Women don’t Rush

Maria Rush
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Women Don’t Rush podcast, hosted by Communication & Leadership Specialist and Speaker Maria Rush. This is a space for conversations about self-leadership, personal growth and the experiences that shape us. Whilst exploring everyday communication and self-leadership, I'm also talking to women from around the world about what they do, how they've got there, and what they've learnt along the way. We'll reflect on some of the things that matter to all of us - wellbeing, purpose and finding our way through life's different chapters. Whether we're navigating family life, work or our own personal journey, we're constantly learning about ourselves and about the people around us. My hope is that these conversations leave you with something to think about, something you may recognise, and perhaps a new perspective that you can apply to your own life. Welcome to the Women don't Rush podcast! Visit me on: https://www.mariarush.co.uk/ Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Sep 22

    46. The Employee Journey: How Our Experience at Work Shapes the Organisation

    We often think of the employee journey as recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews and career development. But what about the human experience in between? In this episode, I explore the everyday interactions that shape how we experience work: the conversations we have, the feedback we receive, the mistakes we make, and whether we feel heard and understood enough to take ownership. I also explore the theory behind The Balcony, a practice of stepping away from the day-to-day “dance floor” to notice patterns that may be unhelpful especially as sometimes the things affecting performance, wellbeing and engagement aren't obvious and can therefore create unintended consequences.   Host: Maria Rush, Communication & Self-Leadership Specialist, is passionate about helping people develop the communication skills most of us were never taught: how to navigate difficult conversations, listen with curiosity, communicate with compassion and build stronger relationships at home and at work.  Maria helps parents, partners and professionals have conversations that create understanding, engagement and positive change - because better communication doesn't just improve conversations - it can change the way we experience our lives. Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring, workshops and speaking, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk   Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Aug 18

    45. Composing Your Own Path

    Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Women Don’t Rush, I sit down with talented young artist and producer Zarah Christenson, who is carving out her own path in the music industry. We talk about the excitement of being discovered and the invaluable experience of working alongside established professionals and mentors.  Zarah shares what it’s like to navigate the creative world while balancing her own artistic vision with the expectations of others, and the pressure that can come with wanting to prove yourself. We also explore the joy of seeing groups perform music she has created - a powerful reminder that believing in your talent and allowing yourself to dream big can lead to extraordinary moments. At the same time, this conversation is a gentle reflection on the importance of setting boundaries, standing up for yourself, and knowing when to pause or say no so that you can protect your wellbeing and truly enjoy the creative process. This is a truly thoughtful and uplifting episode about ambition, self-belief and finding your own rhythm as you build something meaningful. Host: Maria Rush, Communication & Self-Leadership Mentor, is passionate about helping people develop the communication skills most of us were never taught: how to navigate difficult conversations, listen with curiosity, communicate with compassion and build stronger relationships at home and at work.  Maria helps parents, partners and professionals have conversations that create understanding, engagement and positive change - because better communication doesn't just improve conversations - it can change the way we experience our lives.  Guest: Zarah Christenson, Songwriter, Producer & Emerging artist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarahlucia/   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk   Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 14

    44. When the Body Changes the Plan

    Episode summary: In this week's episode of Women Don't Rush, I speak with Isabelle Pearcey whose life changed course when chronic fatigue syndrome forced her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about work, achievement and the pace of daily life. For years, Isabelle had been balancing family responsibilities, work, charity commitments and intensive training, living at a pace that felt both normal and exciting. But when her health began to suffer, her body delivered a message that could no longer be ignored. Together, we explore what happens when the life we've carefully built no longer feels sustainable, and how unexpected challenges can become an opportunity to reassess what truly matters. Drawing on her existing skills, experience and resilience, Isabelle shares how she has created a more flexible and sustainable way of working and living - one that honours both her ambitions and her wellbeing. We talk about the importance of listening to your body, being honest with yourself about your needs and limitations, and finding the courage to make changes that support long-term health. We also discuss the value of transparency in raising awareness of chronic fatigue syndrome, helping others understand its often invisible symptoms. This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about adapting to life's unexpected turns and discovering that when the body changes the plan, it sometimes reveals a different and ultimately more sustainable way forward. Host: Maria Rush, Communication & Self-Leadership Mentor, is passionate about helping people develop the communication skills most of us were never taught: how to navigate difficult conversations, listen with curiosity, communicate with compassion and build stronger relationships at home and at work.  Maria helps parents, partners and professionals have conversations that create understanding, engagement and positive change - because better communication doesn't just improve conversations - it can change the way we experience our lives. Guest: Isabelle Pearcey, Founder of Izz Whizz VA Website: https://izzwhizzva.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellepearcey/ Resources Mentioned: - “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss - “How to Listen” by Katie Colombus, Samaritans  Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk   Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jun 16

