From Your Seat to the Board

Bryony Williams
From Your Seat to the Board

Hi I'm Bry & I'm on a mission to find out why our male peers always seem to get promoted before us! I'm a mum, sister, wife & high performance coach. I am obsessed with the lack of women on Boards, can you be ambitious AND a woman? Yes. So what's stopping us? Get ready to be inspired and amused. Hear the women & men I interview on route to a Board seat, sitting on a Board or chasing it through failure, struggle and success and how they have navigated power, male dominance and glass ceilings. I hope you are listening. Take your seat.

  1. #13 The Accidental Board Member: My Unexpected Path to a Celebrity packed Charity Board with Richard Shaw MBE

    DEC 13

    #13 The Accidental Board Member: My Unexpected Path to a Celebrity packed Charity Board with Richard Shaw MBE

    Welcome back to From Your Seat to the Board! In this gorgeous episode, the lovely Richard Shaw MBE shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a key figure in the Teenage Cancer Trust Board make-up. He shares with us the importance of core values, building relationships, and navigating the complexities of board dynamics in the charity sector. Richard reflects on his recognition as an MBE and offers valuable advice for those aspiring to join a board, emphasizing the need for real belief in oneself and the importance of a diverse skill set. Your top takeaways will be ​How core values and a shared mission are essential for a cohesive board.​Why a diverse skill set is crucial for effective board composition.​When you surround yourself with people who compliment your skills, you fill in the gaps.The discussion also touches on the influence of music in Richard's life, highlighting his passion for artists like MarkKnopfler and Bob Dylan and all the amazing celebrities he got to meet on his journey. This episode is wholesome AF with some great insights, I think you are going to LOVE it! A big thank you to Richard for sharing his time and experiences with me and I hope you thoroughly enjoy this episode of From Your Seat to the Board. Here is the very special music in aid of Teenage Cancee Trust : Guitar Heroes Get in touch with me here:https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice.We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    24 min
  2. NOV 22

    #12 Empowering Women for Board Success with Yemi Jackson

    Welcome back to From Your Seat to the Board! In this conversation, we talk to the wonderful Yemi Jackson on the critical issues surrounding leadership diversity, particularly the lack of women and people of color in boardrooms. Yemi shares her journey in establishing Engage Transform, an executive search company designed specifically to bridge this gap. We explore the importance of challenging the status quo in board meetings, how coaching women to prepare them for board roles stops them from being a "diverse hire", and the significance of assessing organisational culture to ensure a safe environment for diverse hires. Yemi also provides practical tips for aspiring board members, emphasising the importance of critical thinking, relationship building, and understanding the broader organizational impact of decisions. Your top takeaways will be How to equip yourself to win; How to challenge the status quo in board meetings; and How to build crucial relationships with board members for success. You're going to LOVE it. So, settle in, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take notes as Yemi shares her top tips. This episode is a must-listen for anyone sitting on a Board, considering a Board seat or curious about what it takes to get there. You can find Yemi at Engage Transform Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    29 min
  3. NOV 8

    #11 From Grassroots & Zumba to Renewable Energy: Jordan Brompton's Inspiring Journey to the Board

    Welcome back!! Join me as I sit down with the absolute BABE that is Jordan Brompton, co-founder of MYENERGI, for an inspiring conversation about female leadership in the renewable energy sector. Jordan shares her remarkable journey from teaching Zumba classes to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the power of passion and adaptability in business - from grass roots to the table! Jordan's story is SO inspiring, in this episode, you'll discover: How Jordan navigated the challenges of building a renewable energy company The importance of female representation in boardrooms and leadership roles Strategies for balancing personal well-being with the demands of entrepreneurship Insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your voice in male-dominated industries The role of mentorship and learning from experienced professionals Jordan offers candid advice on risk-taking, sacrifice, and the realities of hustle culture. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this conversation provides valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the power of determination in the face of adversity. Tune in for an empowering discussion that will inspire you to pursue your passions and make your mark in the world of business as a female entrepreneur! I hope you're listening, Take a Seat. You can find Jordan over on IG Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    24 min
  4. #5 How to Be Commercial for the Board with Geraldine Butler-Wright

