Shows
KnowThyBrandRedefining Success - Embracing Non-Linear Careers with Bárbara DarocaSuccess isn’t always a straight line and sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones that take unexpected turns.In this inspiring episode of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci sits down with Bárbara Daroca, Head of Corporate Services at ING Luxembourg and host of the podcast Hello Success. Known for her leadership and mentoring work, Bárbara shares her journey from structured finance to marketing communications, and how embracing career pivots led her to create a platform that celebrates real, relatable success stories.Together, Giulia and Bárbara explore what it means to let go of...
2025-11-2546 minKnowThyBrandVolunteering in Ukraine While Leading a Business to Success: The Power of Values with Stuart AlexanderIn this inspiring episode of KnowThyBrand, Giulia sits down with Stuart Alexander, a finance professional, entrepreneur, and humanitarian - to explore what it really means to lead with values, purpose, and compassion.From his roots in Lancashire and an early career as a geologist to becoming a respected leader in fund distribution, Stuart’s story takes an extraordinary turn. Today, alongside running his financial ventures, he dedicates much of his time to a volunteer project supporting Ukraine.With a small team of volunteers, Stuart drives SUVs across Europe - vehicles converted into emergency field ambulances to...
2025-11-0647 min
Hello, success! by Bárbara DarocaS02E03: Flexibility, Values & the Courage to PivotIn this episode, Giulia Iannucci shares her journey through various career twists and turns, from her initial aspirations in international studies to her unexpected path into marketing and entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her professional life, the importance of support systems, and her eventual return to the corporate world after years of running her own business. Giulia emphasizes the significance of flexibility, personal values, and the impact of life experiences on career choices.Giulia's website: https://knowthybrand.com/
2025-10-0725 minKnowThyBrandLeading with Intuition: Building Authentic, Purpose-Driven Businesses with Lia DunlapWhat role does intuition play in business success – and how can entrepreneurs strengthen this often-overlooked skill?In the first episode of the new season of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci speaks with Lia Dunlap, intuitive business strategist and founder of the Limitless Life Club. Lia shares her journey from corporate life to embracing her intuitive gifts and supporting entrepreneurs in aligning their work with authenticity and purpose.Together, they explore how intuition, emotional intelligence, and authenticity are not only personal strengths but powerful tools for leadership, communication, and influence. Lia offers practical steps for tuning into yo...
2025-10-0241 minKnowThyBrandHow to Build Financial Independence: Money, Mindset, and Bold MovesMoney doesn’t have to be confusing, restrictive, or overwhelming – it can be a powerful tool for freedom when aligned with your values.In this episode of KnowThyBrand, host Giulia Iannucci welcomes Jessica Cooke, founder of DEFINANCE and financial coach dedicated to helping women - and anyone excluded from traditional financial spaces - rewrite their money story.Jessica shares how societal narratives have historically left women out of financial conversations, and why reclaiming financial independence isn’t just about numbers - it's about agency, alignment, and bold life choices. From unlearning limiting beliefs to building person...
2025-07-1538 minKnowThyBrandThe Energy Equation: How to Recharge to Avoid BurnoutWhat if the real key to productivity, fulfillment, and emotional balance isn’t time management - but energy management?In this episode, Giulia sits down with executive coach and sustainability consultant Alina Ignatieva to explore the powerful link between purpose, authenticity, and energy. Drawing from her work with high-performing professionals and her own experience as a mother, entrepreneur, and leader, Alina shares why women especially need to rethink what drains them, what fuels them, and how to reclaim their agency.From battling burnout to letting go of the “supermom” myth, this episode dives into the real-w...
2025-06-1934 minKnowThyBrandFrom the Fire Line to the Front Line: Women Leading Change in Fire ProtectionIn industries where fire and safety take center stage, women are still fighting to claim their space. But what happens when two trailblazers decide to create a movement to empower the women shaping the future of fire protection?In this inspiring episode, Giulia welcomes Niina Beltowski, Key Account Manager at Viking Nordic and co-founder of K(vinn)-Faktor, an association dedicated to supporting women in the fire protection industry. From the first female salesperson at her company to a key supporter building a fast-growing community of over 60 women, Niina shares her journey, challenges, and bold vision for...
2025-06-0332 minKnowThyBrandThe Real Work of Inclusion: Embedding DEI into Business StrategyGiven the current climate where DEI efforts are increasingly scrutinized, scaled back, or politicized, Jenny Chen, founder and CEO of Catalais Consulting, joins Giulia for a candid and powerful conversation about what it truly takes to build inclusive, equitable workplaces that go beyond performative gestures.With a background in investment sales and deep personal experience navigating the corporate world as a woman of color, Jenny pulls back the curtain on performative D&I efforts—and offers a blueprint for real, systemic change. From restructuring outdated business processes to fostering genuine sponsorship over surface-level mentorship, Jenny explains wh...
2025-05-1644 minKnowThyBrandHow to Stay Relevant in the Age of AI without Losing YourselfAs artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, a pressing question looms: Should we, as humans, be afraid of AI, or is it simply the next step in our technological evolution? With fears that AI will replace jobs, disrupt industries, and redefine how we work, it’s natural to wonder about our place in a world increasingly dominated by machines. But instead of fearing the rise of AI, perhaps the real challenge is how we adapt. How can we stay relevant in a landscape that’s changing rapidly, without losing the very essence of what makes us huma...
2025-04-2936 minKnowThyBrandRedefining Economics: Shaping a Regenerative Future with Jennifer Brandsberg EngelmannTraditional economic models prioritize profit and endless growth, often at the expense of social and ecological well-being. But what if there was a better way?In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Jennifer Brandsberg Engelmann, an expert in regenerative economics, to explore how economic education can evolve to address today’s pressing global crises. From the Donut Economics model to the overlooked role of households and commons in economic systems, Jennifer shares how shifting our perspective on value and sustainability can pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient future.Together, Jennifer and Giulia discuss th...
