Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Emma Barrett, Global Strategic Marketing Director, Innovation at Solenis.

Emma explores how bringing calm into leadership can influence not just how teams perform, but how they feel at work. She shares how creating the right environment enables people to speak up, challenge ideas and contribute more openly.

She also reflects on the impact leaders have on energy within a team and why being deliberate in how you show up - especially in difficult moments - can make a meaningful difference. With a focus on clarity, empathy and measured responses, Emma highlights how calm leadership helps teams stay aligned and move forward together.

The conversation closes with the importance of creating space in the moment, and how this enables a more considered and effective response.

To get in touch with Emma, find her here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-barrett-6691b926/

Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Dr Colin Williams, Customer Field CISO at Computacenter.

Colin shares how his early experiences shaped a strong sense of self and accountability, and how this continues to influence the way he leads today. He explores the importance of resilience, self-awareness and learning to embrace who you are, rather than trying to fit into predefined expectations.

He also reflects on the role of intention in leadership, from how we show up in conversations to how we create value for others. With a strong belief in win-win thinking and continuous development, Colin highlights the importance of investing in yourself in order to bring the best version of you to those around you.

The episode closes with a powerful reflection on intention and self-respect, and why showing up as yourself is key to creating impact for both you and those around you.

To get in touch with Colin, find him here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-colin-williams-aa2a95/

Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Ryan Davies, Business Development Manager at NatWest.

Ryan shares how a change in environment shifted his experience from surviving to thriving. He explores the role of psychological safety, the impact of agile ways of working, and why trust and flexibility are critical to high-performing teams.

He also reflects on his work in allyship, his experience taking partner leave, and the broader lessons this brought to his understanding of inclusion and leadership.

Ryan introduces a powerful analogy about value and environment, reminding us that sometimes it’s not about changing who you are, but where you are.

The episode closes with a powerful reflection on value and environment, and why sometimes the biggest shift comes not from changing who you are, but where you are.

To get in touch with Ryan, find him here:

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

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/

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

Welcome to the Finding Your EPIC® podcast.

In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Beau Rollins, Global Head of Biocompatibility at Convatec.

Beau shares his leadership philosophy, explaining how traditional management books felt cold and clinical, promoting competitive "cut the herd" approaches that didn't resonate with him. Instead, he believes that when employees feel invested and passionate, they naturally strive to achieve their objectives, benefiting both themselves and the business.

Beau shares his motivation for working in chronic disease care at Convatec. Having witnessed family members struggle with long-term conditions, he wanted to help patients reclaim their lives rather than feel burdened indefinitely. This empathy extends to his team, where he ensures people feel valued and supported.

For his final thought, Beau quotes social psychologist Amy Cuddy from her renowned TED Talk: "Don't fake it till you make it, fake it till you become it.” This philosophy resonates with Beau because it emphasises genuine growth and transformation rather than indefinite pretence.

To get in touch with Beau, find him here:

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

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

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