Women Who Make It Happen

Morson Edge
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We’re not just a podcast. We’re a movement. Here, we spotlight bold, unfiltered conversations with women building businesses, breaking barriers, and changing the game. From tech founders and CEOs to creatives and corporate leaders, our guests share the real stories behind their success. The wins. The lessons. The moments that shaped them. Whether you're climbing the ladder, launching your own thing, or still figuring it all out, you're in the right place. Let’s make it happen.

  1. 6d ago

    Clarinda Woodford, Founder, CFW Fin Crime Consulting, on going against conventional career timelines

    In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan talks to Clarinda Woodford, Founder and Director of CFW Fin Crime Consulting, about building a career in financial crime consulting and having the confidence to challenge the expected path.Clarinda shares her journey from falling into consulting after university to spending nearly 14 years in the profession, building her experience within major global consultancies before taking the leap into a smaller business. She discusses the drive to prove herself, pushing against conventional career timelines, and the lessons that came from moving through different environments in financial services.The conversation explores ambition, career progression, the challenge of being defined by who you were when you first joined a business, and why changing your environment can sometimes be an important part of moving forward. Clarinda also reflects on success on your own terms and the decisions that have shaped her career in financial crime.What’s Inside:⬩ Falling into financial crime consulting and building a career from an unexpected starting point⬩ Challenging traditional career timelines and progressing on your own terms⬩ Moving from major global consultancies into a smaller consultancy environment⬩ The challenge of outgrowing the reputation you built early in your career⬩ Ambition, hard graft and defining what success means to you🔥 Why Listen?If you work in financial services, financial crime or consulting, Clarinda Woodford offers a candid look at what career progression actually feels like from the inside. She shares the decisions, challenges and mindset that helped her move forward, including why there does not always need to be a five year plan to build a successful career.Key Topics: Clarinda Woodford, CFW Fin Crime Consulting, financial crime, financial services, consulting, career progression, women in finance, leadership, career development, professional growth, financial crime consulting, women in leadership, career change, female founders✨ Subscribe for more conversations with women shaping leadership across business and finance. Let us know in the comments: Do you think having a five year career plan helps, or can it sometimes hold you back?#WomenWhoMakeItHappen #ClarindaWoodford #MichelleKhan #FinancialCrime #WomenInFinance #FinancialServices #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Consulting #LeadershipDevelopment #Podcast

  2. Sep 3

    Harriet Fairhurst, Head of HR at BLME, on the reality of building culture in banking

    In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan talks to Harriet Fairhurst, Head of HR at BLME (Bank of London and The Middle East), about the evolving role of HR in the modern financial world.Harriet shares her journey through the HR landscape, discussing the strategic importance of people-first leadership, the complexities of managing talent in a global bank, and how to maintain a strong corporate culture during periods of change.The conversation explores the skills needed to lead a modern HR function, the importance of diversity and inclusion in finance, and Harriet’s advice for women aiming for senior leadership roles in human resources.What’s Inside: ⬩ Transitioning into a senior HR leadership role in banking ⬩ Strategies for building and maintaining culture in a global firm ⬩ The reality of navigating talent management in a regulated industry ⬩ Advice for women looking to lead HR departments ⬩ Why emotional intelligence is the most critical skill for modern leaders🔥 Why Watch? If you are an HR professional or a leader in the financial services sector, Harriet Fairhurst provides a masterclass in the "human" side of banking. She offers practical advice on how to align people strategy with business goals while navigating the unique pressures of a high-growth bank.Key Topics: Harriet Fairhurst, BLME, Head of HR, banking leadership, HR strategy, financial services, women in finance, corporate culture, talent management, leadership development, human resources, female executives, diversity and inclusion✨ Subscribe for more conversations with women shaping leadership across business and finance. Let us know in the comments: What is the biggest challenge facing HR in your industry today?#WomenWhoMakeItHappen #HarrietFairhurst #MichelleKhan #HRLeadership #WomenInFinance #Banking #CultureBuilding #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Podcast #BLME

  3. Aug 21

    Why small banks are outperforming big finance on culture with Kate Marechal, Dir., Shawbrook Bank

    In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders sits down with Kate Marechal, Director at Shawbrook Bank, to discuss the power of agility, authenticity, and the "mask" of confidence.Kate shares her journey through the financial sector, revealing why she traded large institutions for the fast-paced, high-accountability world of smaller banks. She discusses the art of "reading the room," the reality of leading through digital transformation, and why human empathy remains the ultimate competitive advantage in an AI-driven industry.What’s Inside: ⬩ The "Confidence Mask": How to navigate senior leadership as an introvert ⬩ Why smaller banks offer faster career progression and higher accountability ⬩ Breaking silos: Creating a collaborative culture that large firms can’t replicate ⬩ The future of AI in banking and why human empathy can’t be automated ⬩ Practical advice for young professionals on bravery and trusting your instincts🔥 Why Watch? Kate Marechal offers a masterclass in how to transition from a "cog in the machine" to a high-impact leader. If you want to understand how to build a career based on influence rather than just hierarchy, this conversation is essential viewing.Key Topics: Kate Marechal, Shawbrook Bank, Banking Leadership, Women in Finance, Workplace Culture, Career Progression, SME Banking, Digital Transformation, Inclusive Leadership, Professional Development✨ Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of global business.#WomenWhoMakeItHappen #KateMarechal #ShawbrookBank #WomenInFinance #Leadership #BankingCulture #CareerAdvice #AuthenticLeadership #Podcast

  4. Aug 12

    How Nafisa Feeney, Head of Legal, balances legal precision with high speed growth at Paynt Ltd

