The Female CEO™ Podcast

Mark Sephton
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    Life By Design. Not By Default. | Sue Stoneman

    Somewhere in the early 2000s, we collectively decided that exhaustion was a sign of commitment. The busier you were, the more you mattered. The more you were always on, always available, always pinging back — the more valuable you must be. Psychologists call it costly signalling. Most of us just called it Tuesday. Sue Stoneman, founder of Moxie, has spent years working with global CEOs and high-performance teams — and she has a different framework entirely. In this conversation with Mark Sephton, she talks about the nervous system cycle we have broken, the three steps to rewiring a brain that rewards busyness over outcome, and what it actually looks like to redesign a life rather than just manage a stress level. And the snow globe. Listen for the snow globe. Recorded on location during a live reset in sunny Ibiza, Sue unpacks why our brains are constantly stuck in an "activation, activation, activation" loop and how that relentless cortisol drive impairs our decision making, emotional regulation, and authentic relationships. True high performance requires a deliberate pulse of activation and recovery, a strategy elite athletes have mastered but corporate leadership often dismisses as a luxury. If you are ready to put down the heavy weight of other people's expectations, this conversation will give you the practical toolkit to step off autopilot and step into clarity. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Evolutionary Brake: Why your brain views sudden behavioral changes as an emergency and how to safely override that resistance. The Three Step Brain Rewire: How shifting focus from effort to outcome, interrupting automated thought patterns, and prioritizing recovery trains your neuroplasticity for success. Science, Soul, and System: Inside the Moxie methodology that balances behavioral psychometric data with restorative mindfulness and actionable daily rituals. The 90,Day Accountability Loop: How micro goals, automated AI coaching, and human expert support bridge the gap between weekend inspiration and sustainable life shifts. Connect With Us: Learn more about Moxie: mymoxie.co.uk Follow Moxie on X/Twitter: @discover_moxie Connect with host Mark Sephton: marksephton.com

    32 min

  2. 5d ago

    Leading from Presence (Not Pressure) with Stef Mandirola

    Discover why high performance is a biological state, not just willpower, and how Female CEOs can avoid burnout by leading from presence. In this episode, we sit down with Stef Mandirola, a former aerospace COO who traded the high-stakes world of multi-million pound global operations for the disciplined path of Zen. As the founder of HASU, Stef bridges the gap between centuries-old Japanese tradition and modern stress physiology. We dive into: The Corporate Trench to Zen: Stef’s personal battle with burnout and how it led her to coach executive teams to perform from a state of presence rather than pressure. Challenging "Push Through" Culture: Why relying on willpower is a biological dead end and how to tap into your natural physiology for sustainable success. The Discipline of Presence: Practical insights into moving away from reactive leadership and toward a centered, high-performance state. Prevention over Cure: Understanding the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score and how early life conditioning can unknowingly drive us toward adult burnout. Whether you are navigating the pressures of the boardroom or looking to reclaim your energy, Stef’s "Surface to Soul" approach offers a masterclass in performing at your peak without sacrificing your well-being.

    43 min

  3. May 29

    Lotta Spjut: Leading Beyond the Leash

    Are you leading with authority or awareness? Join us as behavioral expert Lotta Spjut explains how the relationship with our dogs can transform our executive presence. Discover how to identify your triggers, set firm boundaries with empathy, and lead from a place of regulated power. As the founder of Lotta Dog PT, Lotta uses a powerful framework of behavioral science and emotional intelligence to prove that leadership isn't about dominance, it's about relational safety. We dive into: The Mirror at the End of the Leash: How our dogs (and our teams) react to our internal energy and why self-regulation is the first step to being a better leader. Moving Beyond Dominance: Why the "Alpha" mindset is outdated and how to build trust through consistency, awareness, and emotional safety. The "Lead Yourself First" Principle: Why you cannot effectively lead another being—human or canine—until you have mastered the ability to lead your own emotional state. Triggers and Boundaries: Practical ways to recognize when you are becoming reactive and how to reset your presence to maintain a "calm-assertive" leadership style. Whether you are navigating high-stakes business decisions or simply trying to improve the bond with your four-legged companion, Lotta’s insights offer a masterclass in the science of connection and the art of presence. Connect with Lotta Spjut: Website: www.lottaspjut.com Instagram & Facebook: @lottaspjutbusiness