2025-04-0348 minKnowThyBrandMake Work Fair: What Works (and What Doesn’t) in Gender Equity at WorkAs we leave another International Women's Day behind, the conversation about gender equity in the workplace remains more important than ever. True gender equality isn’t about good intentions—it’s about data-driven change that dismantles bias and creates real opportunities for everyone.In this special episode, we welcome Iris Bohnet, Harvard professor, behavioral economist, and co-author of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results. Iris challenges the myths surrounding fairness, diversity, and meritocracy, offering research-backed strategies to make workplaces more equitable.From why traditional diversity efforts fail to how data can drive r...
2025-03-1148 minKnowThyBrandThe Power of Networking: Building Community and Confidence for Women in BusinessNetworking is more than just exchanging business cards—it’s about building genuine connections, finding a supportive community, and amplifying each other’s voices. For Yulia Kulakova, fostering these connections is at the heart of her work.In this insightful episode, Yulia and Giulia discuss the power of professional networks, the challenges women face in corporate environments, and the importance of creating safe spaces where women can thrive. From overcoming networking discomfort to addressing gender biases in communication, this conversation sheds light on how women can support each other and grow both personally and professionally.
2025-02-2541 minKnowThyBrandMastering the Pitch: How Female Founders Can Flip the Script on Investor BiasEffective communication is the cornerstone of successful fundraising, yet many startup founders overlook its importance. For Ksenia Zykova, Chief Communications Officer at AngelsDeck Global Ventures and founder of NODE Communications, mastering both verbal and non-verbal communication is key to making a lasting impression on investors.Ksenia has dedicated her career to helping B2B projects, startup founders, and venture capital firms refine their messaging and presence. In this compelling episode, she joins Giulia to discuss the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in VC funding and how they can harness communication strategies to increase their chances of...
2025-02-0441 minKnowThyBrandTelling Stories that Matter: Amplifying Marginalized Voices Through Media with Robin N. HamiltonStorytelling has the power to drive awareness, inspire connection, and create meaningful change. In this episode, we sit down with Emmy-winning filmmaker Robin N. Hamilton, founder of ARound Robin Production Company, to explore how her mission-driven work amplifies marginalized voices - particularly those of women and Black women whose contributions have often been overlooked. Robin shares her journey from corporate rejections to building a production company centered on impactful narratives, offering a candid look at the grit and vision required to succeed as an entrepreneur.In this energetic and vibrant episode, Robin and Giulia discuss the emotional...
2025-01-2138 minKnowThyBrandFrom Career Break to Career Boost: Embracing Career Returners and Redefining Workforce Inclusion with Esther CelosseNavigating a return to the workforce after a career break can be a daunting task. Whether due to family responsibilities, relocation, or a shift in personal priorities, many of us find it challenging to reenter our chosen fields after stepping away. In this episode on Embracing Career Returners and Redefining Workforce Inclusion we’re joined by Esther Celosse. Esther is the founder of Return2Career, a company with the objective of supporting organizations to tap into the highly experienced and under-utilized professional talent pool of returners, while increasing gender equality and employer brand value through custom designed Ret...
2025-01-0734 minKnowThyBrandGirl Power Uganda: On a Mission to Tackle Menstrual Poverty with Robin KöhlerIn this inspiring episode, we welcome Robin, the co-founder of Girl Power Uganda, an organization dedicated to empowering women through education and tackling menstrual poverty.In Uganda, where systemic challenges often limit opportunities for women and girls, two sisters turned their passion for change into a mission. Robin and Amanda, athletes and advocates, founded Girl Power Uganda to address the declining school attendance among girls and empower communities through education and opportunity.Robin shares her journey as a passionate advocate for women’s rights, growing up in Uganda, and her dedication to creating lasting change in...
2024-12-1238 minKnowThyBrandBreaking the Silence: Advocating for Survivors of Gender-Based ViolenceIn this impactful episode, we dive into the critical issue of sexual and gender-based violence, featuring special guests Maria Grazia Surace and Stéphanie Makoumbou from LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S, an advocacy association supporting survivors of violence. Founded by survivor Ana Pinto, the organization is committed to assisting victims and amplifying their voices in society and within the legislative process in Luxembourg. Maria and Stéphanie, both lawyers, share their personal motivations for joining the association and discuss their efforts to strengthen support systems for survivors.Together, they outline LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S' mis...
2024-11-0559 minKnowThyBrandThe Gender Inclusion Challenge: When myths and perceptions meet facts and dataToday’s guest on KnowThyBrand Podcast is the CEO of HSBC, Emanuele Vignoli. HSBC and KnowThyBrand have worked together on several projects, and in this episode, Emanuele talks about HSBC's active role in gender finance and discusses the upcoming event organized by HSBC and KnowThyBrand: The Gender Inclusion Challenge: When Myths and Perceptions Meet Facts and Data. This event will bring together representatives from different companies to challenge preconceptions around gender equality and promote actionable solutions in the workplace.Emanuele has over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, spending nearly 20 years at HSBC in...
2024-10-0821 minKnowThyBrandGendered Innovations: The Role of Gender in Shaping Research and InnovationWhat is gendered innovations? Gendered innovations refer to the creative and transformative processes that integrate sex and gender analysis into research and design. Rather than treating gender as an afterthought or a mere demographic concern, gendered innovations actively incorporate it as a critical variable that can influence the direction and outcomes of research. In this episode of KnowThyBrand Podcast, prof. Londa Schiebinger, from Stanford University, explains how accounting for sex and gender differences can lead to more accurate results, safer products, and more inclusive innovationsClick here for show notes and resources...
