Sex on Top

Lily Rumsey and Alice Ludgate
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Senior leadership can be a lonely, hard space to occupy as a woman. Hear the real, messy, unfiltered stories of what it takes to be a woman at the top! Join Alice & Lily in this collective space where we can listen, laugh and cry together. To celebrate that there is a place for forward-thinking female led leadership in a modern-day society. They want you to feel seen, your voice, actions & impact matters. Join them on this journey of leadership discovery where we share the real & raw lessons learnt from other female leaders. The result?! Bringing women to the top personally & professionally

Episodes

  1. FEB 11

    Built From Where I Am From , SoT welcomes Shahnaz Ahmed

    What happens when the world tells you who to be — but you choose to listen to yourself instead? In this episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily sits down with designer, founder and changemaker Shahnaz Ahmed, the creative mind behind the iconic green food hygiene rating signs displayed in cafés and restaurants across the UK. You’ve seen her work. But her journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. As a woman of colour from a South Asian background navigating white, male-dominated creative industries, Shahnaz has had to fight to be seen, heard, and paid what she deserves. From being underpaid in agency life to working inside the global tech machine at META, she shares what it really takes to build trust, lead with vulnerability, and refuse to shrink yourself to fit the room. We talk about career pivots, choosing difference, and the power of building a “first team” philosophy. Shahnaz opens up about motherhood, founding the global craft movement Knit Aid and the deeply personal impact of debilitating grief. Through it all, she’s arrived at a powerful truth: acceptance isn’t giving up - it’s recognising that you are your own best solution. This is a conversation about identity, creativity, resilience, and creating workplaces that are safe, human, and expansive enough for all of us. Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Follow your hosts Lily Wednesdayand Alice Ludgate on Insta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠ Follow Shahnaz Ahmed on Insta ⁠@shahnaztahmed⁠ LinkedIn ⁠Shahnaz Ahmed⁠   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Meet Shahnaz - A journey through leadership 02:26 The Elevator Pitch 06:32 Navigating Career Challenges as a Woman of Colour 08:29 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership 09:45 Building a First Team Philosophy 13:07 The Impact of Education and Support on Career 14:48 Creativity and Self-Expression in the Digital Age 17:33 The Power of Connections in Career Advancement 25:16 Building Trust and Overcoming Obstacles 27:15 Navigating Career Pivots andAcceptance 29:16 Reflections on Working at Meta 32:07 Life Beyond Work: Motherhood and Creativity 35:35 The Impact of Grief on Personal and Professional Life 40:56 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace 44:26 Advice for Women in Leadership 46:55 Moments of Triumph and Public Speaking

    50 min

  2. JAN 28

    The Image of Non-Linear Careers, Lily and Alice Reflect

    As 2026 kicks off at breakneck speed, Alice and Lily reflect on new beginnings, Blue Monday, and setting intentions on their own terms. From celebrating milestones (200 listens and a little too much wine) to navigating overwhelm, self-care, and the myth of the “restful” festive break. They explore non-linear careers, the gig economy, and the freedom and the pressure of working outside the 9-to-5, alongside reflections on self-image, personal presence and global uncertainty. A candid conversation about ambition, authenticity, and embracing careers that don’t follow a straight line, ending with a celebration of women through the Featured Women Campaign. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on Insta ⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠ Chapters 00:00 Welcome to 2026: New Beginnings 01:57 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements 04:18 Setting Intentions for 2026 08:00 Navigating Overwhelm and Self-Care 11:39 Finding Joy in Small Moments 15:09 Coping with Global Events and Emotional Boundaries 20:31 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Image 21:39 Exploring Personal Presence and Leadership 25:07 Reflections on Non-Linear Career Paths 28:35 Embracing Flexibility and Authenticity in Careers 35:21 Celebrating Women: The Featured Women Campaign

    37 min

  3. JAN 14

    From Hobby to Hustle, SoT welcomes Ria Yvonne Lingwood

    In this week’s episode, we chat with Ria Yvonne Lingwood, a true creative powerhouse whose career defies the conventional path. From hair and make-up artistry to international creative projects, and from professional bodybuilding to coaching and judging, Ria has navigated a career full of bold risks, unexpected turns, and unapologetic curiosity. Join us as Ria shares: How she turned her hobbies into a thriving career, including her journey in professional bodybuilding. Lessons from embracing the “Peter Pan” approach—staying playful, curious, and unafraid of non-linear paths. Insights on stepping beyond comfort zones, valuing your time and worth, and knowing your limits. The messiness, humor, and unpredictability of creative careers and self-employment. This episode is for anyone looking to break societal expectations, pursue passions with courage, and find success on their own terms. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and entertained by Ria’s fearless approach to life and leadership. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on Insta ⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠ Follow Ria Yvonne on Insta ⁠@missriayvonne @artistic_stylist Website www.ArtisticStylist.co.uk Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Meet Ria - A journey through leadership 03:33 The Elevator Pitch: Defining Identity and Career 06:35 Challenging Societal Expectations 09:25 The Self-Employed Conundrum 13:28 Lessons in Valuing Your Time and Worth 16:38 The Messiness of the Career Path 19:17 When Your Hobby Becomes Your Job 23:13 Stepping Outside Of The Comfort Zone 27:42 Knowing Your Limits 31:38 Image and Confidence 36:54 Does It Always Need A Plan? 39:53 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

