Ruth Wood

Frustrated And Exhausted

Business EN ↓ 128 episodes

Frustrated & Exhausted explores the realities of leadership inside modern organisations. Hosted by Ruth Wood, the podcast looks beyond individual capability to the conditions that shape how work really happens - from decision-making and team dynamics to trust, challenge and organisational culture. Through solo episodes and conversations with senior leaders, it offers a thoughtful, practical perspective on what helps people and teams perform at their best - and what quietly gets in the way.”

Author

Ruth Wood

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jun 30, 2026

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Episodes

THAT Boss 05.11.2024

Ever felt stuck dealing with that boss—the one who’s not just tough but actually crosses into uncomfortable or even toxic territory? In this episode, I’m tackling an uncomfortable but crucial topic, the female leader who, despite knowing the struggle herself, makes things difficult for other women. We’ll unpack why this happens, from unresolved trauma to harsh work environments, and the roles we u...

She's So Emotional 29.10.2024

In this episode of Frustrated and Exhausted , we’re unpacking the stereotypes around emotions in the workplace, especially the idea that women are “too emotional.”  Is it true that women are more emotional than men, or are we just expected to express emotions differently? I’ll share research that challenges these outdated beliefs and explore how these stereotypes impact women’s experiences an...

Knowing Me, Knowing You 22.10.2024

In this episode of Frustrated and Exhausted , I explore the power of truly knowing yourself, what makes you tick, what stresses you out, and how these insights can transform your leadership journey. We’ll look into why self awareness is more than just a buzzword and how understanding your values, strengths, and triggers can make you a better, more resilient leader. I’ll also share practical tips o...

Powerfully Likeable with Kate Mason 15.10.2024

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Mason. We discuss the common dilemma many women face in leadership, feeling like they have to choose between being authoritative or likeable, and how to break free from that false choice to embrace both. We talk about the importance of managing perfectionism, embracing ambition, and how to communicate confidently, even when faced with self-doubt. This episode is...

The Invisible Force: How Women Can Influence For Impact 08.10.2024

In this episode, we’re talking about how women can use influence to get things done and be noticed for it. Sometimes, we work hard behind the scenes, but others don’t see it. I’ll share some simple strategies to help you build stronger connections, improve your visibility, and make sure your efforts are recognised. No more letting others take credit for your ideas! It’s time to make your influence...

Influential Women With Hilary Ross 01.10.2024

Welcome to another episode. Today, I’m thrilled to have Hilary Ross, Managing Partner for DWF in the UK and Ireland, joining me today. With years of experience at the top of the legal world, Hilary brings incredible insight into what it takes to rise to such a high level, especially as a woman. In our chat, we explore the power of influence, the grit needed to overcome being overlooked, and the ba...

Are You Productive Or Busy? 24.09.2024

Ever feel like you’re juggling a million things and just can’t get ahead? This week, I’m talking about the nonstop busyness that so many of us face—work, family, commitments—and why it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unproductive. We often mistake being busy for being productive, but the truth is, we can get stuck in a cycle of ticking off tasks without really moving the needle. I’m sharing a...

Women Suppporting Women with Malin Rosenkvist 17.09.2024

In this episode, we’re chatting with the incredible Malin Rosenkvist, Director of Fundraising at the MicroLoan Foundation. The foundation provides essential business loans to women across Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering them to generate an income and support their families.   Malin shares how a chance meeting in a bar led her from the stage to Uganda, where she began making a real impact in th...

High Performance Habits 10.09.2024

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking high-performance habits – what they are, how they shape your day, and why they’re crucial for levelling up in life and work. We’ll break down the mechanics of habits, exploring the science behind how they’re formed and why they stick, for better or worse. And yes, I’ll share some tips to help you recognise which habits are supporting your goals and which might b...

Decision Making In A Complex World with Sonja Oliviera 03.09.2024

This week, I’m thrilled to chat with Sonja Dragojlovic Oliveira, Professor of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde and a true powerhouse in the fields of sustainability, design and innovation. Sonia shares her insights on decision-making in today’s complex world, where finding the right balance between data, intuition, and different perspectives can feel like an art form. If you've ever f...

The Reality of Vulnerability and leadership 27.08.2024

In this episode, we explore the complex role vulnerability plays in leadership.   We unpack how being open can build trust and strengthen connections within teams. But vulnerability isn’t without its pitfalls—oversharing or misjudging when to be vulnerable can backfire, leading to a breakdown in trust and ineffective leadership.   Here are the highlights   (01:27) The Psychological...

Can Leaders Care Too Much? With Helen Whiteman 20.08.2024

In this episode, I chat with Helen Whiteman, a seasoned CEO with a fascinating career journey marked by curiosity, learning, and the occasional risk.   Helen opens up about the unique challenges leaders face when they care deeply about their teams, and how that can sometimes cloud judgment. We discuss how to recognise when caring too much might be affecting your decision-making and the i...