    43. The Languages We Learn, The Stories We Inherit

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Women Don't Rush podcast, I’m joined by a multilingual translator, digital marketeer and podcaster Sonia Kampshoff for a fascinating conversation about the power of language, culture and the stories that shape our lives. We begin by exploring how learning languages can deepen cultural awareness, strengthen human connection and open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. In the second half of our conversation, we delve into the powerful influence our upbringing can have on the careers we pursue. How much do our parents' relationships, values and attitudes towards work shape the decisions we make as adults? Do we consciously follow the examples we witnessed growing up, or do we find ourselves choosing a completely different path? We reflect on how experiences of stability, uncertainty, ambition and sacrifice within our families can influence our sense of security, success and fulfilment. We also discuss the impact of inherited scarcity mindsets and whether a strong desire for financial independence can sometimes lead us to rush into opportunities before we've had the chance to consider what we truly want. Host: Maria Rush, Leadership Mentor & Speaker, helps capable and high-achieving people navigate the human side of leadership to experience more calm, joy and fulfilment. Through a proven awareness and communication framework, Maria supports you as a parent, partner and professional to become the leader people are truly looking for - authentic, compassionate and adaptable. Guest: Sonia Kampshoff, Translator, Digital Marketeer & Podcaster LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakampshoff/ Website: https://moreperfect.digital   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  5. May 19

    42. Navigating AI with Clarity, Care & Confidence

    Episode Summary: In this episode, I’m joined by sustainability and AI strategist Madalina Buzdugan for a thoughtful and grounding conversation on how we, as women, can navigate the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence without feeling overwhelmed. With constant updates and an endless stream of information, it’s easy to feel as though we’re always playing catch-up. We explore how to approach AI in a more sustainable way, including the role of the 80/20 principle by focusing on what we’re currently able to do, both individually and within organisations, to create meaningful impact that is good enough. We also reflect on the broader implications of AI in female-present work sectors, shifting workloads and the impact on cognitive wellbeing. We also explore what it means to stay informed, while also protecting our energy and how we can support the younger generations to make informed decisions and help them enter the workforce on their terms. Host: Maria Rush, Leadership Mentor & Speaker, helps capable and high-achieving people navigate the human side of leadership to experience more calm, joy and fulfilment.    Through a proven awareness and communication framework, Maria supports you as a parent, partner and professional to become the leader people are truly looking for - authentic, compassionate and adaptable. Guest: Madalina Buzdugan, Sustainability & AI Strategist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madalinabuzdugan/ Website: madalinabuzdugan.com  Resources Mentioned: https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/women-are-avoiding-using-artificial-intelligence-can-that-hurt-their-careers https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/25023_52957d6c-0378-4796-99fa-aab684b3b2f8.pdf  https://hbr.org/2026/02/ai-doesnt-reduce-work-it-intensifies-it  https://ai-layoff-gap.lovable.app/  https://pauseai.info/    Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Apr 14