    OCT 15

    #5 How to Be Commercial for the Board with Geraldine Butler-Wright

    Welcome back to another exciting episode of From Your Seat to the Board, this week we are learning all about 'How to Lead: Being Commercial for the Board' with a strategic goddess! In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Geraldine Butler-Wright (G for short), CPO, board member, total bad a*s and strategic advisor to start-ups, scale-ups and product-led businesses. Get ready to be inspired as she shares valuable insights on how to lead with a go getting attitude in your career and beyond! G shares secrets from her career journey and emphasises the need to control that inner narrative, by the end of the episode you might even be a fear-setter instead of a goal-setter! G has an appetite to do things differently, to challenge the status quo, and clearly, it has paid off, come and join us for this special episode, where we'll dive deep into why the numbers matter in HR, the power of your network, and the importance of your inner narrative. But being a leader isn't just about the professional realm. As a mum, she shares with us why it's not all about balance and how not to be afraid to disrupt the traditional career pathways. So, settle in, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take notes as G spills the beans. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of leadership. You can find Geraldine at https://www.rorcas.com/ and over on LinkedIn.  Music of choice: Into the Unknown, Frozen 2 Book reads: Fear Setting by Tim Ferries The Blend by Tobi Asare / IG @mybumppay Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    31 min
  5. #10 How to recognise your own Boardroom Value with Viviane Paxinos

    JUL 31

    #10 How to recognise your own Boardroom Value with Viviane Paxinos

    Come and join me on Episode 10 of From our Seat to the Board as I sit down with AllBright CEO, Viviane Paxinos. In this episode, Viviane, the dynamic CEO of AllBright, a global collective empowering women in business, shares her insights on the impact of diverse boards on business innovation, AllBright's role in supporting and upskilling ambitious women and her personal story in taking on the challenge. Viviane also touches on AllBright's initiatives, including the AllBright Alliance, designed to help corporate businesses transform their workplaces to be more diverse and inclusive, as she shares with us how to challenge in the right spaces. This episode is jam packed with insights into what it means to be on a board seat, why women have ALL the skills and what questions to ask to get there. Viviane encourages us to be bold - and if your table is all white men, Viv will ask you to consider giving up a seat! If you're intrigued by AllBright and its leader, come and have a listen! Don't miss this insightful conversation with a leader who's at the forefront of transforming the business landscape for women worldwide. If you're inspired by Viv and this podcast, don't forget to follow, rate and share! Connect with Viv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviane-paxinos-378a513/?originalSubdomain=uk Books of choice: Women vs Capitalism Vicky Pryce, All the Light we Cannot See Anthony Doerr Music of choice: Billie Holliday / Miles Davis Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    26 min
  6. #9 Driving Board Inclusion with the OG of Allies, Robert Baker

    MAY 31

    #9 Driving Board Inclusion with the OG of Allies, Robert Baker

    In this insightful episode, I sit down with Robert Baker, the OG of Allies, who has made an inspiring 40+ year journey from ex-HR Consultant at Mercer influencing inclusion, to the first man to join the Board of leading global women’s network, PWN Global, to Board Member of European Women on Boards, Trustee of One Loud Voice, advisor to He for She, Ally, Speaker, and many many more accolades. With a rich background in fostering inclusivity and diversity, Rob shares his unique insights on engaging men in the conversation to create space for women and promote a more diverse and inclusive boardroom starting with awareness. I talk to Rob about his personal journey and evolution from consultant to becoming a respected board member and advisor and the challenges and rewards of making this transition. Rob graciously shares his strategies for opening up conversations with men about diversity and inclusion and the importance of male allies in driving balance on the Board. This episode packs a punch with essential takeaways and skills for contributing to a (often) challenging conversation in order to cultivate and recognise the importance of a diverse boardroom. Rob's experiences and success stories in promoting diversity at the highest levels are honest and awesome and will give you the motivation to influence tangible impact in your own organisations. I've called him the OG of Allies, because Rob's work has had a significant impact on creating more equitable and diverse boardrooms and I am MEGA excited for you to hear from him. If you're inspired by Rob's journey and insights, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Share this episode with colleagues and friends who are passionate about diversity and inclusion. Let's drive change together! Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-baker-potentia-talent-consulting/ Book of Choice: Mindset by Carole Dweck Music of Choice: Roar, Katy Perry Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    27 min
  7. #8 How to be a Maverick Mum: Balancing Work & Guilt with Prartharna Rao

