Inspiring Women Leaders

About Inspiring Women Leaders

Check out the Inspiring Women Leaders Podcast for empowering stories and meaningful conversations. Listen to trailblazing women discuss the issues that matter, and get inspired to lead with purpose! This podcast celebrates the work of the Inspiring Leadership Foundation, a charity devoted to helping disadvantaged women and girls unlock their full potential. Learn more at inspiringleadership.foundation (https://inspiringleadership.foundation/). Don't forget to follow us on social media: @inspiringwomenleaders.pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Leigh Bowman-Perks

Category

business · business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Sept 2024

Latest episode

27 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Sally Orange: Resilience and Recovery

   Podcast Episode: Resilience, Leadership and Mental Health with Sally Orange MBE In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sally Orange MBE - former British Army Major, record-breaking endurance athlete, mental health campaigner and award-winning charity fundraiser - to explore what true resilience really looks like. From completing the legendary Marathon des Sables to racing 3,000 miles across America in the Race Across America, earning six Guinness World Records and four Invictus Games medals, Sally has continually pushed the boundaries of mental and physical endurance. Yet behind the extraordinary achievements lies a deeply personal journey through chronic depression and anxiety - experiences that now shape her authentic, compassionate leadership voice. Sally shares practical, hard-won strategies for performing under pressure, building resilience in extreme environments, and leading courageous conversations around mental health. With warmth, humour and humility (often delivered in her signature slice-of-orange outfit), she challenges organisations and individuals alike to rethink how we support wellbeing and unlock human potential. Recognised with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and appointed MBE for services to charity and mental health, Sally’s story has featured on BBC Breakfast and The Kelly Clarkson Show, among others - but in this conversation, you’ll hear the unfiltered lessons behind the headlines. This is an episode about courage, compassion, and the kind of leadership that creates lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Kiko Matthews: The Adventurer Who Defied Odds

   In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with world-record-breaking adventurer Kiko Matthews—one of the most impressive and resilient women of our time. Kiko became the fastest woman in history to row the Atlantic Ocean solo and unsupported, completing the 3,284-mile journey in just 49 days. But her real story begins long before the record: after surviving two life-threatening pituitary tumours and Cushing’s disease, Kiko rebuilt her life with a fierce commitment to adventure, nature, and community. She talks candidly about navigating extreme physical and mental challenges, the mindset required to take on the impossible, and how adversity shaped her purpose. Kiko also shares her passion for environmental activism—from cycling 6,900 km around the coast of the UK to lead 78 community beach cleans, to championing global initiatives that spark collective action for social change. Uplifting, raw, and deeply motivating, Kiko’s story reminds us of the power of human resilience and the impact one person can make when they choose courage over comfort. This is an episode that will inspire you to rethink your limits and step boldly into your own potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   1 Dec 2025

   Leading Change: Transforming Culture Through Leadership with Emma Kane

   Emma specialises in creating positive change through communications. She has 30 years’ experience in the communications industry. Today she is Chief Executive of SEC Newgate UK, part of the international communications group, SEC Newgate S.p.A. on whose board she also sits. Her clients include business leaders, household brands and international organisations. She is a regular feature in the ‘PR Week UK Power Book’. She is Deputy Chair of the Elton John Aids Foundation and a Non-Executive Director of the Green Finance Institute. She is the former Chair of the UK’s largest ovarian cancer charity, Target Ovarian Cancer, and of The Barbican Centre Trust and served on both boards for nine years. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2017. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   29 Aug 2025

   Louise Vardeman: Breaking Barriers in Women's Cycling

   In this empowering episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, we sit down with Louise Vardeman—cyclist, campaigner, and changemaker—who shares her remarkable journey from a non-sporty childhood to becoming a driving force in women’s cycling. Louise opens up about overcoming injuries, battling personal challenges, and finding purpose on two wheels. She talks candidly about mental health, parenting, and how rethinking work-life balance can lead to a more fulfilling life. Discover how her work with The Internationals helped spark the movement for a women’s Tour de France, and why inclusivity in sport is a cause worth pedaling for. Louise Vardeman is a passionate advocate for women in sport, best known as the founder of The Internationelles—a pioneering cycling team dedicated to pushing for gender equality in professional cycling. With no background in elite sports, Louise’s personal transformation into a leading figure in women’s cycling is a testament to resilience and vision. Beyond racing, she uses her platform to highlight the importance of mental health, inclusivity, and systemic change in sport. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of women to find strength, community, and joy through cycling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   24 Jul 2025

