Netwomen Uncut

Money is a taboo topic. Pinky chats with Melissa Pavone -Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, to tackle one of the biggest reasons marriages fail: money. Melissa opens up about why finances remain such a taboo topic and how this silence can impact relationships. She shares her mission to empower people going through divorce by becoming their financial ally- helping them understand the numbers and what they mean for their future. Whether you're dating, married, divorcing, or simply curious about financial planning, this conversation is packed with practical advice and insights.

Inspired by Rodrigua Ross SVP of DEIB at YMCA, she instantly resonated with the Netwomen team when she spoke at our Aspiring Leaders Circle. She has become a role model for me and Netwomen Ambassador and I love our chats. A lifelong lover of high heels, Rodrigua shares her inspiring journey filled with challenges with Pinky. From owning her failures to embracing bravery and advocating for herself, she reminds us to step into our power. Put on your favourite heels and tune in to this empowering episode!

Pinky talks to Jennifer Halsall De Wit Co-founder and CCO at The Collective, this month. The last time she spoke about how to be an inclusive leader was at our Aspiring Leaders Circle. Join us this month as Jennifer shares her journey in the fitness industry. We discuss diversity, elevating and retaining women in the physical activity and fitness sector. Why gyms aren't inclusive, safe spaces for women, especially for weight lifting? And why collaboration and support within organisations are crucial when women navigate motherhood. One to listen to!

In this episode of Netwomen Uncut, we dive deep into the art and impact of personal branding with Jessica Yarmey, a marketing expert and entrepreneur who believes that everyone, not just business owners, can benefit from a strong personal brand. Jessica shared how to lean into your strengths at our Aspiring Leaders Circle, this month she gives insights on how branding influences perception, drives opportunity, and builds credibility in every industry. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or starting your venture, this conversation is packed with actionable tips on creating a brand that truly represents you. Join us to uncover the power of authentic branding and why it's essential in today's competitive landscape.

In this special episode of Netwomen Uncut, we're joined by our fabulous Community Development team, Maritsa and Crystal, to talk about the heart of Netwomen and what makes it such a powerful, inclusive space for women everywhere. Tune in as we discuss the profound benefits of community, connection, and creating psychologically safe spaces where everyone feels they belong. We'll dive into the exciting collaborations and partnerships we have for 2024, and as a bonus, Pinky shares an inspiring look ahead at our vision and plans for 2025. Perfect for anyone looking to connect, collaborate, and grow within a supportive network—this episode is all about the power of community.

Pinky speaks with Pina Melchionna CEO of CITT- Canada's Logistics Association and partner with Netwomen. "The journey of growth happens out of your comfort zone." Navigating imposter syndrome and mum guilt and pivoting from the legal sector to finance and managing her own company, Pina says, "advocating for yourself is key because no one else will do this for you." What a 'real' conversation, have a listen!

Gary King founder of Tendo and director of the Association of Business Mentors (ABM) joins Pinky for a conversation on building high-performing teams and the critical importance of measuring targets. As an advisor to SMEs and a mentor to aspiring leaders, Gary provides invaluable insights on how to get 'in the zone' for team performance. In this episode, you'll discover practical strategies for effective planning, the keys to strategic focus, and the art of building cohesive teams. Whether you're an SME owner or a team leader this conversation with Gary is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in to learn how to turn your big ideas into reality and achieve greater success in your business.

Joined by Kerrie Dorman founder of Association of Business Mentors (ABM) Netwomen partner. Kerrie is a trailblazing entrepreneur doing this while raising three small children in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Kerrie shares her unique insights on the importance of embracing failure, the power of self-awareness and reflection, and the value of positively challenging the status quo. With a relentless curiosity and a passion for growth, Kerrie brings you stories, lessons, and actionable advice to help you navigate your own path to success.

Pinky speaks with the Head of Netwomen community development Maritsa Samonas. She speaks candidly about burnout, sleep (or lack of it!) how her life of juggling roles as a mother and working full time impacted her mental health. She talks about listening to your intuition and trusting it. Enjoy!

From a Belgian culture to spending 8 years in a Latin culture, Maya talks about how she had to adapt and learn how to stand her ground and negotiate. She shares how she had to 'be more Peruvian' have boundaries and say no to avoid being taken advantage of by managers, taxi drivers and landlords. A very interesting conversation.