2024-09-1233 minKnowThyBrandDiversity in VC: The Importance of Investing in Female FoundersIn the dynamic world of startups, securing venture capital is often a critical step towards scaling a business. However, for female founders, this journey can be fraught with additional challenges due to biases and stereotypes.Our guests in this episode are Tülin Tokatli and Hale Yildiz from Pitch Me First and they discussed the challenges faced by female founders in the venture capital industry. They highlighted the low percentage of funding received by female-led startups and the biases and cultural barriers they encounter during the fundraising process. They also explained the importance of i...
2024-07-1643 minKnowThyBrandOvercoming Self-Limiting Beliefs Through NeuroplasticityHave you ever felt held back from pursuing your dreams or potential due to beliefs about your own abilities? You're not alone. In today’s episode, psychologist Carolina Nikaedo explains how we form self-limiting beliefs from a young age and shares strategies to overcome them. She also dives deep into neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to form new connections. Through a focused effort to bring beliefs to consciousness, to take space and engage rational thinking, and to intentionally replace negative thoughts, we can "rewire" our brains.It's not easy to overcome deeply in...
2024-07-0240 minKnowThyBrandBreaking Gender and Age Barriers in the WorkplaceAgeism, the discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, remains a pervasive issue in today's workplaces. Recent studies reveal that nearly 65% of workers have experienced age-based discrimination at some point in their careers.In today’s episode Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, a thought leader in gender and generational balance and a CEO of 20-first, discusses the four phases of women’s careers and the overlaps between gender and age. Avivah also highlights the need for companies to leverage the talent and potential of older workers in the 21st century because embracing age diversity isn't just about compliance or m...
2024-06-1835 minKnowThyBrandAuthenticity in Business and Dealing with Imposter Syndrome with Sophie MathurAuthenticity isn't just a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of building meaningful professional relationships, nurturing a strong brand reputation, and ultimately achieving lasting success. In a world where polished LinkedIn profiles and perfectly curated Instagram feeds can sometimes overshadow genuine connections, join us in this episode to discover the importance of staying true to yourself in every business interaction.At the same time, no matter how many accolades we add to our resumes or LinkedIn profiles, many of us battle with that nagging feeling of not being "enough." Imposter Syndrome sneaks in, whispering doubts and fears that can ho...
2024-06-0437 minKnowThyBrandNavigating the Intersection of Finance and Diversity: Insights from Luxembourg's Minister of FinanceIn this episode, we're privileged to sit down with Mr. Gilles Roth, the Minister of Finance in Luxembourg. With a wealth of experience in both finance and politics, Mr. Roth offers unique insights into Luxembourg's pivotal role in global finance and its commitment to sustainable and inclusive financial practices.Join us as we explore Luxembourg's journey to becoming a cornerstone of international finance within the European Union, the challenges and opportunities of sustainable finance, and the initiatives driving gender diversity and inclusion in the financial sector.Topics covered in this episode:Luxembourg's position in...
2024-05-0729 minKnowThyBrandThe Power and Importance of Financial Literacy with Danielle DiMartinoIn this episode, Danielle Di Martino, CEO and chief strategist at QI Research, delves into the critical importance of financial literacy and inclusion. Drawing from her own journey, Danielle highlights the underrepresentation of women in finance and stresses the necessity of empowering them through financial education.Topics covered in this episode: Importance of financial literacy and inclusionGender disparities in financeChallenges and advice for women in financePromoting financial literacy through accessible resourcesEducating young people about money managementAdvocacy for incorporating financial literacy into school curriculaConnect with Danielle on Twitter and make sure you take...
2024-03-1933 min
Brilliantly Branded Podcast045 | Giulia Iannucci: Pioneering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a Woman-Led BusinessIn this episode of the Brilliant Branded Podcast, we sit down with Giulia Iannucci, an entrepreneur with a social impact enterprise that shared with us the real landscape about how the women have been dealing with different situations at the work place and in the family environment.
She have been taking decisive action to create impactful solutions, that are generating positive impact in our society.
Here's some takeaways from our conversation and I am sure you will find more across the episode.
-Giulia shares her personal journey and the pivotal moments that fuelled...
2024-03-1438 minKnowThyBrandUnlocking the Power of Storytelling and Fostering Inclusive Company CultureAt the heart of every organization lies the human element—their values, aspirations, and stories. It is in embracing and nurturing this humanity that true leadership and organizational excellence emerge.In this episode of KnowThyBrand, Pascal Viscor, an entrepreneur, storyteller, and strategist, shares his insights into the significance of purpose and vision for companies. The conversation covered the transformative potential of authentic storytelling, the essence of cultivating trust within organizational cultures, and the importance of aligning values with actions.Topics covered in this episode include:Importance of Enthusiasm and Resilience in Business Development Building Aut...
2024-03-0636 minKnowThyBrandEmbracing Responsible Consumption: A Path Towards SustainabilityEver wondered how many business cards you've handed out recently? For most, it's a fleeting exchange, a mere formality in the whirlwind of networking. But for Martine Bosch, founder of Ecofluent, each business card is a statement—an embodiment of sustainability, innovation, and the power of conscious consumption.In a world where disposable culture reigns supreme, Martine's approach challenges the norm and inspires us to rethink the way we connect and consume. Her unique business card, crafted from repurposed cardboard, make it evident that there is something remarkable about her and her mission.Topics covered in...
2024-02-2045 minKnowThyBrandBreaking Barriers: A Conversation on Gender Inclusion in Politics and Business“From a very young age, girls are often taught to diminish our skills. You don't want to take too much credit, and you don't want to be too assertive, but at the same time, you have to be confident. But you can't be self promoting. So, don't promote yourself too much, but at the same time, be assertive and have leadership traits.”These are the words that my most recent guest on KnowThyBrand Women podcast, Mary Chung Hayashi, used when talking about women in politics. Mary Chung Hayashi is an aw...
2024-02-0233 minKnowThyBrandPioneering Steps Towards Gender Equality and Inclusivity with Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg Minister for Gender Equality and DiversityIn a recent podcast episode, I had the honor to sit down with the former Minister of Finance and current Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works and Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity in Luxembourg, Yuriko Backes. We started our conversation by discussing a transformative initiative that marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality—the Luxembourg Women in Finance Charter - we followed with important insights into her experiences and the broader efforts to promote gender equality. Some of the topics we covered include:The importance of embracing the...
2024-01-1832 minKnowThyBrandTransforming Gender Relationships: The Path to Equity and ReconciliationAmidst the prevailing gender disparities in today's society, one might wonder if reconciliation between the genders is even possible. Enter William Keepin and Cynthia Brix, the authors of the book "Gender Equity and Reconciliation." Their interesting work offers a different perspective on fostering harmony and understanding between men and women, paving the way for a brighter future.For over three decades, William and Cynthia have dedicated their lives to reshaping the conversation around gender and sexuality, challenging societal norms and inspiring individuals to embrace transformative change. Their work, encapsulated in their book, provides a safe space for...
2023-10-2731 minKnowThyBrandMantra Media: Inspiring Ethical Marketing and Purpose-Driven SuccessIn an era where businesses often prioritise profit above all else, Johnny Pawlik, the driving force behind Mantra Media, emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more ethical approach to marketing and entrepreneurship. With a compelling story and a philosophy that transcends the ordinary, Johnny embodies a commitment to ethical values in business that inspires many.In fact, Forbes has bestowed the prestigious title of the "most ethical marketing and branding company" upon Johnny's company, solidifying their unparalleled reputation in the industry.With Johnny we discussed: Honesty and Transparency as foundations o...
2023-10-1742 minKnowThyBrandEngaging Men in the Pursuit of Gender EqualityIn an era where gender equality is a pressing global concern, Daniele stands at the forefront of challenging traditional norms and advocating for change. Daniele Fiandaca, the visionary founder of Token Man Consulting, is an expert in the field of inclusion and diversity. His insights on the pivotal role of men in the gender equality movement, as well as the obstacles they face, provide a fresh perspective on this critical issue.Daniele’s journey toward advocating for gender diversity began a decade ago during his career in advertising, where he held various leadership roles. At that time, he...
2023-10-0445 minKnowThyBrandUniting Art and Sustainability: Meet Patricia Luchetta and Her Non-Profit, Charlotte in RedIn the world of art, where creativity knows no bounds, lies a visionary with a passion for positive change. Patrizia Luchetta, an Italian name with an unwavering determination, is the driving force behind an inspiring non-profit organization called Charlotte in Red. This remarkable initiative aims to address gender inequality in the art world while promoting sustainability through the captivating medium of documentaries featuring talented female artists.Join us as we delve into the extraordinary work of Patricia Luchetta and explore the transformative power of art and sustainability.
2023-09-1932 minKnowThyBrandPersonal Branding - how your pictures tell your storyToday, we have a special treat for you as we dive into the world of personal branding from a different angle with the incredible Sandy Grisby, a multi-talented photographer, and personal branding expert. In our efforts to develop our personal brand, we must acknowledge that we live in a world where image and perception matter. And like with work on our brand strategy, also with our image it's easy to fall into the trap of creating a fictional character to please others. However, Sandy urges her clients to understand their target audience without sacrificing their genuine identity.
2023-09-0536 minKnowThyBrandRiding the Rainbow: Building Connections, Spreading Joy, and Creating a Better World through DonationsIn a world often filled with negativity, there are individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make a difference and create a better, more inclusive world. In our latest podcast episode, we had the honor of meeting Emanuele Santi, the visionary founder of "Riding the Rainbow," and Lena Shevchenko, a Ukrainian mother living in Luxembourg, who discussed their project's journey toward inclusivity and the power of donations to positively impact lives.How You Can Get Involved?Through Riding the Rainbow, people have the opportunity to form connections and better understand the struggles and triumphs of others...
2023-07-2137 minKnowThyBrandFrom Yoga Teacher to Mother Trucker Yoga: A Journey of Purpose and SuccessIn this podcast conversation, we had the pleasure of chatting with Hope, a remarkable woman who took a leap of faith and transformed her career from being a traditional yoga teacher to establishing her very own successful business called "Mother Trucker Yoga”. We dug deep into her journey, exploring the challenges she faced and the incredible decision-making process that led her to discover her true calling: providing truck drivers with unique yoga and wellness solutions.-> Key takeaway: The Power of Focused Targeting and Niche MarketingHope emphasized the importance of unwavering focus and truly und...
2023-07-0435 minKnowThyBrandEmigrant spouses and the loss of female talentIn this episode, we talk with Maria Elo, an associate professor at the University of Southern Denmark and an immigration fellow at the Institute of Migration. Drawing from her academic expertise and personal experiences, Maria sheds light on the challenges encountered by spousal migrants and provides insights into this crucial topic. With a particular focus on women, Maria also highlights the alarming consequences of losing valuable talent due to inadequate support systems.In this episode, we cover:Different types of challenges faced by migrants, including institutional challenges related to formal identity and private business challenges...
2023-06-0735 minKnowThyBrandTime to talk about Iran and what is happening after the death of Mahsa AminiThis episode is dedicated to Iran and the people who are protesting after the killing of Mahsa Amini. While most news outlets have long stopped covering what is happening in Iran after the initial wave of protests started in September, the reality is that people in Iran are still challenging the Government.In this episode, we talk with Nahid Mohammadi and Shabnam Sabzehi, two brave women who left Iran but continue to support women in their home country from Luxembourg.In this episode, we cover:A brief recap of Iran's history. How did we...
