Beverly Vanterpool

Operations Lead and Founder of Career Sistas

Episode 45: Power & Purpose – The story behind Build Your Power

Beverly is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Discover the vision behind Build Your Power and how it expands Career Sisters into a more accessible, resource-rich platform for women navigating their careers.
  
• Learn key themes from real women’s career journeys: community, intentionality, and passion, and how to apply them to your own growth and decision-making.
  
• Be inspired to take ownership of your career by building your network, leveraging resources, and stepping into spaces that amplify your voice and impact.

Gwendolyn Matthews

Human Resources Manager and Author

Episode 44: The Defining Moments: Lessons in Leading from a Veteran HR Manager

Gwendolyn identifies as African American and is based in the US.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Gwendolyn’s 40+ year HR journey, learning how challenges, setbacks, and inequity can shape you into a values-driven, impactful leader.
  
• Learn practical leadership principles—from leading with authenticity and compassion to advocating for others and building trust through clear, honest communication.
  
• Discover the power of staying true to yourself, navigating difficult workplaces with resilience, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you win.

Joy Edwards

Lawyer and Entrepreneur

Episode 43: Building a Law Firm from Scratch: Risk, Leadership and Legal Entrepreneurship

Joy is based in the US.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Joy’s journey from traditional expectations into entrepreneurship, showing how taking calculated risks and trusting your vision can lead to long-term success.
  
• Learn how to navigate uncertainty and build resilience—especially when others doubt your path—by staying committed to your goals and embracing discomfort as part of growth.
  
• Discover the importance of community, mindset, and accountability in sustaining a successful career and evolving into a confident, impactful leader.

Vivian Sunmola

Tech Founder and Demand Planning Analyst

Episode 42: Rejected on Paper, Brilliant in Practice: Rethinking CVs

Vivian identifies as Black British and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Vivian’s journey into tech through a non-traditional path, and how trusting your instincts—even when others doubt you—can unlock meaningful career opportunities.
  
• Learn how to navigate bias and build credibility in male-dominated spaces by finding supportive communities, developing real-world skills, and clearly articulating your value.
  
• Discover why visibility, self-advocacy, and “practising courage” are essential for standing out, accessing opportunities, and shaping a career on your own terms.

Rosemary Kargbo

Property Manager, Author and Book Publisher

Episode 41: Your Achievements Can’t Be Taken Away: A Story of Career Reinvention

Rosemary identifies as Black British and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Rosemary’s journey from probation officer to building a portfolio career, showing how courage, faith, and self-belief can guide you through bold career pivots.
  
• Learn how to leverage transferable skills, strategic planning, and intentional action to successfully transition across industries and create new opportunities.
  
• Discover the power of resilience, community, and self-advocacy in overcoming setbacks, navigating bias, and building a purpose-driven career on your own terms.

Sopé Ogunrombi

Commercial Strategist in Tech

Episode 40: From Accounting to Big Tech: Learning Fast and Choosing Differently

Sopé is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Explore how Sopé navigated multiple career pivots—from accounting and investment banking to tech strategy—by backing her ability to learn and intentionally building skills, networks, and credibility.

• Understand how global experiences across Africa and exposure to Silicon Valley reshaped her mindset on success, risk, and career possibilities beyond traditional paths.

• Learn how to navigate being “the only” in corporate spaces—building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and redefining belonging while advocating for your voice and growth.

Nancy Boulos

Fintech Professional and Workplace Menopause Champion

Episode 39: Perimenopause and Menopause at Work: Understanding the Impact and Supporting Employees

Nancy is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Learn how menopause and perimenopause can impact confidence, performance, and wellbeing at work—and why understanding the symptoms is essential for protecting your career and health.

• Be inspired by Nancy’s journey from struggling in silence to becoming a menopause advocate, creating community and support for women navigating this stage of life.

• Discover practical ways to advocate for yourself at work—from speaking to managers and seeking medical support to building communities that help women thrive through mid-career transitions.