Wesley is the CEO and founder of Blue Strawberry, making social media scheduling easier for you. He talks candidly with Pinky about the positives of AI and how it can help us. They discuss AI biases, limitations and ethical considerations for synthetic content such as deepfakes. Interesting conversation, have a listen.

Ginni Saraswati owner of Ginni Media and born in  Sri Lanka, learned early on the importance of setting firm boundaries with her time and finances. Something many women of colour struggle with. She talks about 'Browndaries' and shares her insights on how to navigate and create healthy boundaries being a woman of colour and as an employee and a CEO, going against the Sri Lankan emphasis on generosity. 

ABM partnered with Netwomen in 2024 and we welcome CEO Georgina Waite as she joins Pinky to talk about the challenges of her journey and how she overcame them including her moments of inspiration. "Ask for a pay rise because that's what a man would do." She talks about imposter syndrome and having young children whilst navigating her role as CEO at ABM. Perspective, gratitude and patience go a long way.

Andrea Fimian CEO of Fips Consulting talks with Pinky about bridging the procurement gap for small diverse businesses. Whatever companies do internally, they must consider supplier biases too. Women owned businesses are out there and we deserve a chance, besides we add $2.7 Trillion to the annual economy and employ 12.2 million people so why wouldn't you buy from us? Be open and people buy from people.

In this episode, Pinky talks to Crystal about her journey as VP in events and partnerships and being a Netwomen community manager. Her focus on establishing relationships with clients is transforming the way we are progressing in the sports and fitness industry at Netwomen.

Caroline Halsall started her business when her daughter was born. She talks about agency vs owning a small business and what resilience means to her. The mindset of not playing small, having the self worth to know you are an expert and delegation. Enjoy this conversation!

Pinky tells us about the Exclusive January 2024 membership offer. Includes access to all online monthly events:

Leyla Okhai is the founder and CEO of Diverse Minds UK Ltd. Diverse Minds creates a positively productive workplace for all through training, coaching and consultancy. She is a TEDx Speaker, her talk is entitled The Connection between Race, Culture and Mental Health. We talk about the journey of being an immigrant and why the path of least resistance is still a path.

Netwomen division Director Laura Bosworth based in Scotland talks to Pinky about the challenges for women in Financial services. Laura shares her story of leaving the sector and starting her executive search business and her struggle with MS. She talks openly about her hidden condition, her disability, the impact it has had on her and why Laura became a Netwomen Director.

Rupinder Kaur founder of Asian Women Mean Business talks to Pinky about the challenges that South Asian women face. From childhood to university then working in corporate and owning her business, Rupinder shares her story and her journey. We limit ourselves based on the stories we have been told from a young age, often never changing our mindset and living a life of conformity only to dim our light. Listen and find out the challenges South Asian women face.

CEO of JS Media talks to Pinky about her journey from corporate advertising and tech which then landed her as an entrepreneur and owning her own brand marketing business. They discuss the importance of collaboration over competition for women. Based in NYC and LA Jasmine spends her time between the 2 cities and is a powerhouse in her field. Enjoy!

OK Positive CEO Charlie Winton and Pinky talk about mental health and the stigma around talking about it. Charlie talks candidly about his struggles with OCD and intrusive thoughts. What did he do to overcome the thoughts and why did he start to help other people on their mental health journey through OK Positive SAAS platform. They talk about how people are socialising Post covid, what impact it's having on us and how AI is a tool for humans rather than a replacement for humans. 

We found our CEO Pinky a little starstruck with Tania Diggory CEO of Calmer for this episode. Pinky has been following Calmer and receiving the newsletter for 5 years and she never thought she would have Tania on her podcast but that happened today! They talk about burnout, anxiety, Tania's experience of her panic attacks and the stigma of mental health for people of colour. Have a listen!

Gareth Buchanan founder of Inclusive Advocacy talks to Pinky about what it was like to go from HR in corporate finance to owning his DEI consultancy. He is also a Netwomen DEI facilitator who believes in inclusive cultures, just like us. He talks about the old boys club, the golf club and what needs to happen to shift the old way of doing things which is often not the best way. What 'woke' means and why anti wokeness is disparaging and dismissing progressive ideas similar to the way feminism is perceived. And so much more. Have a listen!