2023-05-0334 minKnowThyBrandPositive Leadership in PracticeIn this episode, we talk with Cornelia Lucey, a Leadership psychologist and business owner.Cornelia shares with us what ‘Positive Leadership’ is and how it integrates what we know from the leadership field in what creates the most effective leaders, with what we know from the science of positive psychology to offer us an integrated model of leadership that brings the best in wellbeing and performance from leaders and others.Over 2020 and 2022 Cornelia Lucey and Jolanta Burke developed a memorable framework called the ALIGHT model to help the world to understand how we can develop more effe...
2023-04-1853 minKnowThyBrandThe little story of a little girl with a very big heart: raising money for AfricaIn this episode, we have a very special guest: Neve Swart, an 8 years old girl who, despite her young age, is already raising money for children in Africa.Neve is from South Africa and has been living in Luxembourg since January 2021. Recently, she realised that she had a skill and a passion for doing nails and other beauty treatments and started treating her much delighted mother. Others started noticing her mom's nails, and were extremely surprised when they were told that Neve did them. Soon the ‘’bookings’’ started flying in. However, when her ‘’clients’’ started to give her money...
2023-03-3111 minKnowThyBrandWar, Women, and TechIn this very special and moving episode, we speak with 3 women from Ukraine: Iryna Volnytska, Nataly Veremeeva, and Valeriia Kotsur.Iryna and Nataly live and work in a country at war and share with us how this has changed their life but also how this war is affecting men and women differently and how Ukraine is, despite it all, still pushing its Tech agenda with the women taking center stage. Valeriia shares her experience of support from abroad to help build a bright future for Ukraine after the war.In particular we discussed:...
2023-03-1738 minKnowThyBrandChange starts with braveryIn this episode, we talk with Kate Monserrate, co-founder and director of Simplify Consulting.Kate, together with her business partner Carl and their team decided to invest substantial resources, in terms of financial, personnel, and time resources, to create a seriously impressive whitepaper on a topic that could make us wonder: gender equality. What does gender equality have to do with financial consulting? It turns up, a lot.Listen to Kate as she runs us through the 3 areas of their whitepaper:- Education and fighting stereotypes about gender roles from a very young age
2023-02-2830 minKnowThyBrandUnlocking the magic in every womanIn this episode we talk with Mari Vasan, CEO, Entrepreneur, Professional Hypnotist, Women´s Transformational Life Coach, and Founder of MindGift.org.But that's not all! Mary is a former Wall Street senior executive and Managing Director of US Equity Research who by her full will decided to walk away from a career that, in her own words, defined her exclusively by her job title and salary, to start a new career dedicated to helping others.Today, Mari is an over 10 years experienced coach, and her life mission is to help middle-aged women start living th...
2023-02-1434 minKnowThyBrandPersonal branding - what it is, why it matters and how to develop it."You too are a brand. Whether you know it or not. Whether you like it or not".Mark eckō, founder and chief creative officer of marc eckō enterprisesIn this episode, we discover what personal branding is, and what it is not. Why you should care about it and how you can develop a strong personal brand to support your career.The main takeaways are:- Personal branding is about optimising associations, feelings, and impressions. It is about building trust.- Personal branding is NOT about creating a fictional character that we br...
2023-01-3131 minKnowThyBrandA Judgement-Free Guide to Diversity and Inclusion for Straight White MenIn this episode, we host an old friend of our podcast, Felicity Hassan.Not only Felicity is the found of The Find, a recruitment agency the focus on diverse recruiting, but she is also the co-author with Suki Sandhu of an incredibly inspiring book called 'How To Get Your Act Together: A Judgement-Free Guide to Diversity and Inclusion for Straight White Men'As the name implies, the book offers a very straightforward approach to diversity, providing clear explanations for concepts we might not be so familiar with (like gender identity vs sexual orientation just to...
2023-01-1048 minKnowThyBrandThe big jump: for the corporate world to entrepreneurshipToday, Amy Anthony runs her private practice called NYC Aromatica and is the New York State representative for the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. But this has not been always her life.Amy used to have a corporate career and it was her love and knowledge of plants that became a bridge between her corporate past and her entrepreneurial future. In this episode, we discuss with Amy about:*The importance of taking opportunities that come our way*Finding the courage to talk about money*Changing our outlook to find confidence*The...
2022-12-1337 minKnowThyBrandEmpowering women with H.E. Fleur Thomas, His Majesty's ambassador to the Grand Duchy of LuxembourgIn this episode, we have the absolute honor and pleasure of hosting H.E. Fleur Thomas, His Majesty's ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.Despite the very important (and long!) job title, H.E. Thomas candidly opens up about her professional experiences and how she has found herself in several mostly male-dominated jobs.With a very practical approach and a quick-wit and a spontaneous sense of humor, H.E. Thomas navigates us through some of the challenges that she has faced as well as how she has dealt with them.Strongly passionate...
2022-11-1535 minKnowThyBrandAnnette Allen: women in techIn this episode, we talk with Annette Allen, Development Team Leader at WellData, an IT company based in the UK.Annette shares her journey to starting a career in IT, the challenges she has faced as well as the opportunities that working in IT brought to her.We discuss the societal pressure put on girls when they consider a career in STEM, how this translates into low numbers of women in tech, and the negative effects of low degrees of gender diversity on business efficiency.We share ideas on how to support a more inclusive work...
2022-11-0335 minKnowThyBrandLisa Burke: career, success and the challenges of motherhoodIn this episode, we talk with Lisa Burke, the famous broadcaster, inspiring woman, and mum of 2 teenagers.During our conversation, Lisa tackles a very true, but often untold, part of the amazing journey of being a mother: the toll it can take on your career. We all wish that we can have it all, a family, kids, career, healthy diet, time for the gym, time for friends, and even a hobby perhaps. The reality though is very different, and at some point, something, or some things, have to give. It doesn't really need to be this wa...
