Sex on Top

We are back with season two and to kick us off, it’s just us, Lily and Alice, reflecting on the journey so far, why we started this podcast, and what it really means to be a woman navigating leadership in all its messy, complicated and brilliant forms.As we look back on Season One, we explore the motivations behind creating a space for unapologetic women's voices, the significance of our name, and the realities of modern leadership. From empathy and vulnerability to career pivots, grief and the wisdom that comes with experience, we reflect on the stories and conversations that have challenged the way we think about success.We also get curious about the things that fuel our creativity and keep us moving, from the science of walking and creative thinking to the influence of music, including the brilliant Self Esteem. We talk about the power of embracing different generations, learning from one another, and questioning the expectations placed on women in leadership.At its heart, this episode is about women, wisdom and rebellion. Challenging convention, making space for different voices, and recognising that there is no single way to lead, live or build a career.Honest, irreverent and reflective, we’re celebrating everything Season One has taught us and looking ahead to the conversations, guests and provocations still to come in Season Two. Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have beenwaiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠LilyWednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership00:27 Reflections on Season One and the Break01:52 Motivations Behind the Podcast04:59 Personal Introductions and Podcast Name06:07 The Significance of 'Sex on Top'08:39 Challenges of Modern Leadership09:28 The Messiness of Life and Leadership11:22 Empathy in Leadership12:13 Exploring Creativity in the Digital Age16:36 Research Insights on Walking and Creativity17:35 The Impact of Music from Self-Esteem24:08 Whats in a Career Pivot Anyway?31:29 Reflections on Grief and Loss34:25 Embracing Multi-Generational Wisdom36:41 Looking Ahead: Season Two Themes and Guests

Why do moments of uncertainty feel so overwhelming? Why does imposter syndrome appear just when we need confidence most? And what actually happens inside our brains when we're under pressure?In this bonus episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily are joined by Professor Abigail Gregory MBE former senior university leader, executive coach, mentor and higher education consultant to explore the science behind the emotions that shape our leadership.Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience and her work in applied neuroscience, Abigail explains why emotions aren't something to suppress but signals we can learn to understand. Together they unpack the neurological responses behind stress, uncertainty, frustration and self-doubt, and share practical techniques to help leaders respond with greater clarity, confidence and compassion.From the SCARF Model and emotional regulation to breaking cycles of negative thinking and protecting your mental bandwidth, this conversation is packed with evidence-based insights that every leader can put into practice.Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or simply trying to make sense of your own emotional responses, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of yourself and the tools to lead with greater intention.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on LinkedInFollow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠Follow Professor Abigail Gregory OBE onLinkedIn Prof Abigail Gregory Read See works of David Rock and Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Emotions02:56 Understanding Emotional Responses in Leadership12:34 The SCARF Model: Navigating Social Experiences21:16 Meta-Awareness and Emotional Regulation28:02 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership32:25 Topping Up the Prefrontal Cortex36:03 Breaking the Spiral of Negative Thoughts41:13 Managing Uncertainty and Control00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Emotions02:56 Understanding Emotional Responses in Leadership12:34 The SCARF Model: Navigating Social Experiences21:16 Meta-Awareness and Emotional Regulation28:02 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership32:25 Topping Up the Prefrontal Cortex36:03 Breaking the Spiral of Negative Thoughts41:13 Managing Uncertainty and Control

In this episode of Sex on Top, it’s just us — reflecting on the lessons from Season One and the themes that stayed with us after our conversation with Maureen Manning.Inspired by Maureen’s powerful reminder that “this was always the path,” we explore what it means to trust your journey, make intentional choices, and recognise that leadership is rarely linear. From preparing for weddings and busy summers to creating a sense of home and sanctuary, this is a conversation about slowing down and prioritising what matters most.We also dive into the difference between coaching and mentoring, the value of building your own personal board of directors, and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you can make all the difference.At the heart of this episode is the idea that leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires reflection, self-awareness, and the courage to make decisions that align with your values — even when they look different from what others expect.Honest, thoughtful, and grounding, this episode is an invitation to reconnect with your north star and trust that every step is part of the storyShare your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠Links from the episode:⁠⁠Revealing: The Surprising Power of OversharingChapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership01:32 Reflecting on Season One and Community Building03:22 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Self-Care04:32 Personal Updates: Weddings and Life Changes07:37 The Value of Home and Creating a Sanctuary09:28 Transitioning to a Busy Summer09:44 Crafting Personal Narratives 13:10 Crafting a Career with Intention14:26 The Importance of Prioritisation16:16 Communicating Priorities Effectively17:53 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching20:56 Understanding the Differences: Mentoring vs Coaching24:17 Creating a Supportive Community29:27 Building Your Personal Board of Directors30:02 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Maureen Manning, Founder and Principal Strategist of The Global Nexus Collective whose journey from aspiring performer to global education strategist is a powerful story of purpose, identity, and impact.What began as a love for storytelling on stage took an unexpected turn during a formative study abroad experience at sixteen reshaping not just Maureen’s path, but her understanding of how stories can influence people, systems, and the world around us.We explore the role of storytelling in leadership, and how building authentic narratives can elevate both individuals and organisations particularly in complex and shifting global contexts. From navigating the realities of the “sandwich generation” to making intentional, sometimes difficult life choices, Maureen shares what it means to lead with clarity, conviction, and care.We also dive into mentorship, community, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and champion you alongside the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.Thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective, this episode is a reminder that the path isn’t always linear but when you lead with purpose and authenticity, every chapter has meaning,Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠Follow Maureen LinkedIn Dr Maureen Manning ⁠ The Global Nexus Collective Website ⁠The Global Nexus Collective Leadership networks mentioned by Maureen in this episode -World Council on Global and Intercultural Competence Global Leadership League Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership02:11 Meet Maureen - A Journey Through Leadership03:43 The Power of Storytelling in Education09:20 Creating a Career From a Passion09:46 Making Choices in Career and Family17:17 Normalizing Personal Choices19:32 The Sandwich Generation Experience23:18 Authenticity in Storytelling25:01 Creating Supportive Communities27:41 The Role of Mentorship31:39 Taking the Leap: Embracing Uncertainty33:35 The Value of Credentials and Breaking Free37:59 Understanding Your Value in the Sector39:17 The Power of Storytelling and Performance43:02 Navigating Grief and Personal Growth43:02 Mentorship and Lifting Others Up

In this episode of Sex on Top, it’s just us reflecting on leadership, identity, and the realities that sit behind the roles we hold.We open up about grief, support systems, and the moments that bring everything into perspective alongside the ongoing juggle of work, family, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” From the idea of “sixteen summers” to the emotional weight of being present, this is a conversation about what really matters and how easily it can get lost.We also explore the limiting beliefs that shape our decisions, from financial security and being the provider, to the fear of failure and what it means to attach your reputation to something new. What happens when you don’t feel like the expert in the room? And is expertise always what leadership actually requires?This episode dives into the tension between confidence and doubt, the value of transferable skills, and why no one person holds all the answers - even at the top.Honest, reflective, and deeply human, this is a conversation about self-compassion, challenging your own narrative, and learning to lead without having it all figured out 🎙️Check out this article on reframing limiting beliefs on the Open University website Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership02:42 Personal Reflections on Grief and Support07:56 Balancing Work and Family Life11:53 Limiting Beliefs and Personal Growth18:27 Fear of Failure and Importance of Reputation21:33 Is Expertise a Proxy? 24:24 The Role of Expertise in Career Development27:03 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs31:39 Everybody Brought a Skill

In this episode of Sex on Top, we’re joined by Gayathri Bala, founder of a community-led Pilates studio in Kingston upon Thames whose journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the boldest move is stepping off the traditional path.Leaving behind a career in pharmacy and public health, Gayathri took a leap into entrepreneurship, building a business rooted in purpose, connection, and wellbeing. But behind the scenes, that leap has meant navigating uncertainty, challenging limiting beliefs, and learning in real time what it really takes to grow something from the ground up.We explore what it means to build a values-led business, the reality of multiple career pivots, and how identity, ambition, and self-belief shape the way we lead. From questioning whether you need to be an expert, to facing the fear of failure, this is an honest conversation about figuring it out as you go.At the heart of it all is one core idea: connection is currency. Whether it’s building a community, asking for help, or creating something that genuinely matters, Gayathri’s story is a refreshing take on success that goes far beyond titles or income.Raw, real, and deeply relatable, this episode is for anyone thinking about taking the leap or already in the messy middle of it.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠Follow Gayathri on Insta ThePilatesClubLondon Website thepilatesclublondon.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction00:42 Meet Gayathri - A Journey Through Leadership 04:13 Building Community Through Pilates08:27 The Importance of Authenticity in Business12:19 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship12:24 Navigating Identity and Race17:34 Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship23:58 Identifying Your Limited Beliefs26:05 Navigating Competition and Self-Promotion31:08 Personal Growth Through Business Challenges34:37 Finding Joy and Legacy in Work39:05 But Do You Need To Be An Expert?41:02 The Fear of Failure42:23 The Power of Community Support48:24 The Power of Asking for Help49:14 Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Sex on Top, we take a step back to reflect on the strategic leadership themes sparked by our recent conversation with Jackie Carter, Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester.What does it really mean to lead strategically in today’s world? We explore the difference between transformational change and incremental shifts, the importance of building a clear narrative for your strategy, and why thinking beyond your immediate context is critical to effective leadership.We also dive into the role of trust, how to create strategies that genuinely connect with people, and the challenge of balancing ambition with sustainability both for organisations and ourselves.Thoughtful, honest, and practical, this episode is a reflection on what it takes to lead with clarity, intention, and impact in complex environments. Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women in Leadership01:29 Reflections on Season One and Community Engagement03:36 The Featured Women Campaign05:37 Audience Insights: Engaging Men in the Conversation07:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life10:11 Ambition: The Cost of Success14:45 Understanding Strategic Leadership20:59 Strategic Thinking Beyond the Echo Chamber23:46 The Role of Trust in Leadership26:10 Transformational Change vs. Incremental Adjustments28:06 Building a Narrative for Strategy32:27 The Importance of Listening to Your Body36:04 The Weight of Representation in Leadership38:46 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace42:40 How to Make People Feel They Matter

