Women, Ageism & The Workplace: Why Experience Is Being Overlooked

Women, Ageism & The Workplace: Why Experience Is Being Overlooked

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Does society value women less as they get older? Why are men often seen as experienced “silver foxes” while women are judged as being past their prime? In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of ageism facing women in the workplace and wider society. From hiring bias and career progression to appearance standards and workplace stereotypes, we examine why so many highly skilled, experienced women feel overlooked despite having decades of knowledge, resilience, and expertise to offer. Many women reach midlife only to find themselves being labelled as “too experienced,” overlooked for opportunities, or feeling pressure to maintain a youthful appearance to remain visible and valued. The impact can affect confidence, identity, career progression, and mental wellbeing. Joining me are: 🔹 Dr Ronina Stevens – Clinical Psychologist 🔹 Nataly Papadin – Global Transformation Leader 🔹 Latha Prasad – Corporate Change Consultant and Midlife Career Coach Together, we discuss the hidden realities of age discrimination, why older women are often underestimated, and how experience, confidence, and adaptability can become some of the greatest strengths of midlife. Who Is This Video For? This episode is for women navigating midlife, career transitions, workplace bias, menopause, leadership challenges, or questions about ageing and professional identity. It’s also valuable for employers, leaders, and HR professionals seeking to build more inclusive workplaces. In This Episode We Discuss: * Why ageing affects men and women differently at work * The hidden forms of age discrimination women experience * Whether diversity and inclusion efforts overlook older women * The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in professional settings * How ageism impacts confidence, wellbeing, and career choices * Why many experienced women are leaving corporate careers to start businesses * The benefits of ageing, including confidence, resilience, and authenticity Key Takeaways * Ageism remains one of the least discussed workplace biases. * Experience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence often increase with age. * Feeling overlooked can significantly impact confidence and mental wellbeing. * Organisations risk losing valuable talent when experienced women are undervalued. * Ageing can bring greater self-awareness, confidence, and perspective. Conclusion Growing older should not make someone less visible or less valuable. This episode challenges outdated assumptions about women and ageing, while highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and leadership that often come with experience. #Ageism #WomenInLeadership #WomenAtWork #CareerDevelopment #MidlifeWomen #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #MentalHealth #CareerTransition #WomenEmpowerment #MenopauseAtWork #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Does Sex Get Better After 45? The Truth About Intimacy, Desire & Middle Age

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] People often celebrate the passion of young love, but what happens to sex, desire, and intimacy as we move into our 40s, 50s, and beyond? In this honest and thought-provoking episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore one of society’s most overlooked topics: sex in middle age. Many assume aging means declining libido, less intimacy, and fewer opportunities for connection. Yet for many people, midlife brings greater confidence, deeper self-awareness, and a richer understanding of pleasure than they ever experienced when they were younger. Joining me are Dr Jonathan Marshall, leading clinical psychologist and former professor, Louise Sullivan, somatic coach and Sexological Bodyworker, and Shi Min, founder of Waves of Pleasure, who helps individuals and couples explore intimacy, connection, and sexuality. Who Is This Video For? If you’re navigating menopause, dating, long-term relationships, body confidence, changing desire, or simply wondering how sexuality evolves with age, this episode offers honest insights and practical perspectives on intimacy in midlife. Together, We Discuss: * Does sex really improve with age? * How menopause and hormonal changes affect libido * Why confidence often increases in midlife * The difference between sex, intimacy, and connection * How curiosity can reignite desire * Why communication is crucial for long-term intimacy * The impact of body image and aging on attraction * Affairs, emotional connection, and feeling desired * Exploring kink, fantasy, and sexual curiosity later in life * Rediscovering pleasure and intimacy after years of routine Key Takeaways * Sex doesn’t automatically decline with age, many people find it improves. * Confidence and self-acceptance often grow in midlife. * Desire is influenced by stress, connection, communication, and curiosity. * Feeling desired and emotionally connected matters deeply. * Many sexual challenges have support and treatment options available. * Midlife can be an opportunity to rediscover pleasure, not lose it. Quotes “By the time you get to your 50s, it’s much less about performance and much more about pleasure.” - Louise Sullivan “People don’t miss the sex itself. They miss being desired, being seen, being wanted.” - Louise Sullivan Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Does Sex Really Get Better With Age? 06:03 Menopause, Libido and Desire 08:20 Aging Bodies and Bedroom Confidence 10:00 Rediscovering Your Sexual Mojo 13:42 Curiosity, Adventure and Desire 14:24 Affairs, Intimacy and Feeling Desired 17:18 Kink and Sexual Exploration 20:08 Advice To Our Younger Selves 22:39 Final Thoughts Conclusion Aging changes our bodies, but it doesn’t have to diminish intimacy, pleasure, or connection. For many people, middle age is a chance to let go of performance pressures, embrace curiosity, and build deeper, more authentic relationships. Sexuality doesn’t end with age-it evolves. #SexAfter50 #MiddleAgeRelationships #Menopause #Libido #Intimacy #SexualWellness #HealthyRelationships #DatingOver50 #AgingWell #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealth #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Why Corporate Workers Lose Their Creativity (And How to Get It Back)

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Few of us realise how much of ourselves we leave behind in the pursuit of stability. Careers grow, responsibilities increase, and somewhere along the way, creativity - once natural and instinctive - quietly fades into the background. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore what happens when we disconnect from our creative selves, why so many people abandon artistic passions as they enter the workforce, and what it really means to reconnect with that lost part of who we are.  This is a deeply reflective and human conversation about identity, self-expression, and the tension between security and authenticity. Because creativity is not just about art - it is about connection to self. And when that connection is lost, it can impact confidence, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and even our sense of purpose. In this episode, we discuss why creativity is often seen as impractical or indulgent in a performance-driven world, and how many people feel they have to hide this part of themselves in professional environments. We explore the psychological effects of rediscovering creativity later in life, the fear of judgment, and the internal conflict between stability and fulfilment. At the same time, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: creativity is not a talent reserved for a few - it is a fundamental part of being human. And reconnecting with it can bring joy, healing, perspective, and a deeper sense of meaning. Joining me, Ella, are:  🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Clinical psychologist and former professor (Stanford & Harvard graduate)  🔹 Kristina Pakhomova – Actress, producer, and executive presence coach  🔹 Svetlana Fedotova – Former finance professional turned registered art psychotherapist Together, we explore the emotional, psychological, and practical sides of creativity - from corporate burnout and identity loss to healing, expression, and rediscovery. Who Is This Video For? If you feel disconnected from your passions, stuck in routine, or curious about reconnecting with your creative side, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and practical perspective. It’s for professionals, creatives, and anyone navigating identity, purpose, or self-expression in a fast-paced, performance-driven world. In This Episode, We Discuss: • why so many people abandon creativity when they enter the workforce  • the link between creativity, identity, and emotional wellbeing  • how corporate culture can suppress self-expression  • the psychological impact of rediscovering creativity later in life  • why creativity is often misunderstood as “non-productive”  • the role of creativity in processing emotions and reconnecting with self  • how fear of judgment stops people from exploring creative outlets  • simple ways to bring creativity back into everyday life  • why creativity benefits mental health, confidence, and resilience  • the difference between performance-driven success and authentic fulfilment Key Takeaways: • Creativity is not a talent - it is a natural part of being human  • Disconnecting from creativity can impact identity, joy, and wellbeing  • Reconnecting with creativity can feel uncomfortable, but also deeply rewarding  • The process matters more than the outcome — expression over perfection  • Small, consistent creative acts can significantly improve mental health  • Fear of judgment often prevents people from exploring their true interests  • Creativity can enhance problem-solving, communication, and self-awareness  • You do not need permission to reconnect with what makes you feel alive Conclusion: Losing touch with your creative self doesn’t happen overnight - and reconnecting with it doesn’t require a dramatic life change. Sometimes it starts with something small: curiosity, play, or simply giving yourself permission to explore again. Because creativity isn’t about producing something perfect - it’s about feeling human, connected, and alive. If this episode reminds you of a part of yourself you’ve been missing, it’s already doing its job. Keywords: creativity, reconnecting with creativity, creative burnout, corporate burnout, self expression, identity and purpose, art therapy, mental health, emotional wellbeing, creative hobbies, executive presence, personal growth, confidence, authenticity, workplace culture Hashtags: #Creativity #MentalHealth #SelfExpression #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #ArtTherapy #CareerIdentity #Wellbeing #CreativeLife #EllaPodcasts Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

The Psychology of Selling: Trust, Confidence & Human Behaviour in Business

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Selling is not just about persuasion, targets, or closing deals. It is deeply connected to psychology, emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, and understanding human behaviour. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the psychology behind influence, negotiation, confidence, rejection, and why some people consistently succeed in high-pressure business environments while others struggle to build trust and connection. The conversation explores the emotional realities behind sales performance, the pressure of rejection, how desperation can quietly damage trust, and why authenticity and emotional intelligence matter more than ever in modern business. As consumer behaviour evolves, people are no longer simply buying products or services. They are responding to confidence, connection, trust, reputation, and how understood they feel during interactions. Joining me are Ella Sherman, Dr Jonathan Marshall, Gary Brookes, and Nuwanthie Samarakone. Who Is This Episode For? If you work in sales, leadership, recruitment, business development, consulting, customer relationships, or communication-focused roles, this conversation offers insight into the emotional and psychological realities behind influence and trust-building. We explore how rejection impacts confidence, why resilience matters in competitive environments, and how emotional intelligence increasingly shapes professional success. Topics include sales psychology, negotiation, communication, consumer behaviour, storytelling, trust, authenticity, online reputation, confidence, relationship-building, and why human connection still matters enormously in modern business. Whether you work in corporate sales, leadership, recruitment, entrepreneurship, or simply want to better understand how people make decisions, this episode offers practical and psychological insight into human behaviour and influence. 💬 Quotes: • “People buy from people they trust.”  • “Resilience matters more than perfection in sales.”  • “Desperation is often easier to detect than people realise.”  • “Human connection still matters enormously in business.” 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Trust and emotional connection strongly influence buying behaviour.  • Rejection and performance pressure can significantly affect confidence and resilience.  • Emotional intelligence and communication are becoming increasingly valuable business skills.  • Authenticity builds stronger long-term relationships than aggressive selling tactics.  • Storytelling and emotional connection often influence decisions more than hard data alone.  • Social media and online reputation now heavily shape consumer trust and perception.  • Adaptability, curiosity, and relationship-building remain critical in modern business environments.  • Strong communication skills continue to separate high performers from average performers. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction  1:03 The Psychology Behind Sales  2:46 Trust & Consumer Behaviour  5:32 The Emotional Pressure of Sales Targets  8:14 Rejection, Confidence & Resilience  11:26 Why Desperation Damages Negotiations  14:43 Communication & Relationship-Building  18:37 Storytelling, Emotion & Decision-Making  21:04 Social Media & Consumer Trust  24:52 Human Connection in Modern Business  27:56 Final Reflections Conclusion: Sales is rarely just about products, pricing, or persuasion. More often, it comes down to trust, emotional intelligence, communication, resilience, and understanding human behaviour. This episode explores the psychological realities behind influence, rejection, confidence, negotiation, and relationship-building in modern business. While technology and consumer behaviour continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: people still want to feel understood, respected, and emotionally connected before making decisions. For many professionals, success is no longer about having the loudest pitch. It is about authenticity, adaptability, trust, and the ability to build genuine human relationships in increasingly competitive environments. If this conversation helps even one person communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, or better understand the psychology behind influence and trust, then it has achieved exactly what it set out to do.  🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and join our Ella Podcasts community for more honest conversations about business, psychology, leadership, communication, and modern working life.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]