Sarah Sadiq

Marketing Leader

Episode 38: Non-Linear Careers: Leadership, Motherhood, and Making Intentional Choices

Sarah is based in Pakistan.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Sarah’s intentional career pivots across countries and industries—and how clarity, courage, and perseverance can help you design a non-linear career on your own terms.

• Learn how to network strategically and mindfully, turning brief moments into real opportunities by packaging your story with confidence and purpose.

• Discover how to make conscious choices around motherhood, ambition, and leadership—embracing privilege, pacing your growth, and defining success in alignment with your values.

Karen Jackson

Founder of the Vollie & Ollie Agency

Episode 37: Manuscript to Market: The Publishing Reality Check Every New Author Needs

Karen identifies as Black American and is based in the US.

Listener Highlights

• Learn how to think strategically about your ideas, expertise, or side projects as a business, and why visibility, positioning, and community matter just as much as talent.

• Be inspired by Karen’s career pivots across industries and her decision to build a purpose-driven business rooted in solving real problems and advocating for others.

• Discover how quiet advocacy, intentional networking, and long-term thinking can help you build influence, credibility, and impact in your field.

Episode video highlights here

Bayo Abalaja

CEO of Do It Now Now

Episode 36: Building Legacy Through Entrepreneurship

Bayo identifies as Black African and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Bayo’s journey from uncertainty and fear of failure to building a multi-million-pound social impact organisation, showing how courage is built through action, not confidence.

• Learn how purpose-driven entrepreneurship, continuous learning, and strategic thinking can help you design a career that aligns with your values and creates lasting impact.

• Discover why embracing a portfolio career, trusting your instincts, and “practising courage” can open doors to leadership, influence, and long-term legacy.

Julie Koon Koon

Data Scientist, Researcher and Lecturer

Episode 35: From Classroom to Code: Navigating Discomfort as a Woman in Tech

Julie identifies as Mixed and is based in the Caribbean.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Julie’s bold pivots from education to finance and tech, and how stepping into discomfort accelerated her growth as a leader in data science.

• Learn how to navigate male-dominated spaces with confidence—challenging stereotypes, proving your value, and turning setbacks into powerful career leverage.

• Discover why mentorship, continuous learning, and embracing AI as a tool (not a replacement) are key to building a future-focused, purpose-driven career.

Letetia Addison

Researcher and Lecturer

Episode 34: Focus and Progress in STEM: Finding Purpose in a Non-Linear Career

Letetia identifies as Mixed, of Trinidadian heritage and is based in Trinidad, in the Caribbean.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Letetia’s non-linear career journey in STEM, and how trusting the process, faith, and self-awareness can lead to deeper fulfillment and impact.

• Learn how data, AI, and mathematical thinking can be powerful tools for real-world problem-solving -from climate resilience to strategic decision-making no matter your industry.

• Discover the importance of mentorship, community, and emotional intelligence in building a sustainable, purpose-driven career that’s a marathon, not a race.

Melesia Adderley
Founder and President of Women’s Haven

Episode 32: Discipline & Consistency: The Entrepreneur’s Cheat Code for Ownership

Episode 33: Building Without Permission: Ownership, Endurance, and Scaling Against the Odds

Melesia identifies as Black Caribbean and is based in the Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Melesia’s journey of building a purpose-led business from the ground up, driven by resilience, self-belief, and a desire to create impact beyond herself.

• Learn how to navigate career challenges, rejection, and self-doubt, and still move forward with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

• Discover the power of turning lived experience into opportunity, and how aligning purpose, community, and ambition can redefine success on your own terms.

Episode Video Highlights here

Dr. Nicole Francis Cotton
Visionary and Director of Victorious Living Foundation

Episode 31: Empowerment Through Mentorship: Overcoming Community Challenges

Dr. Nicole identifies as Afro Caribbean and is based in St. Maarten, in the Caribbean.

Listener Highlights

• Be inspired by Nicole’s journey from shyness to leadership, emphasizing passion, purpose, and faith.

• Learn how to balance career and personal life through Nicole’s insights on reflection and recharging.

• Discover the power of integrating spirituality and community in building a fulfilling career.

