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

Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Donna Herdsman, Senior Client Partner and Head of DE&I Advisory (EMEA) at Korn Ferry.

Donna shares an early career lesson about sponsorship, and how she learned the
importance of understanding decision-makers and their motivations, eventually coining the term "empowering sponsorship". She recounts a pivotal moment where she summoned the courage to approach a senior leader she found intimidating, only to receive an unexpected reply.

The conversation moves to Donna's career reinventions, from auditing to consulting and international development. She explains that her adaptability is driven by a strong sense of purpose, whether improving public services or supporting post-conflict reconstruction in Mozambique.

Donna also reflects on fear and privilege. She describes a frightening encounter with police in Mozambique that shifted her perspective, making her realise that career setbacks pale in comparison to personal safety and family.

The episode concludes with Donna sharing her favourite quote by Dr. Maya Angelou: "Nothing can dim the light that shines from within".

To get in touch with Donna, find her here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-herdsman-3449095/

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