Raising a Child on the Spectrum

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/fan_mail/new] Raising a child with autism or additional needs can be one of the most emotionally demanding, isolating, and misunderstood journeys a parent can face. In this deeply honest episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of parenting children on the autism spectrum and with special needs - the fear, exhaustion, uncertainty, grief, love, and resilience that often exist behind closed doors. Many parents silently carry the weight of constant caregiving, navigating therapies, schools, social judgment, financial pressure, and fears about what will happen to their child when they are no longer around. The journey can impact every part of life - relationships, mental health, careers, family dynamics, and identity - yet so many families still feel unseen and unsupported. In this episode, we discuss openly the emotional realities of raising neurodiverse children, the loneliness many parents experience, and the ongoing anxiety around independence, bullying, public acceptance, and the future. We also explore the impact on siblings, marriages, and the emotional toll of always needing to be “strong” while navigating an unpredictable path. At the same time, this conversation is also filled with humanity, compassion, humour, perspective, and hope. Because while the journey may be difficult, many parents also describe becoming more patient, grateful, empathetic, and emotionally resilient through their children. Joining me - Ella Sherman - are Dr Jonathan Marshall, Hsiao Ching Lee Bond, Joyce Wee Yat Shin. Who Is This Video For? If you are parenting a child with autism, ADHD, developmental differences, or additional needs - or supporting someone who is - this conversation offers emotional reassurance, honesty, and understanding. We explore the psychological impact of raising neurodiverse children, the stress of navigating therapies and education systems, and the fear many parents carry about the future. Topics include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), communication challenges, sibling relationships, caregiver burnout, public judgment, school integration, independence, adulthood, and what happens when parents can no longer provide care. We also discuss how special needs parenting can affect marriages, mental health, identity, and family dynamics, while highlighting the unexpected lessons of gratitude, compassion, and resilience that many families discover along the way. Whether you are a parent, sibling, teacher, caregiver, or simply someone wanting to better understand autism and neurodiversity, this episode provides compassionate insight into a journey many families face quietly every day. 💬 Quotes: • “The biggest challenge is the unknown - constantly wondering what the future will look like.”  • “We grieve the future we imagined, then learn to build new milestones instead.”  • “Strength sometimes means just showing up day after day.”  • “Special needs parenting changes your perspective on what truly matters in life.” 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Autism exists on a spectrum, and every child’s needs and abilities are different.  • Parenting neurodiverse children can bring enormous emotional, financial, and psychological pressure.  • Many parents experience grief, anxiety, burnout, and fear about their child’s future.  • Siblings of children with additional needs often carry emotional responsibility from a young age.  • Public awareness and education around autism are improving, but stigma and misunderstanding still exist.  • Families often struggle with a lack of support, specialist resources, and tailored education systems.  • Despite the challenges, many parents describe becoming more compassionate, patient, and resilient.  • Small milestones, independence, and moments of connection can become deeply meaningful victories. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Autism & Special Needs Parenting  1:02 What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?  1:58 Communication Challenges & Nonverbal Autism  4:07 Living With Uncertainty & Lack of Answers  6:31 Parenting Burnout & Emotional Strain  9:06 Mild vs Severe Autism & Different Experiences  12:02 Fear About Independence & The Future  14:01 Public Judgment & Social Stigma  16:44 Siblings, Fairness & Family Dynamics  19:22 Growing Up Too Fast as a Sibling  22:58 Sexuality, Puberty & Special Needs Challenges  24:07 Lack of Government Support & Specialist Schools  26:01 How Parenting a Neurodiverse Child Changes You  29:19 Final Reflections & Support for Parents Conclusion: Parenting a child with autism or additional needs can feel overwhelming, lonely, and emotionally relentless at times - but this episode is also a reminder that there is extraordinary strength, love, and humanity inside these families. For many parents, the journey is not about finding perfection or easy answers. It’s about adapting, learning, grieving, celebrating small victories, and continuing to show up with love even when the future feels uncertain. If this conversation helps even one parent feel less alone, more understood, or more hopeful, then it has done exactly what it set out to do. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and join our Ella Podcasts community for more honest conversations about mental health, relationships, parenting, neurodiversity, and modern life. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558257/support]