Episode Video Highlights here

Jo Wong
CEO and Founder of Let’s Grow BFF

Episode 1: Money & Gatekeepers: Funding our dreams as women of colour

Jo is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Discover practical strategies to secure funding as a woman of colour—whether you’re bootstrapping, pitching investors, or building a portfolio career.

• Learn how to navigate bias, confidently ask for capital, and turn your career dreams into sustainable success.

Karen Vanterpool
Senior Research Scientist/PhD in Health Behaviour

Episode 2: Passion & a Sponsor: What it takes to follow your dreams

Karen identifies as Black, and is based in the US.

Listener Highlights

• Hear how sponsorship can transform your career journey—especially for women of colour breaking barriers
  
  
• Discover the courage, connections, and support it takes to turn passion into a powerful career move.

Selina Thompson
Founder and Digital Adoption Consultant

Episode 3: New City, New Circles: Building your network from scratch

Selina identifies as Black British is based in the Netherlands.

Listener Highlights

• Discover strategies for finding your people, creating community, and thriving both personally and professionally.

• Learn how to rebuild your network from scratch when relocating to a new city or country.

Alejandra Rojas
Entrepreneur, Writer, Founder of Brown Way to Money

Episode 4: Empowerment & financial Wellness: Transforming entrepreneurial journeys

Alejandra is based in the Netherlands.

Listener Highlights

• Explore the role of resilience, mentorship, and empowerment in building sustainable businesses.

• Discover how financial wellness can transform entrepreneurial journeys and unlock long-term success.

• Hear Alejandra Rojas’ inspiring story of overcoming financial trauma and empowering women to thrive with money.

Vanessa Sanyauke
Entrepreneur, Founder of the Hill App and Girl Talk

Episode 5: Adaptability & Entrepreneurship: Overcoming professional hurdles

Vanessa identifies as Black African is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Discover practical lessons for building businesses from the ground up and overcoming professional hurdles.

• Gain insights into how adaptability fuels entrepreneurial success, even when facing funding and talent challenges.

• Hear Vanessa Sanyauke’s inspiring journey of resilience, determination, and the power of community support.

Sharon Zachariah
Commercial Lawyer and Founder of Innovation Law

Episode 6: Career Transitions: Navigating new paths and leadership

Sharon is from Kolkata in India and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Gain practical advice for aspiring leaders ready to step into new paths with confidence

• Discover how Sharon Zachariah transitioned from teaching English to building a career in commercial law.

• Learn why volunteering, networking, and self-realisation are key to navigating career transitions and leadership growth.

Jill Docherty
Payments and Sales leader

Episode 7: Leadership & Resilience: Navigating Career Challenges

Jill is British born, South African raised and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Discover the importance of networks, self-belief, and cultural awareness in navigating career challenges.

• Gain insights into how resilience and adaptability can help overcome career setbacks and fuel leadership growth.

• Hear Jill Docherty’s inspiring journey from marketing to commercial roles in FinTech and payments.

Pearl Oguchi
Entrepreneur and Community Builder

Episode 8: Resilience & Reinvention: Overcoming Career Setbacks & the Power of Community

Pearl identifies as Black British and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Learn why supportive communities, connection, and entrepreneurship are key to long-term success.

• Hear Pearl Oguchi’s inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and leadership in the tech industry.

• Discover how to navigate layoffs, overcome setbacks, and thrive in a constantly evolving career landscape.

Patlian Johnson
Strategic Planning and Reform Specialist

Episode 9: Pathways to Success: Career Growth and Adaptability

Patlian identifies as Black Caribbean and is based in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.

Listener Highlights

• Gain practical advice on navigating workplace challenges and building confidence and adaptability as a rising leader.

• Hear Patlian Johnson’s inspiring journey as a Caribbean woman leading public financial management reform in the BVI.

• Discover why trust, credibility, and empowerment are essential for leadership and career growth.

Nima Sharma
Portfolio Career Builder: Regulation and Personal Trainer

Episode 10: Building a Mosaic of Success: The Portfolio Career Journey

Nima identifies as British Asian and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Explore practical insights on balancing diverse roles while building a mosaic of professional and personal success.

