She Leads the Way

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Prazakova - SVP at Mastercard leading Foundry and ESG. We discuss the future of banking in the digital age, including the rise of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and Web3 and the opportunities these innovations opens up for women in fintech. Andrea also discusses Mastercard's sustainability initiatives, including its commitment to achieving net zero emissions. Follow Andrea: @andreaprazakovacz FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

In this episode, we are joined by Natalie Abumrad, Head of HR at Sanofi and we discuss how to stand out in today's competitive job market. If you're looking to find a new job, or make a career change - this is the episode for you! We discuss; - What skills are most sought after and how candidates can develop or showcase these skills, including the importance of soft skills (great communication + emotional intelligence) - Tips on how you can prepare yourself in advance for the job of your dreams - Critical importance of diversity, inclusion and equity and how organisizations are prioritising this - Natalie shares her personal experience on how company support for women is incredibly powerful for progression FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

We are joined by Nayla Al Khaja, UAE's first female film-maker and discuss her incredible life of filmmaking, driven by her desire to challenge stereotypes about Arab women. Nayla shares her passion for storytelling and the importance of portraying women from her culture in a different light. We also talk about her experiences in the film industry, including directing including everything from her work on commercials, to shorts and recently releasing her first feature film THREE which is in cinema's now We also discuss projects like being behind the scenes director of "Star Trek", working with Annie Leibovitz as well as the impact of AI on the film industry including how she's incorporated it into her latest film. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

