What does it take to lead thousands through change while staying true to who you are? Emma Carter is an inspiring senior HR leader who embodies authenticity and whole-person leadership. Currently Head of HR for the North Europe Cluster at Bayer, Emma leads a multicultural team across 13 countries, guiding over 4,000 employees through transformation and growth. With a career spanning top roles in both the automotive and life sciences industries, Emma’s approach is grounded in openness, integrity, and genuine connection, with a track record of leading by example, especially through times of organisational change. In this episode, we talk about: (04:15) From HR to life sciences transition (06:36) Owning your career path (10:26) Balancing work and motherhood (16:30) Reaffirming change with transparency (20:00) Experiencing job role changes (21:53) Leading with empathy (26:46) Embrace vulnerability at work (30:04) Workplace culture impacts confidence (31:42) Gaining confidence over time Emma’s candid reflections on owning your voice, supporting one another, and thriving through ambiguity make this conversation both relatable and transformative. Whether you’re managing change or looking to strengthen your leadership style, you’ll find not just wisdom but also actionable steps in Emma’s story. Tune in for a motivating dose on authentic leadership! About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ In this show, we cover Authentic leadership, Women in Leadership, Navigating Change, Career Development, Vulnerability, Work-Life Balance, Team Building Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact and Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-carter-13487219/…

In this episode, I’m joined by an extremely passionate leader - Dr Sade Mokuolu, Regional Business Development Manager for Life Sciences at Watson Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions. Sade has a wealth of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical engineering, holding numerous senior business and technical roles throughout her career. She has also published her work in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. Sade shares her journey, offering insights into her unique leadership style, shaped by her early career observations, especially as the only woman and person of colour in the room. In this episode, Sade talks about: ● How her early career challenges and observations influenced her empathetic leadership approach ● The positive impact of leading with empathy ● The importance of resilience, determination, and embracing new opportunities to grow in confidence ● Advice for young women starting in STEM It’s a conversation packed with leadership insights and actionable advice for female leaders and aspiring female leaders in STEM. About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ In this show we cover Leading with empathy, Women in leadership, Leadership styles, STEM careers, Challenges of being a woman of colour in STEM, Building an inclusive team culture, Advice for early career women in STEM Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Sade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sade-mokuolu-phd-a454a537/…

In today’s episode of The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia, I’m joined by the accomplished leader and powerful advocate of women in tech, Andrea Bright. Andrea is a C-suite/senior exec and has worked all over the world in board-level leadership roles leading hugely impressive business transformations. She's a passionate supporter of women in the industry, helping them along the way, and being a strong voice and ally to move towards gender equality in tech. In this episode, we discuss: ● Andrea’s journey as a woman in tech and how she’s embraced the idea of jumping in feet first and failing fast ● The importance of finding allies and building your network ● Why it’s key to have a clear idea of your purpose and mission ● Gender equality in senior teams and why it matters And so much more! We certainly packed a lot into this episode so take a listen! Whether you’re looking for practical advice on being a great mentor and ally or are an aspiring female leader in tech and want to know how you can progress your career, this is for you. About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ In this show we cover Careers in tech, Women in Leadership, Building alliances and networks, Mentorship, Seeking support, Diversity in leadership, Advice for aspiring leaders and mentors Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andreajbright…

In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Mitchell, Talent Director at EY, who has spent over 25 years working in HR, recruitment, DEI, and organisational change across international financial and professional services. Emma is not only a values-driven leader with a wealth of experience, but she’s also a champion of disability and neuro-inclusion, using both her personal and professional experiences to drive meaningful change. Emma’s journey has been shaped by her role as a mother to two neurodivergent daughters and as someone living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), a chronic energy-limiting condition. Her experiences drive her to create a more inclusive working world for disabled and neurodivergent individuals. In this episode, Emma talks about: ● The challenges of living with an invisible disability and adapting to life with a chronic condition ● The concept of positive acceptance and how embracing gratitude has supported her along the way ● Practical advice on staying true to your values, taking bold career risks, and recognising the value of your unique strengths Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about navigating leadership with authenticity, compassion, and courage. About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ In this show we cover Navigating disability in the workplace, Women in leadership, Challenges and coping with disability, Neurodiversity, Neuroinclusion, Positive acceptance and gratitude, Inclusive workplaces. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/emma-mitchell-5286785…

