The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia!

This episode is with the wonderful Jo Kerr, Head of Purpose at Brandpie, who has over 25 years of experience helping businesses become more purpose-driven.

Having built experience laterally in business strategy, insights, brand, culture, and communications, she now applies this combined experience to helping large, complex B2B organisations transform through the power of purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jo’s journey and how she’s helping global organisations uncover and operationalise their purpose, aligning their mission with a higher vision beyond profit
• Why it matters
• Her work with academia to prove the value and impact that purpose can have on organisations and their ecosystems

As a values-driven leader, Jo also reflects on the lessons she’s learned throughout her 25-year career and offers advice on staying curious, trusting your instincts, and embracing your authentic leadership style.

Get ready to be inspired!

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:  https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show we cover

Purpose-driven leadership, Women in leadership, Why purpose matters, Purpose as a performance driver, Research on purpose and financial success, Career lessons in authenticity and mentorship, Guidance on embracing unique leadership styles

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ 

Connect with Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-kerr/ 

Welcome to this special episode of The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia.

In this episode, Sarah reflects on some of the biggest learnings from the female leaders featured in this first series. From science and technology to fashion and global branding, these leaders share a wealth of experience, each bringing unique perspectives and powerful insights. Sarah touches on the themes highlighted by her guests in answer to her question ‘What advice would you give your younger self?’ - ranging from taking risks and saying yes to opportunities to being vocal about your aspirations and having a clear vision.

Tune in for an episode filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and empowering messages from these incredible female leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring one, or someone who supports and advocates for women in leadership, this episode has something for you. And if you’re intrigued by these stories, be sure to catch the following episodes for even more insights and words of wisdom.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:  https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ 

Welcome to The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia!

Each week, this podcast delves into unscripted, candid conversations with female leaders who share their stories, learnings, and wisdom to empower and inspire others on their leadership journeys. The women featured in this first series are driving change within their organisations and beyond. These are Women on a Mission. They openly discuss their missions, motivations, and the real challenges they’ve overcome.

Hosted by Sarah Perugia, an expert women-in-leadership coach, whole-person leadership transformation specialist, and captivating speaker, this podcast taps into the transformative power of storytelling. With over twenty years of experience, Sarah has seen how sharing stories can spark change, bring people together, and remind them they’re not alone in the challenges they face. She has also heard this need expressed by others: a growing hunger for connection, meaningful conversations, and finding inspiration. Yet, carving out the time to do this intentionally has become increasingly difficult.

This podcast aims to fulfil that need by amplifying the voices of women in leadership and providing them with a platform to share their journeys. Through these stories, listeners are invited to learn, find encouragement, and feel supported in their own leadership journeys.

Whether you're already a leader, aspiring to become one, advocating for women in your industry, or passionate about supporting others on their leadership journey, this podcast is for you!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ 

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:  https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this episode, I’m joined by Siri Soosalu, an accomplished Creative Director with over 20 years of international experience across contemporary and premium brands, retail and supply.

Siri is responsible for the creative direction and product strategy at HUGO Red and Blue premium womenswear lines at HUGO BOSS. Siri is also a dedicated advocate and sponsor for Women’s empowerment at HUGO BOSS, actively mentoring and championing female talent to increase the representation of women in leadership positions within the fashion industry.

Siri’s love for fashion and the arts has been a driving force throughout her career, initially sparked by her artistic parents. Over time she realised her passion lay in nurturing and encouraging the next generation of talent.

In this episode, we discuss:

● Siri’s inspiring journey in the fashion industry, including her shift from hands-on creative work to mentoring and championing emerging talent.

● How she’s successfully navigated a male-dominated industry and the unique challenges of balancing leadership with motherhood.

● How leading with empathy, encouraging open dialogue, and valuing every voice, can build an inclusive and thriving team.

Siri also opens up about the importance of empowering her team, the hurdles she’s faced as a female leader and her insights into creating a positive high-energy team culture.

Whether you’re working in the fashion industry, an aspiring female leader, or passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders, you’ll want to tune in to this one!

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:

https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership

In this show we cover

Navigating a male-dominated industry, Women in leadership, Transitioning from creative to strategic roles, Gender bias in leadership, Leading with empathy, Building trust and positive team culture, empowering aspiring female leaders, Advice for career growth

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Connect with Siri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siri-soosalu-4aa98627/

In this episode, I’m joined by an extremely passionate leader - Dr Sade Mokuolu, Regional Business Development Manager for Life Sciences at Watson Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions.

Sade has a wealth of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical engineering, holding numerous senior business and technical roles throughout her career.

She has also published her work in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

Sade shares her journey, offering insights into her unique leadership style, shaped by her early career observations, especially as the only woman and person of colour in the room.

In this episode, Sade talks about:

● How her early career challenges and observations influenced her empathetic leadership approach

● The positive impact of leading with empathy

● The importance of resilience, determination, and embracing new opportunities to grow in confidence

● Advice for young women starting in STEM

It’s a conversation packed with leadership insights and actionable advice for female leaders and aspiring female leaders in STEM.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive.

With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles.

Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive.

Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:

https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show we cover

Leading with empathy, Women in leadership, Leadership styles, STEM careers, Challenges of being a woman of colour in STEM, Building an inclusive team culture, Advice for early career women in STEM

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Connect with Sade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sade-mokuolu-phd-a454a537/

In today’s episode of The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia, I’m joined by the accomplished leader and powerful advocate of women in tech, Andrea Bright.

Andrea is a C-suite/senior exec and has worked all over the world in board-level leadership roles leading hugely impressive business transformations.

She's a passionate supporter of women in the industry, helping them along the way, and being a strong voice and ally to move towards gender equality in tech.

In this episode, we discuss:

● Andrea’s journey as a woman in tech and how she’s embraced the idea of jumping in feet first and failing fast

● The importance of finding allies and building your network

● Why it’s key to have a clear idea of your purpose and mission

● Gender equality in senior teams and why it matters

And so much more!

We certainly packed a lot into this episode so take a listen! Whether you’re looking for practical advice on being a great mentor and ally or are an aspiring female leader in tech and want to know how you can progress your career, this is for you.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive.

With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles.

Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive.

Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:

https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show we cover

Careers in tech, Women in Leadership, Building alliances and networks, Mentorship, Seeking support, Diversity in leadership, Advice for aspiring leaders and mentors

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andreajbright

In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Mitchell, Talent Director at EY, who has spent over 25 years working in HR, recruitment, DEI, and organisational change across international financial and professional services.

Emma is not only a values-driven leader with a wealth of experience, but she’s also a champion of disability and neuro-inclusion, using both her personal and professional experiences to drive meaningful change.

Emma’s journey has been shaped by her role as a mother to two neurodivergent daughters and as someone living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), a chronic energy-limiting condition. Her experiences drive her to create a more inclusive working world for disabled and neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode, Emma talks about:

● The challenges of living with an invisible disability and adapting to life with a chronic condition

● The concept of positive acceptance and how embracing gratitude has supported her along the way

● Practical advice on staying true to your values, taking bold career risks, and recognising the value of your unique strengths

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about navigating leadership with authenticity, compassion, and courage.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive.

With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive.

Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show we cover

Navigating disability in the workplace, Women in leadership, Challenges and coping with disability, Neurodiversity, Neuroinclusion, Positive acceptance and gratitude, Inclusive workplaces.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/emma-mitchell-5286785

In this episode, I’m joined by Sharry Cramond, an accomplished leader with a remarkable career working with global brands like Kraft and Tesco, where she drove significant business transformations. Sharry is currently the Marketing Director for M&S Food Group and leads the Sparks Loyalty programme across the business. In addition to her corporate success, Sharry is also a published author and passionate mentor for people both within her organisation and beyond.

In this episode we talk about:

• How positive self-talk and mindset shaped her success, drawing from her childhood experiences and early fascination with programming the brain for achievement.
• The importance of goal-setting in life, likening it to a sailboat navigating through stormy seas.
• How positive language and getting things done are key to both leadership and personal growth.

Sharry also shares her advice for aspiring leaders on the power of going the extra mile and making an impact.

Sharry’s journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful business leader and mentor is truly inspiring. Don’t miss this episode! Tune in to hear her incredible story and the valuable lessons she’s learned throughout her career.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:  https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show we cover

Mindset, Women in leadership, Goal-setting, Positive self-talk, Personal growth, Success, Mentorship 

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact & Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ 

Connect with Sharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharry-cramond-355308b/

Reena Cholera didn’t set out to break barriers, but that’s exactly what she’s done. Over two decades in the pharmaceutical industry, she’s carved out a reputation not just as a sharp strategic thinker, but as the kind of leader who lifts everyone around her.

In this episode, Reena opens up about the real story behind the titles – the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the moments that defined her rise. From sales floors to senior leadership, she’s led with heart and conviction, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion, gender equity, and meaningful mentorship.

In this episode, we talk about:

(06:14) The internal struggle to feel confident

(08:28) From stage fright to inclusion advocate

(12:17) How introverts find real confidence

(15:20) Staying authentic while finding balance

(18:14) Work-life balance and the guilt no one talks about

(24:42) Leadership is about paying it forward

(26:04) Clarity, courage, and commitment in action

(31:31) How to face subconscious bias together

(34:33) The power of having the right guidance

Reena’s story is a testament to authentic, values-driven leadership, rooted in culture, family, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Her wisdom will resonate with anyone aspiring to lead with integrity, balance, and impact. Tune in to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with real strategies for your own leadership journey!

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:  https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ 

In this show, we cover

Authentic Leadership, Inclusion, Women in Leadership, Mentorship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Perfectionism, Confidence

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact and Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ 

Connect with Reena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenacholera/

Corina Goetz knows what it means to live between worlds. Born in East Germany and shaped by the fall of the Berlin Wall, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and fearless transformation. Today, she’s an intercultural strategist and trusted advisor to global leaders navigating the complexities of doing business across the West and the Middle East.

From boardrooms in London to business deals in Riyadh, Corina helps leaders go beyond translation, teaching them how to build real trust, understand the unspoken, and thrive in unfamiliar terrain. As founder of her consultancy, she’s become a bridge for those daring enough to lead across cultures.

In this episode, we talk about:

(04:07) Growing up with limited travel in the Eastern Bloc

(09:47) Living under surveillance and missing family history

(13:02) How generational change creates new divides

(14:00) The lasting East–West cultural split

(18:29) Family, identity, and Middle Eastern stereotypes

(21:15) Bridging worlds: first impressions of Saudi Arabia

(25:54) A travel experience that challenged everything

(27:05) The side of Saudi Arabia no one talks about

(30:20) What most people misunderstand about culture

(33:53) Empowerment through learning and change

(36:43) Meeting Princess Reema: Saudi Arabia’s top US envoy

(42:54) A modern guide to Middle East business etiquette

Corina’s journey is an inspiring testament to the value of breaking down barriers, whether personal, cultural, or professional. Her passion for connection, inclusion, and courageous curiosity offers powerful lessons for any leader ready to step beyond their comfort zone.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here:  https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ 

In this show, we cover

Cultural Bias, Leading Internationally, Middle Eastern Business, Curiosity, Overcoming Stereotypes, Relationship-Building

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact and Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ 

Connect with Corina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinagoetz/