, the OG of Allies, who has made an inspiring 40+ year journey from ex-HR Consultant at Mercer influencing inclusion, to the first man to join the Board of leading global women’s network, PWN Global, to Board Member of European Women on Boards, Trustee of One Loud Voice, advisor to He for She, Ally, Speaker, and many many more accolades. With a rich background in fostering inclusivity and diversity, Rob shares his unique insights on engaging men in the conversation to create space for women and promote a more diverse and inclusive boardroom starting with awareness. I talk to Rob about his personal journey and evolution from consultant to becoming a respected board member and advisor and the challenges and rewards of making this transition. Rob graciously shares his strategies for opening up conversations with men about diversity and inclusion and the importance of male allies in driving balance on the Board. This episode packs a punch with essential takeaways and skills for contributing to a (often) challenging conversation in order to cultivate and recognise the importance of a diverse boardroom. Rob's experiences and success stories in promoting diversity at the highest levels are honest and awesome and will give you the motivation to influence tangible impact in your own organisations. I've called him the OG of Allies, because Rob's work has had a significant impact on creating more equitable and diverse boardrooms and I am MEGA excited for you to hear from him. If you're inspired by Rob's journey and insights, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Share this episode with colleagues and friends who are passionate about diversity and inclusion. Let's drive change together! Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-baker-potentia-talent-consulting/ Book of Choice: Mindset by Carole Dweck Music of Choice: Roar, Katy Perry Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#8 How to be a Maverick Mum: Balancing Work & Guilt with Prartharna Rao
27-04-2024
#8 How to be a Maverick Mum: Balancing Work & Guilt with Prartharna Rao
Welcome to the latest episode of From Your Seat to the Board, in this episode we talk to Maverick Mum Prartharna Rao on balancing Work & Guilt to lead a fulfilling career as a mum. In this episode, we delve into the challenges, glass ceilings, and various obstacles that often hinder women, and specifically mums, from pursuing board seats.  Our special guest, Prartharna, is a trailblazing mum entrepreneur who was forced into pivoting her professional journey. Prartharna shares invaluable tips and insights on how to strike a delicate balance between work and being a mum and letting go of "that" guilt, paving the way for personal growth and professional advancement.  Prartharna highlights the pressing need for diversity within the workforce and discusses the transformative power it holds for organisations. Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation that aims to inspire, empower, and encourage you to seek help if you need it, pour love into YOU and reach your full potential in life, at home and maybe... in the boardroom. Listen in Mummas - this woman will leave you feeling empowered and ready to book her group space! Music of choice: Beyonce, Dangerously in Love (with me!) Book of choice: Make It Happen, Jordanna Levin Find Prarthana: https://www.instagram.com/prarthanatter/ Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#7 NOT Sleeping your Way to the Top with Kayleigh Graham
13-04-2024
#7 NOT Sleeping your Way to the Top with Kayleigh Graham
Welcome to another episode of From Your Seat to Your Board, where we bring you inspiring stories of individuals who have climbed the ladder of success and smashed the glass ceiling. In this episode, we have a special guest, Kayleigh Graham, who is the Head of Growth & Partnerships for Telleroo, Kayleigh is a columnist, a culture pioneer and a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) speaker. Kayleigh joined NatWest as a young apprentice and climbed the dizzy heights to Corporate banking very quickly. Challenged along the way for her age and assertive style, she has not only overcome adversity but she has also fast-tracked herself to success, all while refusing to entertain imposter syndrome. Get ready to gain valuable insights as Kayleigh shares her journey and the strategies that have propelled her to where she is today. - and what happened, when she was asked - who did you sleep with to get here. I can't wait to share Kayleigh's story with you as we discuss how she navigated through these obstacles and used them as stepping stones to grow personally and professionally. Listen in to her experience with collecting evidence as Kayleigh shares practical tips and techniques to silence self-doubt and build self-confidence. This episode is not to be missed as Kayleigh shares her thoughts on how individuals can create their own opportunities and pave their way to the boardroom. I hope you find inspiration and valuable insights from Kayleigh, I certainly did! Music of choice: Kayleigh, Marillion Book of choice: Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg Find Kayleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleighgraham/?originalSubdomain=uk ⁠ Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#6 Being Yourself: The Smart Girl Way with Scarlett V Clark
29-03-2024
#6 Being Yourself: The Smart Girl Way with Scarlett V Clark
Welcome to an empowering episode of From Your Seat to the Board, where we have the privilege of sitting down with Scarlett V Clark, a remarkable female empowerment expert who has triumphed over various forms of bias to establish her thriving business. Scarlett is not only intelligent, but she radiates positivity and openness as she shares her journey of perseverance, self-care, and the relentless hustle required to build an empire. In this captivating interview, we delve into Scarlett's inspiring story, uncovering the challenges she faced and the strategies she employed to overcome them. She fearlessly embraces her individuality and imparts valuable tips on how to stay true to oneself while navigating the path to success. Her authenticity and resilience make her a truly special individual, and her story is a testament to the power of self-belief and determination. Join us as we embark on a transformative conversation with Scarlett, where she reveals her unique Italian twists on life, business, and personal growth. Prepare to be inspired and empowered as we learn from Scarlett through her experiences and gain valuable insights into building a business and grabbing that board seat, while staying true to who you are. It's a GOODY! Music of choice: Girl Gang, Gin Wigmore Find Scarlett: http://smartgirltribe.com/ Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#4 How to Build your Personal Brand with Petra Gatto
15-03-2024
#4 How to Build your Personal Brand with Petra Gatto