    47 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Being your own hype woman, Lily and Alice reflect

    Reflecting on Alex's episode, in this episode Lily and Alice discuss themes of professional identity, empowerment and leadership, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and how to cope when your self worth is taking a knock. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on Insta ⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠ LinkedIn ⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠ Links from the episode: ⁠Pecha Kucha⁠ ⁠The Wheel of Life Chapters 00:00:00 Reflecting on Alex's Story and Initial Listener Engagement 00:02:44 Listener Feedback Validates Our Unapologetic Voices 00:06:37 Navigating Identity During a Career Pause and Affiliation 00:13:19 The Challenge of Non-Affiliation and Forging New Connections 00:18:09 Showing Your True Self for Effective and Enjoyable Leadership 00:29:49 Finding Support and Perspective When Self-Worth is Tested 00:33:10 Strategies for Disruptive Leadership and Driving Change 00:38:10 Teaser for Future Guests and Featured Women Campaign

    40 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Escaping the Monument of Mediocrity, SoT welcomes Alex Butler

    In this debut episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily crack open the real, raw, and unfiltered stories of women leading at the highest levels — starting with trailblazing digital leader Alex Butler. Alex’s career has been anything but ordinary. She’s led major digital transformations, championed creativity across civil society, and built cultures where ideas actually take root. Describing herself as a “butterfly” who pollinates, Alex brings wisdom, wit, and hard-won lessons to this episode.Together, we dive into the messy realities of leadership: misogyny in AI, ageism, confidence, authenticity, the emotional labour of leading, knowing when to walk away — and the true cost of staying aligned with your values. Alex reflects on pivotal moments in her journey, shares what it really takes to lead with courage, and offers one powerful takeaway every woman in leadership can act on tomorrow. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at @SexOnTopPod — and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alex Ludgate on Insta @lilywednesday73 @alice_luds LinkedIn Lily Wednesday Alice Ludgate Follow Alex Butler on Insta @butlerlovesbees LinkedIn @alex_butler Read Alex v. The Algorithm and Escape the Blob Chapters 02:17 Meet Alex Butler: A Journey Through Leadership 05:28 The Elevator Pitch: Defining Identity and Career 05:34 Misogyny in AI: Addressing Gender Bias 10:49 The Challenge of Ageism in the Workplace 14:46 Self-Worth and Confidence: A Woman's Journey 18:55 The Relentless Nature of Career Progression 22:47 The Responsibility of Leadership 24:53 The Cost of Upholding Values 29:07 Navigating Values and Emotions in the Workplace 32:55 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability 37:55 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

    43 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    The Pilot - Welcome to the World of Radical Oversharing

    Welcome to Sex On Top, the unapologetic, uncensored podcast where Lily and Alice dive head-first into the real, raw, and often messy realities of being a woman in leadership. In our pilot episode, we’re lifting the lid on what it actually takes to rise to the top in today’s workplace from navigating vulnerability to owning your emotions. Join us as we unpack the story behind our name, reflect on how we met, and explore the power of emotional honesty, anger as a tool, and the pressures that come with career pauses, identity shifts, and midlife reinventions. We’ll also dig into the week’s topical conversations from oversharing, emotional truth, and messy feelings and how they mirror what so many women carry into boardrooms, team meetings, and leadership spaces every day. This episode sets the tone for what’s to come:raw stories, unfiltered conversations, and practical tools for navigating leadership with emotional intelligence, boundaries, humour, and a whole lot of heart. Throughout the series, we’ll be bringing you the voices of brilliant women showing up with honesty, humanity, and fire. Whether you're climbing the ladder, sitting at the table, stepping away for a moment, or redefining what success looks like… you belong here. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠ — and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alex Ludgate on Insta ⁠@lilywednesday73⁠ ⁠@alice_luds⁠ LinkedIn ⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠ ⁠Alice Ludgate ⁠ 00:00 A Warm Welcome and Introduction 05:59 Unpacking Sex on Top 12:02 The Impact of Vulnerability in Leadership 17:58 Emotional Honesty in the Workplace 25:27 Navigating Life Pressures and Career Pauses 29:27 Vulnerability in the Workplace 33:45 Harnessing Anger as a Tool 37:06 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 40:12 Exploring Wellness Practices 46:03 The Purpose Behind the Podcast 49:57 Empowering Women Through Shared Stories 56:14 Engaging with Our Audience

    37 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Senior leadership can be a lonely, hard space to occupy as a woman. Hear the real, messy, unfiltered stories of what it takes to be a woman at the top! Join Alice & Lily in this collective space where we can listen, laugh and cry together. To celebrate that there is a place for forward-thinking female led leadership in a modern-day society. They want you to feel seen, your voice, actions & impact matters. Join them on this journey of leadership discovery where we share the real & raw lessons learnt from other female leaders. The result?! Bringing women to the top personally & professionally

Information

  • Creator
    Lily Rumsey and Alice Ludgate
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lily Rumsey and Alice Ludgate
  • Show Website
    Sex on Top