Women Who Lead & Scale – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Women Who Lead and Sell, Aliya & Kelly chat with Rachel Cashman, an expert in psychological safety. Rachel shares simple, powerful strategies for leading with empathy, curiosity, and accountability. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Psychological Safety: Psychological safety is about creating an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, ask questions, and take risks without fear of negative consequences. It is essential for fostering innovation and high performance within teams. Role of Leaders and Team Members: While leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for psychological safety, it is a shared responsibility among all team members. Everyone has the agency to contribute to a psychologically safe environment, regardless of their position. Foundational Elements for SMEs: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should focus on clear communication of purpose, open conversations about help and mistakes, and fostering equality and inclusion. These elements help create a supportive atmosphere conducive to psychological safety. Curiosity, Humility, and Empathy: To cultivate psychological safety for oneself and others, individuals should practice curiosity about their team members, demonstrate humility by sharing their own vulnerabilities, and show empathy in their interactions. These values help build trust and openness. Impact of Psychological Safety: Organisations that successfully implement psychological safety can experience significant improvements in performance, such as reduced time from ideation to execution of projects. This leads to a more agile and responsive business environment, enhancing overall effectiveness. BEST MOMENTS Rachel Cashman: "Psychological safety is about how we set the conditions for people to be able to ask questions, to be curious, to challenge the status quo, to take a risk, to innovate, without the sense that doing so will mean they will be harmed." Rachel Cashman: "It's not about saying, you know, we disagree, even though it's good to disagree. That's about harnessing that collective intelligence." Rachel Cashman: "As a woman who is leading their own business, it can be hard to ask for help. You might be fearful about taking risks, but you might not want to admit certain things because you've been burned in the past." Rachel Cashman: "If you're working in a really small team, you're in a start-up business... that doesn't mean that you can't do that with your colleagues." HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/ Aliya Musa https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/ https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/

In this episode of Women Who Lead and Sell, Aliya and Kelly chat with powerhouse entrepreneur Kitty Blomfield. Kitty shares how she rebuilt her business after a big move to Thailand and why betting on yourself especially during tough times can lead to true success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Commitment to Vision: Going all in on your vision is crucial for success. Believing in your method and staying committed, even during challenging times, can lead to significant breakthroughs and growth in your business. Importance of Community: Building a supportive community, whether through free resources or group coaching, can help potential clients feel more comfortable and ready to commit to your program. This fosters trust and encourages engagement. Simplifying Processes: Focus on creating clear, structured methodologies that guide clients from their current state to their desired outcomes. This clarity helps clients understand the value of your offerings and increases their likelihood of success. Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing systems for regular feedback allows clients to track their progress and receive guidance. This not only enhances their experience but also helps you refine your approach based on their needs. Niche Focus and Consistency: Identifying and honing in on your ideal client and their specific needs is essential. Consistently delivering value through targeted content and maintaining a streamlined approach to marketing and sales can lead to sustainable growth. BEST MOMENTS "You have to believe in it to your core because it's hard. Like it is so hard building a business." - Kitty Blomfield "I think entrepreneurship, like being an entrepreneur is like self-development on crack." - Kitty Blomfield "If you're not so rooted to your why, it's just too easy to give up." - Kitty Blomfield "I would try and keep it as simple as possible. Don't do everything because you'll just be shit at everything." - Kitty Blomfield "It's like simplifying it, picking one platform, and just keep going all in on that funnel." - Aliya HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/ Aliya Musa https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/ https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/

