Finding Your EPIC – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Mary Taylor (de Sausmarez), Managing Director at Renaissance Global.

Mary shares how a moment of unexpected self-awareness led her to reflect on the unspoken realities women can experience in senior leadership. She explains why naming difficult feelings can create greater understanding within teams and why humour often plays an important role in leadership resilience.

Mary also discusses how a conversation with a colleague during the global response to George Floyd’s death challenged her thinking about diversity and inclusion, prompting a deeper personal journey of reflection and learning.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership is an ongoing process of growth, honesty and self-awareness. 

To get in touch with Mary, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-de-sausmarez/

Stay tuned for future episodes of the Finding Your EPIC® podcast

Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Emma Chatwin, Vice President Marketing Europe at Fujitsu.

Emma reflects on what consistency has meant across 25 years in one organisation. For her, consistency is not rigidity, but showing up with the same intent - creating stability, trust and psychological safety for others, especially during challenging moments.

She explains why retention is a business-critical leadership choice, particularly when leading a geographically dispersed team in a complex tech environment. Longevity, she argues, is not a lack of ambition, but an opportunity and a choice to evolve alongside an organisation and build real momentum over time.

Emma also shares the story of launching a women’s network in tech in 2013, how it evolved as the industry changed, and why knowing when to adapt - or stop - is part of responsible leadership.

The episode closes with a quote from Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” A powerful summary of a career built on sustained, intentional leadership.

To get in touch with Emma, find her here:    

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-chatwin-fcim-55062037/

Stay tuned for future episodes of the Finding Your EPIC® podcast

In the final episode of the season, the tables are turned as Elevate Talent founder Jacqueline Frost takes the hot seat. She's interviewed by her good friend, coach, and co-presenter Kevin Hall.

With years of experience and countless stories, Jacqueline shares powerful insights on courage and leadership. One question, asked 14 years ago by the incredible @Eleanor Mills during a panel at the first women’s conference she hosted, left a lasting impact - and helped her further recognise how those lived experiences became a powerful foundation for helping women unlock their potential.

She shares that story here - with all the honesty and emotion that’s become her hallmark. Jacqueline recalls the sheer terror she felt over an entire weekend, knowing she had to stand up for what was right - not just for herself, but for her team.

It wasn’t a dramatic confrontation, but a quiet, internal storm. She wrestled with doubt, pressure, and the fear of rocking the boat. But by Monday morning, she chose courage. That decision, made in a moment of fear, became a defining point in her leadership journey - and it still shapes how she shows up today.

To get in touch with Jacqueline, find her here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frostjacqueline/

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Emma Neave-Webb, Marine Scientist, Strandings Coordinator, International Whaling Commission.

Emma highlights an upcoming all-female expedition to Antarctica led by Sea Women Expeditions, showing how women can raise their voices by organising, collaborating, and setting new standards.

The team of 25 women from science, tech, engineering, and the arts will study warming oceans while also challenging the male-dominated history of polar research - proving that action and unity can speak louder than words.

Emma sums it up beautifully: "It doesn't matter whether it's challenging, there are ways around it. If you have courage, you persevere, you're organised, you are determined and you're willing to put that effort in, you will get results and you will get to do some amazing things. We're really trying to show that women have as much, if not more to give in these different STEM subjects."

At the heart of this expedition is the desire to 'pay it forward', to pave the way for other women to follow. There is such power in that, to not only be part of this amazing all women expedition but to also inspire others into roles they may have thought were beyond their reach. In Emma's own words: "I'd really love to hear of an early career scientist who at the time we're doing this expedition was at school and we've been able to influence them on that career path."

Find out more how Emma is Breaking Boundaries at the Bottom of the World here: https://gofund.me/5106d1a3

To get in touch with Emma, find her here:  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-neave-webb-92131312/ 

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In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Callie Lombard Global Head of Corporate Strategic Solutions, Barclays Investment Bank.

