In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, we sit down with Anna Simioni, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the Foundation for Italian Cancer Research and Boston Consulting Group Advisor. Anna shares profound insights on redefining success, embracing generative conflict, and creating environments where women leaders can flourish rather than simply improve.

Anna's unique perspective on leadership challenges traditional notions of harmony and presents a compelling case for how productive disagreement can lead to better outcomes. She also discusses her initiative to address the concerning trend of women leaving the workforce and her innovative program at Politecnico Business School in Milan.

• (03.08 - 11:36) The shift from "improving" to "flourishing" in personal and professional growth
• (12:13 - 15:06) Why harmony isn't always the goal: embracing generative conflict
• (15:12 - 19:58) Anna's journey from her biggest hurdle being "herself and her attitude” to embracing failure and learning with a “Growth Mindset”
• (20:19 - 27:04) The power of a growth mindset in leadership development
• (28:53 - 33:51) What is generative conflict?
• (36:06 - 42:20) 2022 Wake-up call: over 95% of all voluntary terminations were women
• (43:09 - 46:34) Growth, learning and impact: a three dimensional approach to a senior women leadership program to increase impact
• (46:39 - 50:13) The power of allyship and leveraging a bigger network, embracing conflict, and leading beyond your role for bigger impact
• (51:06 - 53:31) How organizations can create environments that welcome productive disagreement

Anna Simioni is Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the Foundation for Italian Cancer Research and a member of the Board of Banca Generali. She serves as a Boston Consulting Group Advisor for People & Organization practice, after having been Executive Director. With over 16 years in executive positions and 19 years of consulting practice, Anna brings deep expertise in transformation, organizational effectiveness, behavioral changes, trust building, and leadership development.

A certified coach since 2009 with specializations in Narrative and Somatic Coaching, Anna is also a certified teacher of the Feldenkrais Method. She has been Chair member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Learning & Innovation Laboratory. Anna holds a Business Administration degree from Università Luigi Bocconi and a master's in Human Resources from the University of Michigan School of Business.

"Success is really being able to put your power at the service of your purpose."

"Life is never in harmony... What matters is how you recover from the imperfection and the misalignment, to recreate a stronger bond or relationship with people."

"The way you do things really makes visible what you want to achieve... It's not about having a goal or having an ambition and saying, 'okay, ambition is so important that I need to find a way to accomplish it.' The way you try to achieve things is even more important."

"Most of the time we completely forget that the decision is good only when it is applied... making a decision in a shorter time and then having a very long or never full implementation, for me, it's not the best thing that an organization can do."

1. Embrace productive disagreement as a path to better solutions and stronger relationships
2. Focus on how you achieve goals, not just what you achieve
3. Create space for different voices and perspectives in decision-making
4. Build and leverage networks beyond your immediate organization
5. Practice self-awareness and be open to changing your narrative
6. Consider both adding and removing things in your life to flourish
7. Approach conflict with curiosity rather than...

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, co-host Ellie sits down with Marsha Larned, Managing Director, International Business at Institutional Investor, to explore her extensive global experience and its impact on her leadership style.

Marsha discusses her career journey from BNP Paribas to her current role as the Managing Director of a global business, highlighting the challenges of advocating from a distance, the importance of self-reflection and mentorship, and the development of intercultural skills.

The episode covers key themes like self-belief in leadership, the power of personal connections, and the balance of professionalism with vulnerability.

Marsha shares insights on modern leadership principles, including authenticity, flexibility, and fostering human-centric workplaces. The conversation underscores the value of mental health, trust, and taking risks for personal and professional growth.

Tips on creating organisational success through community culture and hybrid work environments are also discussed.

Key Discussion Points

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:20 Marsha Larned's Impressive Biography

01:52 Personal Insights: Who is Marsha Larned?

02:51 International Career and Leadership Journey

03:54 Advocating for Yourself and Your Business

05:42 Developing Self-Belief and Overcoming Challenges

07:25 Navigating Cultural Differences in Business

13:16 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

18:23 Building Trust and Delegating in Leadership

20:41 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust in Change Management

22:39 Advice to My Younger Self: Embrace Opportunities and Keep Perspective

25:04 Developing and Nurturing Female Talent in Organizations

30:23 Creating a Culture of Communication and Trust

32:26 The Drive for Adventure and Taking Risks

35:37 Modern Leadership: Balancing Flexibility and Human Connection

39:48 Final Thoughts on Human-Centric Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Use your strong side to tackle and help your weak side thrive." - Marsha Larned

"If you fast forward 10 years from now, you will not even remember this problem."