In this episode, I’m joined by Siri Soosalu, an accomplished Creative Director with over 20 years of international experience across contemporary and premium brands, retail and supply. Siri is responsible for the creative direction and product strategy at HUGO Red and Blue premium womenswear lines at HUGO BOSS. Siri is also a dedicated advocate and sponsor for Women’s empowerment at HUGO BOSS, actively mentoring and championing female talent to increase the representation of women in leadership positions within the fashion industry. Siri’s love for fashion and the arts has been a driving force throughout her career, initially sparked by her artistic parents. Over time she realised her passion lay in nurturing and encouraging the next generation of talent. In this episode, we discuss: ● Siri’s inspiring journey in the fashion industry, including her shift from hands-on creative work to mentoring and championing emerging talent. ● How she’s successfully navigated a male-dominated industry and the unique challenges of balancing leadership with motherhood. ● How leading with empathy, encouraging open dialogue, and valuing every voice, can build an inclusive and thriving team. Siri also opens up about the importance of empowering her team, the hurdles she’s faced as a female leader and her insights into creating a positive high-energy team culture. Whether you’re working in the fashion industry, an aspiring female leader, or passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders, you’ll want to tune in to this one! About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership In this show we cover Navigating a male-dominated industry, Women in leadership, Transitioning from creative to strategic roles, Gender bias in leadership, Leading with empathy, Building trust and positive team culture, empowering aspiring female leaders, Advice for career growth Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Siri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siri-soosalu-4aa98627/…

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia! This episode is with the wonderful Jo Kerr, Head of Purpose at Brandpie, who has over 25 years of experience helping businesses become more purpose-driven. Having built experience laterally in business strategy, insights, brand, culture, and communications, she now applies this combined experience to helping large, complex B2B organisations transform through the power of purpose. In this episode, we discuss: Jo’s journey and how she’s helping global organisations uncover and operationalise their purpose, aligning their mission with a higher vision beyond profit Why it matters Her work with academia to prove the value and impact that purpose can have on organisations and their ecosystems As a values-driven leader, Jo also reflects on the lessons she’s learned throughout her 25-year career and offers advice on staying curious, trusting your instincts, and embracing your authentic leadership style. Get ready to be inspired! About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ In this show we cover Purpose-driven leadership, Women in leadership, Why purpose matters, Purpose as a performance driver, Research on purpose and financial success, Career lessons in authenticity and mentorship, Guidance on embracing unique leadership styles Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-kerr/…

Welcome to this special episode of The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia. In this episode, Sarah reflects on some of the biggest learnings from the female leaders featured in this first series. From science and technology to fashion and global branding, these leaders share a wealth of experience, each bringing unique perspectives and powerful insights. Sarah touches on the themes highlighted by her guests in answer to her question ‘ What advice would you give your younger self? ’ - ranging from taking risks and saying yes to opportunities to being vocal about your aspirations and having a clear vision. Tune in for an episode filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and empowering messages from these incredible female leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring one, or someone who supports and advocates for women in leadership, this episode has something for you. And if you’re intrigued by these stories, be sure to catch the following episodes for even more insights and words of wisdom. About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes. If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/…

Welcome to The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia! Each week, this podcast delves into unscripted, candid conversations with female leaders who share their stories, learnings, and wisdom to empower and inspire others on their leadership journeys. The women featured in this first series are driving change within their organisations and beyond. These are Women on a Mission. They openly discuss their missions, motivations, and the real challenges they’ve overcome. Hosted by Sarah Perugia, an expert women-in-leadership coach, whole-person leadership transformation specialist, and captivating speaker, this podcast taps into the transformative power of storytelling. With over twenty years of experience, Sarah has seen how sharing stories can spark change, bring people together, and remind them they’re not alone in the challenges they face. She has also heard this need expressed by others: a growing hunger for connection, meaningful conversations, and finding inspiration. Yet, carving out the time to do this intentionally has become increasingly difficult. This podcast aims to fulfil that need by amplifying the voices of women in leadership and providing them with a platform to share their journeys. Through these stories, listeners are invited to learn, find encouragement, and feel supported in their own leadership journeys. Whether you're already a leader, aspiring to become one, advocating for women in your industry, or passionate about supporting others on their leadership journey, this podcast is for you! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more! Contact & Connect Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/…