• Discover how Nima Sharma redefines success through a portfolio career spanning regulation, entrepreneurship, and motherhood.

• Learn how embracing multiple career paths can create versatility, fulfilment, and resilience in today’s workplace.

Kanika Bailey
Tech Enthusiast and Romance author

Episode 17: Branding Brilliance: Building a Strong Personal Brand & Unlocking Income Opportunities

Kanika identifies as African-American and is based in the US.

Listener Highlights

• Discover practical strategies for financial empowerment, thought leadership, and shining in both career and entrepreneurship.

• Learn how to build a powerful personal brand that elevates your career and unlocks new income opportunities.

• Hear Kanika Bailey’s real-life journey of leveraging social media to showcase expertise and attract opportunities.

Vishaka Agarwal
Social entrepreneur & Master Blender

Episode 18: Purpose-Driven Success: Scaling a social enterprise & making an impact

Vishaka identifies as Indian and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Learn strategies for overcoming personal challenges, building sustainable growth, and making a lasting community impact.

• Hear Vishaka Agarwal’s inspiring journey of scaling Tea People while balancing purpose and profit.

• Discover how empathy, inclusivity, and resilience shape her leadership style as a South Asian entrepreneur.

Anike Wariebi
Certified Executive & Leadership Coach and Writer

Episode 22: From Corporate to a Portfolio Career: Embracing Life’s Unexpected Turns

Episode 23: From Corporate to a Portfolio Career: Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Anike identifies as British Nigerian and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Building purpose-driven success that honors both personal and professional growth

• Overcoming setbacks with resilience and self-awareness

• Transitioning from corporate roles to a portfolio career

• Turning challenges into triumphs through mentorship and empowerment

Ronke Lawal
PR & Comms Consultant, Personal Branding Coach

Episode 24: Investing in Your Personal Brand: Strategies for Success

Ronke identifies as Black British Nigerian and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Learn practical tips for building a strong personal brand that opens doors to new opportunities.

• Discover how to invest in your personal brand to achieve career success and authenticity.

• Ronke Lawal’s expert strategies on executive presence, visibility, and navigating career transitions with confidence.

Kin Chau
Principal Consultant, Aviation IT

Episode 25: Finding Your Voice: The Power of Community through Cultural Transitions and Career Pivots

Kin identifies as Chinese – East Asian and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Learn why community support and resilience are essential for embracing change and staying true to your values.

• Hear Kin Chau’s inspiring journey of navigating cultural transitions and career pivots across Hong Kong, Canada, and the UK.

• Discover how representation, visibility, and mentorship empower professionals in male-dominated fields.
  

Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright
Author, Speaker and Co-Founder, Thrive With Dignity

Episode 27: Embracing Authenticity: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Dr. Beth-Sarah identifies as Jamaican, Black and is based in the US.

Listener Highlights

• Learn how curiosity, discovery, and joy can transform both personal growth and leadership.

• Discover the power of authenticity, storytelling, and community in navigating life’s challenges.

• Hear Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright’s inspiring reflections on education, lifelong learning, and staying true to yourself.

Episode Video Highlights here

Ashley Kelly
Former Olympian turned Senior Consultant

Episode 29: From the Track to Consultancy: A Journey of Reinvention

Ashley identifies as Black and is based in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.

Listener Highlights

• Learn why mentorship, community, and representation are vital in navigating transitions and inspiring future leaders.

• Hear Olympian Ashley Kelly’s inspiring journey from athletics to consultancy in a Big Four firm.

• Discover how resilience, determination, and transferable skills can fuel successful career reinvention.

Episode Video highlights here

Charlotte Shields
Architect, Entrepreneur, and Mentor

Episode 30: From Architect to Entrepreneur: Crafting a Life of Financial Freedom and Flexibility

Charlotte identifies as Black and is based in the UK.

Listener Highlights

• Learn how resilience and determination can help you embrace change and take control of your career future.

• Hear Charlotte Shields’ inspiring journey from architect to entrepreneur, crafting a life of financial freedom and flexibility.

• Discover practical strategies for building multiple income streams, mastering financial literacy, and achieving work-life balance.

Episode Video highlights here