Connect with Marsha

Email: marsha.larned@gmail.com

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, podcast co-host Ellie English interviews Louise Cummins, Chief Marketing Officer for World Vision Australia.

With over 30 years of award-winning experience in marketing, management, and organisational change, Louise shares her inspiring journey from the glamour of MGM studios to the heart of Cambodia, driven by a desire for purposeful work.

Louise discusses the importance of resilience, clarity of purpose, and the power of passion projects. She also touches on navigating diversity in organisations, setting personal and professional boundaries, and the significance of staying in the driver's seat of one's career. Tune in for actionable advice on leadership, balancing work-life, and unleashing your potential.

Episode highlights

00:00 Introduction to Women Leadership Reframe

01:33 Meet Louise Cummings: A Leadership Journey

03:25 The Role of Adventure in Career Growth

04:53 Finding Purpose and Legacy

10:12 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

13:12 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

16:37 Taking Charge of Your Career

25:22 Challenges and Opportunities at the C-Level

27:46 The Importance of Boundaries and Balance

36:25 Leadership Traits and Mindsets

42:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key topics covered:

• The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone for professional growth
• Balancing career aspirations with personal life and passion projects
• Developing resilience and a strong sense of self-worth in leadership roles
• Strategies for effective time management and setting boundaries
• Navigating the challenges of being a woman in C-suite positions
• The value of continuous learning and adapting to emerging technologies like AI
• Fostering talent development and addressing unconscious bias in the workplace
• Key traits for career advancement: confidence, tenacity, and problem-solving skills

Notable quotes:

• "Peace is not allowing other people to guide... know yourself and know your value."
• "Busy people are lazy people... you're not putting up the right boundaries around yourself."
• "If you're confident and you're tenacious and you are demanding a seat at the table... that absolutely trumps talent."

Louise also shares personal anecdotes, including her experience as a mother of a child with autism and how it influenced her approach to leadership and inclusivity.

Listeners will gain practical advice on career progression, maintaining work-life balance, and cultivating essential leadership skills in today's dynamic business environment.

Connect with Louise Cummins on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/louiseemmacummins

Don't forget to subscribe to Women Leadership Reframe for more inspiring conversations with trailblazing women leaders!

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, we sit down with Tanja Powers, a seasoned executive with 30 years of experience in the Pharma and BioTech industries. Tanja shares her journey from corporate leadership to a fulfilling portfolio career, offering valuable insights on redefining success, overcoming challenges, and creating impact in new ways.

Tanja's approach to leadership and personal growth focuses on self-awareness, continuous learning, and embracing new opportunities. In this episode, she offers valuable lessons for both aspiring leaders and those considering a transition to a portfolio career.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation on authentic leadership, overcoming career hurdles, and finding new ways to make a difference.

## Episode Highlights:

- (02:15) Challenges faced by women in pharma and biotech, including being the only woman in the room early in career

- (05:30) The importance of female mentors throughout your career and bringing your whole self to work

- (09:45) Qualities of admirable leaders: vulnerability, humility, and the ability to truly listen for understanding

- (14:20) Balancing responsibility with decision-making authority in leadership roles

- (17:35) Tanja's pivotal moment in transitioning from corporate life to a portfolio career

- (22:50) Exploring new opportunities: philanthropy, nonprofits, and giving back to the community

- (27:10) The concept of a portfolio career and redesigning life after corporate success

- (32:40) Tanja's experiments: leadership coaching certification, Encore fellowship, and volunteering in Nepal

- (37:15) Overcoming fears and embracing change in career transitions

- (41:30) The importance of rituals in life transitions and letting go of limiting beliefs

- (44:20) Tanja's vision for her legacy and impact on the next generation of leaders

## About Tanja Powers:

Tanja Powers is an executive leadership coach and non-profit board member. She has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with significant leadership roles in sales, marketing and access. In her most recent role at Genentech, she led the U.S. ophthalmology business, launching the blockbuster Vabysmo and managing a +2B P&L. Tanja has led large organizations, significant change initiatives, product launches and commercialization strategies. She spent a significant amount of her career focused on U.S. payers, negotiating product coverage and leading the account and marketing teams responsible for product access. Tanja has direct therapeutic experience in Ophthalmology, Virology, Urology and Gynecology. She is passionate about creating, growing and supporting high functioning teams and is known for her empowering approach and ability to collaborate across complex organizations. Tanja holds an undergraduate degree in journalism, an MBA and is a Hudson certified leadership coach. She is an active member of SV2 and a board member with Gateway Mountain Center.

