The Female CEO™ Podcast

Mark Sephton

Welcome to The Female CEO™—the global stage for authentic female leadership hosted by Mark Sephton. 🚀 Discover exclusive interviews with inspirational women, visionary entrepreneurs, and global change-makers. We go beyond the CV to uncover the human stories behind business success. What’s inside: Female Founder Interviews: Deep dives into scaling a business. Leadership Insights: Real talk on resilience and innovation. Success Roadmaps: Advice on breaking the glass ceiling. 🔔 Subscribe for your weekly dose of empowered leadership and strategic growth.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Science of Conscious Communication | Why Most Leaders Fail to Connect with Rachel Paling

    In this episode, Rachel Paling explains how the neuroscience of conscious communication can transform education and leadership. How can understanding the brain transform the way we learn, lead, and connect? In this episode of the Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton sits down with Rachel Marie Paling, the visionary behind Neuro-Language Coaching and Neuro-Heart Education. Rachel discusses the "neuro language" approach, a revolutionary blending of coaching, neuroscience, and communication designed to help teachers and students thrive in a high-powered, stressed-out world. She shares how shifting from directive commands to calm, curious dialogue can move learners out of "survival mode" and into a state of optimal, rapid discovery. In this episode, we discuss:The Survival Brain: Why students cannot learn when they are in a fight or,flight state.Beyond IQ and EQ: Introducing the "MQ" (Metacognitive Intelligence) and social intelligence as critical tools for the future. The Power of Curiosity: How teachers can move from reactive aggression to deep curiosity about their students' perspectives. Limitless Potential: Why giving students "permission" to think outside the box is a core leadership duty. Transforming the Classroom: Moving away from a "one size fits all" curriculum to a dialogue, based voyage of discovery. About Our Guest: Rachel Marie Paling is an author, coach, and the founder of the Academy for Educational and Language Coaching. She has revolutionized language learning by integrating brain science into traditional teaching methodologies. Connect with Rachel: www.neuralanguagecoaching.com

    35 min
  2. 3 APR

    The Architecture Of Decisions with Olga Kiendler. Decoding Decision DNA, The Experience Fallacy, and Strategic Meta-Thinking for Leaders in the Age of AI

    The DNA of Decision Making with Olga Kiendler | Human Judgment, AI & Meta-Thinking In this thought-provoking episode of The Female CEO Podcast, executive advisor and decision scientist Olga Kiendler joins us to explore the most critical, yet often overlooked, driver of success: how we make choices. Olga, the creator of the Decision DNA and Decode frameworks, shares her journey from global finance and law to the frontier of cognitive leadership. She dives deep into the subconscious patterns that shape our judgment and explains why, in an increasingly automated world, refined human intuition is the ultimate competitive advantage. Together, we discuss: Decoding your Decision DNA: Understanding the subconscious "software" that runs your choices. The Experience Fallacy: Why past success can sometimes be a liability in a rapidly changing world. Human Judgment vs. AI: How to strengthen your unique edge in an age of automation. The Power of Meta-Thinking: Why "thinking about thinking" is a vital leadership skill. The Seven-Second Gap: Identifying the moment between an impulse and a conscious decision. The "Decode" Framework: Strategic tools to uncover hidden biases and mental models. Leading through Curiosity: Treating the business world as a "playground of excitement" and discovery. Integrity-Based Leadership: Why your personal values are the bedrock of sustainable decision-making. As technology continues to evolve, Olga reminds us that the most powerful tool we possess is our own mind. This conversation is an invitation to step out of "autopilot" and move toward a more intentional, strategic, and self-aware way of leading. If you are a leader navigating the complexities of the digital age, a founder looking to scale without losing your clarity, or simply someone fascinated by human behavior and the brain, this episode is a masterclass in modern wisdom. This is a conversation about insight, innovation, and the mastery of the mind.

    35 min
  3. 6 MAR

    Leading from within : Unlocking Subconscious Power with Kate Hoyle | Hypnotherapy, Anxiety & Leadership Growth

    Kate Hoyle on Hypnotherapy, Self-Acceptance & Subconscious Transformation In Episode 2 of Series 1 of The Female CEO Podcast, award-winning hypnotherapist Kate Hoyle shares how hypnotherapy can unlock powerful transformation by working directly with the subconscious mind. From a successful corporate career to becoming a leading therapist, Kate’s journey is rooted in personal growth, mental health awareness, and a deep understanding of anxiety — particularly among high-achieving adults and teenagers. In this honest and empowering conversation, we explore how subconscious limitations shape leadership, confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-worth — and how hypnotherapy can help “find it, fix it, and see the results.” Kate explains why self-acceptance is foundational to both happiness and success, and how many female leaders silently carry anxiety while appearing strong on the outside. By addressing the root cause — not just the symptoms — real and lasting change becomes possible. In this episode, we discuss: • How hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind • Breaking subconscious limitations that block success • The root causes of anxiety in high-achieving women • Emotional intelligence and leadership growth • Why language is powerful in transformation • The importance of self-acceptance in personal growth • Mental health support for female leaders • Embracing female empowerment without burnout Kate’s message is simple but powerful: you deserve to live your best life — and you are as important as anyone else. This episode is essential listening for ambitious women navigating leadership, anxiety, growth, and identity — and for anyone curious about the transformative power of hypnotherapy.

    40 min
  4. 3 MAR

    The Business Of Alignment- Exclusive interview with Gem Dentith. The founder of The Undressed Method®, an author, and a private advisor to high-performing leaders.

    Unmasking True Identity with Gem Dentith | Vulnerability, Self-Awareness & Personal Growth In this powerful episode of The Female CEO Podcast, Gem Dentith — author of Undressed — joins us for a deeply honest conversation about self-awareness, vulnerability, relationships, and personal growth. Gem shares the story behind her book Undressed and the transformative concept of “unmasking” — the process of shedding conditioning, expectations, and protective layers to reveal who we truly are. She explores how the hardest moments in life often expose our deepest patterns, and how relationships act as mirrors for growth, healing, and greater self-understanding. Together, we discuss: • The real meaning behind “undressing” your identity• Why vulnerability requires safe spaces• How relationships trigger — and accelerate — growth• The importance of self-awareness in mental health• Recognising conditioning and emotional patterns• Female empowerment through authenticity• Setting aligned intentions for 2026• Why the quality of your goals matters more than the quantity As we approach 2026, this conversation also explores goal setting from a place of stillness rather than pressure — focusing on clarity, energy, and intentional momentum for the year ahead. Gem reminds us that personal growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness. It’s about compassion. And it’s about having the courage to be seen — fully. If you’re navigating self-discovery, working on your mental health, redefining your relationships, or stepping into a new chapter in 2026, this episode will resonate deeply. This is a conversation about identity, truth, and the ongoing journey of becoming.

    31 min

About

Welcome to The Female CEO™—the global stage for authentic female leadership hosted by Mark Sephton. 🚀 Discover exclusive interviews with inspirational women, visionary entrepreneurs, and global change-makers. We go beyond the CV to uncover the human stories behind business success. What’s inside: Female Founder Interviews: Deep dives into scaling a business. Leadership Insights: Real talk on resilience and innovation. Success Roadmaps: Advice on breaking the glass ceiling. 🔔 Subscribe for your weekly dose of empowered leadership and strategic growth.