    49 min

  4. May 26

    The Trinity of Conscious Leadership | How to Align Power, Love, and Ligh with Angelica Umali

    What if the secret to sustainable leadership isn't more 'hustle,' but a balance of three specific energies? In this episode, Angelica Umali breaks down The Trinity of Conscious Leadership - Power, Love, and Light - and how female CEOs can use them to find deeper purpose and avoid the burnout of ego-driven success. In a corporate world often driven by relentless hustle, short-term profits, and "intellect overdose," Angelica Umali is advocating for a more profound way to lead. As a visionary mentor and founder of the House of Wisdom, Angelica joins host Mark Sephton to discuss her unique curriculum designed to help high-achievers move beyond the surface-level grind. In this episode, we explore: The Symptoms of Systemic Failure: Why prioritizing the bottom line at the expense of human needs leads to burnout, anxiety, and a disconnect from personal fulfillment. The Five Levels of Ascending Intelligence: Moving beyond traditional logic to tap into gut, heart, detailed, abstract, and spiritual intelligence. The Trinity of Power, Love, and Light: How female leaders can find a "sweet will" that balances strength with compassion and vision. The Five Levels of Health: Why mastering your physical, vitality, emotional, mental, and spiritual health is the ultimate barometer for sustainable success. Self-Mastery as a Legacy: Understanding that "change starts from within" and how evolving your own energy creates ripples that transform your organization. Soul Purpose vs. Work Purpose: Angelica shares her personal "dark night of the soul" and how it led her to discover a mission centered on growing the Higher Self. Join us for a deep dive into the Balanced Life Strategy Program and learn how to align your success with a more fulfilled, purposeful life. Connect with Angelica Umali: LinkedIn: Angelica Umali

    34 min

  5. May 22

    The Currency of Connection: Redefining Influence in Silicon Valley

    Can you build a global empire on a “Huggable Business Model”? In this episode, we sit down with Donna Loughlin, the "Architect of Visibility" and the powerhouse behind over 500 successful launches in the world’s most competitive tech hub. As the founder and CEO of LMGPR, Donna reveals why authenticity is the bedrock of growth, how she uses her pilot’s mindset to navigate business turbulence, and why, even in the heart of Silicon Valley, connection remains the most valuable currency a leader can hold. We dive into: The Storyteller’s Edge: How Donna transitioned from a background in journalism to becoming a master architect of visibility for some of the most innovative companies in the world. The "Co-Pilot" Philosophy: Why every leader needs a co-pilot to navigate the "altitude" of business and the importance of checking in on your team’s well-being. Beyond the Staged Walkthrough: A candid look at why leadership should move away from curated appearances and toward real, collaborative, and forthright conversations. The Currency of Networks: Why building a global movement requires more than just a bold idea—it requires a deep commitment to the people and the "win-win" in every partnership. Whether you are launching a startup or looking to scale your personal brand, Donna’s insights offer a masterclass in staying human while achieving global impact. Connect with Donna Loughlin: Website: www.lmgpr.com

    42 min

  6. May 19

    The Mission of Meaningful Inclusion: Tara Mackings BEM on Purpose-Led Leadership

    What happens when a human right feels like a "legal minimum"? After a lifetime of navigating a world not built for her, Tara Mackings BEM stopped advocating for change and started architecting it. In this episode, we explore the tenacity, the mission, and the massive social impact of moving from "token" accessibility to meaningful inclusion. Tara shares her journey from living with cerebral palsy to founding Tailored Leisure, a social enterprise—and now charity—born from the frustration of inaccessible holidays and fitness. We dive into: The Lightbulb Moment: How a simple homeschooling game with her son during lockdown exploded into a fitness program reaching hundreds of people globally. Beyond the "Tick Box": Why accessibility isn't just about ramps, but about changing the culture within businesses to see ability over disability. Building a Legacy: From accessible glamping and community hubs to her "Access Champions" who help commercial businesses audit their premises. The Power of Lived Experience: The emotional reality of providing a first-ever holiday for families who have been historically excluded from leisure. Whether you are a business leader looking to be more inclusive or someone fueled by social enterprise, Tara’s story is a masterclass in turning personal friction into a "centre of excellence" for others. Connect with Tara Mackings & Tailored Leisure: Website: www.tailoredleisure.co.uk

