About Stressed But Well Dressed hosted by Dahlia Stroud
"Stressed But Well Dressed" delves into the link between stress, confidence, and clothing, helping listeners build a "well-dressed mindset" for success. Dahlia hosts weekly conversations with a diverse range of guests—psychologists, founders, authors, designers, coaches, TV personalities, journalists, a firefighter, a former cult member, marketeers, and even Miss Great Britain—to explore the impact of stress on identity, confidence, and mindset from unique perspectives across a range of topics. Expect thought provoking conversations, practical tips for success and a bit of fashion in the mix!
Dahlia is joined by Sam Cooper-Gray to discuss why we should have the confidence to recognise the value we bring to the table in our career and why we should invest in ourselves. As a self-described 'recovering banker' Sam gives her perspective on how we take hold of opportunities to build our worth whether we are employed or carving our own path. She shares her journey to founder (now supporting others who are building their own businesses) and gives advice to listeners on how to know when to start, as well as practical advice for those looking to invest in founder led businesses and start ups.
Sam Cooper-Gray is the founder of The Wisdom Studio, a strategic consultancy empowering SMEs to scale with clarity, impact, and intention. A former Global Head of SME Strategy at HSBC, Sam led global initiatives in sustainability, social impact, and female entrepreneurship—including HSBC’s $1bn Female Entrepreneur Debt Fund and the UK’s £250m Women’s Business Growth Initiative. She also leads the Conditions to Scale workstream for the UK Government’s Invest in Women Taskforce, shaping national strategy to unlock growth for female-led businesses.
Sam is also the host of The Beginner’s Guide to Being a Grown-Up—a podcast that blends wit, wisdom, and real-world insight to help listeners navigate adulthood with more clarity and less chaos.
With over 30 year in business including 25 years in financial services and multiple board roles, Sam brings corporate rigour and entrepreneurial empathy to every engagement—helping founders and leadership teams move from operational overwhelm to strategic brilliance.
30 Oct 2026
Put down your phone (with guest Jamie Varon)
Dahlia is joined by author and creative entrepreneur Jamie Varon to discuss how we approach digital wellbeing.
Jamie shares the insights drawn from her research on the impacts of living a 'digital first' lift and the inspiration that led her to create 'The Phone Pause'. Dahlia and Jamie discuss why we are obsessed with our phones and how we become more aware and considered about where we invest our time and how this impacts our physical and mental wellbeing. Jamie challenges listeners to get honest about their daily screen time and think about the percentage of their day they are spending consuming information about other peoples' lives rather than living their own.
Jamie Varon is a bestselling author, writer, speaker and creative entrepreneur whose work explores self-worth, personal growth and the pursuit of a more intentional life. She is the founder of Chronically Offline Co. and The Phone Pause, platforms that encourage healthier relationships with technology and modern life. Her writing, known for its honest and thought-provoking perspective on self-acceptance, has been shared millions of times online.
Varon is the author of the bestselling nonfiction books Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly Dissatisfied World and Main Character Energy, as well as The Alchemy Within, a collection of essays and reflections about transforming the way we think about ourselves and our lives. She has also written the novel Charlie Quinn Lets Go.
For more information on Stressed But Well Dressed Podcast go behind the scenes of the show on Instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast
23 Oct 2026
Fling - a fashion love affair (with guest Chloe Mead)
Dahlia is joined by Chloe Mead, founder of Fling Fashion Rental Boutique in Leeds. Chloe shares the journey behind the creation of Fling, what inspired her, the things she learnt on the way and why Fling exists today.
As someone who helps hundreds of people choose occasion wear, Chloe gives her top tips for finding the perfect party outfit - just in time for the start of the party season!
Chloe is the Founder of Fling Fashion Rental in Leeds, find out more about the brand and her work here:
https://tr.ee/nkUihubFDG (https://tr.ee/nkUihubFDG) -booking link
https://www.flingfashionrental.com (https://www.flingfashionrental.com)- website
https://www.instagram.com/flingfashionrental/ (https://www.instagram.com/flingfashionrental/) -instagram
Enjoyed this episode - don't forget to follow the show and go behind the scenes on Instagram @stressedbutwelldressed_podcast
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