Based in Quebec, Canada, Elizabeth Ionita is Netwomen Director for Tech and Public Sector in USA. After almost a decade in Tech sales, helping drive growth, she shares her perspective on what it takes to build strong cultures and why learning and development is key to retaining people as well as the changes she wants to make to corporate culture with Netwomen. What does a high-performing culture look like and why does it matter to you as a leader? Full of useful nuggets of information.

Meet Aiko our Netwomen Community Director based in L.A. USA. As she says "Community is everything." Aiko grew up in poverty and is thriving in her mindfulness business and is doing brilliant things with Netwomen growing the community. "When women come together we can shift the world- Aiko" You are going to love this.

Netwomen division director Tara Lehman based in Toronto Canada talks to Pinky about the challenges and struggles of being a woman in trucking. Why women are scared of advocating for themselves or using their voice and why we need sponsorship, mentorship, team support and community to thrive, get to positions of power and stay there. Why remote or hybrid working has great benefits but also negatives, namely proximity bias. 

Pinky and Hayley founder of Hayley Joy based in Johannesburg has been in business for 16 years. Talking about the forgotten women and a conversation about plus size women who struggle to find something that only fits well but they feel good in. Hayley has had a journey that is inspiring and she leads with fun and happiness. If it doesn't make you happy then don't do it. Perhaps the key to success? Have a listen and find out.

How important is it that the leadership team represents our diverse world? Rupal Patel and Pinky speak candidly about being brown women and how our bringing has shaped our lives. We talk about Rupal's book From CIA to CEO helps you find your voice as an entrepreneur and leader. And being parents to our little humans, how we can achieve gender balance and move the needle on diversity to create normalcy. So much work to be done. Enjoy!

Why are women less likely to negotiate? And what happens when women negotiate? Michelle Gyimah Pay Gaps Expert talks candidly with Pinky about this thought provoking topic that we need to talk about and often don't. As women, we feel guilt and shame when we ask for more but we deserve more! We deserve the same as men and we need to have a clear pay structure that doesn't penalise women, otherwise, we will lose them. We need more conversations about retaining and attracting talent fairly. Join the movement.

Al Kingsley CEO of netsupport chats with Pinky about what organisations need to be doing to bridge the gender gap and gender parity. Why are we still educating people about this? Pay parity is a 'given' right? Well obviously not, because we are still talking about it. Why? I loved this conversation because Al is a true leader and an ally. Enjoy!

Pinky and Cat Wildman co-founder and CEO of Global Equality Collective, one of our netwomen partners, talk about being a woman in a man's world. How things need to change in organisations to create equality, what needs to happen and why it's so important for a sustainable future. And why do all ladies' public toilet doors open inwards? Seriously who designed them? If you can give us a real reason please email us and tell us why hello@netwomen.co

Jess Heagren co-founder of 'That works for me' chats with Pinky about the challenges we face as mothers and the difficulties of returning back to work. We talk about childcare, paternity leave and how organisations can solve the gender balance crisis to help bridge the gender gap at the top. Something that we are passionate about @netwomen.co and we look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Michelle Almeida business coach and netwomen ambassador talks with Pinky about the mindset shift from being employed in hospitality then third sector to now self employed and owning her business. We chat about being passed over for promotions and subsequently a career change into a completely new industry. Imposter syndrome came up in the new career when she felt fear of judgment every time she pushed herself out of her comfort zone. What it means to go from a salary to variable income and how that effects you and your family.

Ev Foster is the operating principal of Keller Williams Scotia- based in Glasgow and netwomen ambassador. She started her career as a nurse and then in the finance world over 25 years ago and experienced the good old boys club. We chat about how her bold confidence helped her navigate through that part of her career and gain respect. Learning as you grow and passionate about mindset, Ev transitioned to owning her own real estate business and helping others realise their dreams.

Join Amanda Robinson who is transforming lives with health and wellbeing. She is a netwomen member based in Nashville, Tennessee. After her career in dancing and discovering the gender pay gap, she decided to quit and start her own business. We talk about why health is the most important part of your life and how Amanda can help you as her business expands to Europe.