In this episode, Nicki sits down with Marketing Communications and Automotive executive Cristina Guida La Licata. Cristina shares her very recent journey of life transformation, transitioning from the corporate world, embracing mental health practices, and finding self-love, culminating in the launch of her book, "On a Journey Within Me, Within You." The episode really speaks to highlights the importance of figuring out how to embrace change, prioritizing mental health, and shifting from loneliness to solitude for personal growth. This episode includes; Embrace Life Transformations: Cristina's journey from the corporate world to a new lease on life - even when facing challenges or uncertainties, there's always a light guiding the way, and it's crucial to believe in the potential for positive change. Prioritize Mental Health: Cristina emphasizes prioritizing mental health. Seeking help through psychotherapy and healing therapy, along with practices like mirror talks and journaling, can contribute to self-discovery, self-love, and overall well-being. Shift from Loneliness to Solitude: Learning to be comfortable and content in your own company is a powerful aspect of personal growth. It's essential to become your own best friend and find strength within before seeking it externally. ON A JOURNEY: Within You, Within Me is out now, Cristina's first booked was released on her birthday; 6th February. Learn more about Cristina's journey and transition - Grab a copy at the link: https://www.amazon.in/JOURNEY-WITHIN-darkness-brightest-light-ebook/dp/B0CT4N44ZP FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode includes; - Menna's journey including her career transition from Biomedical Science to communications. - The significance of mentorship and sponsorship, particulalry for career development for women. We also discuss strategies to secure a mentor / sponsor who actively opens doors within the organisation to help with career progression. - Adapting to changing media landscapes and the importance of being culturally relevant, leveraging data and insights and recognizing the rising influence of podcasts - Staying on top of evolving trends in media and communications strategies for brands - you must have a social first and your stories must stand out. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers: Mental Health / Wellbeing Journey: Joyce discusses the vital role of mental health, sharing her personal experiences from architecture school to mountain expeditions. Through travel and therapy, she gained valuable insights, recognizing the underlying desire to overcome inner pain rather than life itself. Resilience: From a challenging upbringing in Lebanon to triumphing over the Seven Summits, Joyce's narrative embodies resilience, passion, and the pursuit of joy. Despite societal and physical obstacles, she encourages a steadfast pursuit of dreams, even when the path seems unconventional. Mindset: Joyce's journey reveals the profound impact of mindset and self-belief. Conquering societal norms and personal struggles, she transforms weaknesses into strengths. Her message resonates with embracing challenges, discovering joy, and inspiring others, especially in environments that may seem discouraging. UN Women Goodwill Ambassadorship and Women Empowerment: Joyce shares her role as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, expressing gratitude for the emotional significance and recognition it brings. Prioritizing support over empowerment, she advocates for safeguarding women's dreams, trusting in inherent strength, and amplifying the message of progress and self-belief. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode coves; Galaxy 360A Women's Playground as a Revolutionary Concept: Anna Fishbeyn discusses her film, Galaxy 360A Women's Playground, set in the future where women rule the world. The film challenges traditional gender roles, and its success is evident from the positive reception at the premiere. Turning Near Death Experience into Empowerment Anna shares a profound personal experience of a near-death incident during the birth of her son, where she died and was brought back to life. This life altering moment became a catalyst for her to pursue her passion for acting and filmmaking. Anteriya World: Empowering Women Through a New Narrative Anna introduces Anteriya World, a feminist platform she created, envisioning a world where women are in power without the need for justification or statistics. This innovative project aims to reshape societal narratives and empower women by presenting stories where confidence is inherent. Body Language and Confidence Anna emphasizes the connection between body language and confidence, suggesting a physical approach to cultivating confidence. She encourages women to be mindful of their posture, using a powerful and open stance to embody confidence Anna's new streaming platform is Movement 360, offering content, AI animation series, workshops and Movement 360 film festival - where film meets social action. If you'd like to get in touch with Annas directly, please visit her linktree on: movement360.uscreen.io Produced in proud partnership with PowerUp and Myco.io FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers; The Power of AI in Dream Analysis Wakefully utilizes advanced AI technology to offer personalized, contextualized, and actionable dream analysis. By asking specific questions about dream symbols and linking them to users' real-life contexts, the app provides insights that go beyond generic interpretations, distinguishing it from conventional methods like searching on Google or using dream dictionaries. Sansan's unique approach to entrepreneurship Sansan is driven by her passion for storytelling, combining her experience in the film and TV industry with her fascination for dreams. The development of Wakefully, with its AI-guided dream analysis, stems from her realization that our own minds create rich and impactful stories through dreams, and she aims to make this experience accessible to everyone. Always lead with your 'WHY' Sansan emphasizes the importance of understanding the "why" behind your business. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to tap into their unique backgrounds and drive, unapologetically pursue their ideas, and be prepared for the diverse skill set required in the early stages of a startup. Additionally, she highlights the significance of mindset, urging entrepreneurs to stay rooted in their belief, overcome skepticism, and focus on the end goal. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers; Adapting to Crypto Industry Shifts: Victoria highlights the dynamic nature of the tech and cryptocurrency industry. She discusses the challenges faced during the bear market, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic planning. Thriving in the Tech Realm: Victoria spills the beans on her ascent in the male-dominated tech world, going from outnumbered in classrooms to commanding boardrooms. Gain insights into how being a woman in the industry is not a limitation but a strategic advantage. Tune in to discover the business acumen and resilience that propels women like Victoria to the forefront of the crypto and web3 domains. Confidence is Key: Victoria emphasizes the importance of gaining confidence before venturing into entrepreneurship. She shares her journey of initially feeling hesitant due to the perceived risk and societal expectations but gradually gaining confidence through experience. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode includes; Dive In and Embrace the Unknown: Olya encourages entrepreneurs to just dive into their business endeavors and not get bogged down by overthinking. She's all about taking risks and navigating the unknown because, let's face it, we learn best by doing. So, don't be afraid to make that leap; you might just find the most innovative solutions on the way. Flip the Script on Negativity: Instead of dwelling on self-doubt, Olya suggests focusing on achievements and the positive aspects of life. It's like doing a mental flip—counter every negative thought with three positive ones. This not only boosts confidence but also keeps the motivation flowing. Roll with the Punches and Stay Open: Olya's journey involves an unexpected move to the U.S., showing the importance of adaptability. She advocates for trying out different fields and staying open to new experiences. Being adaptable and open-minded isn't just a personal growth strategy; it can be a game-changer in business, leading to fresh perspectives and impactful solutions. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