In this episode Aliya and Kelly chat with Sarah Lloyd-Hughes of Ginger Leadership Communications about how to cut through the noise and communicate with real impact. Sarah talks about the power of storytelling, human connection, and how leaders can stay authentic in an AI-driven world. KEY TAKEAWAYS Human Connection in Communication: In an age of overwhelming information and AI-generated content, effective communication requires a human touch. It's essential to translate data into meaningful messages that resonate with others, making the information relevant and engaging. Lived Experience Matters: Authentic communication is rooted in personal experiences. Sharing stories and insights from one's own journey adds depth and relatability to the message, making it more impactful and memorable. Adapting to Change: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and founders must be willing to pivot and adapt their strategies based on market needs. Listening to clients and understanding their requirements is crucial for creating valuable offerings. The Importance of Clarity: Clear and concise communication is vital for leadership. Organisations should strive for "diamond clear" messaging that articulates their purpose and vision effectively, ensuring that everyone involved understands and can convey that message. Building Relationships: Successful communication and business growth stem from building genuine relationships. Engaging with clients and stakeholders on a personal level fosters trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term success. BEST MOMENTS Sarah Lloyd-Hughes: "If we've got all the information we could possibly need, it becomes much less useful than it used to be. We need to become way more skilful at cutting through the noise." Sarah Lloyd-Hughes: "We need to translate information and data to people to make it relevant to them, to make it meaningful to them." Kelly: "You've got to think about it as a movie. It's got to be paced right. It's got to create the emotion. It's got to have the clarity." Sarah Lloyd-Hughes: "The reason why we work with people is not speed. It's not even necessarily the quality of what's on paper. It can be, but it has to come from human experience." Sarah Lloyd-Hughes: "We have to connect that back down to what are people saying they need, because that in the end is what people are going to buy." HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/ Aliya Musa https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/

In this episode of Women Who Lead & Sell, Kelly and Aliya chat with Emma Sgourakis to share her journey from fashion design student to international skincare founder. She talks about owning her value, building with integrity, and navigating a crowded market — all while staying true to her mission. KEY TAKEAWAYS Focus on Passion Over Profit: Building a business should stem from what you enjoy and are passionate about, rather than solely focusing on financial gain. This approach can lead to unexpected success and fulfilment. Value Yourself and Your Work: Setting appropriate pricing for services is crucial. If you don’t value your expertise, potential clients won’t either. Doubling prices can lead to increased demand and commitment from clients. Commitment from Clients: Encouraging clients to commit financially upfront can enhance their engagement and results. This approach shifts the focus from transactional interactions to meaningful, long-term relationships. Integrity in Product Development: When creating products, especially in the health and wellness industry, it’s essential to prioritise quality and integrity over profit margins. This commitment can differentiate your brand in a saturated market. Education as a Marketing Tool: Providing valuable educational content helps build trust and loyalty among clients. By informing potential customers about the benefits of your products and the science behind them, you can create a strong customer base that understands and appreciates your offerings. BEST MOMENTS "I think I've always focused on what am I good at, what do I want to do, what can I contribute, what do I enjoy, and do that until it makes me some money." "If you don't value yourself, no one else will." "I realized that I had a certain amount of inquiries for my work... but still, things were only chugging along." "We both kind of said, well, there's not anything we'd 100% endorse." "To do it in a way where there you go, there are our fees... and now we can just focus on you and your body." HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/⁠ Aliya Musa ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/⁠

In this episode Kelly and Aliya engage with Helen Corsi-Cadmore, the visionary behind bringing Flying Tiger to the UK. Helen shares her journey from her childhood experiences in her parents' greengrocers to scaling a successful retail business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Surround Yourself with Supportive Networks: Building a strong network of supportive individuals is crucial for success, especially for female founders. Having the right people around can provide guidance and encouragement during challenging times. Prioritise Personal Well-being: It's essential to remember that personal health and well-being should come first. Taking time to pause and reflect can lead to better decision-making and overall fulfilment in both personal and professional life. Embrace Your Unique Path: Success does not have to conform to societal norms or expectations. It's important to define what success means to you personally and to pursue it in a way that aligns with your values and lifestyle. Learn from Experiences: Every business journey comes with its challenges and lessons. Embracing failures and learning from them can lead to growth and a better understanding of what works for you and your business. Shift Your Perspective on Money: Viewing money as a tool for freedom rather than just a goal can change how you approach business. Focusing on what you truly want to achieve can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. BEST MOMENTS Helen: "Every time we hit a certain milestone... it reminded me how amazing things can come from such small beginnings." Kelly: "I think I associate that with like mega, like mega eight-figure people... But when I meet certain women, there's something like, it's like an indomitable spirit." Helen: "I think you have to remember that your business is important... but I believe everything starts with you." Aliya: "Over a third of businesses in the UK is set up by women, and we get 2% of the funding." Helen: "I was trying to start a family at that time... and that extra pressure that I had externally from the business did have an impact." HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/ Aliya Musa https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/