Join Pinky and Tatiana Tsoir netwomen.co member in New York who is the author of Dream Bold Start Smart, entrepreneur, business coach and world changer. She shares her money mindset tips, book recommendations and why she thinks money is a taboo subject. Enjoy!

Pinky talks with Katharine Matthews teacher turned copywriter and netwomen.co ambassador. She shares her tips on mindset and what it takes to be a business owner and a mum. She also shares her struggle work life balance openly, including overcoming guilt and following her joy. Take the leap and be an exceptional leader!

Being an entrepreneur is bloody hard- it's like going on a bear hunt! Rebecca Bonnington co founder of Tricres and brilliant NLP coach shares her journey and advice. Love her tips on why you should 'Keep on going' and what it means to be an entrepreneur. Hope you have as much fun listening to this as I did recording it.

Mollie netwomen ambassador and marketing strategist of Heritage Comms talks to us this month about how working in a toxic corporate firm changed the trajectory of her career and her life. We talk candidly about how there aren't enough women who champion other women and help them up the ladder and how we aren't listened to or heard in a male dominated environment.

Loved this chat with Kate Tyson- brand and marketing strategist of Snowball communications, mother of 2 girls and a valued member of our netwomen community. We talk about having boundaries and setting them, understanding white privilege and remembering to treat our children as humans rather than gender stereotypes. Enjoy this!

Pinky founder of netwomen.co and Katharine one of our netwomen ambassadors and copywriter host a chat with Paula Shutt. Paula is the founder of LIFTED which she created after the death of George Floyd and the BLM movement. Her mission aligns with ours at netwomen and we partnered so that we can offer an interactive DEI event where we can talk about challenges women of colour face every day at work and socially. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did recording it.

Katie Keith Executive Director of Global Chamber and @netwomen.co partner talks about the identity shift it took to go from her corporate career to becoming a business owner. We talk about self belief, valuing your worth and finding out 'who you are,' the shifts you need to own your business.

Sara Burns founder of we diversifai a tech solution for headhunting and AI. We also talk about our partnership with Women in Tech which is a global movement to help women embrace technology. Join us as we discuss the challenges women face in tech and why improving DEI is vital for the success of all businesses around the world.

Donya Anvari co founder of Certified Proud chats to Pinky about the challenges that she faces with being part of the LGBTQ+ community and how she and her co founders plan to change that. She also identifies the difficulties organisations face when they have to navigate through change. Netwomen.co is delighted to be partnered with Certified Proud.

Pinky talks with Gill Kirkham who calls herself the modern day alchemist. She shares her story of burnout after working in a toxic corporate environment and finding her purpose through energy coaching. Lots of tips and advice on how to live on purpose.

Janifer Wheeler CEO of The Joyful Badass Business Academy and netwomen.co ambassador based in Austin, Texas shares her story of burnout and how it drove her away from her 9-5 job as a teacher to being her own boss. She identifies the signs of burnout and what tools she used to overcome it. Some great tips for business owners and career women.

A candid conversation about some of the challenges Julia Latif co-founder and owner of Our House of Spice, UK based Indian spice business and Netwomen.co ambassador. Julia shares what it has been like for her as an ethnic minority woman in the UK and how speaking up about this will help us as a community to overcome some of the barriers and stereotypes that we encounter. Find out more about Julia's story in this episode as we uncover some of the day to day microaggressions that we face.

Pinky speaks with Deborah Craig hypnotherapist and coach who shares her story from victimhood to victory. We can do so much more than we think when we distance ourselves from toxic thinking and negativity. Our foundation at netwomen.co supports women who have been in toxic situations at work.

Are you in a toxic relationship and you don't know why? Ceza Ouzounian- Netwomen ambassador and Warrior in Training tells us all that boundaries matter! When is the last time that you said 'no' and felt good about it? We discover that toxic relationships happen when YOU let them. Find out more in this episode where we unpack some of those limiting beliefs and self doubt.

Pinky shares her tips on recognising the signs of burnout when you don't even notice them and what you can do to help you overcome WFH burnout.