Changing the Game

In Episode 7 of Changing the Game She Leads, Lisa sits down with Jenny Gladman to discuss building a recruitment business authentically, balancing leadership with motherhood, and creating cultures where people genuinely thrive. As Founding Partner & CCO of Brightsmith, Jenny shares the journey of helping build and scale the business through lockdown, growing an international team, and navigating the realities of leadership in a fast-growth environment. What to expect: This episode explores the realities of leadership behind the scenes, including imposter syndrome, returning to work after maternity leave, and learning to lead in a way that feels authentic rather than performative. You’ll hear about: Building and scaling Brightsmith during lockdown Why authenticity and empathy matter in leadership Returning to work after maternity leave as a founder How Jenny’s definition of success has changed over time A thoughtful and honest conversation for anyone navigating leadership, growth and the evolving world of recruitment. 

In this episode of Changing the Game – She Leads, we’re joined by Amy Davies, Managing Director of Workwell Global, for an honest conversation about leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build a people-first business at scale. Amy shares her journey from events management and operations into the recruitment and contingent workforce space, before stepping into a pivotal leadership role at PGC Group and helping guide the business through growth, acquisition, and its evolution into Workwell Global. She reflects on the importance of authenticity in leadership, the power of emotional intelligence, and what it means to scale a business without losing the culture that made it successful in the first place. This episode also explores motherhood alongside leadership, the reality of compromise at different stages of life, and why no one is ever the finished article in their career. What to expect: A grounded and relatable conversation about building a career with ambition, leading with authenticity, and staying focused on people as your business grows. You’ll hear about: Amy’s journey from operations into leading a global business Why authenticity, trust and feedback matter in leadership Navigating motherhood, career growth, and the changing demands of both Building culture across multiple offices without losing what makes a business special A brilliant listen for anyone growing into leadership, scaling teams, or trying to balance high standards with a very real life outside of work. 

In this episode of Changing the Game: She Leads, we’re joined by Tara Ricks, Non-Executive Director and board advisor at Prospero Group, for a candid conversation on leadership, confidence, and what it really takes to build longevity in recruitment. Tara shares how she moved from investment banking into recruitment through an early opportunity, before helping grow and scale a multinational financial services recruitment firm and later experiencing the shift from founder-led growth to corporate scale following an acquisition.  Along the way, she unpacks what leadership actually demands in a people-first industry: emotional intelligence, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to keep learning. A standout theme in this episode is confidence, not as a fixed trait, but as something you continually build. Tara speaks openly about imposter syndrome, why “waiting until you’re ready” keeps people stuck, and how meaningful growth often sits on the other side of fear. You’ll hear about: Why recruitment remains a true meritocracy, and how the profession has evolved Tara’s framework for confidence: visibility, risk-taking, and “owning your space” Reframing “balance” as choices and seasons, and building a career that last If you’re building a team, stepping into leadership, or navigating your next career move, Tara’s perspective is grounded, strategic, and refreshingly real. 

Kathryn shares her journey from starting out in recruitment in London to spending over a decade building specialist teams at Dartmouth, before making the bold move to the US to launch and scale the firm’s Charlotte office. She speaks candidly about relocating during a challenging market, rebuilding from scratch, and the resilience required to hold belief when progress feels slow. This episode explores leadership through uncertainty, learning to be authentic as a leader, and why celebrating progress matters just as much as pushing forward. Kathryn also reflects on building community in a new country, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and the importance of relationships in shaping long-term success in recruitment. What to expect: An honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build something meaningful when the conditions aren’t perfect. You’ll hear about: Relocating to the US and launching a new office in a tough market Resilience, self-belief, and leading without losing perspective Authentic leadership, boundaries, and building teams that last A thoughtful listen for anyone navigating growth, leadership, or change, especially when the path forward feels uncertain. 

In Episode Three of Changing the Game - She Leads, we’re joined by Nicky Acuña Ocaña previously Regional Director, now President – Americas, UK & Europe at Ambition, for an honest conversation about ambition, leadership, and the realities of building a career that works alongside real life. Nicky shares how she moved from a graduate role in retail into recruitment, why she took a step back to learn the industry from the ground up, and what it took to grow into leadership. She also opens up about navigating career progression while raising a family, the sacrifices that come with “doing it all”, and why sometimes you have to tread water before you can move forward again. We also talk mentoring, imposter syndrome, psychological safety, and what it looks like to build high-performing teams where people are trusted, supported, and given space to grow. What to expect: A grounded, real conversation about building a long-term career in recruitment, with the confidence to lead, the honesty to be vulnerable, and the perspective to keep what matters in focus. You’ll hear about: Career pivots, stepping back strategically, and building towards leadership Imposter syndrome, vulnerability, and creating psychologically safe teams Scaling in the US vs the UK, and why relationship-led recruitment still wins Hit follow and share with a woman who’s changing the game in recruitment.Visit our website: FIFTEEN WEST

In Episode Two of Changing the Game - She Leads, we’re joined by Ellen Rutherford, Managing Director, North America at Acre. Ellen shares her journey into recruitment after starting her career in the non-profit sector, and how an unexpected opportunity led her to relocate to New York to build and lead Acre’s US business. She reflects on what it means to step into leadership in a new market, navigate self-doubt, and earn trust while leading through change. This episode explores confidence, imposter syndrome, burnout, and the importance of visibility in your career, alongside practical advice on mentorship, leadership style, work-life balance, and backing yourself before you feel “ready.” An honest and thoughtful conversation for anyone building a career in recruitment or stepping into leadership for the first time. What to expect in this episode: A grounded and open discussion on leadership, self-belief, and navigating change without losing perspective. You’ll hear about: Relocating to the US and leading in an unfamiliar industry Imposter syndrome, visibility, and backing yourself before you feel ready Leadership lessons on burnout, balance, and making an impact Hit follow and share with a woman who’s changing the game in recruitment. Visit our website: FIFTEEN WEST 

Welcome to our latest podcast series, Changing the Game: She Leads.  We are dedicated to sharing the real, human stories behind female leaders in recruitment – Founders, CEOs, and trailblazers who’ve made it to the top of their game. In this candid conversation with Lisa Walder (Co-Founder, FIFTEEN WEST), Ruth Steel (Co-Founder, Arculen) unpacks her accidental start in Amsterdam, the relentlessness of early success, and the reality of relocating to the U.S. as a new mum tasked with opening an office from scratch.  Ruth talks openly about advocating for yourself, pushing for inclusive cultures beyond alcohol-fuelled incentives, and choosing friendship-first when Co-Founding Arculen backed by a female investor. What to expect: curiosity as a superpower, lessons in saying no, and a blueprint for integrating life and leadership without apologising. You’ll hear about: Thriving as a woman in a male-led playbook Negotiating your worth (and backing yourself) Redefining “success” beyond KPIs and burnout Hit follow and share with a woman who’s changing the game.