The Trailblazers Experience Podcast

Embracing Change and Building Authentic Connections: The Journey of Nicky Burgis In this compelling episode, Nicky Burgis shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to launching her own fashion boutique, Snoop. Her story highlights the importance of relationships, self-belief, and giving back through community and charity work, demonstrating that it's never too late to reinvent you...

Women’s football has never had more momentum, yet so many players still end up wearing men’s shorts, “unisex” cuts that do not fit, or gym gear that was never designed for the pitch. That disconnect is exactly what sparked Julia to build 11 As One, a UK women’s football kit brand with a simple aim: give everyone access to that football feeling of belonging, confidence, and community. 00:00 - Intro...

From City Consulting to Building a Global Movement for Women in Hybrid Fitness — Caitlin Robbins on Rox Queens Discover how Caitlin Robbins transitioned from a corporate consulting career to creating an inspiring community empowering women through hybrid fitness. This episode explores the importance of community, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and staying true to your values. Key Topics:   Caitl...

Fiona Lambert is an author, experienced fashion and retail industry leader, board advisor and now fitness influencer who shares how redundancy sparks a full reinvention, from getting her fittest at 60 to becoming an author, speaker, and advocate for women who refuse to fade into the background. We talk candidly about identity beyond job titles, confidence through change, and the mindset shifts tha...

Summary In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience Podcast, Frederike Knop shares her journey through the realms of change management and leadership, emphasising the importance of constant change, transparency, and empathy in business. From her early aspirations of becoming a CEO to her experiences in luxury retail and navigating the challenges of leadership, Frederike provides valuable insight...

In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience, Leah Godfrey shares her inspiring journey from a diverse academic background to becoming a leader in women's sports and community building. With over 30 years of experience, Leah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of core values, and her transition from the food industry to women's sports. She highlights her initiatives, in...

In this episode , Kirsten Karchmer shares her inspiring journey from running a fertility wellness clinic to founding Conceivable, a digital platform aimed at making fertility care more accessible and affordable. She discusses the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle, the role of AI in healthcare, and the need for emotional support in fertility journeys. Kirsten emphasizes the value of m...

We trace Shannon Watson’s nonlinear path from theatre and psychology to public affairs, and how an introvert built a career convening people across differences. The conversation tackles invisible labour, reframing leadership as contribution, and practical ways to lower the temperature in polarised times. • early exposure to civic life through family and door‑knocking • career pivots from retail an...

Annabelle shares her remarkable journey from shop floor assistant to global executive, revealing how she built her career across continents while staying true to her values and disrupting industry norms. • Started at Lush in 1998 on London's King's Road, rising through the ranks over 26 years • Learning to read financial accounts provided crucial insights for business strategy and market...

Sofia Panwar, founder of Under Lingerie and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, shares her journey from corporate lawyer to building a million-pound business in just three years without external investment. Her vision to reframe lingerie as a tool for self-empowerment rather than sexualisation has resonated with thousands of women seeking to elevate their self-care routines.  Chapters  00:00:00 Introducti...

 In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast, my guest Dr. Laura Catena discusses her transition from a Stanford-trained emergency physician to a renowned winemaker in the family business. She shares insights on blending science with tradition in winemaking, the importance of preserving Argentinian wine culture, and her advocacy for evidence-based insights on wine and health. Chapters 0...

Join us in EP81 of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast as we explore the concept of joyful health with Laurine Hanquez, co-founder of Bloma. Laurine shares her journey of creating a wellness brand that balances a vibrant social life with productivity, challenging the traditional wellness culture. Discover the importance of personalisation in wellness products and gain valuable insights from Laurin...

In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience podcast, Mairin, the founder and CEO of Tech FoundHer, shares her journey in tech innovation and gender equity. She discusses the importance of diversity in tech, the barriers women face in entrepreneurship, and how Tech FoundHer aims to empower women through community support and visibility. Mairin emphasises the need for collective action and resilie...

Summary In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast, host Tola talks with Quinn Li O'Shea, founder and CEO of Braid, about the evolution of remote and hybrid work. They discuss the inspiration behind Braid, the importance of authentic connections in teams, and Quinn's journey through various tech companies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fundraising, the dy...

EP78 Kelly Vero returns to the podcast to explore the hidden history of women in technology and her journey as a tech innovator, game developer, and author. Her latest book, "Breaking Through Bytes" uncovers remarkable female tech pioneers dating back to Ancient Egypt, challenging the narrative that women's contributions to technology. • Kelly founded Nak3d, an AI-powered digital fa...

EP77 Annabel our next guest, is the founder and CEO of Tea Rebellion, shares how she's disrupting the tea industry by connecting consumers directly with farmers and challenging existing practices. Her company rejects industry norms of blending and flavoring, instead treating tea like fine wine with clearly labeled origins that honor the farmers who grow it. • Agricultural roots and early pass...

In this Episode 76, CEO Amy Anzel , founder of Hollywood Browzer Beauty, shares her journey from entertainment to creating award-winning dermaplaners that make Hollywood beauty accessible to all. Her entrepreneurial story reveals how identifying a market gap led to developing products that empower women to take control of their beauty routines without expensive salon treatments. • From acting and...

My next guest on EP75 is Gillian Ridley Whittle  CEO & Founder of Peachaus shares her journey from corporate fashion director to ethical entrepreneur , creating a brand that serves as an antidote to the destructive fast fashion system. • Founded Peachaus in March 2022 as an ethical underwear and lifestyle brand  • Currently focused on revolutionizing the underwear industry by putting women fir...

A captivating journey through the world of mezcal with Susana, founder of Mezcal Arena, reveals how this traditional spirit is gaining momentum among enthusiasts. Through Susana’s personal stories and insights, we learn about mezcal's production, cultural significance, and the challenges faced in bringing an artisanal spirit to market. • Introduction of the podcast and Susana's backgroun...

In this Takeaway Tips Episode, Peachies is a bold new player in the nappies industry, founded by two female entrepreneurs, Rima & Morgan, who faced significant challenges with determination and resilience. They share valuable insights about branding, community support, and the importance of self-care in entrepreneurship.  • Exploring the significance of distinct branding in a competitive marke...

In this Takeaway Tips episode, Yvette shares the journey of a balance coach and highlights the importance of authenticity in personal branding and leadership. It explores themes of active listening, the power of storytelling, and the necessity of integrating health into career success. • Discusses the evolution of personal branding and authenticity in business  • Emphasises the importance of activ...

How do you transform mathematical prowess into groundbreaking entrepreneurship? Rosie Bailey, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Nibble, an innovative AI negotiation tool, joins us to share her remarkable journey from the world of mathematics and investment banking to trailblazing in tech. Rosie's story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, working with dedication, and strategi...

In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience podcast, Michaela Weber shares her remarkable career journey from her early years in Cape Cod to becoming the SVP & GM at BigCommerce. She discusses the importance of networking, navigating the financial crisis, and her transition into the FinTech and payments industry. Michaela emphasizes the significance of being open to new opportunities, the c...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Brie Reid, the visionary founder and CEO of Snag. Discover how her personal experience with uncomfortable tights led to a complete transformation in the fashion industry, starting with a simple survey of 3,000 people and growing into an ethical and size-inclusive clothing brand. Brie's journey from a marketing background to creating a product she tru...

Ever wondered how an unplanned journey could lead to a thriving career? Join us as we sit down with the incredible Yvette Janse van Rensburg, a master talent manager consultant and leadership coach, whose unexpected path from South Africa to the UK unfolds like a captivating novel. Originally meant to be a short stint abroad, Yvette's journey evolved into a nearly 20-year exploration of recru...