Aliya & Kelly talk about the world of mindset and belief change with Emily the Diamond, a renowned speaker and educator from Australia. Emily shares her journey of creating the Instant Belief Change (IBC) program, driven by her frustration with traditional belief change methods that often took too long. She discusses the importance of understanding and reshaping our beliefs, particularly for female founders on their scaling journeys. KEY TAKEAWAYS Instant Belief Change: The program focuses on quickly transforming limiting beliefs that hold individuals back, particularly for female founders on their scaling journey. The method combines techniques from neuro-repatterning and nervous system testing to ensure effective and rapid belief change. Beliefs and Behaviour Connection: Beliefs significantly influence behaviours, thoughts, and feelings. Understanding and changing these beliefs can lead to improved actions and outcomes in both personal and professional contexts. Shame as a Barrier: Many women in business experience shame related to their identity and capabilities. This shame can manifest as a belief that they are not good enough or that wanting more for themselves is selfish, which can hinder their growth and success. Leadership Dynamics: Female leaders often struggle with balancing their nurturing instincts with the need for authoritative leadership. Establishing clear agreements about roles and relationships within teams can help mitigate resentment and improve workplace dynamics. Mindset for Scaling: The beliefs that have helped individuals reach their current level of success may not be sufficient for future growth. Emphasising the importance of mindset and personal development is crucial for overcoming plateaus and achieving higher levels of success in business. BEST MOMENTS "I was frustrated that I could see my beliefs affecting my behaviour, yet it took me more than 20 minutes to change them." - Emily "Shame is the number one underlying thread that women experience in business." - Emily "Beliefs are at play in that theory of mind where you have this concept of self, things are true and not true for you about yourself, others, life and the world." - Emily "What must I believe to be behaving in that way in order to get those results?" - Aliya HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/ Aliya Musa https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/

Aliya & Kelly are joined by Alex Bull personal trainer and creator of Studio Tarw. Alex discusses the journey of building a personal training business and creating a supportive community within a gym environment. Alex teaches us how her studio attracts clients by embodying an energetic and encouraging cheerleader persona, emphasising the importance of celebrating milestones and fostering connections among members. highlight their focus on reaching individuals who may not currently have a gym membership but are seeking a positive and motivating space to invest in themselves. Alex illustrates how they have successfully cultivated a welcoming atmosphere that prioritises personal growth and camaraderie over traditional fitness metrics. KEY TAKEAWAYS Creating a Safe Space: The personal training business focuses on providing a supportive environment where clients can ask questions and make mistakes without fear of judgement. Energetic Coaching Style: The approach is centred around being a cheerleader for clients, encouraging them to believe in their potential and celebrating their efforts rather than just their achievements. Community Building: Emphasis is placed on fostering a strong community within the gym, where milestones are celebrated collectively, enhancing motivation and connection among members. Target Market Identification: The ideal client is someone who may not currently have a gym membership but has the disposable income and desire to invest in their health — often seeking a supportive environment to start their fitness journey. Experimentation and Adaptation: The process of building the brand involves trying new ideas, such as celebrating milestones with balloons and goodie bags, and being open to adjusting strategies based on what resonates with the community. BEST MOMENTS “I realised that what I offered them was a safe space to ask questions, get things wrong, have someone... I totally believe in people.” “I’m looking for the person who’s sat in their office, probably about to order Deliveroo from their phone.” “I want to celebrate people, and I want people to celebrate everyone... how can that translate to create a community inside a gym?” “You can never be sure, can you, until you try it.” “The fact that you turned up and you tried — that’s ten points. That’s what I care most about.” ALEX BULL INFORMATION https://studio-tarw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbull-studiotarw/?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.instagram.com/thisisalexbull/?hl=en-gb HOST BIO Women Who Lead and Sell is the go-to podcast for women who are deep in the world of business and ready to scale to seven figures—without getting stuck in the grind. If you're looking to systemise your sales so you can grow sustainably and free yourself up to focus on what truly drives you, this is for you. For women deeply involved in business and ready to scale to seven figures without getting bogged down, "Women Who Lead and Sell" is the essential podcast. This podcast is for you if you want to systematize your sales for sustainable growth and free up your time to focus on your true passions. HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/⁠⁠ Aliya Musa⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/⁠⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by  Disruptive Media. 

