In this episode, we sit down with Sue Saikia, Senior Managing Director at North Highland, to explore what it means to lead through transformation. Drawing on decades of experience in management consulting and organizational change, Sue shares how she’s helped global businesses navigate complexity, empower teams, and build cultures that thrive on collaboration.

From reimagining leadership in hybrid environments to addressing the human side of change, this conversation unpacks what it takes to stay relevant, resilient, and purpose-driven in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. Expect thoughtful insights, candid reflections, and actionable lessons for anyone passionate about people, progress, and purposeful growth.

This episode is sponsored by Treatwell, who treated Stef to a gorgeous blow-dry so she could step into the studio feeling like her best self. You can book your own treatment today and get that same “fresh chapter” energy before your next big moment.

This season of In Her Shoes is brought to you in partnership with ⁠⁠RISER⁠⁠. When we spoke to women about how they’d moved through the highs and lows of their careers, one thing came up again and again: network – visibility, connection and real relationships. RISER is the space built to help you do exactly that, at scale.

Upload your 60-second video CV and let its responsible AI use context (not clichés) to understand who you are and connect you directly with hiring managers, so you can unlock the opportunities and financial gains you actually deserve.

Step into the world of Francesca Maudslay – the powerhouse executive producer behind some of the UK’s most compelling television, including hit formats like The Apprentice. Known for turning big ideas into must-watch moments, Francesca has spent her career shaping high-stakes stories, razor‑sharp boardrooms and unforgettable characters that keep audiences hooked from the first frame to the final cut.

In this podcast, Francesca lifts the curtain not just on how top‑tier TV gets made, but how she got there – from her first breaks in the industry and the grind of junior roles, to navigating tough setbacks and seizing the opportunities that changed everything. She shares candid stories about learning on the job, earning trust in intimidating rooms, and making the leap from supporting roles to leading some of the biggest shows on screen.

This episode is sponsored by Treatwell, who treated Stef to a gorgeous blow-dry so she could step into the studio feeling like her best self. You can book your own treatment today and get that same “fresh chapter” energy before your next big moment.

This season of In Her Shoes is brought to you in partnership with ⁠RISER⁠. When we spoke to women about how they’d moved through the highs and lows of their careers, one thing came up again and again: network – visibility, connection and real relationships. RISER is the space built to help you do exactly that, at scale.

Upload your 60-second video CV and let its responsible AI use context (not clichés) to understand who you are and connect you directly with hiring managers, so you can unlock the opportunities and financial gains you actually deserve.

Some people you just know you'll get on with before you ever meet.

Anisah was one of those people for me.

She built her first company as a late teen, and the skills she developed doing that? They're what landed her first job.

A lover of Zero to One, Anisah is fascinated by the idea of taking something from a piece of paper and using technology to bring it to life. The kind of thinking that's driven her career as a startup life reporter at Sifted and Director of Operations at Unlock VC — the women's VC network.

We get into Anisah 15 year career, the twists and turns along the way. This one's full of inspiration, told in the most human way.

Chloe McClough is a self‑proclaimed documentary obsessive whose early fascination with celebrity and storytelling has paved the way for a sharp, instinctive career in media.

Skipping university and going straight into the workforce, she quickly learned the real power skills: how to communicate, read a room, navigate nuanced conversations, and carry herself in a way that meant she was always asked back for the next project.

Chloe got an early taste of high‑stakes media, travelling globally with senior executives from brands like Estée Lauder and Rimmel, experiencing first‑hand how influence, content, and brand moments are made. But underneath it all, she knew she was meant for something bigger. She was obsessed with video, with capturing real moments, and she could see clearly how brands were missing a massive trick.

That instinct led her to JD Sports, where she didn’t just do the job – she rewired it. After spotting major inefficiencies, she pitched a new approach that helped unlock mega growth in just 12 months. Chloe moved fast, cut the fluff, ditched the acronyms, and spoke to stakeholders in simple, human language. I index heavily toward people who just get s**t done– and Chloe is absolutely one of those people.

Now, with her own agency taking shape, she’s already working with celebrity clients and building a playbook for how brands should really be using video. In this episode, Chloe breaks down what actually works, how to move quickly without losing quality, and why the next wave of media belongs to people who are brave enough to keep it real.