    41. Career Disruption in Midlife: When Titles Don't Matter Anymore

    Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, Jill Kane and I explore the often unspoken reality of career disruption in midlife: a moment that can feel both unsettling and full of possibility. What happens when the titles we once worked so hard for no longer carry the same meaning? When job loss, shifting priorities, or burnout bring us to a crossroads we didn’t plan for? We discuss the changing relationship women have with status and identity at this stage of life, and why letting go of external validation can open the door to something more authentic. This conversation looks at the emotional and practical challenges of stepping away from the status quo, and the courage it takes to pause, reflect, and choose a new direction. Ultimately, this episode is about permission. Permission to take time. To question old identities. To release what no longer fits. And to embrace a new chapter with confidence, even when the path ahead isn’t fully defined. Host: Maria Rush, Leadership Mentor & Speaker, helps caring and capable people navigate the human side of leadership to experience more calm, joy and fulfilment.  Through a proven awareness and communication framework, Maria supports you as a parent, partner and professional to become the leader people are truly looking for - someone who can communicate with authenticity, compassion and adaptability. Guest: Jill Kane, Reinvention Guide & Podcaster The The Midlife Reinvention Reset Podcast: https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/4f02db1f-659c-46f2-902d-ea79b1b49c8b/signup Substack: https://substack.com/@jillckane LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jillkane Instagram: www.instagram.com/jillkanewellness   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk

  7. Mar 31

    40. We Were Never Taught How to Communicate - And It Shows!

    Episode Summary: Communication is something we do every single day, yet most of us were never actually taught how to do it well. In this episode, I explore how our communication habits are often shaped by what we observed growing up, rather than what truly creates understanding and connection and how the gap between good communication expectations and reality is bigger than we think. The gap often results in misunderstandings, frustration, emotional overload, and conversations that don’t quite land the way we intended, both at home and at work. This is a reflective and practical episode, offering a different way of thinking about communication – that better communication isn’t about saying more. It’s about understanding more. Host: Maria Rush, Leadership Mentor & Speaker, helps caring and capable people navigate the human side of leadership to experience more calm, joy and fulfilment.  Through a proven awareness and communication framework, Maria supports you as a parent, partner and professional to become the leader people are truly looking for - someone who can communicate with authenticity, compassion and adaptability. Resources Mentioned: - The Connected Leadership Programme - 1:1 Mentoring   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk

  8. Mar 17

    39. Honouring the Seasons Within: A Softer Way to Experience Our Cycles

    Episode Summary: In this gentle and grounding conversation, I explore holistic womb health and the natural seasons of the menstrual cycle together with holistic yoga teacher and womb healing guide Lexi Dranidi. So many women have been taught to be in constant doing mode, viewing their monthly rhythm as something inconvenient. In this episode, we soften that narrative and return to a more compassionate understanding of the cyclical nature of womanhood - from the inward stillness of our inner winter to the expressive bloom of our inner summer - and how understanding these phases and the wisdom of the womb can deepen our self-compassion, energy awareness, creativity, rest and empowerment. Host: Maria Rush, Leadership Mentor & Speaker, helps capable and high-achieving people navigate the human side of leadership to experience more calm, joy and fulfilment. Through a proven communication framework, Maria supports you as a parent, partner and professional to become the leader people are truly looking for - authentic, compassionate and adaptable.   Guest: Lexi Dranidi, Yoga teacher, Bodywork Therapist & Womb healing Guide Website: https://www.lexidranidiyoga.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexi.dranidi.yoga   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave me a 5-star review!  Let’s connect on Instagram https://instagram.com/womendontrushpodcast and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/mariadhrush For more information on mentoring and group programmes, please visit my website https://mariarush.co.uk

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About

Welcome to the Women Don’t Rush podcast, hosted by Communication & Leadership Specialist and Speaker Maria Rush. This is a space for conversations about self-leadership, personal growth and the experiences that shape us. Whilst exploring everyday communication and self-leadership, I'm also talking to women from around the world about what they do, how they've got there, and what they've learnt along the way. We'll reflect on some of the things that matter to all of us - wellbeing, purpose and finding our way through life's different chapters. Whether we're navigating family life, work or our own personal journey, we're constantly learning about ourselves and about the people around us. My hope is that these conversations leave you with something to think about, something you may recognise, and perhaps a new perspective that you can apply to your own life. Welcome to the Women don't Rush podcast! Visit me on: https://www.mariarush.co.uk/ Hosted on Podbean.  See https://www.podbean.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Rush
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Women don’t Rush