CREW UK Conversations

CREWUK: The leadership qualities the world needs - and why women are leaving before they can lead

The world is changing faster than ever — yet the leadership models we rely on haven’t kept up. In this episode, Ashleigh and Jamesina explore the leadership qualities the world now demands — adaptability, compassion, psychological depth and holistic decision-making — and ask a crucial question: if women embody many of these qualities, why are so many leaving senior roles before they can lead? Drawing on psychology, neuroscience and real-world leadership experience, the conversation looks beyond the obvious structural barriers to women’s progression and shines a light on the internal forces that often go unspoken — including the unconscious “inner patriarch” that shapes how women see power, confidence and belonging at work. You’ll hear a candid exploration of: * Why traditional leadership systems still reward masculine norms — and at what cost * The hidden inner conflicts that stop talented women stepping fully into their authority * How motherhood, ambition and identity collide in senior roles * Why confidence isn’t the real issue — and what is * How leaders can develop the self-awareness and compassion needed to lead authentically in complex times This episode is for senior women, aspiring leaders, coaches and organisations who want to move beyond surface-level gender conversations and create leadership cultures that truly allow women to thrive. Dr Ashleigh McLellan brings the science of our evolved brain, emotions and motivations to understand what happens to us when under pressure and what to do about it. She specialisesin Compassion Focused Coaching (CFC) emotional intelligence, resilience, psychological safety and compassionate leadership. Ashleigh coaches for improved self-awareness, focus, confidence and capability in top talent.    Jamesina Sainsbury has spent the last 15 years of her career building high-performing human-centred cultures. She combines her business expertise, strategic thinking and neuropsychological approach to enable leaders across multiple industries develop their authentic leadershipstyles and empowered teams. Jamesina teaches Compassionate Leadership at Cambridge Judge Business School.

CREW UK: Rising Together. The power and Impact of Empowering Women

Welcome to CREWUK podcast, in this episode we explorethe stories, strategies, and voices shaping the future of women’s empowerment and DE&I.  A few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting Sarah Stephen at a CREWUK event. Her incredible strength and resilience left a lasting impression on me. Sarah has built a business that’s not only thriving but also deeply rooted in community impact—helping local women gain the skillsthey need to support themselves and their families. When we started talking about this episode, Sarah had a brilliant suggestion: to invite Hannah to join the conversationabout empowering women. Hannah is Group Head of DE&I at Knight Frank and brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. I’m so excited for you to hear from both of them today. We’ll explore Sarah and Hannah’s journeys and dive into why building a strong network of women who support each other is so important.

CREW UK: Green Leases

The built environment plays a major role in the UK’s carbon footprint, accounting for roughly 25% of total emissions. From design and construction through to operation, refurbishment, and demolition, buildings impact the environment throughout their entire lifecycle. Responsibility for these emissions is shared between landlords, who develop and manage properties, and tenants, who shape how buildings are used. Green leases offer a collaborative approach to tackling these challenges, helping both parties enhance environmental performance while unlocking opportunities for broader social benefits. This issue is more relevant than ever, with sustainability targets fast approaching. By 2030, buildings will need to meet specific energy standards to remain lettable. In London alone, 60% of the office stock have an EPC rating of C or lower. Without retrofitting, many buildings will become stranded assets. So, let’s explore how green leases can be part of the solution! Panelists: Amber Luscombe from Oxygen Asset Management, Hannah Irish from McGuireWoods, and Sheryl Owen from Mott MacDonald.

CREW UK: Kinga Pacuks and Alexandra Moldovan of Camp Ignite

For a recent episode of this podcast, Beatriz Gonzalez spoke to thought leader, author and speaker, Kim Dabbs on the launch of her book “You Belong Here”. In it, Kim told the story of Kinga Pacuks and Alexandra Moldovan; both raised in a time and environment where gender bias was prevalent and domestic violence was commonplace.   Kinga and Alexandra’s lives were transformed when they encountered a programme founded by the US peace corps, rooted in girls discovering, growing and finding their voice. Inspired by the dramatic effect of the programme, they went on to establish their own similar initiative, Camp Ignite. Here, Kinga and Alexandra speak of their experience at those peace corps camps; how they persuaded their employer to support them in founding Camp Ignite; and the career and personal development outcomes for not only the teenage attendees, but just as importantly, the mentors on the programme.

CREW UK: Naomi Sakamoto

Ian Ashley sits in for our usual host, Beatriz Gonzalez for this episode as we share an interview with CREW UK board member, and Gensler Principal, Naomi Sakamoto.   Naomi and Ian originally sat down to conduct this conversation as part of his own podcast, Contemplating Creativity. So much of what was discussed focused on Naomi’s leadership style and how she applies her creativity to that, as well has to her personal career journey. As a result, the discussion is packed with loads of tips and advice on many of the topics CREW UK members have requested to learn about. We hope you enjoy it.