    APR 27

    #8 How to be a Maverick Mum: Balancing Work & Guilt with Prartharna Rao

    Welcome to the latest episode of From Your Seat to the Board, in this episode we talk to Maverick Mum Prartharna Rao on balancing Work & Guilt to lead a fulfilling career as a mum. In this episode, we delve into the challenges, glass ceilings, and various obstacles that often hinder women, and specifically mums, from pursuing board seats.  Our special guest, Prartharna, is a trailblazing mum entrepreneur who was forced into pivoting her professional journey. Prartharna shares invaluable tips and insights on how to strike a delicate balance between work and being a mum and letting go of "that" guilt, paving the way for personal growth and professional advancement.  Prartharna highlights the pressing need for diversity within the workforce and discusses the transformative power it holds for organisations. Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation that aims to inspire, empower, and encourage you to seek help if you need it, pour love into YOU and reach your full potential in life, at home and maybe... in the boardroom. Listen in Mummas - this woman will leave you feeling empowered and ready to book her group space! Music of choice: Beyonce, Dangerously in Love (with me!) Book of choice: Make It Happen, Jordanna Levin Find Prarthana: https://www.instagram.com/prarthanatter/ Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    29 min
  8. #7 NOT Sleeping your Way to the Top with Kayleigh Graham

    APR 13

    #7 NOT Sleeping your Way to the Top with Kayleigh Graham

    Welcome to another episode of From Your Seat to Your Board, where we bring you inspiring stories of individuals who have climbed the ladder of success and smashed the glass ceiling. In this episode, we have a special guest, Kayleigh Graham, who is the Head of Growth & Partnerships for Telleroo, Kayleigh is a columnist, a culture pioneer and a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) speaker. Kayleigh joined NatWest as a young apprentice and climbed the dizzy heights to Corporate banking very quickly. Challenged along the way for her age and assertive style, she has not only overcome adversity but she has also fast-tracked herself to success, all while refusing to entertain imposter syndrome. Get ready to gain valuable insights as Kayleigh shares her journey and the strategies that have propelled her to where she is today. - and what happened, when she was asked - who did you sleep with to get here. I can't wait to share Kayleigh's story with you as we discuss how she navigated through these obstacles and used them as stepping stones to grow personally and professionally. Listen in to her experience with collecting evidence as Kayleigh shares practical tips and techniques to silence self-doubt and build self-confidence. This episode is not to be missed as Kayleigh shares her thoughts on how individuals can create their own opportunities and pave their way to the boardroom. I hope you find inspiration and valuable insights from Kayleigh, I certainly did! Music of choice: Kayleigh, Marillion Book of choice: Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg Find Kayleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleighgraham/?originalSubdomain=uk ⁠ Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with me here: https://theglassfemale.com/podcast/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, professional or formal career advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

    25 min

About

Hi I'm Bry & I'm on a mission to find out why our male peers always seem to get promoted before us! I'm a mum, sister, wife & high performance coach. I am obsessed with the lack of women on Boards, can you be ambitious AND a woman? Yes. So what's stopping us? Get ready to be inspired and amused. Hear the women & men I interview on route to a Board seat, sitting on a Board or chasing it through failure, struggle and success and how they have navigated power, male dominance and glass ceilings. I hope you are listening. Take your seat.

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