Podcast thumbnail for Sex on Top

by Lily Rumsey and Alice Ludgate

14 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview

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

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Publishing Since

11/27/2025

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for The Science of Big Emotions: Why Leaders Feel What They Feel

August 5, 2026

The Science of Big Emotions: Why Leaders Feel What They Feel

<p>Why do moments of uncertainty feel so overwhelming? Why does imposter syndrome appear just when we need confidence most? And what actually happens inside our brains when we&#39;re under pressure?</p><p>In this bonus episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily are joined by Professor Abigail Gregory MBE former senior university leader, executive coach, mentor and higher education consultant to explore the science behind the emotions that shape our leadership.</p><p>Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience and her work in applied neuroscience, Abigail explains why emotions aren&#39;t something to suppress but signals we can learn to understand. Together they unpack the neurological responses behind stress, uncertainty, frustration and self-doubt, and share practical techniques to help leaders respond with greater clarity, confidence and compassion.</p><p>From the SCARF Model and emotional regulation to breaking cycles of negative thinking and protecting your mental bandwidth, this conversation is packed with evidence-based insights that every leader can put into practice.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to make sense of your own emotional responses, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of yourself and the tools to lead with greater intention.</p><p>Share your questions, stories, or reflections at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sexontoppod/">⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠</a> and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.</p><p>Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on</p><p>Insta <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilywednesday73/">⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-wednesday-rumsey-a1b2ab52/">⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-ludgate/">⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠</a></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Emotions</p><p>02:56 Understanding Emotional Responses in Leadership</p><p>12:34 The SCARF Model: Navigating Social Experiences</p><p>21:16 Meta-Awareness and Emotional Regulation</p><p>28:02 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership</p><p>32:25 Topping Up the Prefrontal Cortex</p><p>36:03 Breaking the Spiral of Negative Thoughts</p><p>41:13 Managing Uncertainty and Control</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Emotions</p><p>02:56 Understanding Emotional Responses in Leadership</p><p>12:34 The SCARF Model: Navigating Social Experiences</p><p>21:16 Meta-Awareness and Emotional Regulation</p><p>28:02 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership</p><p>32:25 Topping Up the Prefrontal Cortex</p><p>36:03 Breaking the Spiral of Negative Thoughts</p><p>41:13 Managing Uncertainty and Control</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

Episode thumbnail for Crafting Your Own Narrative, Lily and Alice Reflect

May 20, 2026

Crafting Your Own Narrative, Lily and Alice Reflect

<p>In this episode of Sex on Top, it’s just us — reflecting on the lessons from Season One and the themes that stayed with us after our conversation with Maureen Manning.</p><p>Inspired by Maureen’s powerful reminder that “this was always the path,” we explore what it means to trust your journey, make intentional choices, and recognise that leadership is rarely linear. From preparing for weddings and busy summers to creating a sense of home and sanctuary, this is a conversation about slowing down and prioritising what matters most.</p><p>We also dive into the difference between coaching and mentoring, the value of building your own personal board of directors, and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you can make all the difference.</p><p>At the heart of this episode is the idea that leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires reflection, self-awareness, and the courage to make decisions that align with your values — even when they look different from what others expect.</p><p>Honest, thoughtful, and grounding, this episode is an invitation to reconnect with your north star and trust that every step is part of the story</p><p>Share your questions, stories, or reflections at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sexontoppod/">⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠</a> and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.</p><p>Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on</p><p>Insta <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilywednesday73/">⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠</a></p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-wednesday-rumsey-a1b2ab52/">⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-ludgate/">⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠</a></p><p>Links from the episode:</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revealing-Surprising-Oversharing-Leslie-John/dp/1911709291">⁠⁠Revealing: The Surprising Power of Oversharing</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership</p><p>01:32 Reflecting on Season One and Community Building</p><p>03:22 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Self-Care</p><p>04:32 Personal Updates: Weddings and Life Changes</p><p>07:37 The Value of Home and Creating a Sanctuary</p><p>09:28 Transitioning to a Busy Summer</p><p>09:44 Crafting Personal Narratives </p><p>13:10 Crafting a Career with Intention</p><p>14:26 The Importance of Prioritisation</p><p>16:16 Communicating Priorities Effectively</p><p>17:53 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching</p><p>20:56 Understanding the Differences: Mentoring vs Coaching</p><p>24:22 Building Your Personal Board of Directors</p><p>24:53 Creating a Supportive Community</p><p>30:06 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead</p><p><br></p>

Episode thumbnail for From Centre Stage to Storytelling: This Was Always the Path, SoT welcomes Maureen Manning

May 5, 2026

From Centre Stage to Storytelling: This Was Always the Path, SoT welcomes Maureen Manning

<p>In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Maureen Manning, Founder and Principal Strategist of The Global Nexus Collective whose journey from aspiring performer to global education strategist is a powerful story of purpose, identity, and impact.</p><p>What began as a love for storytelling on stage took an unexpected turn during a formative study abroad experience at sixteen reshaping not just Maureen’s path, but her understanding of how stories can influence people, systems, and the world around us.</p><p>We explore the role of storytelling in leadership, and how building authentic narratives can elevate both individuals and organisations particularly in complex and shifting global contexts. From navigating the realities of the “sandwich generation” to making intentional, sometimes difficult life choices, Maureen shares what it means to lead with clarity, conviction, and care.</p><p>We also dive into mentorship, community, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you alongside the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.</p><p>Thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective, this episode is a reminder that the path isn’t always linear but when you lead with purpose and authenticity, every chapter has meaning,</p><p><br></p><p>Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate on</p><p>Insta <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilywednesday73/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-wednesday-rumsey-a1b2ab52/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-ludgate/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p>Follow Maureen </p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaureenmanning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Dr Maureen Manning </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepilatesclublondon?igsh=emRkNHJsNDBqY3hz">⁠</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-global-nexus-collective/posts/?feedView=all" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">The Global Nexus Collective </a></p><p>Website <a href="thepilatesclublondon.co.uk">⁠</a><a href="https://www.theglobalnexuscollective.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">The Global Nexus Collective </a></p><p><br></p><p>Leadership networks mentioned by Maureen in this episode -<a href="https://iccglobal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">World Council on Global and Intercultural Competence </a><a href="https://www.globalleadershipleague.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Global Leadership League </a></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership</p><p>02:11 Meet Maureen - A Journey Through Leadership</p><p>03:43 The Power of Storytelling in Education</p><p>09:20 Creating a Career From a Passion</p><p>09:46 Making Choices in Career and Family</p><p>17:17 Normalizing Personal Choices</p><p>19:32 The Sandwich Generation Experience</p><p>23:18 Authenticity in Storytelling</p><p>25:01 Creating Supportive Communities</p><p>27:41 The Role of Mentorship</p><p>31:39 Taking the Leap: Embracing Uncertainty</p><p>33:35 The Value of Credentials and Breaking Free</p><p>37:59 Understanding Your Value in the Sector</p><p>39:17 The Power of Storytelling and Performance</p><p>43:02 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth</p><p>43:02 Mentorship and Lifting Others Up</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

14 total episodes available

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What is Sex on Top?

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

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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