

LeadHERship Journeys
Hosted by Leona Deakin · Leona Deakin
5.0from 4 ratings
- 15
- Episodes
- 4
- Ratings
- 2025
- First episode
About LeadHERship Journeys
Psychologist and author Leona Deakin delves into the minds of inspirational women to uncover the secrets of their success
- Publisher
- Leona Deakin
- Category
- business · education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 8 Jan 2025
- Latest episode
- 9 Apr 2025
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.

9 Apr 2025
Behind the scenes of LeadHERship Journeys
All good things must come to and end (or in this case a pause), and this is the last episode in this series of LEadHERship Journeys - But don't worry work is already underway on series two! It has been an incredible journey and our genuine hope is that you've learned a lot from our amazing roster of inspirational women. From car saleswomen, to cricket super stars, to women who lead teams to catch tax fraudsters and women who lead the forefront of cancer research - we've met some really powerful personalities. In this episode, Leona talks to her producer Nick about the adventure they've both been on and what they have both learned from the conversations that have been had on LeadHERship Journeys across the UK. They look back at some of the most memorable interviews from across the series, and give some insight into what they have taken away from the conversation and some things that didn't make the final cut! LeadHERship Journeys will return later in the year, so make sure you follow and subscribe to be notified when Leona returns with more insights into what makes successful women tick. LINKS Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

2 Apr 2025
What to do when work makes you sick?
We all learn from our mistakes, that's part of being human. But how do you take something as damaging as working in a toxic environment and turn that to your advantage? Bianca Spruit worked as a leader in several roles before deciding to go it alone as a coach, one of those jobs almost broke her. But while she knew she had to leave that job, she didn't know what was next. It wasn't until she found a love for coaching that she discovered a path away from the toxic environment. In this episode, Leona talks to her about: Using your difference to your advantage The physical impact of a toxic workplace Why it's ok not to beat yourself up about not leaving a bad job sooner Why helping others who are in the situation she was drives her How having children changes you LINKS Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) https://www.sproutcoaching.co.uk/ (https://www.sproutcoaching.co.uk/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

26 Mar 2025
Can kindness be the key to being a great boss?
The old saying goes that kindness costs nothing, but is it really possible that you can get to where you want to be in your career by being kind? Rebecca Oliver Mooney (or ROM for short) has 20 years experience in fast moving consumer goods and has worked for the likes of Mars, Nestle, Kellogg's and Muller. She is now head of commercial for Co -op and is also the founder of Raising the Glass. This is an initiative that connects women and allies in the drinks industry, and includes a podcast, networking events and a mentoring programme. But it is her leadership style that Leona wanted to hear about most as it's focussed on equity and kindness. In this episode, she talks to Leona about; Knowing what your "superpowers" are and how to accept them Why good enough is perfectly acceptable and why perfection can be damaging Why understanding and equity in a leadership role is so crucial What introverts go through on a daily basis Psychological safety and why that's so important Links INKS Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/ (https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

19 Mar 2025
What if your dream job...isn't your dream?
It's natural and healthy for us to have ambition and dreams - but what happens when your dreams become a reality, and the reality is something you don't want? Holly Colvin was just 15 when she got a place on the England cricket team for an ashes test against Australia. She went on to play five tests, 72 one-day internationals and 50 20:20 internationals and was a member of the Women's World 20:20 World Cup winning side in 2009. But as you'll hear, she happily walked away from her cricketing career and has not looked back. She's now a major sports event manager for the Greater London Authority. In this fascinating episode, Holly chats to Leona about: The feeling of happiness she felt when she gave up cricket And the feelings of anxiety the preceded it Emotional intelligence, why giving something up isn't about failure When resilience becomes about learning when to let go Her drive to try new things, and how that led to a blog LINKS Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollylcolvin/details/experience/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollylcolvin/details/experience/) https://alphabetazumba.wordpress.com/blog/ (https://alphabetazumba.wordpress.com/blog/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