Aliya & Kelly interview Jayne Morris, author of "Burnout to Brilliance." Jayne discusses the complexities of burnout, particularly among female founders who often over-function and set high expectations for themselves. Jayne unpacks the nuances of burnout, it is not solely an individual issue but a systemic one influenced by societal pressures and workplace dynamics. Listeners are encouraged to recognise the signs of burnout in themselves and their teams, and to prioritise self-care and community support. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Burnout: Burnout is often misunderstood and can manifest in various ways, including emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. It's crucial for individuals, especially female founders, to recognise the signs of burnout in themselves and their teams. Impact of Modern Life: The pressures of modern life, including constant connectivity and societal expectations, contribute significantly to burnout. The normalisation of over-functioning and the hustle culture can lead to unsustainable work practices. Community and Vulnerability: Building a supportive community of fellow female founders can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sharing vulnerabilities and experiences with others who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship can foster connection and support. Systemic Issues: Burnout is not solely an individual problem; it is influenced by systemic factors within organisations and society. The pressure to constantly improve and achieve can lead to a cycle of overwork and depletion if not addressed at a systemic level. Prioritising Wellness: Emphasising wellness over relentless growth is essential. Founders should focus on creating a business environment that nurtures well-being, allowing for deeper connections and a more sustainable approach to success. BEST MOMENTS "When we're over-functioning, we're often not aware that we're doing that because we've normalised that way of functioning. It's not optimal." - Jayne "People throw the term burnout around and we have a rather fixed view of that. But what you've brought in there is a nuanced journey through burnout." - Aliya "Burnout is essentially stress that's been ongoing, but hasn't been managed. There are contributing factors to burnout that's not always solely about the individual." - Jayne "We want to have connections with people that we see outside of the four walls where we live, and workplaces often are those for people." - Kelly "If we don't change the systems that people go back into after burnout, they'll only just burn out again because we keep putting the pressure on." - Jayne JAYNE MORRIS https://amzn.eu/d/6ykTvei https://www.jaynemorris.com HOST BIO Women Who Lead and Sell is the go-to podcast for women who are deep in the world of business and ready to scale to seven figures—without getting stuck in the grind. If you're looking to systemise your sales so you can grow sustainably and free yourself up to focus on what truly drives you, this is for you. For women deeply involved in business and ready to scale to seven figures without getting bogged down, "Women Who Lead and Sell" is the essential podcast. This podcast is for you if you want to systematize your sales for sustainable growth and free up your time to focus on your true passions. HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/⁠⁠Aliya Musa⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/⁠⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. 