In this episode, we cover: The Power of Failure and Resilience: Victoria's journey from pursuing a traditional career path to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including a significant setback in the film industry, highlights the power of failure. Bridging the Gap in Financial Literacy: The creation of The Startup Station reflects a commitment to addressing a critical need in the startup ecosystem—financial literacy. Victoria recognized the gap in understanding finance among entrepreneurs, particularly women, and built a platform that not only provides consulting services but also offers education and community support. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through PowerUp: PowerUp addresses a global issue—the gender funding gap. Victoria's commitment to bridging this gap stems from recognizing the economic opportunity in empowering women entrepreneurs. The program not only focuses on financial and strategic planning but also includes a crucial element—mindset development. Advocacy in Business and Policy: Victoria's involvement in policy advocacy adds another layer, being part of the leadership council of the National Small Business Association allows her to champion issues close to her heart. Her efforts extend beyond the business realm, influencing bills and working towards fair access to capital. Join the conversation on instagram and don't forget to let us know what you think! FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers; Embracing Change and Transition: Nicki discusses her journey through significant life changes, including relocating to Dubai, leaving her corporate job, and ending her marriage. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition and taking bold steps to align with one's true purpose, even when it goes against the expected path. Nicki's broader career background and what led her to start She Leads the Way: Nicki shares her passion for women in business throughout her career, which led to the founding of "She Leads The Way," a platform dedicated to supporting and inspiring female founders and trailblazers. It serves as a space for women to share their stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of confidence and fearlessness. The necessity of Imperfection and Iteration: Not everything will be perfect when starting a new venture, and that's okay. Nicki emphasizes the value of refining and improving over time and sometimes the best thng you can do is just take action, even if you don't have everything figured out from the start. Produced in proud partnership with Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

The episode covers; The importance of creating support networks for women in business: Tamara's journey began with hosting dinners for women business owners and evolved into the creation of Women in Business Arabia, a network with over 45,000 members. This experience highlights the demand and the positive impact of such networks for women entrepreneurs, offering a space for sharing experiences, challenges, success stories, and advice. Addressing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs: Recognising the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including financial literacy, confidence, and the need for constant learning. Tamara's work with women-owned businesses revealed the importance of addressing these gaps and offering support in areas like financial education and self-confidence to prepare women for investment opportunities. She also emphasized the role of networking and mentorship in helping women navigate the entrepreneurial journey and overcome these challenges. Produced in proud partnership with PowerUp and Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers; Unconscious Pursuit of Safety and Achievement: Many people unconsciously seek safety and achievement early in life, driven by financial security and societal pressures. However, as they reflect on their desires, they may discover a deeper search for meaning and fulfillment beyond traditional success. Transition to Embracing Feminine Energy: The transition from a focus on masculine energy, centered on goals and achievements, to embracing feminine energy is essential. Both energies have their place, and this shift often occurs later in life, leading to more holistic and fulfilling experiences. Embrace Faith, Reject Certainty: It's crucial to embrace faith and let go of the need for complete certainty when making significant life decisions. Waiting for total safety can lead to paralysis. Instead, have faith, take the leap, and trust yourself to adapt as you go along. Discover True Purpose by Being Authentic: Your true purpose isn't something external; it's an intrinsic part of your identity. Find it by looking at what comes naturally, your passions, and what makes you feel most authentic. Focus on self-discovery and authenticity in your career and life journey. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode includes: Empowering Entrepreneurial Success Erika emphasizes the importance of hiring skilled individuals who excel in their respective roles and delegating responsibilities effectively. This approach allows entrepreneurs to focus on the bigger picture and empower their teams to drive the business forward. It's a reminder that trust in your team is key to entrepreneurial success. The Complex Nature of Funding Erika highlights the diverse funding options available for startups and shares her journey from self-funding to partnering with a private family office. Her experience underscores that the right funding choice should align with the unique needs and goals of the business, ensuring that entrepreneurs maintain control over their vision. Embracing Change and Expertise Through Erika's experience of growing Drink Dry from a one-woman show to a 15-person team, she reveals that embracing change, even when it challenges your established methods, is vital for business growth. When experts are brought in, entrepreneurs should be open to change and willing to implement new strategies to improve their business. Produced in proud partnership with PowerUp and Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