12 Mar 2025
Can saying YES to every opportunity lead to living your dream?
Simone Roche MBE is a big advocate of diversity. She is the founder and CEO of We Are PoWEr, who accelerate gender equality, inclusion and social mobility across the UK and beyond. She has an amazing story to tell. She started her journey in the Royal Navy, was given her MBE in 2018 for services to gender equality and went on to found her own organisation which now has a membership of over 100k women. She is a woman who has lived her life in a truly positive way, saying yes as much as she can. Leona wanted to explore her views on the power of self-belief. In this episode, Leona talks to Simone about: How being a woman in the Royal Navy never mattered, but being northern did Why the work in equality she does really helps in building communities Inner vulnerability and how it exists at all levels LINKS Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Simon Roche MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-roche-mbe/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-roche-mbe/) We are Power: https://wearepower.net/home (https://wearepower.net/home) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

5 Mar 2025
Can being true to yourself help you thrive?
Zoe Gascoyne is the woman who oversaw the Bernie Ecclestone tax fraud case, in which he pleaded guilty, was given a suspended prison sentence and paid a fine of almost £653m to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Zoe's story is about being true to yourself, not conforming and not letting others judge your appearance. It's also about striving to be the best leader and person you can be. In this episode, Leona talks to her about: How those who lead badly have taught her how to lead well Why "doing it all" resulted in burnout and what she learned about herself Looking after your team is perhaps the most important thing you can do Her distaste for greed and what drives her in her role LINKS Leona Deakin: https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Zoe Gascoyne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-g-71b3343a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-g-71b3343a/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions: https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/) More about the Bernie Ecclestone case: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67088503#:~:text=Ecclestone%20has%20agreed%20in%20a,after%20initially%20pleading%20not%20guilty (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67088503#:~:text=Ecclestone%20has%20agreed%20in%20a,after%20initially%20pleading%20not%20guilty).

26 Feb 2025
Can feeling like a failiure be the secret to your success?
Deborah Ogden is a personal branding and impact coach - Her CV is fascinating, she started her career as a lawyer and then moved on to help sportspeople get sponsorship deals. Deborah's journey is one of firsts, she was the first woman to be a professional media manager. Her story is also about achievement, she was brought up to not just take part but succeed. But it's not all about success and firsts... Leona chats to her about: How becoming a mother almost broke her, but also put her on a path she's still on Why she always jumps before the count of three... The loss of her father and how that has impacted her LINKS Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Deborah Ogden https://www.deborahogden.com/ (https://www.deborahogden.com/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

19 Feb 2025
Does being a woman in a man's world give you an edge?
Rayhanneh Mazinani's journey from beauty sales to the second-hand car trade is one of self belief, business acumen and determination. As the managing director of vehicle sourcing company TRAYD, she a true pioneer. There are no other women doing what she is doing in the UK motor trade. Her story is about breaking through barriers, not just of gender but also race. As a woman in a man's world she faced her fair share of competitive conflict, but she was not going to let this deter her. She quickly discovered that being female was her superpower. Her ability to slow down the sale, build rapport and become a trusted advisor were the secrets to her success. Her aim now is to make more women aware that the world of vehicle sales is a fantastic place for them to thrive, and that their unique qualities can be their superpower too. In this episode, she talks to Leona about: Dealing with aggression and why women are "special beings" How her drive and enthusiasm led her to set up Trayd What the motor trade has to offer women and why you should get into it LINKS Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Trayd www.trayduk.co.uk (http://www.trayduk.co.uk) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

12 Feb 2025
What do you do if you can't follow your dream?
Lauren York always wanted to work in TV but as a junior member of a production company she was told she didn't have what it takes. Today she is the owner of a nationwide business supplying locations to big budget productions. Her journey has not been easy. She came up against many blocks on her path but she knew what she wanted. But it took all of her focus, resilience and determination. In this episode Leona finds out about: How one boss telling her she was no good at TV fuelled her Imposter syndrome and how we should deal with it Learning from bad managers to become a better boss Diving in at the deep end and making a success of it DON'T FORGET - Leave a review of this podcast to be in with the chance of winning a free hour coaching session with Leona LINKS Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) UK Locations https://www.uklocations.co.uk/ (https://www.uklocations.co.uk/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

