Word on the Grid is a podcast for senior leaders navigating complex, high-pressure, often male-dominated environments. Hosted by Jessica Jones of Sectora Group, it explores the journey into leadership, the realities of leading today, and what lies ahead. Through honest conversations, guests share insights on their early steps, current challenges, and future ambitions.
The Journey to the Boardroom with Theresa Bell MBA | Word on the Grid Ep 7
Most people work hard. Far fewer know how to build a career that gets them into the room where the biggest decisions are made.In this episode of Word on the Grid, Jess sits down with Theresa Bell MBA, Main Board Director at Arcus FM, to explore what really separates people who progress from those who stay stuck.
Theresa shares the lessons she learned from growing up in a working-class family, working six jobs as a teenager and building a career that eventually led her to the boardroom of a private equity-backed business.
This isn't just a story about career success.It's a conversation about confidence, resilience, leadership and the unwritten rules of the corporate world. Theresa explains why so many talented people are overlooked, how to make yourself visible, why mentors and sponsors can transform your career, and the mindset shifts that helped her become the leader she is today.
If you've ever questioned whether you're good enough, wondered why other people seem to progress faster, or want practical advice on becoming a better leader, this episode is packed with insights you'll be thinking about long after you've finished watching.
Subscribe to Word on the Grid for more conversations with the leaders, founders and executives shaping the future of business.
29 Jun 2026
From Nightclub Bouncer to Global MD | Word on the Grid Episode 6
What do nightclub security, Virgin Atlantic and global travel risk management have in common? For Emily Roberts, they all became part of the same journey.
In this episode of Word on the Grid, Jessica Jones sits down with Emily, Managing Director of Solace Global, to explore an unconventional career that's taken her from working the doors of Bournemouth's busiest nightclubs to leading a global intelligence, risk and crisis management business.
Emily shares how being the only girl in her year at boarding school prepared her for leadership in male-dominated industries, why she believes taking the road less travelled has shaped every stage of her career, and what it was like growing Solace Global's travel risk management division before its acquisition by Global Guardian.
The conversation covers leadership, business growth, business development, women in leadership, company culture, acquisitions, mentoring, resilience and the lessons that come from learning on the job rather than in a classroom. Emily also opens up about leading without micromanaging, building high-performing teams, creating a culture of trust and why giving people autonomy often brings out their best work.
If you're interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, career progression, executive leadership, business strategy or the realities of building a company in a high-pressure industry, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
15 Jun 2026
From Actress to President with Julie Driscoll | Word on the Grid Ep 5
In Episode 5 of Word on the Grid, Julie joins our founder and host Jessica Jones to share her leadership journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her perspective on balancing ambition, family life and career progression.
Together, they discuss:
✔️ Women in leadership
✔️ The importance of mentors and sponsors
✔️ Building customer-first businesses
✔️ Career growth and leadership development
✔️ Breaking through self-imposed limits
✔️ The future of live events in an AI-driven world
A deep conversation about leadership, lifelong learning and having the confidence to pursue what's next.
1 Jun 2026
From Fashion Buyer to Managing Director with Bunty Stokes | Word on the Grid Ep 4
In this week's episode 4 of Word on the Grid, host Jessica Jones from Sectora Group sits down with Bunty Stokes, an experienced Managing Director, retail leader and fractional business advisor with more than 35 years of experience leading consumer brands and founder-led businesses.From her early days in fashion retail to senior leadership roles at TK Maxx, Bunty shares the lessons that shaped her career, the leadership development practices that world-class organisations get right, and why mentorship can make all the difference.She also reflects on her time as Managing Director of a growing business, the reality of leading through difficult periods, and the privilege of having entrepreneur and business pioneer Liz Earle just a phone call away when she needed advice, perspective or support
18 May 2026
From MOD to MD & People-First Cultures: Rebecca Saunders-Jones - Word on the Grid Episode 3
In this episode of Word on the Grid, we’re joined by Becca Saunders-Jones - Managing Director of Loopin and a passionate advocate for people-first leadership cultures.
From beginning her career in the Ministry of Defence to leading within the tech sector, Becca shares her journey through leadership, resilience, motherhood, and building high-performing teams rooted in empathy and trust.
Together, we explore:
• What it means to lead with intention
• Why people-first cultures drive better performance
• The realities of being a woman in tech leadership
• Navigating change, pressure, and difficult leadership decisions
• The importance of role models, mentorship, and authentic leadership
• Why emotions at work are a strength - not a weakness
Becca also shares practical leadership frameworks she’s used throughout her career, including “Four Ways of Seeing” and the concept of a “Pre-Mortem” - valuable tools for anyone leading teams through change.
This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and packed with insight for aspiring leaders, working parents in executive roles, women in business, and anyone passionate about creating healthier workplace cultures.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with inspiring women in leadership.
11 May 2026
What It Takes for Women to Reach the Top of Business: Monica Collings OBE - Word on the Grid Episode 2
What does it really take for women to survive - and succeed - at the top of business?
In Episode 2 of Word on the Grid, Monica Collings OBE shares the unfiltered reality behind executive leadership, crisis management, motherhood and navigating male-dominated industries. From being told she was “not good enough” at 16… to becoming CEO, Chair, Non-Executive Director and receiving an OBE - Monica’s leadership journey is extraordinary.
In this episode, Monica shares:
• Leading through crisis in the energy sector
• The realities of executive leadership as a woman
• Authentic leadership in male-dominated industries
• Balancing ambition, motherhood and high-performance careers
• Why businesses still struggle to retain women at the top
Her message is powerful:“If you don’t back yourself, why should anybody else?”
4 May 2026
The Making of a Female CEO: Donna Cezair on Leadership & Diversity - Word on the Grid Episode 1
In this episode of Word on the Grid, we dive into leadership insights with Donna Cezair, CEO of Worthing Homes. Discover how her early experiences shaped her leadership style and the importance of authenticity in leadership.
Key takeaways:
* Donna shares her journey from childhood to becoming a CEO.
* The impact of early role models on her leadership approach.
* Insights on navigating gender imbalances in leadership roles.
* The significance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership.
* Strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Subscribe for more insights on leadership and personal development.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Word on the Grid Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Word on the Grid Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