## Key Quotes:

“I would tell my younger self, and also whisper in her ear, that your voice is important. Trust your gut and speak up because your perspective is important. That's why it's there.”

“I really appreciated having someone in my corner that I could go to with, ‘Hey, this just happened and it's not feeling right, or I don't know that I handled it correctly.’ I could really trust her feedback, and that was that was invaluable.” -on the importance of her first female mentor

“Magic really happens when you can bring your whole self to work. And I know that's a little bit cliche and sometimes overused, but when you can be yourself and you feel safe and you can speak up or have a differing opinion, I think it brings a whole new level of engagement and a better level of...

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, podcast host Ellie English interviews Robyn Agoston, the Global Head of transformational change at Novartis.

Robyn shares her remarkable career journey that spans over 20 years and across seven countries, from working in her family's restaurant in Canada to leading digital and people transformation initiatives at one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.

The conversation delves deeply into topics, such as authentic leadership, overcoming biases, managing career transitions, and the importance of emotional intelligence and learning agility.

The episode emphasises the necessity of a human-first and modern leadership mindset and explores how organisations can cultivate empathy, accountability, and long-term strategic thinking amidst the evolving landscape of work.

As Robyn prepares to close her current chapter at Novartis, she offers invaluable insights on managing transitions, combating scarcity mindsets, and why it's crucial to adopt an abundance mindset—both in business and in life.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to navigate change, foster resilience, and lead with humanity.

00:00 Welcome to Women Leadership Reframe

01:18 Introducing Robyn Agoston

01:57 Robyn's Career Journey

04:35 Navigating Career Transitions

07:50 Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning

15:03 Scarcity Mindset and Leadership

19:20 Human-Centric Leadership

25:28 Authenticity in Leadership

33:20 Addressing Inherent Bias in Leadership

34:38 Challenges of the Traditional Workweek

35:43 The Limitations of DEI Programs

36:54 Intersectionality and Bias Awareness

37:22 Cultural Awareness in Leadership

41:04 Experiencing Systemic Racism

42:47 Empathy and Understanding in Leadership

43:36 Early Career Lessons in Tolerance

46:05 Advocating for Mothers in the Workplace

50:21 Navigating Leadership Conversations with Grace

53:08 Redefining Effective Leadership

56:02 Conscious Capitalism and Leadership

59:34 Intentional Leadership and Organisational Change

01:06:29 The Importance of Learning Agility

01:07:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Biography:

Robyn Agoston is the Global Head of Transformational Change at Novartis, with over 20 years of experience driving strategic change across global organisations. As a seasoned organisational architect and transformational change expert, Robyn has a proven track record of leading complex digital and operational transformations that align people, technology, and the future of work.

Her career began in Canada, where she gained early leadership experience working in her family’s restaurant business. She holds an MA in Labour Studies and Human Resources from McMaster University and a BAH in Global Development and Religious Studies from Queen's University. Robyn’s passion for global impact led her to roles with the UNDP, ILO, and NGOs in India, Namibia, and Ghana, focusing on youth employment and migrant labor issues.

In London, Robyn excelled as a Management Consultant at KPMG, where she led the Change Capability Practice for the UK and earned her Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) qualification. Following a successful consulting career, she took a 14-month sabbatical, during which she travelled extensively, earned her Yoga Teacher Training certification, and authored a popular travel blog.

At Novartis, Robyn has been instrumental in advancing digital-first and AI-driven initiatives, developing bespoke products, and creating innovative operating models. She is also a certified Scrum Master and CTI-certified Co-Active Coach, committed to fostering human-centric leadership in today’s rapidly evolving workplace.

A Canadian, British, and Hungarian citizen, Robyn has lived and worked in seven countries,...