Stef Sword-Williams is back on In Her Shoes, and this time she’s diving deep into the ideas behind her new book, Career Comedown. If you’ve ever felt like your career has stalled, shifted, or left you wondering whether to stick, twist, or tap out altogether, this conversation is going to feel like a much-needed exhale.

Stef is the founder of F*ck Being Humble, the unapologetic movement helping people back themselves, celebrate their achievements and stop downplaying what they bring to the table. She’s a TEDx speaker, a globally in-demand coach and consultant, and the author of the bestselling Fck Being Humble*, where she reframed self-promotion as something empowering rather than cringeworthy. Her work has helped thousands of people feel braver about owning their story, asking for more, and being seen.

In this episode, you’ll hear a different side of that journey: what happens after the big milestones, when the buzz quiets down and you’re left figuring out what “success” really means to you. Stef, who is genuinely one of the most uplifting and grounded people I’ve met, shares a refreshingly honest take on navigating the career comedown, rebuilding confidence, and making decisions that honour the season you’re in.

This episode is sponsored by Treatwell, who treated Stef to a gorgeous blow-dry so she could step into the studio feeling like her best self. You can book your own treatment today and get that same “fresh chapter” energy before your next big moment.

This season of In Her Shoes is brought to you in partnership with RISER. When we spoke to women about how they’d moved through the highs and lows of their careers, one thing came up again and again: network – visibility, connection and real relationships. RISER is the space built to help you do exactly that, at scale.

Upload your 60-second video CV and let its responsible AI use context (not clichés) to understand who you are and connect you directly with hiring managers, so you can unlock the opportunities and financial gains you actually deserve.

Leah Sutton, Chief Talent Portfolio Officer at Balderton Capital, has had an incredible career journey — from her early work in impact projects in South Africa to moving into tech, and eventually being headhunted for her current role at one of Europe’s leading venture firms.

At Balderton, Leah partners with some of Europe’s most successful teams — think Revolut, Cleo, and Lyst — helping shape the talent strategies behind these powerhouse startups.

I was fascinated to hear Leah’s story, especially her time scaling at Elastic Search and the lessons she’s carried forward. Her energy completely fills a room, and this conversation is packed with insights on growth, leadership, and building exceptional teams.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠Treatwell⁠, Europe’s No.1 hair and beauty booking app. Treatwell makes it easy to discover trusted salons, compare reviews, and book everything from a last‑minute blow dry to a full self‑care reset in just a few taps, so you can feel your best without the faff.

We’re also partnered with ⁠RISER⁠, it's like a dating app - but for YOUR career. Get ready to make a move by uploading your 60 second elevator pitch (Your Video CV) and connect with real hirers who have uploaded their video too! You'll get recommendations based on compatibility not just simply keywords. Join 1000's of RISERs on the app landing opportunties with companies like Beauty Pie and Tiktok.

In this episode, Sophie joins In Her Shoes to talk about how she navigated university, why she almost dropped out of UAL, and what ultimately pulled her towards joining Aimee at Odd Muse, one of the fastest‑growing female‑founded brands. We get into her curious, hungry, entrepreneurial energy (aka #Milhamenergy), the reality behind glossy social media moments, and the highs and lows of making a big career move that everyone was watching – her shift to SULT.

If you’re looking for a boost of positive energy and a gentle shove to finally make that move you’ve been thinking about, this conversation is for you. It’s honest, upbeat, and a reminder that backing yourself can completely change your path.

This episode is sponsored by Treatwell, Europe’s No.1 hair and beauty booking app. Treatwell makes it easy to discover trusted salons, compare reviews, and book everything from a last‑minute blow dry to a full self‑care reset in just a few taps, so you can feel your best without the faff.

We’re also partnered with RISER, like a dating app - but for YOUR career. Get ready to make a move by uploading your 60 second elevator pitch and connect with real hirers who have uploaded a video too! You'll get recommendations based on compatibility not just simply keywords. Join 1000's of RISERs on the app landing opportunties with companies like Beauty Pie and Tiktok.

From Ogilvy and Saatchi & Saatchi, to ASOS and Bumble, this is the ultimate Agency to Client side story.

The secret sauce? It turns out everyone is a storyteller (even you!) and there is a simple plot behind every brand.

Get ready for the best marketing playbook you could ask for...

Sponsored by RISER, your AI Career Companion.