In this episode, we cover: Follow Your Passion: Sawsan Saad's journey highlights the importance of pursuing your own dreams and passions rather than conforming to the expectations of others, even if they are your family. She started her career in a field she didn't love to fulfill her family's expectations, but eventually, she realized the significance of following her true passion for media and sports. Self-Belief is Key: Saad's story underscores the importance of self-belief. She emphasized that believing in yourself is crucial to making a significant career change. When she decided to become a TV presenter, she started by believing in her own abilities and marketing herself effectively. Confidence and self-belief are essential in overcoming challenges and achieving your goals. Take Action and Embrace Uncomfortable Choices: Sometimes, taking that initial step out of your comfort zone is difficult, but it's crucial to break free from a career that doesn't fulfill you. In Sawsan's case, she took a bold step by resigning from her stable job to pursue her passion for TV presenting, even though it was uncomfortable at first. She encourages people to take small actions, engage in self-reflection, and embrace discomfort to work towards a more fulfilling career and life. Produced in proud partnership with Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers; Lara's Career Journey and Insights: including taking a look into Lara's background, how she moved into communications and highlighting her experiences and challenges. Role and Responsibilities at MG Motors: Which provides listeners with a glimpse into the dynamic world of automotive communications, as well as strategies to achieve successful campaign outcomes. Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: We explore Lara's experiences of working in a largely male-dominated industry and the challenges she has faced along the way. Produced in proud partnership with Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers; The Networking Mindset: Which includes focusing on the crucial role of mindset in networking success ie both deliberate and opportunistic networking, as well as adopting a genuine and giving mindset. How Networking has helped me including examples: I share real life examples of how creating a solid networking, and integratig networking as a way of life has helped me, including securing global partnerships and sourcing guests for She Leads the Way! Do’s and Don’ts of Networking: This includes a comprehensive guide to best practices and potential pitfalls in networking - providing actionable advice on being armed with a 15 second elevator pitch, setting clear goals, being authentic, and offering help to others as essential 'do's.' And common 'don'ts,' including avoiding pushy behaviour and negativity as a way of bonding and not forgetting the follow through. Produced in proud partnership with Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode includes: Charul's journey - Charul guides us through her life / career journey, beginning in a small Indian town and culminating in her achievements, including winning the 'Mrs UAE International' Pageant, becoming a serial entrepreneur through the founding of Mātiti Group, authoring published works, and her extensive travels to 40 countries and counting, sharing all the details in between. Moving Through Hardship - Including how to reconnect with yourself and being ok with where you are right now and the importance of learning lifes lessons as you are presented with with. Purposeful Leadership and Entrepreneurship - We delve into the intersection of entrepreneurial endeavors and the concept of purpose-driven leadership including you can align business goals with a deeper sense of purpose, as well as advice for women wanting to move into leadership roles themselves. Produced in proud partnership with Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com

This episode covers: Key takeaways from my leadership journey - including the knowing that respect is the key determinant of performance leadership, the amount that people respect you, determines how well they perform. Key responsibilities as a leader - including ensuring everyone understands what success looks like with the vision and goals communicated clearly, to find ways to get the team excited about delivering those results and making sure everyone is on the same page 5 qualities that every exceptional leader should possess - High Emotional intelligence, Oustanding Communication skills, Giving constant feedback, Positive Attitude, Authenticity + bonus quality is Genuinely Caring - A leader who deeply cares about her role, her team and the outcome of the business. Be the leader that you would follow..... Produced in proud partnership with Myco. FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nickitothebedford @myco.io VISIT US: www.sheleadstheway.com CONTACT US: sheleadstheway@yahoo.com FOLLOW US: @sheleadstheway_ @nicki_bedford VISIT US: sheleadstheway.com nickibedford.com CONTACT US: hello@sheleadstheway.com