In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Kalavati Bhashyam, Senior Director, Hardware Engineering for Robotics and Enabling Technologies at Smith+Nephew

Kala shares the epic realisations that have shaped her twenty-year career, moving from technical expertise to senior leadership. She shares her thoughts on the distinction between healthy "good stress" and debilitating imposter syndrome. Kala also explains why she advocates for unpopular decisions.

A significant realisation for Kala set about a fundamental shift in mindset and taught her a valuable leadership lesson, which she explores further in this episode.

For her final thought, Kala quotes French author Alexandre Dumas, famous for works like The Three Musketeers: "The merit of all things lies in their difficulty”. She encourages listeners to embrace challenges as essential catalysts for growth and self-discovery.

To get in touch with Kala, find her here:

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

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

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Karel van Gorp, Vice President Marketing MEA,

India, South East Asia and ANZ & Global VP Consumer Brands at Solenis.

Karel shares his leadership philosophy that whilst anyone can sail in calm summer weather, true leadership emerges during storms. He emphasises that current global conditions - economic and social uncertainty; require strong leaders who can navigate rough waters and help others through challenging times.

Discussing future leadership development, Karel advocates for transparency. He addresses common fears and the need for gradual skill-building, with preparation being key to overcoming such challenges.

Karel concludes with his favourite quote from Walt Disney: "If you can dream it, you can do it." He explains that whilst dreaming is the crucial first step, the journey to achievement requires effort.

To get in touch with Karel, find him here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karel-van-gorp-b073ab1/

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Paolo Beltrame, CEO Australia & New Zealand at EQUANS.

Paolo shares his passion for treating gender balance as a business transformation rather than merely an HR initiative. He believes injecting inclusion at field level is crucial, especially as a high percentage of employees hold technical roles, and many future leaders emerge from these positions. Without inclusion at the base, achieving balance at senior levels becomes nearly impossible.

Paolo's experience in Saudi Arabia, where only three of 800 employees were female, sparked his commitment to change. At his previous company, he achieved 50/50 gender balance in apprentice programmes within three years, with male technicians eventually bringing their daughters to recruitment events.

Concluding with a quote from Jerry Dunn, an endurance athlete, that inspires and drives him: “Don't limit your challenges, challenge your limits.”

To get in touch with Paolo, find him here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolobeltrame12111971/

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