Changing the Game

FIFTEEN WEST
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Welcome to FIFTEEN WEST's Changing the Game podcast. We are dedicated to sharing the real, human stories behind female leaders in recruitment – Founders, CEOs, and trailblazers who’ve made it to the top of their game.

Episodes

  1. 4 FEB

    Changing the Game She Leads: Episode 3 Ambition without burnout | Nicky Acuña Ocaña, Regional Director, Ambition

    In Episode Three of Changing the Game - She Leads, we’re joined by Nicky Acuña Ocaña previously Regional Director, now President – Americas, UK & Europe at Ambition, for an honest conversation about ambition, leadership, and the realities of building a career that works alongside real life.  Nicky shares how she moved from a graduate role in retail into recruitment, why she took a step back to learn the industry from the ground up, and what it took to grow into leadership. She also opens up about navigating career progression while raising a family, the sacrifices that come with “doing it all”, and why sometimes you have to tread water before you can move forward again.  We also talk mentoring, imposter syndrome, psychological safety, and what it looks like to build high-performing teams where people are trusted, supported, and given space to grow.  What to expect:  A grounded, real conversation about building a long-term career in recruitment, with the confidence to lead, the honesty to be vulnerable, and the perspective to keep what matters in focus.  You’ll hear about:  Career pivots, stepping back strategically, and building towards leadership Imposter syndrome, vulnerability, and creating psychologically safe teams Scaling in the US vs the UK, and why relationship-led recruitment still wins Hit follow and share with a woman who’s changing the game in recruitment. Visit our website: FIFTEEN WEST

    36 min

  2. 21 JAN

    Changing the Game She Leads: Episode 2 Visibility Creates Opportunity | Ellen Rutherford Managing Director, North America at Acre.

    In Episode Two of Changing the Game - She Leads, we’re joined by Ellen Rutherford, Managing Director, North America at Acre.  Ellen shares her journey into recruitment after starting her career in the non-profit sector, and how an unexpected opportunity led her to relocate to New York to build and lead Acre’s US business. She reflects on what it means to step into leadership in a new market, navigate self-doubt, and earn trust while leading through change.  This episode explores confidence, imposter syndrome, burnout, and the importance of visibility in your career, alongside practical advice on mentorship, leadership style, work-life balance, and backing yourself before you feel “ready.” An honest and thoughtful conversation for anyone building a career in recruitment or stepping into leadership for the first time.  What to expect in this episode: A grounded and open discussion on leadership, self-belief, and navigating change without losing perspective.  You’ll hear about:  Relocating to the US and leading in an unfamiliar industry Imposter syndrome, visibility, and backing yourself before you feel ready Leadership lessons on burnout, balance, and making an impact Hit follow and share with a woman who’s changing the game in recruitment.  Visit our website: FIFTEEN WEST

    23 min

  3. 7 JAN

    Changing the Game She Leads: Episode 1 Against the Playbook | Ruth Steel, Co-Founder, Arculen

    Welcome to our latest podcast series, Changing the Game: She Leads.   We are dedicated to sharing the real, human stories behind female leaders in recruitment – Founders, CEOs, and trailblazers who’ve made it to the top of their game.  In this candid conversation with Lisa Walder (Co-Founder, FIFTEEN WEST), Ruth Steel (Co-Founder, Arculen) unpacks her accidental start in Amsterdam, the relentlessness of early success, and the reality of relocating to the U.S. as a new mum tasked with opening an office from scratch.   Ruth talks openly about advocating for yourself, pushing for inclusive cultures beyond alcohol-fuelled incentives, and choosing friendship-first when Co-Founding Arculen backed by a female investor.  What to expect: curiosity as a superpower, lessons in saying no, and a blueprint for integrating life and leadership without apologising.  You’ll hear about:  Thriving as a woman in a male-led playbook Negotiating your worth (and backing yourself) Redefining “success” beyond KPIs and burnout Hit follow and share with a woman who’s changing the game.

    42 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Welcome to FIFTEEN WEST's Changing the Game podcast. We are dedicated to sharing the real, human stories behind female leaders in recruitment – Founders, CEOs, and trailblazers who’ve made it to the top of their game.

Information

  • Creator
    FIFTEEN WEST
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Changing the Game
  • Show Website
    Changing the Game