Aliya and Kelly interview Suzi Gray, the Amazon number one bestselling author of "Brand the Way You Think." Suzi shares her unique perspective on branding, emphasising the importance of differentiating oneself by focusing on the way one thinks rather than just what one does. She discusses the concept of "genius hoarding," where individuals fail to recognise and share their valuable insights, and offers a methodology to help uncover and articulate these ideas. The conversation delves into the significance of thought leadership, the power of authenticity, and the role of trust in building a personal brand. Listeners are encouraged to explore their own thoughts and perspectives, ultimately leading to a more profound connection with their audience and a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS Branding Beyond What You Do: To truly differentiate yourself, focus on branding the way you think rather than just what you do. This approach helps establish a unique voice and thought leadership, making competition less relevant. Trust in Your Ideas: Many individuals hoard their insights, believing they are not valuable. It's essential to trust yourself and share your thoughts openly, as this can help close the trust gap with potential clients and create deeper connections. Exploration and Feedback: Finding your unique perspective involves exploring your thoughts and ideas. Engaging in conversations with trusted individuals can provide valuable feedback and help identify what resonates with others. Simplicity vs. Depth: While simplifying complex ideas can be beneficial, it's important not to oversimplify your message. Sharing deeper insights can create a stronger connection with your audience and attract clients who appreciate your unique perspective. BEST MOMENTS"When you brand what you do, there will always be competition. But when you brand the way you think, competition becomes irrelevant." - Suzi"It's fascinating that you say this because Kelly and I often have these conversations... we go, oh my gosh, that's really an interesting way of seeing things." - Aliya"You're sitting on a gold mine, but you're going to keep it locked? Or are you going to actually share some of this gold with the world publicly?" - Suzi"This process feels like it unlocks them because unlocking their brain and their brilliance and the way they think... it deepens them." - Kelly HOST BIO Women Who Lead and Sell is the go-to podcast for women who are deep in the world of business and ready to scale to seven figures—without getting stuck in the grind. If you're looking to systemise your sales so you can grow sustainably and free yourself up to focus on what truly drives you, this is for you. For women deeply involved in business and ready to scale to seven figures without getting bogged down, "Women Who Lead and Sell" is the essential podcast. This podcast is for you if you want to systematize your sales for sustainable growth and free up your time to focus on your true passions.HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/⁠Aliya Musa⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. 

Aliya & Kelly engage in an inspiring conversation with Kirsty Davis-Chinook, affectionately dubbed "Kick-Ass Kirsty." They delve into Kirsty's journey in the manufacturing sector, where she has navigated the challenges of traditional leadership styles to champion progressive, inclusive practices. Kirsty shares her mission of promoting women in the metal industry, highlighting the importance of equity and collaboration between genders. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace Progress Over Perfection: It's important to put ideas out into the world and refine them later. Waiting for perfection can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. Visibility Equals Impact: Being visible is not about ego; it's about making a positive impact on others. Sharing experiences and insights can inspire and help others in their journeys. Diversity of Thought is Crucial: Bringing together individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives leads to better problem-solving and innovation. This diversity can significantly enhance a company's performance. Individuality in the Workplace: Allowing employees to express their individuality, whether through attire or personal expression, fosters a more comfortable and productive work environment. Happy employees are better contributors. Leadership is Evolving: Effective leadership requires continuous evolution and adaptation. Leaders should strive to create a supportive environment that encourages open communication and collaboration among team members. BEST MOMENTS "I think it's really important to do that. And I think particularly after COVID, a lot of people really started to look at their work-life balance." - Kirsty "It's about progress, not perfection. Put it out there and get it right later." - Kirsty "If you are only recruiting 50% of the population to fill your skills gap, you're missing out on the other 50% who can come in with that diversity of thought." - Kirsty "It's not about you, it's about them. It's about what they want to get out of it." - Aliya "You can't build those relationships if you're not putting yourself out there." - Kirsty KIRSTY DAVIES- CHINNOCK INFORMATION https://kirstydavieschinnock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstydaviespps/?originalSubdomain=uk HOST SOCIALS Kelly Quinn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/caremetrics/⁠ Aliya Musa ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/aliya.musa.5/⁠