In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, we sit down with Tricia Stewart, Chief People Officer at FibroGen and a 25-year veteran in global people and culture leadership. Tricia shares her journey of rising through the ranks in biotech while maintaining authenticity and building strong relationships.

Tricia's approach to leadership and personal growth is focused on self-awareness, continuous learning, and fostering inclusive environments. In this episode, she offers valuable lessons for both aspiring leaders and organisations striving to create more supportive and high-performing workplaces.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation on authentic leadership, overcoming career hurdles, and creating organisational cultures where women can thrive without compromising their wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

• (01:42): Challenges faced by women in biotech as an industry and systemic ways to address this
• (03:50): Tricia’s personal experiences as an executive woman from microaggressions, gender norms, and the tugs of personal and professional demands
• (08:51): Balancing career demands with personal life, including insights on single parenthood in executive roles
• (11:54): The power of asking for help and building a strong support network
• (14:07): The evolution of Tricia's definition of success from external markers to intrinsic fullfilment
• (18:01): The power of an important pivot in Tricia’s career that brought her closer to family
• (23:48): How powerful self-reflection and somatic practices have helped Tricia in moments when she was searching for her own wisdom within to make a decision
• (27:15): The role of networking and diverse conversations in personal and professional growth
• (32:18): Advice for organisations on advancing women in leadership roles

About Tricia Stewart:

Tricia is a global people and culture leader, enabling individuals, teams and organisations to thrive. For over 25 years, she has applied her passion for employee-centricity and leadership effectiveness to ignite personal and professional growth in others and herself. Tricia has worked across diverse industries - from biotech to consumer products, and from consulting and financial services to entertainment companies. The rich differences in corporate cultures and ways of working have shaped her ability to innovate people practices and to help teams and functions transform and future-proof themselves. Her remit has stretched across 100 countries in environments ranging from startups with hyper-growth to commercial HR leadership positions for a pharmaceutical company with over 100,000 employees. To complement her BA degree in Economics and International Business, Tricia completed her Co-active coaching curriculum and mentors young women in her free time. She is enjoying her current role as Chief People Officer for the last 3 years at FibroGen, a biotech co-located in San Francisco and China. Tricia's joy is to unlock the diversity of thoughts and experiences to foster employee fulfilment, teamship and to drive exceptional business outcomes.

## Key Quotes:

“I remember being in a meeting in Europe, with a large tax firm and it was all white men and they asked me to go get the coffee, not realising I was the decision maker of this contract, and I had to check myself from that boiling annoyance that comes up inside. So, there's things like that, where you have to self-regulate and then, you know, inform others of your role in a meeting.”

“My daughter Abbey is now 24 years old, a paediatric nurse and doing beautiful things out in the world. I hope our journey together as I navigated my career across the world with her by my side helped her with building resiliency. That's how I try to assuage some of my mom guilt. But truly, asking for help was...

Episode 4: Breaking Barriers: Dr. Manuela Rauch on Thriving as a Female Leader in Law

Guest: Dr. Manuela Rauch, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, Germany

About Manuela: Dr. Manuela Rauch is a Partner in the International Labor Law practice group at Eversheds Sutherland in Munich.

She is an experienced lawyer for labour law since 2011. Manuela advises and represents national and international companies in all areas of individual and collective labour law both in and out of court.

Manuela has specialised in providing labour law advice on transactions, including cross-border projects, as well as reorganisations and restructuring measures. Moreover, she regularly provides German labour law advice in cross-border transactions. Manuela also focuses on advice regarding secondments.

Together, with her international colleagues, she manages the Eversheds Sutherland Global Mobility Legal Blog, and she is an author for Hamburger Fern-Hochschule (HFH).

Chambers Europe repeatedly recommended Manuela as "Up and Coming"; she is also recognised for Labour and Employment Law by Best Lawyers, WirtschaftsWoche, JUVE Handbook and The Legal 500.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Manuela Rauch, a partner at Eversheds Sutherland, to discuss the challenges faced by women in the legal industry and how to overcome them.

Manuela shares her personal experiences, insights on work-life balance, and advice for organisations aiming to promote and retain women in leadership roles.