Callie Lombard recounts her journey of "epic risk," detailing the life-altering decision to leave her legal career in South Africa for a new role in banking on the unfamiliar continent of Europe. Spurred by a traumatic carjacking and a deep-seated desire for a safer future for her son, Callie embraces a move to Gibraltar, a place she had never visited, demonstrating immense courage and a willingness to step far outside her comfort zone.

The discussion concludes with Callie sharing a quote from the former South African president and Nobel Prize winner, Nelson Mandela. “I am what I am.........both as a result of people who respected me and helped me, and of those who did not respect me and treated me badly.'

To get in touch with Callie, find her here:  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-lombard-56230521/

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Parul Patel, a lawyer and founder of the legal and sports business consultancy, Fuel+Move.

Parul explains that her problem-solving prowess stems from a combination of innate curiosity and extensive professional nurturing, particularly during her time at Nike, where there was a strong expectation to "find a way." She emphasises that this skill is not just about legal acumen but also involves understanding people, reading between the lines, and adapting solutions to diverse stakeholder needs. She learns by doing, analysing situations retrospectively, and even drawing inspiration from unrelated activities, a concept she terms "career yoga" – creating space to explore new experiences and skills without a rigid agenda. 

The discussion concludes with Parul sharing a quote that deeply resonates with her from Dr Sunita Sah: “Defiance is acting in accordance with your true values when there is pressure to do otherwise.”

To get in touch with Parul, find her here:  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul01/ 

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Alexandra Foster, Director, Global Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) & Professional Business Services, Fujitsu.

Alexandra discusses transforming challenges into strengths. She highlights how self-diminishing language, like "just," can undermine self-worth, advocating for celebrating all wins. Alexandra, who is dyslexic, views this as a source of unique strengths like creativity. She champions creating an "epicentre" of internal power and believes true workplace freedom requires psychological safety and valuing diverse thinking. Leaders should help unlock these "hidden superpowers." 

Alexandra concludes with Louisa May Alcott's quote: "I'm not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship”, emphasising resilience in leadership.

To get in touch with Alexandra, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrajfoster/ 

Stay tuned for future episodes of the Finding Your EPIC® podcast

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Anna Mascolo, Executive Vice President, Low Carbon Solutions, Shell

Anna discusses key moments that shaped her remarkable career journey. Such as managing self-doubt by acknowledging but not surrendering to imposter syndrome, and how she evolved from trying to blend in to embracing her authentic leadership style. She shares how understanding workplace biases and dynamics helped her navigate challenges and emphasises that real progress begins with awareness.

She shares Sheryl Sandberg's philosophy: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" noting that by not trying, you are already making a choice that limits growth opportunities.

To get in touch with Anna, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamascolo/ 

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Isabel Berwick, Working It editor, Financial Times

Isabel describes how curiosity has shaped her career and personal life. Growing up, she moved frequently between schools, developing an extroverted nature and genuine interest in others. She describes herself as a "timid extrovert" who found traditional reporting challenging but thrived when she transitioned to editing roles.

The conversation concludes with Isabel sharing a meaningful quote from Martha Beck: "If you feel like you're blowing up your life, ask yourself if the opposite is true. Maybe you're bringing your real life into being for the first time." 

To get in touch with Isabel, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelberwick/ 

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Caroline Brown, PhD Partner at Deloitte 

Caroline reflects on her journey of self-awareness and leadership growth, sparked by a pivotal career setback when she is passed over for a promotion she expects to receive. She shares how this moment revealed a key blind spot: her exceptional ability to see clear strategic steps is not always matched by her ability to bring others along - assuming they share her clarity and failing to explain the “why” behind her direction.

Caroline highlights the power of storytelling and analogies to make complex ideas accessible, especially in pioneering, first-of-their-kind projects. Closing the episode by sharing the mantra she lives by: “Just say yes - Life is so much more exciting and interesting when you just say yes, it’s a much harder path, but oh my goodness, it’s so much more interesting.”

To get in touch with Caroline, find her here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejbrown/