“There’s a real hunger for voices in the world who think differently... Claim that space.” — Shada Islam

In this bold and deeply needed conversation, Shada Islam — international affairs strategist and one of Europe’s most powerful and unapologetic voices — joins me to talk about why so few women and underrepresented voices are visible in our media and political spaces.

We talk about what it means to speak truth to power — especially when the rooms of power were never built for you in the first place.

Shada shares her personal beginnings in Brussels, where she made the radical choice to stand out rather than assimilate into a deeply patriarchal, status-quo-driven system. As a woman of color in the media and think tank world, she has consistently challenged the double standards that still exist at the heart of the EU.

🧠 We unpack:

• Her decision to own her difference instead of hiding it

• How the think tank and media world remains patriarchal and exclusionary

• The EU’s "moment of truth" on race, equity, and minority rights

• The urgent need for cooperation over zero-sum competition in geopolitics

• And how claiming your voice is a political act — especially when the system doesn’t expect you to speak up

This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a wake-up call.

🎧 Listen now and reflect on the spaces you’ve been told you don’t belong in — and why you might belong there most of all.

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She Owns The Stage is the go-to podcast for women who are ready to speak with power, lead with presence, and own every stage they step onto: whether it’s a microphone, a panel, a pitch, or a boardroom.

Hosted by event moderator, keynote speaker, and podcaster Anna Gumbau, this podcast blends bold storytelling with no-fluff practical tools to help you become a confident speaker, compelling moderator, and thought leader in your space.

Each episode delivers:

• Actionable advice for public speaking and presentation skills

• Behind-the-scenes insights on moderating events and panels

• Empowering conversations with women who’ve claimed their voice

• Honest reflections on fear, visibility, and speaking up in male-dominated spaces

  
  

Whether you're just starting out or scaling your influence, She Owns The Stage will help you root into your voice, refine your message, resonate with your audience, and reclaim your power.

🎤 Ready to step up, speak out, and be heard?
Subscribe and join the women who own the stage.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

She Owns The Stage is the go-to podcast for women who are ready to speak with power, lead with presence, and own every stage they step onto: whether it’s a microphone, a panel, a pitch, or a boardroom.

Hosted by event moderator, keynote speaker, and podcaster Anna Gumbau, this podcast blends bold storytelling with no-fluff practical tools to help you become a confident speaker, compelling moderator, and thought leader in your space.

Each episode delivers:

• Actionable advice for public speaking and presentation skills

• Behind-the-scenes insights on moderating events and panels

• Empowering conversations with women who’ve claimed their voice

• Honest reflections on fear, visibility, and speaking up in male-dominated spaces

  
  

Whether you're just starting out or scaling your influence, She Owns The Stage will help you root into your voice, refine your message, resonate with your audience, and reclaim your power.

🎤 Ready to step up, speak out, and be heard?
Subscribe and join the women who own the stage.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of She Owns The Stage, I sit down with Helene Banner — former EU speechwriter now women's leadership coach — for a powerful conversation on leading with authenticity in a world that often demands we fit a mould.

We dive into the moment that redefined leadership for Helene and why she believes the future belongs to imperfect, vulnerable leaders. We talk about the pressure to conform, the myth that strength and warmth can’t coexist, and how true leadership starts with daring to be fully yourself.

From lessons in self-employment and being selective, to navigating backlash and staying on message without losing your voice — we unpack what it really takes to lead authentically today. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can be respected and real — this episode is your answer.

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About Helene Banner

Helene Banner is a Keynote Speaker, Leadership Mentor and Diversity Advisor who founded her business “Let’s Just Be Imperfect, Ladies” after her 10-year career as a senior communication advisor at the European Commission in Brussels and Berlin.

With this experience of being "a young woman in senior positions", Helene now supports women and men working in alpha-dominated work environments to find their confidence in their authentic leadership style and in their own definition of success. As a speaker, she brings male and female leaders together for a more open, transparent and diverse work culture in their organisations, taking into account mental health challenges.

Follow Helene on Instagram: @helene.banner

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She Owns The Stage is the go-to podcast for women who are ready to speak with power, lead with presence, and own every stage they step onto: whether it’s a microphone, a panel, a pitch, or a boardroom.

Hosted by event moderator, keynote speaker, and podcaster Anna Gumbau, this podcast blends bold storytelling with no-fluff practical tools to help you become a confident speaker, compelling moderator, and thought leader in your space.

💼 Work With Anna Gumbau: Want to become a powerful public speaker, moderator, or thought leader in your field?

Explore She Owns The Stage trainings and resources: www.sheownsthestage.me

📱 Stay Connected:

Follow Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annagumbau/

Instagram: @sheownsthestage / @annagumbau

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.