Sarah Alexander and James Gordonifar discuss the evolving landscape of early careers, challenges of integrating five generations in the workforce, and how HR leaders can prepare both their teams and their organisations for the oncoming skills shift.

James advocates for skills-based hiring and organisations, emphasising the importance of job analysis, inclusive communication, and intentionality.

In this episode of the Oakleaf Women in Leadership Podcast, Amy Morris is joined by Carolyn Cresswell from Hussle House, a people development consultancy focused on leadership coaching and culture.

Carolyn shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of corporate life, including the impact of burnout and the decision to do things differently. From founding her own business to finding her voice, she reflects on what it takes to lead with authenticity and resilience.

We explore the importance of understanding your non-negotiables, being aware of how feedback lands, and recognising when your strengths stop serving you. Carolyn also talks about the identity of Hussle House moving from doing everything to doing the right things, and why coaching needs to be tailored, not templated.

A thought-provoking conversation on ambition, self-awareness and creating the right conditions for others to thrive.

Connect with Carolyn here

hustlehouse.co

In this episode, I’m joined by Sharon, founder of Best Self Coach, whose story is powerful, personal, and packed with insight. From being one of the only families of colour in her school to finding true inclusion at London Business School, Sharon shares her journey to discovering emotional intelligence as her superpower — and how that shaped her path into coaching and leadership.

We explore why EQ is essential in leadership, how asking the right questions can create real impact, and what it means to bring your whole self to work. Sharon also reflects on her experience of being sacked for being pregnant, and the resilience she built from it. She talks about the quiet power of mentorship, the value of self-awareness, and why we should all aim to be the biggest, boldest version of ourselves.

This one’s honest, reflective and full of practical advice.

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn