Growth Stories in Progress

The Importance of Personal Styling for Leaders with Neelam Mistry-Thaker - Unlocking Personal Styling to Gain Confidence

Have you ever wondered when choosing your outfits, why some colours make you glow while others wash you out? Or why certain colours can affect how people perceive you in meetings, interviews or even influence your own mood? Probably you’ve heard that it’s recommended to choose a blue shirt when going to an interview instead of a red one. Today’s guest is a talented expert in her field, helping professionals to unlock opportunities by understanding the dynamics of our style, colour choices and their impact. If you think it’s time to change your style, this episode will be extremely helpful. Welcome to Growth Stories in Progress. You are listening to our first season, Uplifting Leaders, with the UK’s purposeful leaders and entrepreneurs. Our guest is Neelam Mistry-Thaker from London. Let’s dive in.

This Founder’s Way of Thinking and Search for Purpose Led to a Life of Leadership in Communications

In this episode of Growth Stories in Progress, we sit down with Neil Rodger, Founder of Lifted Communications and former Head of Communications at UCL. With decades of marketing expertise and a career that began in a completely different field, Neil’s journey proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. While working in a retail store, Neil began asking himself: Is this all there is for me? That question sparked a bold career move, opening unexpected doors and ultimately leading him into senior leadership roles. Today, he helps organisations connect with purpose, both internally and externally, using the clarity and strategic insight he’s honed over the years. In this conversation, Neil shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the risks he took in leaving a secure leadership role, and the truths he’s discovered about leadership, communication, and resilience. Expect insights on: * The importance of chasing opportunities when it feels right * Why saying “yes” to tasks others avoid can transform your career. * The hidden pressures of being a business owner. * How to lead with vision and clarity in uncertain times, by knowing your values in life. Whether you’re a business owner, a professional considering a career pivot, or someone seeking more purpose in your work, Neil’s story will inspire you to take the leap, with strategy, courage, and connection at the heart of it.

The Career Move That Changed Everything: This Leader is an Investment Powerhouse with Many Career Lessons, with Fabrizio Boaron

In this episode, I sit down with Fabrizio Boaron, an investment banker, entrepreneur, and inspiring thinker, to uncover the mindset behind a three-decade-long career in finance. From his early start in Silicon Valley to building his business in the UK, Fabrizio shares hard-won lessons on leadership, career pivots, and resilience. If you're navigating your own professional journey, this episode is full of practical wisdom, and a refreshing take on what really matters in long-term success. We've unlocked: * How Fabrizio’s journey began: from the 90s to leadership and entrepreneurship. * His shift from Silicon Valley to finance in London. * Navigating a career without mentorship or guidance. * One piece of advice he wishes someone had told him earlier. * What younger professionals often misunderstand * How he identifies future leaders among young talent. * The traits that actually get people promoted (spoiler: not just hard work). * A belief about leadership he held 10–15 years ago that he now completely disagrees with. * The mindset Fabrizio taps into when things go wrong. * What part of him shows up under pressure—and why. * What his younger self would be shocked to see about how he leads today. * The most important career moment, whether it worked or didn’t. * What he’s building five years from now and who it’s for. 🎧 What We Cover in This Podcast Episode: Foundations & Early Career, Hard Lessons & Career Advice, Leadership Philosophy, Resilience & Self-Awareness, Reflection and Legacy.

Blending Decades of Leadership Experience in Big-Tech with AI , This Leader Reveals Why Your Differences are Your Greatest Superpower - and How to Turn Them to Your Advantage - with Wenceslyne Ong

Today’s guest, Wenceslyne Ong, the Founder of Elite Lvl Services headquartered in London, has spent two decades climbing the ranks of tech - holding senior roles at Google, Rackspace, and other global companies as Head of Operations. But behind every promotion was a deeper story of grit, resilience, reinvention, and eventually… a leap into entrepreneurship.In this episode, she shares: 1. How she has learned embracing differences 2. How relocation has shaped her life 3. How she has learned embracing differences 4. Positive mindset can unlock opportunities and challenges in life can be your key into this exploration 5. Why staying calm in chaos isn’t a trait - it’s a skill that you can learn 6. What women really need to know about breaking into tech leadership Please don't forget to leave a comment, hit the follow button and rate our show! Thank you.

How to Build a Standout Brand in 2025 – And the Strategy That Sets Startups Apart with Eddie Webb, Founder of OhSo Studio

What really makes a brand sell? In this episode, I’m joined by Eddie Webb, founder of Oh So Studio and a seasoned brand strategist who helps companies stop blending in and start standing out. We break down the myths around startup and personal branding - why logos aren't enough, why founders must show up on socials, and how authentic and bold storytelling is must have. Eddie shares insights from years in the creative trenches, including: 1. How great design gives clarity and drives revenue 2. Why being skeptical about your marketing spend is a good thing. 3. The power of doing things differently (and why most brands play it too safe) 4. Why founders who share their story build trust faster If you're building a business or a personal brand and want a brand that actually sells, this episode is your blueprint.