2022-10-1836 minKnowThyBrandThere is nothing micro about a Billion Women With Mary Ellen IskederianA fantastic episode packed with research, information, and insights about financial inclusion, why it matters, how it affects women, and what we can do about it.Our guest is Mary Ellen Iskenderian, the President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, a passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment, and the author of the incredibly important book "There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women"With Mary Ellen we discuss: - What financial inclusion is and how it relates to gender inclusion.- The3 pillars of financial inclusion: ability...
2022-10-0436 min
KnowThyBrandThe secret to recruiting for diversityIt is a well-known fact that a diverse workforce brings greater creativity, social justice, and financial returns. And yet, all too often effectively recruiting diverse candidates seems a challenge for most companies.Felicity Hassan, Board member, book author, and co-founder of The Find, shares with us how to effectively hire for diversity.Felicity founded her company precisely with the intention of helping companies look beyond the sea of traditional candidates to spot diverse leaders. In this episode, she tells her journey from being on the receiving end of horrific hiring experiences to driving inclusive recruitment.
2022-09-2043 min
KnowThyBrandDr Ingrid Murra and her successful journey to secure venture capital fundingIn this episode, we talk with Dr. Ingrid Murra. In her own words, Ingrid is a mission-driven entrepreneur and orthodontist passionate about democratizing access to confidence by way of smiles. Her business, TwoFront, helps individuals get the best care for their smiles while helping small practices grow.In a world where women founders only received 2.3% of all VC funding in 2021 and latino women are a very small minority in this group, Ingrid has managed to secure $5 million for her startup.Ingrid shares with us her experience in starting a business, getting the first employees, and...
2022-09-0624 min
KnowThyBrandA day in the life of a start-up dedicated to sustainabilityWhat does it take to become an entrepreneur? What are the main challenges and why is it worth starting such a journey?Kasia Krzyzanowski is the founder of Neighbour Magazine, a magazine dedicated to sustainable living. From slow living to sustainability, from circular economy to regenerative practices, Neighbour Magazine brings to its readers the stories of the people around us who are making and doing, creating places, spaces, products, and ideas that make our world a better place.Kasia shares with us how she came up with the idea for her magazine, her passion for p...
2022-08-2431 min
KnowThyBrandMirror thinking and fulfilling our potentialIn this episode, we speak with Fiona Murden, psychologist, podcast host, and author of the book Mirror Thinking.Fiona explains to us how mirror thinking is not only the process of observational learning but also the key to social understanding and emotional intelligence.From there, we expand the conversation to a variety of complex yet critical topics including:Mirroring and counter mirroring, how we choose them and how they shape usThe difference between meritocracy and mirrorcrazy, are we being really objective when we promote or recruit talent?The importance of a...
2022-07-1447 min
KnowThyBrandFlo Williams - Inspiring change via sportIn this episode we talk with Flo Williams, an elite rugby player both for premiership clubs (currently Wasps) & internationally capped with Wales, as well as the Women's Sports Lead with MATTA, a marketing sports agency.With Flo we discussed her journey as a female sportswoman in a traditionally male sport like rugby, the challenges she faces but also the amazing opportunities that come with playing in a team at an elite level.We discussed what kept her going when the challenges kept on coming and how these experiences have shaped her as a professional woman.
2022-07-0535 min
KnowThyBrandRevolutionising the concept of gender quotasThis episode is packed with incredible knowledge, information, and insights on gender inclusion. Kristen, Vice-Chair at European Women on Boards and Former Chief DEI Officer at Barilla, shares her experience as a woman in STEM as well as a champion for gender inclusion. Kristen talks about some horror stories women face in a highly man-dominated field like STEM, like being asked to take additional tests for the same job while male candidates aren't. She also covers unintentional bias, particularly affinity bias and proximity bias.Most importantly, Kristen revolutionises the concept of quotas: moving aw...
2022-06-2245 min
KnowThyBrandWorking together on gender inclusion to benefit the whole societyIn this episode, Georges shares his insights into supporting a more inclusive society; Georges talks about his experience as a father, as a CEO, and as an entrepreneur who works in a traditionally male-dominated industry such as the Fintech area.Covering topics from the role of AI in gender equalit to unconscious bias, from self confidence to promotions at work, Georges provides practical tips to women on how to overcome some common self-limiting habits to increase their chances to succeed in business.At the same time, Georges encourages companies and the society at large to address th...
2022-06-0850 min
Dot to Dot Life Connected™The fight for gender equality - with Giulia IannucciFounder of KnowThyBrand, Giulia is a social entrepreneur dedicated to helping women in business to build sustainable ventures and career paths. She is mother of three boys who she is bringing up to respect women and bring their attention to what women can achieve “It’s as important for boys to see women can do anything as it is to see men doing anything.” She role-models this approach in all she does and says, which is underpinned by both her drive for social justice and her ever inquisitive approach to understanding the world and her place in it. Giuli...
2022-05-2749 minKnowThyBrandThe critical role of men in fostering gender inclusionIn this episode, we talk with Brian Ballantyne, co-founder of Men for Inclusion and author of the book 'Confessions of a working father'.Brian explains how the idea of Men for Inclusion came about and his personal journey from being a female ally to becoming actively involved in gender inclusion.With him, we discuss the challenges that men might face in recognising the disparities that still exist between women and men at work and the risk of not recognising those biases and sense of entitlement that might cloud our assessment of work-related situations....
2022-05-1841 minKnowThyBrandWomen in STEM: education, goals, and dreamsIn this episode, Sara Kaiser, Program Director at Luxembourg Tech School, shares her experience of working with the next generation and the challenges - and possible solutions/steps - to attract and retain more girls in STEM courses.A few key points include gender stereotypes and most importantly the stereotype threat -> the risk of confirming negative stereotypes that creates high cognitive load and stress to the point of reducing effective performance.Sara also covers the importance of a positive social environment where peers are diverse and welcoming and where role models are visible and i...
2022-05-0435 min
KnowThyBrandGender inclusion and the broken rung theoryWith his incredibly vast experience in recruitment, in this episode Darren covers some very critical aspects of gender inclusion in business:The critical role of men in supporting gender equalityThe broken rung number 1: at the start of the career -> why do the entry levels have a similar number of women and men but already the first step of the carer progression sees more men than women being promotedThe broken run number 2: women dropping off after starting a family and the consequences on their financial dependency during retirement.The unexpected downsides of the newly found flexibility at work...
2022-04-2127 min
KnowThyBrandThe authority gap, why women are still taken much less seriously then men"He has a natural authority..."" He hit the ball with authority""He was an authority on the stock market"These are the examples that you will find if you Google the meaning of authority. None of the examples you will find use the pronoun She.This is the premise for the incredible book "The Authority Gap, why women are still taken much less seriously than men" by Mary Ann Sieghart.It's not a secret that women are more likely to need to demonstrate their expertise to be taken seriously, that they...
2022-03-1829 min
KnowThyBrandGirls are raised to be perfect, boys to be brave - Denise VossWe often hear that one of the main challenges that women face when climbing their career ladder is the lack of self-confidence.Denise Voss shares a very interesting point: women are not born without confidence, somehow along the journey, we become less confident. Denise is Chairwoman of LuxFlag, an independent and international organisation that promotes the raising of capital for sustainable investments, and she is an inspiring role model for women willing to grow their careers.In particular, Denise shares a talk from Reshma Saujani in which she explains how our...
2022-03-1732 minKnowThyBrandMira and the secrets behind positive leadershipIn this Episode Mira, a Transformational and Clarity Coach to Leaders shares with us some of the main challenges that leaders and particularly female leaders face:1. Leadership is an amplifier: leadership is about being exposed and being out of our comfort zone, which amplifies weaknesses and fears.2. Leadership is therefore an inner game, once you master your inner challenges, tackling the external one is the easy part (just Google it!)3. Women leaders be aware of bias: not just the bias that men have about women, but the ones that we women we have about ourselves: we...
2022-02-2531 min
The Mind Takeaway PodcastFrom Employee to Successful Entrepreneur with Giulia IannucciIn this episode, we speak to Giulia Iannucci, a social entrepreneur and founder of KnowThyBrand dedicated to helping women in business build sustainable ventures and career paths. Always curious and inquisitive, Giulia has worked and lived in Spain, Belgium, Australia, Singapore, the UK and Luxembourg.
Timestamps and Takeaways
02:15 Not knowing what we want to do, exploring our curiosity and accepting opportunities over a long period, we can find our passion and purpose.
07:50 How sometimes the jobs we are the most passionate about can have the most significant impact, we're not paying the most m...
2022-02-2147 min
KnowThyBrandFrom trailing spouse to successful freelancerIn this episode, Peta shares her journey from employee to trailing spouse to freelancer.How to go back to work after a break? The world goes on, what can we bring to a new employer?Self-doubts are very common amongst women who have left the corporate world, whatever the reason. And yet managing an overseas relocation and/ or managing a young family, and /or looking after family members requires skills, skills that can be incredibly useful in the workplace (adaptability, creative solutions, empathy, just cite a few).Peta shares her journey in rediscovering her transferrable skills...
2022-01-3043 min
KnowThyBrandKate and 3 key challenges women face in the workplaceIn this episode, we talk with Kate Webber, lead product manager at Northern Trust and the founder of the award-winning network WiAS (Women in Asset Servicing). As Kate started progressing in her career she noticed that the number of women in the higher ranks of organisations was significantly dropping. Finding herself increasingly as the only woman in the room, Kate decided that something had to be done to support women. Her research on why women don't climb the corporate ladder as easily as men led her to identify 3 main challenges: 1) Lack of confidence: women are le...
2022-01-1636 min
KnowThyBrandTransforming an idea into a global business: the story of PiktochartAi Ching, founder and CEO of Piktochart walks us through her entrepreneurial journey. From bootstrapping to organic growth, from deliberate talent hiring to TikTok all the way to ensuring that you define your niche area to protect your business from bigger, richer and more aggressive competitors, this episode is not to be missed!Approachable, genuine and business acute, Ching is the kind of entrepreneur that inspires future founders and change-makersFind out more here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gohaiching/https://piktochart.com/
2021-11-1938 min
KnowThyBrandSetting vision and goals for your businessIn this episode Rachel, a talented professional coach and mentor, shares with us some key elements that start-ups and business owners should address to ensure sustainable growth for their business.Some of the areas we covered in the interview include:The importance of defining a visionThe difference between long term and short term vision What makes a good goalHow to stay on track and how to measure successThe importance of celebrating your successOvercoming challenges and finding support for your visionWhat a limiting belief is and how we can address itPro-tip: have you considered reciprocal work t...
2021-11-1830 min
KnowThyBrandImpostor syndrome - what can we do?Often the obstacles we face come from the outside world. But what happens when they come from inside ourselves? Fran, a "recovering CEO", successful entrepreneur and an incredible mentor, talks us through the challenges of recognising and addressing the impostor syndrome, as well as the cost that this struggle has on individuals as well as enterprises.If you are feeling that scary tinkle, or are dealing with the full extent of an impostor syndrome, listen to Fran and especially reach out to her.https://uk.linkedin.com/in/franferrisockwell
2021-09-3037 min
KnowThyBrandProfit, pricing and sales in the world of social enterprisesIn this episode, our very special guest, Kat Luckock, a Social Enterprise Coach and founder of Share Impact, tackles some of the most challenging topics for social entrepreneurs: profit, pricing and sales.As social enterprises are born as a way to address social and societal issues, there is often pressure on social entrepreneurs when it comes to recognising the importance of making a profit as this seems to contradict their business purpose. In reality, though, profit is essential to make a social enterprise sustainable while increasing its positive impact. In the same way, getting the price right is...