Welcome back, today we have the privilege of talking to Petra Gatto, second time Founder & Personal Brand Mentor & Photographer. Petra has over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur following a successful career pivot that came through overcoming a huge personal life shift. Tune in to hear her powerful story and why it's impossible not to feel connected to her and her work. Petra is currently empowering women leaders and founders to feel confident and show up with visibility and powerful personal brand.  Today, we’re going to hear her personal story and why networking can be a total game changer in your toolkit for growing your career, your confidence and your brand.  You will also hear some of Perta’s personal story, and how her trauma led to her incredible passion-led business.  Explore the strategies, mindset and shifts necessary to see yourself differently and how this can powerfully elevate you as a leader in your field...and maybe, go after that board seat! This is a must listen. Petra is a personal friend and a collaborator of mine, so this is a super special episode - I hope you enjoy it! You can find Petra at https://petragatto.com/ and over on IG @petragatto.  Music of choice: Brain FM! Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#3 Overcoming Obstacles: Boardroom Bias with Ngozi Cadmus
08-03-2024
#3 Overcoming Obstacles: Boardroom Bias with Ngozi Cadmus
Welcome back to From Your Seat to the Board, in this corker of an episode we tackle the crucial topic of overcoming obstacles, focusing on the pervasive issue of bias in the corporate workplace. We speak to our incredible guest, Ngozi Cadmus, a mental health disruptor, second-time founder, and co-founder of Happiworkers, bringing her unique perspective as a doctorate researcher studying the barriers to leadership for black women to life and the workplace. Join us as we delve into the biases that hinder the progress of underrepresented individuals, particularly women of colour, in the pursuit of boardroom positions. Ngozi shares her personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the challenges she has faced, trauma and it's impact and the strategies she has employed to navigate bias. We explore the impact of unconscious bias, stereotype threat, and conflict on career progression and discuss practical steps to overcome these obstacles. Ngozi provides valuable advice on building resilience, leveraging networks, and advocating for oneself to challenge the bias factor. Throughout the episode, we also delve into the importance of mental health in the face of adversity and discuss the role of organisations in creating inclusive environments that foster diverse leadership. This episode is a must-listen for professionals aspiring to break through barriers, dismantle bias, and create a more equitable corporate landscape. Join us as we learn from Ngozi, a trailblazer in mental health and a passionate advocate for empowering underrepresented voices in leadership. Let's challenge the status quo and work towards a future where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. You can find Ngozi at https://happiworkers.health/ and over on LinkedIn. Music of choice: Pow, Lethal Bizzle Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: www.theglassfemale.com This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#2 Navigating the Boardroom: The War Games with Faris Aranki
08-03-2024
#2 Navigating the Boardroom: The War Games with Faris Aranki
Welcome to another exciting episode of From Your Seat to the Board! In this episode we have strategy consultant, Faris Aranki, who is going to take us on an enlightening journey into the realms of IQ and EQ in the boardroom. Get ready to discover the secrets of navigating these two essential elements for success. Our guest is not your average consultant - he's a serial networker, a former McKinsey consultant, and in his words, a little bit weird. But don't let that fool you. His unconventional approach has given him a unique perspective on how to show up, add material value, and truly own the boardroom. During our conversation, he will share invaluable insights on how to leverage both your intellectual and emotional intelligence to make a lasting impact in high-stakes business settings. From decoding the intricacies of human behaviour to mastering the art of strategic thinking, Faris will equip you with the tools you need to excel in the boardroom. But that's not all! He will also take us through the world of "war games" - and strategies he has developed to simulate real-life scenarios and train executives to navigate tough environments. Get ready to level up your strategy skills and gain a competitive edge as you join us on this captivating journey. So, whether you're a seasoned executive, aspiring leader, or simply curious about the inner workings of the boardroom, this episode is a must-listen - I learnt some amazing tricks from Faris, you can too. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and empowered as we dive into the fascinating world of IQ, EQ, and the art of dominating the boardroom. Let's go! You can find Faris at https://www.shiageto.com/ or connect with him on LinkedIn. Music of choice: Shakira, Ciega Sordomuda Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: www.theglassfemale.com This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
#1 Learning to Trailblaze with Rachel Harris
08-03-2024
#1 Learning to Trailblaze with Rachel Harris
Welcome to From Your Seat to the Board! In this episode we sit down with a remarkable disruptor in the accounting profession, who is shaking up the industry with her innovative approach. Our guest, Rachel Harris, is a total trailblazer and all round amazing human who has co-founded the fastest growing accounting practice in the UK, Strive X. Rachel, recently featured on the cover of Forbes magazine, shares her secrets to success with us. Rachel is everywhere - and for good reason, she's innovative, driven, committed and FUN! Sitting on the AAT Board and what she affectionately calls Bed-Quarters, she tells us what you need to do to go get a seat. Join us as we explore the challenges she faced, the strategies she employed, and the lessons she learned along the way. From monk mode and total sobriety to the 5am club, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, accounting, and the power of embracing creativity and unconventional thinking. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by this extraordinary guest who is redefining the accounting space for Women and what it means to be an Employer of Choice. Rachel is a total boss babe! You can find Rachel over on IG @accountant_she and https://strivex.co.uk/ Music of choice: Spice Girls, any from the archives! Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: www.theglassfemale.com This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.