Deaf, dizzy, disabled and proudly a proper Northerner -Jackie Carter has spent a lifetime doing things her own way and opening doors for others along the way. From being the first in her working-class family to attend university to becoming a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Manchester, Jackie’s 40-year career has been defined by challenging the status quo and using data to create real change.In this episode, Jackie shares her journey through leadership, adversity and reinvention — from navigating hearing impairment and breast cancer, to advocating for disability inclusion and building cultures where everyone belongs.We talk about the intersection of data and humanity, the importance of values-driven leadership, navigating difficult conversations, and finding purpose in new chapters of life.Honest, reflective and deeply human, Jackie’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting the mould — it’s about reshaping it.Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow Jackie Carter on Insta @sunflowerjackieLinkedIn Jackie CarterChapters00:00 Introduction 00:39 Meet Jackie: A Journey through Leadership11:20 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Voice20:10 The Intersection of Data and Humanity24:17 Challenging the Status Quo25:58 The Importance of Values in Leadership30:04 Navigating Difficult Conversations33:37 Embracing Change and New Beginnings39:42 Finding Purpose in Retirement

In this episode, Lily and Alice explore overwhelm, boundaries, and the changing nature of friendships in adulthood. From recognising when you’ve reached your limit to learning that boundaries don’t look the same for everyone, they unpack the realities of managing expectations at work and in life.The conversation moves into evolving relationships, the honesty required for meaningful connection, and the grief that can come when friendships change or fall away — alongside the joy of intentionally celebrating the ones that remain.A warm, honest discussion about protecting your energy, embracing “good enough,” and navigating relationships with authenticity.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear. Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesday and Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠Sign up to our IWD Event on 5th March The View From The Top Chapters00:00 Feeling the Love in February03:14 Overcoming Overwhelm04:52 Identifying the Circuit Breaker09:08 When Boundaries Don't Suit Everybody13:09 Setting Boundaries That Work For You15:16 Embracing Good Enough16:27 Workload and Expectations17:31 Boundaries in Work vs. Friendships19:10 Evolving Friendships and Intentional Relationships23:05 The Loneliness of Adulthood25:04 Friendships Across Generations26:11 Authenticity in Relationships26:48 The Importance of Honesty28:42 When Friendships Change30:43 Grieving Friendship Loss32:06 Practicing Boundaries32:53 Celebrating Friendships

What happens when the world tells you who to be — but you choose to listen to yourself instead?In this episode of Sex on Top, Alice and Lily sits down with designer, founder and changemaker Shahnaz Ahmed, the creative mind behind the iconic green food hygiene rating signs displayed in cafés and restaurants across the UK. You’ve seen her work. But her journey to the top has been anything but straightforward.As a woman of colour from a South Asian background navigating white, male-dominated creative industries, Shahnaz has had to fight to be seen, heard, and paid what she deserves. From being underpaid in agency life to working inside the global tech machine at META, she shares what it really takes to build trust, lead with vulnerability, and refuse to shrink yourself to fit the room.We talk about career pivots, choosing difference, and the power of building a “first team” philosophy. Shahnaz opens up about motherhood, founding the global craft movement Knit Aid and the deeply personal impact of debilitating grief. Through it all, she’s arrived at a powerful truth: acceptance isn’t giving up - it’s recognising that you are your own best solution.This is a conversation about identity, creativity, resilience, and creating workplaces that are safe, human, and expansive enough for all of us.Don’t forget to follow Sex on Top so you never miss an episode.Share your questions, stories, or reflections at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SexOnTopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us for the conversations women have been waiting far too long to hear.Join our SoT Community on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow your hosts Lily Wednesdayand Alice Ludgate onInsta ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LilyWednesday73⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lily Wednesday ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alice Ludgate⁠⁠⁠Follow Shahnaz Ahmed on Insta ⁠@shahnaztahmed⁠LinkedIn ⁠Shahnaz Ahmed⁠  Chapters00:00 Introduction00:30 Meet Shahnaz - A journey through leadership02:26 The Elevator Pitch06:32 Navigating Career Challenges as a Woman of Colour08:29 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership09:45 Building a First Team Philosophy13:07 The Impact of Education and Support on Career14:48 Creativity and Self-Expression in the Digital Age17:33 The Power of Connections in Career Advancement25:16 Building Trust and Overcoming Obstacles27:15 Navigating Career Pivots andAcceptance29:16 Reflections on Working at Meta32:07 Life Beyond Work: Motherhood and Creativity35:35 The Impact of Grief on Personal and Professional Life40:56 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace44:26 Advice for Women in Leadership46:55 Moments of Triumph and Public Speaking