    In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Nafisa Feeney, GM and Head of Legal UK at Paynt Ltd., to discuss the intersection of law, leadership, and the fast-paced world of fintech.Nafisa shares her journey from legal expert to General Manager, offering insights into navigating the regulatory complexities of the payments industry while driving business growth.The conversation explores the challenges of scaling a global fintech, the importance of adaptable leadership, and how to build a successful career by embracing change and new opportunities.What’s Inside: ⬩ Transitioning from a legal specialist to a General Manager role ⬩ The reality of scaling a fintech in a competitive global market ⬩ Navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes in payments ⬩ Advice for women balancing leadership and technical expertise ⬩ The power of staying curious and adaptable in your career🔥 Why Watch? If you are interested in the fintech space or looking to transition from a technical background into senior management, this episode provides a blueprint for growth. Nafisa Feeney offers a rare look at how to lead with both legal precision and commercial strategy.Key Topics: Nafisa Feeney, Paynt, Head of Legal, General Manager, fintech leadership, payments industry, women in tech, career transition, legal strategy, business growth, leadership mindset, female executives, fintech scaling✨ Subscribe for more conversations with women shaping the future of business and technology. Let us know in the comments: What was your biggest takeaway from Nafisa’s journey?#WomenWhoMakeItHappen #NafisaFeeney #MichelleKhan #FintechLeadership #WomenInTech #LegalLeadership #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Podcast #Paynt

  5. Jul 30

    Why your degree doesn't define your career with Nisrin Abouelezz, Managing Director at SMBC

    In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Michelle Khan sits down with Nisrin Abouelezz, Managing Director and Head of Africa Group at SMBC.Nisrin shares her incredible journey from a background in psychology and journalism to leading a multi-billion-dollar portfolio in global banking. She reveals how curiosity, persistence, and a "non-linear" perspective helped her rise through the ranks over 18 years at one of the world's largest financial institutions.What’s Inside: ⬩ How a background in psychology and journalism became a competitive edge in finance ⬩ The reality of leading the Africa Group and managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio ⬩ Why "internal networking" and building your own mental board of directors is vital ⬩ Leading through crisis: How to remove emotion and solve complex global problems ⬩ Nisrin’s advice on visibility, productivity, and why women shouldn't wait for opportunities🔥 Why Watch? If you feel limited by your current background or degree, Nisrin Abouelezz’s story is a masterclass in how curiosity and ambition can rewrite your career path. This is an essential watch for anyone looking to build influence and lead with impact in the financial sector.Key Topics: Nisrin Abouelezz, SMBC, Head of Africa Group, Managing Director, Women in Finance, Career Pivot, Leadership Philosophy, Global Banking, Emerging Markets, Diversity in Finance✨ Subscribe for more conversations with the women shaping the future of global business.#WomenWhoMakeItHappen #NisrinAbouelezz #SMBC #WomenInFinance #CareerPivot #GlobalLeadership #BankingCareer #AfricaFinance #Podcast

  6. Jul 16

    5 career lessons for high-growth tech from Senior Risk & Controls Manager, Stephanie John

    In this episode of our Women Who Make It Happen series, we are joined by Stephanie John, Senior Risk and Controls Manager, OKX, to discuss her career journey, leadership philosophy, and her experiences navigating the financial services and technology sectors.Stephanie shares her unique perspective on the importance of building authentic relationships, the value of diverse thinking in high-growth environments, and how she has approached pivotal transitions throughout her professional life. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Stephanie’s insights into resilience and staying true to your core values offer powerful lessons for anyone looking to make their mark. 🔥 Why Watch? Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Stephanie’s insights into resilience and authentic leadership offer powerful lessons for anyone looking to make their mark. This episode provides practical advice on staying true to your values while navigating the complexities of high-growth tech and finance sectors.

  7. Jul 2

    How Tanya Retter is leading the evolution of professional banking at the Chartered Banker Institute

    In this episode of Women Who Make It Happen, host Sue Saunders talks to Tanya Retter, CEO of the Chartered Banker Institute, about the future of professional standards in a digital-first banking world.Tanya shares her journey to the top of a historic global institution, offering a rare look at the strategic leadership required to drive innovation while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and ethics. 🔥 Why Watch? As CEO of the Chartered Banker Institute, Tanya Retter sits at the very heart of the industry’s professional standards. This episode is essential viewing for anyone in financial services looking to understand where the sector is heading and what it takes to lead at an institutional level.

  8. Jun 18

    30 Years in Banking Taught CEO Sue Hayes THIS About Leadership

    Most women in leadership still navigate a challenging path filled with stereotypes and outdated perceptions. Sue Hayes, CEO of Nottingham Building Society, shares the insider strategies that helped her rise from sales roles to top executive, breaking barriers along the way. Her journey is proof that authentic leadership and resilience can reshape industry norms if you know where to focus your energy.In this episode, Sue reveals how she leveraged her curiosity and strong external networks to transition smoothly between large banks, challenger banks, and smaller institutions like Nottingham. She breaks down simple, effective strategies for building leadership credibility, fostering a positive culture, and navigating organisational change, even during turbulent startup phases. 📌 Why this matters: The banking industry has long been a battleground for gender equality and leadership innovation. Missing these insights could mean missing out on how to turn obstacles into opportunities, especially amid rapid change and digital disruption. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or spearheading change in your organisation, Sue’s lessons in authenticity, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership provide a blueprint for success.

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About

We’re not just a podcast. We’re a movement. Here, we spotlight bold, unfiltered conversations with women building businesses, breaking barriers, and changing the game. From tech founders and CEOs to creatives and corporate leaders, our guests share the real stories behind their success. The wins. The lessons. The moments that shaped them. Whether you're climbing the ladder, launching your own thing, or still figuring it all out, you're in the right place. Let’s make it happen.

Information

  • Creator
    Morson Edge
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Morson Edge
  • Show Website
    Women Who Make It Happen