Space For Me 13.08.2024

In this episode, we’re talking about something that often gets lost in the hustle – space for yourself. Life can get so full, and we’re constantly juggling responsibilities, often forgetting to prioritise our own needs.   Today, I’m sharing three simple strategies to help you carve out a little bit of that much-needed space in your daily life.   Whether it's creating a quiet moment just...

Standing Out - A Career in STEM with Louise Towler 06.08.2024

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Louise Towler, a trailblazer in the fields of science, technology, and sustainability. Louise has leveraged her profound expertise in mathematics and software development to innovate in climate technology, notably through her startup, Canopy, which assists organisations in reducing their digital carbon footprints. In our conversation, we explore Louise's journey...

Women Of A Certain Age 30.07.2024

Today we're diving into the topic of menopause, a significant phase that affects over 50% of the population. From dealing with fluctuating symptoms that can undermine confidence and mental health to navigating the lack of workplace support and healthcare dismissiveness, today's talk is all about empowering women through information and advocacy. Join me as we explore the physical and emotional cha...

Reflect and Reset 23.07.2024

Welcome back to Frustrated and Exhausted. Today, we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect on the year so far, as we're just past the halfway mark of 2024.  In this special episode, we’ll explore what’s changed, what we’ve learned, and how we can set intentions for the months ahead.  Grab a pen, a cup of tea, and let’s dive into a reflective journey to reset and recharge for the rest of...

Overcoming Your Imposter With Emma Burlow 16.07.2024

Join me this week as I chat with sustainability expert Emma Burlow. With over 25 years in the field, Emma is now running her own company, Lighthouse Sustainability Limited, and serving as Chief Sustainability Officer at Revolution Zero.. She's also the Director and Chief Sustainability Officer for revolution zero. We dive deep into impostor syndrome, sustainability, and the challenges of burnout a...

Women & Psychological Safety 09.07.2024

Join me this week where we delve into the crucial foundation of trust within organisations—psychological safety. Having worked extensively with teams to foster environments where members feel secure and valued, I'll explore why psychological safety is particularly vital for women and how it impacts organisational success and leadership development. We'll discuss practical ways to enhance psycholog...

Trust & Self-Trust with Andrea White 02.07.2024

Join me today as I talk with Andrea White, an independent fire engineer and influential figure in the fire safety industry. Andrea is the founder of Women Talking Fire, a support network for women in UK fire safety. In our discussion, we focus on the crucial role of trust in women's careers, exploring how self-trust and professional integrity shape our paths. Dive into this enlightening conversati...

Dialling Down The Negativity with Self-Compassion 25.06.2024

Today we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart yet challenging for me, and likely for many of you—self-compassion. We're often our own worst critics, quick to extend kindness to others but not to ourselves. We'll explore the meaning of self-compassion and discuss practical steps to treat ourselves with the same care and understanding we offer others. It’s about recognising our imperfecti...

Are You Lonely? 18.06.2024

Hello and welcome! In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s often brushed under the rug—loneliness, especially in the workplace. Despite our busy lives and numerous connections, many of us still feel isolated. I chat about the real, often hidden, impact loneliness can have on our mental and physical health.   We often don’t talk about it because of the stigma, but it’s time we get comf...

Leading with Empathy with Claire Urquhart 11.06.2024

Join me for this week’s episode where I have the pleasure of speaking with Claire Urquhart, a former corporate lawyer turned co-founder and director of the charity Open Books. Claire has spent over a decade promoting literacy and community through her work and is also a trustee at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. We delve into her inspirational journey from high-pressure legal work to me...

Sorry Is NOT The Hardest Word 04.06.2024

Welcome to this week's episode! This week, we're talking about apologies. Specifically, we're exploring the common perception that women apologise more than men, why this is, and if it's even true. Here are the highlights: (02:38) Gender differences (03:12) Why do we apologise? (06:10) Apology Study (08:32) Weakness Get my guide to being heard here:  https://women.resonateleadership.co.uk/hom...

Do You Have Purpose & Passion in Your Career? With Caroline Bernard 28.05.2024

This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Caroline Bernard, a senior leader in the charity sector.  Caroline is the Director of Influence at Respect UK, an organisation dedicated to ending domestic abuse by targeting perpetrators.  With a wealth of experience and a passion for women’s rights, Caroline shares her journey, the challenges she's faced, and the lessons she's learned along the w...

A Cup Of Ambition 21.05.2024

Welcome to Episode 28! In this episode we're talking about ambition. Specifically, how women and girls having ambition can often be looked down upon. Ambition is not a dirty word, but sometimes it can be seen that way. I want to talk about why thats harmful, and what we can do to change this stereotype... Here are the highlights (01:02) Women face criticism for being ambitious (05:56) Career progr...

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