5 Feb 2025
What to do if you're right, but the world won't listen
Dr Kathryn Scott is Chief Executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research. Science has been part of her DNA for most of her life, and at an early stage in her journey she was interested in biology. But her background and her roots are not those that are usually associated with Chief Executives - So how did she get there and is hers a story that illustrates anyone can do it? In this episode, Leona talks to Kathryn about: * Her mission to promote exercise to reduce the risk of cancer returning * How her roots in Bradford aren't the usual ones for a CEO * The rewards of being a charity CEO * The fight to promote ways of staying cancer free DON'T FORGET - Leave a review of this podcast to be in with the chance of winning a free hour coaching session with Leona LINKS Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Yorkshire Cancer Research https://www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/ (https://www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

29 Jan 2025
How do you turn a negative life event into a positive?
What do you do when a war comes to your doorstep? For anyone faced with that scenario, survival is, of course, a priority. But once you are safe, is it possible to use that experience for a positive outcome? Are there lessons we can all learn? Yana Smaglo is a Ukrainian living in the UK. She fled the war in Ukraine when it began in 2023. She was already a successful fashion designer, but had to flee her own country with just a laptop and a few items of clothing. Today she has started again, and has even appeared on the TV to win investment from Dragons Den. In this episode Leona talks to Yana about: Fleeing the war in Ukraine Coming to the UK and setting up her business How a strong sense of purpose drives us The power of persistence and a positive mindset DON'T FORGET - Leave a review of this podcast to be in with the chance of winning a free hour coaching session with Leona LINKS Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Nenya: https://www.nenya.online/ (https://www.nenya.online/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/)

22 Jan 2025
Do we all need to be hard-line strategic thinkers?
... Or can a world exist where softer, more feminine qualities prevail? Professor Beverly Alimo-Metcalfe is a psychologist who specialises in leadership. Her ground-breaking research into what it takes to be a great leader is seen as a benchmark. Beverly has a lifetime of experience looking at leadership and how women are perceived in the workplace. Her's is a story of determination and sheer willpower to break through barriers and trailblaze for female leaders. In this episode Leona is also joined by Beverly's daughter, Juliette Alban-Metcalfe, chief executive of the Real World Group. They help people to be better leaders, and aim to improve the workplace for all employees. In this episode Leona talks to them about: The affect you can have on other people Staying positive How mindset and approach is vital Beverly's landmark study and how it nearly didn't happen DON'T FORGET - Leave a review of this podcast to be in with the chance of winning a free hour coaching session with Leona LINKS Leona Deakin https://leonadeakin.co.uk/ (https://leonadeakin.co.uk/) Real World Group https://realworld-group.com/ (https://realworld-group.com/) Podcast production by Ginger Wizard Productions https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/ (https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/) This episode was recorded at the Bramble Bakehouse in Guiseley, Leeds https://bramblebakehouse.co.uk/ (https://bramblebakehouse.co.uk/)

15 Jan 2025
Can you stay positive in a world of bad guys?
Chief Crown Prosecutor Siobhan Blake shares her journey of determination and empathy in dealing with life's challenges, highlighting the importance of separating personal and professional life to maintain positivity and resilience.

15 Jan 2025
Can you be a working mum and a success?
Leona Deakin chats with Lisa Shepherd, co-owner of The Biskery, about creating a business that prioritizes kindness and staff well-being while challenging traditional workplace conventions.

8 Jan 2025
LeadHERship Journeys Trailer
Psychologist and author Leona Deakin explores the attributes and drivers of successful female leaders, revealing the qualities that propel them to the top and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 31
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 32
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