   Feminism in Action: Clémence Mahéo's Mission

   Clémence Mahéo is a publishing professional and feminist activist who has built her career around amplifying powerful stories and championing social change. Originally from Brittany, France, Clémence has always been passionate about books and the power they hold. She studied French Literature at the Sorbonne, followed by Media, Communication, and Marketing at CELSA in Paris. In 2008, she moved to the UK and began her publishing career, turning a lifelong love of literature into a global vocation. With over 15 years of experience, she now works internationally, connecting beautiful children’s books and thought-provoking non-fiction with readers around the world. In March 2023, alongside her publishing work, Clémence co-founded togetHER (www.togetheragainstsexism.org), a UK-based feminist social enterprise and collective with a bold mission to end sexism and sexual violence. The organisation brings together people of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences to make feminism practical, inclusive, and accessible. Through free, action-oriented training, togetHER empowers individuals to understand gender inequality and actively challenge it in their everyday lives. Clémence's involvement in togetHER reflects her strong commitment to justice, a collaborative spirit, and the belief that real change starts with everyday actions. Trilingual in French, English, and Spanish, she brings a truly international perspective In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, host Leigh interviews Clémence Mahéo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cl%C3%A9mence-mah%C3%A9o-8a824260/overlay/about-this-profile/). Clémence shares her journey from a strict upbringing in Brittany, France, to her current work in the UK, where she champions women's rights and social justice through literature and activism. The conversation explores her influences, the nuances of ambition, the importance of collaboration, and the founding of her social enterprise aimed at combating sexism. Clémence emphasises the need for practical action against sexism and the role of literature in empowering voices. She also reflects on navigating dark times and her aspirations for a legacy of justice and inclusivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Jacqui Wilkinson: The Strength of Vulnerability in Leadership

   Jacqui Wilkinson, Royal Air Force officer and author, reveals her journey of overcoming childhood trauma and embracing vulnerability as a leadership strength in an interview, highlighting the power of healing and resilience.

7. 

   27 Mar 2025

   Adaeze Udeogala: Empowering Women in STEM

   Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya discusses empowering women in STEM, highlighting the importance of cultural identity and community in fostering innovation and building values-driven careers in this interview.

8. 

   13 Feb 2025

   Embracing Chaos: Lisa Bodell's Journey to Innovation with Lisa Bodell

   CEO Lisa Bodell discusses her journey to becoming a global thought leader, emphasizing simplification and soft skills for navigating organizational change, in an interview with host Leigh Bowman-Perks.

9. 

   16 Jan 2025

   Deanna Oppenheimer – Leadership, Mentorship, and Leaving a Legacy

   Deanna Oppenheimer, a trailblazing global corporate leader and advocate for diversity, shares her journey to leadership, mentorship, and legacy, offering actionable advice for overcoming self-doubt and building a lasting impact.

10. 

    24 Dec 2024

    Kim "KC" Campbell: The Power of Belief in Overcoming Obstacles

    Retired Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell discusses her journey overcoming obstacles in the military and shares insights on leadership, decision-making, and the importance of vulnerability with host Leigh in this interview.

11. 

    5 Dec 2024

    Alison Hutchinson CBE on Leadership, Purpose, and the Pennies Movement"

    Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Pennies, discusses her journey and the importance of values, purpose, and profit in business, highlighting the balance between profit and purpose in an interview with Leigh.

12. 

    14 Nov 2024

    Sharon Peacock: The Power of Mentorship in Career Development

    Sharon Peacock discusses her journey in public health and microbiology, emphasizing mentorship, resilience, and self-reflection as keys to overcoming educational and career barriers in an interview with Leigh.

13. 

    4 Nov 2024

    Leading with Authenticity: A Conversation with John Hamilton on Transformative Leadership and Diversity

    Chief People Officer John Hamilton discusses transformative leadership and diversity, emphasizing inclusive growth opportunities for all in this interview with Inspiring Women Leaders.

14. 

    17 Oct 2024

    Mandy Hickson: Turning Passion into a Career as a Fighter Pilot

    Royal Air Force Pilot Mandy Hickson recounts her experiences as one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4, offering insights on leadership and decision-making under pressure in this interview.

15. 

    3 Oct 2024

    Zara Lachlan: 21-Year-Old's Epic Solo Ocean Row - 3 World Records & Inspiring Fearlessness

    Zara Lachlan discusses her upcoming solo and unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the challenges and motivations behind her record-breaking attempt to raise money for charity in this interview.

16. 

    17 Sept 2024

    Dr. Samantha Pillay: How Exclusion Fueled a Surgeon's Relentless Drive

    Dr. Samantha Pillay shares how facing exclusion throughout her career fueled her relentless drive to succeed as a urological surgeon, author, and speaker in this interview.

Who has been a guest on Inspiring Women Leaders

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jacqui Wilkinson
• Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya
• Lisa Bodell
• Deanna Oppenheimer
• Kim "KC" Campbell

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 7 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0