Key Topics Discussed with Time Stamps:

01:19- 04:45: Balancing family and career in the legal profession

04:52-05:18: Addressing the mental load faced by working mothers

05:19- 07:22: Flexible work arrangements and their impact on career progression

07:26-12:10: Advice for law firms to elevate their women talent

12:11-13.46: Ideas to change legal industry to reduce barriers for women

13:56- 21:22: Overcoming setbacks and using feedback for personal growth

21:23- 23:18: Understanding how conditioning has influenced Manuela’s career

23:20-25.13: Advice to existing and future lawyer leaders to progress their careers

25:14- 27:31: Advice to corporates about advancing more women into leadership

Notable Quotes:

"I think the biggest struggle is still juggling family and work."

"It's really about flexibility that works very well."

"Just take a second. If somebody else has a different background, a different situation and can do it the same way."

"If you're getting feedback from somebody, just take it and think about it, not fire back immediately."

Manuela's Advice for Organisations:

1. Maintain women's networks for peer support

2. Focus on individual career development plans

3. Offer mentoring, training, and external coaching opportunities

Personal Insights:

• Manuela shares her experience of being temporarily removed from the partnership track and how it ultimately strengthened her resolve
• She discusses the importance of staying authentic while adapting to male-dominated environments

Actionable Takeaways for Listeners:

• Embrace flexibility in your work arrangements
• Seek feedback and use it for personal growth
• Stay true to your values and authenticity
• Build a support network of peers and mentors

Connect with us: For more information on women in leadership and career development, follow our podcast and connect with Manuela Rauch.

Connect with us:

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jim Rottman, Global Head of Culture and Inclusion at Volvo.

Jim shares his insights on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) from a systemic and strategic perspective. Jim shares his innovative approaches to fostering inclusion, driving innovation, and redefining leadership in the modern workplace.

He reflects on his personal journey and how powerful women in his life motivated his commitment to inclusion. The discussion delves into practical advice for organisations to create inclusive environments, enhance innovation through diverse teams, and balance work-life dynamics. Jim also emphasises the importance of listening deeply and leading with generosity.

From micro-habits that create sustainable change to a revolutionary team-level diversity analysis, this episode is packed with practical insights for HR professionals and leaders alike.

Tune in for more actionable tips and inspiring stories aimed at helping ambitious women elevate their leadership journey and organisations foster cultures of belonging where everybody can thrive.

Key Topics Discussed:

(02:04): Jim's personal journey and what shaped his passion for inclusion

(09:11): The balance between "fitting in" and "standing out" in inclusive cultures

(14:23): Implementing micro-habits for sustainable organisational change

(21:45): The 4D analysis: A new approach to team-level diversity

(34:34): The power of deep, uninterrupted listening in leadership

(26:27): Embracing discomfort as a pathway to innovation

(32:15): Values-driven leadership and its importance in career development

(28:29): The future of DEI in corporate environments

Jim’s Biography:

Jim Rottman is currently serving as the Global Head of Culture and Inclusion at Volvo Cars in Sweden. With a career spanning over two decades, Jim has established himself as a visionary in designing and implementing people-first strategies that drive business success in the rapidly evolving global work landscape.

At Volvo Cars, Jim has significantly improved the company's diversity ranking, elevating it from 97th to 16th among 850 European companies in just two years.

His expertise lies in modernising talent acquisition, fostering inclusive leadership, and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance employee experiences and organisational performance.

Prior to his role at Volvo, Jim held key positions at Roche/Genentech and American Express, where he pioneered global diversity and inclusion strategies, led future of work initiatives, and advised C-suite executives on critical leadership capabilities. His innovative approaches have earned him recognition, including Roche's Innovation Award for advancing women in leadership and nominated for inspiring global inclusion leader.

Jim holds a Master's in Organisational Development and an Executive Master's in Software Design. His unique blend of HR expertise and technical knowledge allows him to navigate the intersection of people management and emerging technologies effectively.

Committed to creating cultures where innovation thrives and inclusion is paramount, Jim Rottman continues to be at the forefront of transforming how organisations approach talent management and employee engagement in our increasingly diverse and digital world.

Call to Action: Try Jim's listening challenge: In your next meeting, allow someone to speak without interruption until they're done. Share your experience with us on social media using #WomenLeadershipReframe

Connect with Jim Rottman here on Linked in or at jim.rottman@gmail.com

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