2021-09-1235 min
Creating Social Impact Podcast with Kat LuckockTransitioning to a social enterprise - a brand agency's example with Giulia IannucciGiulia is a brand strategist and digital marketing consultant with 18 years of experience gained across the EU, Australia, Asia and the UK. She’s also a passionate teacher and associate HEA fellow working at Kingston University. Giulia firmly believes in the power of purpose-led brands and in the positive impact on society that businesses can have.
KnowThyBrand was first born when Giulia decided to leave the corporate world after her second child was born, in search of something with more flexibility to continue to grow her career while being there for her kids. After a while, something felt amiss, which le...
2021-08-2637 min
KnowThyBrandCareer switch: becoming a freelancerIn this episode Hayley shares her experience in transitioning from a good corporate job to her dream freelancing career. This is not an easy kind of journey and Hayley shares the fears she had at the start, as well as her biggest motivators. Now an established freelancer, Hayley also shares important insights on how to get started, how to find the first clients, what are the biggest perks of her new career are as well as some of the pitfalls. In the process, the conversation brought us to discuss important topics such as mental health (and mental fitness!), personal br...
2021-08-1551 min
KnowThyBrandFrom strategy to logo: the many faces of brandingIn this episode Jon, a young, bright, innovative brand expert, walks us through some of the best practices, as well as the perils, of logo design.From working on the strategy that defines a business visual identity, to the different typologies of logos, Jon shares incredibly useful and practical insights for start-ups businesses and businesses working on their re-brand.Find out more about Jon's work on his website: www.cultmethod.com
2021-08-1146 min
KnowThyBrandNeuro-Diversity and the benefits of being truly inclusiveIn this episode Mel tackles a quite untouched and certainly challenging angle of D&I: neuro-diversity.We speak about some of the hurdles as well as the perks of welcoming and supporting neuro-divers talent.What can be seen as an obstacle in the end can turn up to be your team's winning strategy!We are so grateful to Mel for sharing her expertise, you can find out more about her work here:https://uk.linkedin.com/in/behindthelineshttps://www.behindthelines.co.uk/
2021-07-2830 min
KnowThyBrandStartups: 3 business mistakes you must avoidIn this episode, I share 3 business mistakes I made since turning my company into a social enterprise and what I learn from them.Unfortunately I had to learn the lesson the hard way: a client not paying their bills, a prospect taking the whole programme I designed for her and getting a cheaper supplier to implement it, and a business partner cutting me out of the very same project I called them for.If anything, I hope that these experiences might be useful to help fellow social entrepreneurs avoid finding themselves in my same situation.Also...
2021-07-2519 min
KnowThyBrandBusiness through the brand lensIn this episode we talk with a brand veteran: With decades working on brand strategy, Kevin guides us through a journey of understanding, building and delivering a strong brand promise for business success. If you are a start-up or an established business owner willing to grow your business, this is the episode for you.Find out more about Kevin and his business here: https://www.boardwalkhq.com/
2021-07-1646 min
KnowThyBrandSocial enterprise yes or not?In this episode, Barbara, a passionate lecturer at Derby University, explains why new entrepreneurs might want to consider a social enterprise as the legal form for their new venture. Barbara also talks about the ecosystem of traditional businesses, charities and social enterprises, the challenges and how they work together.If you are considering to start a business or you already have a business and are considering turning it into a social enterprise, don't miss Barbara's incredible insights!
2021-07-0236 min
KnowThyBrandInstagram for small businesses - the tips you need from a real ProWhen the student surpasses the teacher: in this episode we talk with Emi, a former digital marketing student and current food influencer on Instagram.Emi shares some really important tactics on how to be successful on Instagram, but not just that. Emi demonstrates the value of Facebook and how to use it for geo marketing as well as explaining the importance of being niche.You can find out more about Emi on her Insta @ emi.fooddelight
2021-06-1227 min
KnowThyBrandSusanne and the importance of believingIn this episode we speak with Susanne, a mum of 3, a wife, a lawyer. Susanne talks about the challenges that women in her field face and she offers some strong takeaways for women in her field: Believe in what you do and do what you believe in! Be always a step ahead and you will conquer the world!#women #womeninbusiness #rolemodel #equity #equality #diversity
2021-05-2520 min
KnowThyBrandAude and the importance of personal brandingIn this episode, we talk with Aude, the accounting head of a very prestigious bank and one of KnowThyBrand's directors. Listen to the candid interview of a successful woman in business, mum, wife, 'organised person', as she talks about the challenges and the opportunities that lay ahead of many other women in her shoes.There are so many little gems hidden in this chat, from recalling parents' expectations to owning your personal challenges and fortunes, from admiring other successful people to reminding yourself of your own successes, Aude opens up about what it means to her being a...
2021-05-1430 min
KnowThyBrandIntroducing Celine - the inspiring Leader IT project manager, mum and board directorIn this episode we speak with Celine, one of KnowThyBrand's directors and a driving force of our social enterprise.Celine shares some of the challenges that women face in IT together with some super tips, not necessarily those we are used to hearing in the field.Enjoy!
2021-05-1224 minKnowThyBrandWhen Branding meets gender equityWhat does branding has to do with gender equity? A lot, it turns out.From entrepreneurs to women growing within an organisation, from stay-at-home mums looking to going back to work to (the thousands of) women made redundant as a result of the pandemic, a strong brand can make the difference in getting THAT new opportunity.Stay tuned and you will find out how.Welcome to our very first new episode!!
2021-04-2511 min