    32 min

  7. May 15

    Dr. Selen Atasoy: Neuroscience, Flow, and Reclaiming Your Authentic Self

    Are you leading from a place of 'intellectual overdose'? In this episode, distinguished neuroscientist and therapist Dr. Selen Atasoy reveals why logic and relentless drive often lead to a profound internal disconnect, and how you can use the science of 'Connectome Harmonics' to reclaim your inner sovereignty and lead with organic, instinctive power. In this episode of The Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton welcomes Dr. Selen Atasoy, a distinguished neuroscientist (formerly of Oxford and Imperial College London) and the creator of Connectome Harmonics. Despite her massive academic success, Selen realized that intellectual mastery isn't the same as inner peace. Today, she helps high-achieving women move beyond intellectual exhaustion to reclaim their "inner sovereignty." Through her platform, MeTruely, Selen empowers leaders to lead from a state of neural and emotional harmony rather than constant stress and burnout. In this episode, we discuss: The Science of Harmony: Understanding Connectome Harmonics and how brain activity patterns influence our emotional state. Beyond Intellectual Exhaustion: Why high-achievers often feel empty despite their success and how to bridge the gap between the mind and the heart. Peeling the Onion: Selen’s personal journey of authenticity and why she believes the journey to the "true self" is never really over. Inner Sovereignty: What it means to lead yourself first before you attempt to lead others or society. The MeTruely Philosophy: How to use neural harmony to become a more effective, grounded leader. If you are a high-performer who feels "stuck in your head," this conversation offers a scientific and soulful roadmap back to your center. Connect with Dr. Selen Atasoy: Website: selenatasoy.com Platform: metruely.com (MeTruly) Subscribe to The Female CEO Podcast for more insights into the "Create, Evolve, and Overcome" journeys of world-changing women.

    38 min

  8. May 12

    The Myth of the Career Ladder with Britt Mari Sykes

    Have you reached the top of the professional ladder only to feel strangely empty? In this episode, we sit down with existential career counselor Britt Mari Sykes to dismantle the 'business model' of careers. We’re diving deep into why the linear path is a myth, how to navigate professional 'existential awakenings,' and why you should stop climbing and start creating a 'career life' that actually feeds your soul. If you’re a high-achieving woman feeling disconnected from your success, this conversation is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for to rethink everything. In this episode of The Female CEO Podcast, host Mark Sephton welcomes Britt-Mari Sykes, a career counsellor, researcher, and the founder of Canvas Career Counselling. Britt-Mari is disrupting the traditional career coaching industry by moving beyond skills, resumes, and standard ambitions. Instead, she invites us to view our professional journeys through an existential lens. With a background in psychology and academia, Britt-Mari helps individuals navigate the "existential search" for meaning in their work. Today, she shares how to stop being driven by external expectations and start building a professional life that resonates with the human experience. In this episode, we discuss: The Existential Career: Why looking inward is the most important step in professional development. Overcoming Ambition-Burnout: How to transition from being driven by "what you can do" to "who you are becoming." The Philosophy of Work: How Britt-Mari’s academic background in philosophy shapes her unique "Career Canvas" approach. Internal vs. External Success: Understanding why big "outward" achievements often feel empty without internal alignment. Creating, Evolving, and Overcoming: Britt-Mari shares her own transition from academia to entrepreneurship. If you feel stuck in a career that looks good on paper but feels disconnected from your soul, this conversation is the wake-up call you need. Connect with Britt-Mari Sykes: Website: mycareercanvas.co Explore articles and interviews at Canvas Career Counseling. Subscribe to The Female CEO Podcast to explore the "Create, Evolve, and Overcome" journeys of visionary women.

    31 min
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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.

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