All good things must come to and end (or in this case a pause), and this is the last episode in this series of LEadHERship Journeys - But don't worry work is already underway on series two!

It has been an incredible journey and our genuine hope is that you've learned a lot from our amazing roster of inspirational women.

From car saleswomen, to cricket super stars, to women who lead teams to catch tax fraudsters and women who lead the forefront of cancer research - we've met some really powerful personalities.

In this episode, Leona talks to her producer Nick about the adventure they've both been on and what they have both learned from the conversations that have been had on LeadHERship Journeys across the UK.

They look back at some of the most memorable interviews from across the series, and give some insight into what they have taken away from the conversation and some things that didn't make the final cut!

LeadHERship Journeys will return later in the year, so make sure you follow and subscribe to be notified when Leona returns with more insights into what makes successful women tick.

LINKS

Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

We all learn from our mistakes, that's part of being human. But how do you take something as damaging as working in a toxic environment and turn that to your advantage?

Bianca Spruit worked as a leader in several roles before deciding to go it alone as a coach, one of those jobs almost broke her. But while she knew she had to leave that job, she didn't know what was next.

It wasn't until she found a love for coaching that she discovered a path away from the toxic environment.

In this episode, Leona talks to her about:

• Using your difference to your advantage
• The physical impact of a toxic workplace

• Why it's ok not to beat yourself up about not leaving a bad job sooner
• Why helping others who are in the situation she was drives her
• How having children changes you

LINKS

Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

https://www.sproutcoaching.co.uk/

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

The old saying goes that kindness costs nothing, but is it really possible that you can get to where you want to be in your career by being kind?

Rebecca Oliver Mooney (or ROM for short) has 20 years experience in fast moving consumer goods and has worked for the likes of Mars, Nestle, Kellogg's and Muller.

She is now head of commercial for Co -op and is also the founder of Raising the Glass. This is an initiative that connects women and allies in the drinks industry, and includes a podcast, networking events and a mentoring programme.

But it is her leadership style that Leona wanted to hear about most as it's focussed on equity and kindness.

In this episode, she talks to Leona about;

• Knowing what your "superpowers" are and how to accept them
• Why good enough is perfectly acceptable and why perfection can be damaging
• Why understanding and equity in a leadership role is so crucial
• What introverts go through on a daily basis
• Psychological safety and why that's so important

Links

INKS

Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

It's natural and healthy for us to have ambition and dreams - but what happens when your dreams become a reality, and the reality is something you don't want?

Holly Colvin was just 15 when she got a place on the England cricket team for an ashes test against Australia. She went on to play five tests, 72 one-day internationals and 50 20:20 internationals and was a member of the Women's World 20:20 World Cup winning side in 2009.

But as you'll hear, she happily walked away from her cricketing career and has not looked back.

She's now a major sports event manager for the Greater London Authority.

In this fascinating episode, Holly chats to Leona about:

• The feeling of happiness she felt when she gave up cricket
• And the feelings of anxiety the preceded it
• Emotional intelligence, why giving something up isn't about failure
• When resilience becomes about learning when to let go
• Her drive to try new things, and how that led to a blog

LINKS

Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollylcolvin/details/experience/

https://alphabetazumba.wordpress.com/blog/

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Simone Roche MBE is a big advocate of diversity. She is the founder and CEO of We Are PoWEr, who accelerate gender equality, inclusion and social mobility across the UK and beyond.

She has an amazing story to tell. She started her journey in the Royal Navy, was given her MBE in 2018 for services to gender equality and went on to found her own organisation which now has a membership of over 100k women.

She is a woman who has lived her life in a truly positive way, saying yes as much as she can. Leona wanted to explore her views on the power of self-belief.

In this episode, Leona talks to Simone about:

• How being a woman in the Royal Navy never mattered, but being northern did
• Why the work in equality she does really helps in building communities
• Inner vulnerability and how it exists at all levels

LINKS

Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

Simon Roche MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-roche-mbe/

We are Power: https://wearepower.net/home

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Zoe Gascoyne is the woman who oversaw the Bernie Ecclestone tax fraud case, in which he pleaded guilty, was given a suspended prison sentence and paid a fine of almost £653m to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Zoe's story is about being true to yourself, not conforming and not letting others judge your appearance.

It's also about striving to be the best leader and person you can be.

In this episode, Leona talks to her about:

• How those who lead badly have taught her how to lead well
• Why "doing it all" resulted in burnout and what she learned about herself
• Looking after your team is perhaps the most important thing you can do
• Her distaste for greed and what drives her in her role

LINKS

Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

Zoe Gascoyne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-g-71b3343a/

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

More about the Bernie Ecclestone case: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67088503#:~:text=Ecclestone%20has%20agreed%20in%20a,after%20initially%20pleading%20not%20guilty.

Deborah Ogden is a personal branding and impact coach - Her CV is fascinating, she started her career as a lawyer and then moved on to help sportspeople get sponsorship deals.

Deborah's journey is one of firsts, she was the first woman to be a professional media manager. Her story is also about achievement, she was brought up to not just take part but succeed.

But it's not all about success and firsts...

Leona chats to her about:

• How becoming a mother almost broke her, but also put her on a path she's still on
• Why she always jumps before the count of three...
• The loss of her father and how that has impacted her

LINKS

Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

Deborah Ogden https://www.deborahogden.com/

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/

Rayhanneh Mazinani's journey from beauty sales to the second-hand car trade is one of self belief, business acumen and determination. As the managing director of vehicle sourcing company TRAYD, she a true pioneer. There are no other women doing what she is doing in the UK motor trade.

Her story is about breaking through barriers, not just of gender but also race. As a woman in a man's world she faced her fair share of competitive conflict, but she was not going to let this deter her. She quickly discovered that being female was her superpower. Her ability to slow down the sale, build rapport and become a trusted advisor were the secrets to her success.

Her aim now is to make more women aware that the world of vehicle sales is a fantastic place for them to thrive, and that their unique qualities can be their superpower too.

In this episode, she talks to Leona about:

• Dealing with aggression and why women are "special beings"
• How her drive and enthusiasm led her to set up Trayd
• What the motor trade has to offer women and why you should get into it

LINKS

Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/

Trayd www.trayduk.co.uk

Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/