Shows
Say it Sister...The Courage to Face What You've Been HidingSend us a textWe explore truth-telling in this episode, discussing how women are called to face their inner truths and the importance of naming what we truly feel.• Lucy shares how becoming a "nag" in past relationships masked deeper unmet needs• Our inner saboteurs mirror the patriarchal system and try to keep us playing small• The trap of societal definitions of success often leads us away from our authentic values• Connecting with our spiritual selves and wisdom has historically been suppressed• Daily practices like mindfulness, nature connection, and deep breathing help us re...
2025-09-2628 min
Say it Sister...Breaking Silence: How Women Lead in Times of Political FearSend us a textKaren and Lucy explore the urgent rise of extremism and far-right movements in the UK, examining what it means to have a voice during politically hostile times when many feel like hiding.• Looking at how reform groups polling at 30% leaves 70% of the population fractured between other parties• Personal connections to extremism, including Karen's Spanish heritage and memories of Franco's far-right regime• The lived experience that most people are compassionate and kind despite extremist narratives• Community responses to division, including creative acts of unity through international flags and colourful ribbons
2025-09-1934 min
Say it Sister...The Radical Power of Women's Truth-Telling: The Sword of TruthSend a textTruth-telling is radical, liberating, and often silenced, especially for women who navigate a world that has historically taught them to swallow their words and shrink their truths. We dive into why speaking your truth is both revolutionary and healing, even when it means shattering comfortable illusions.• Karen shares her 10-year journey of confronting the limiting belief that she was "unlovable"• Lucy reflects on being told she was "too much" and learning to suppress her voice on taboo topics• The shame women carry around sexual assault and the liberation that comes from b...
2025-09-1236 minSay it Sister...The First Chapter: Celebrating Season One of Say It SisterSend a textAfter nine months of powerful conversations that have reached listeners in 85% of Europe and across six continents, Lucy and Karen are taking a well-deserved summer break. In this reflective season finale, they celebrate the unexpected journey of Say It Sister and the global community they've built from Vancouver to Kuala Lumpur.What started as friends having courageous conversations has evolved into a platform where both hosts and listeners process world events together. The hosts share how the podcast became their sanctuary during tumultuous times, allowing them to approach difficult topics with compassion...
2025-07-1820 minSay it Sister...True empowerment comes from within, not from others giving you permissionSend a textLucy and Karen explore the concept of empowerment, what it means personally and professionally, and why those who feel empowered from within are more likely to empower others around them.• Empowerment has become a buzzword, but true empowerment is about internal agency and freedom of choice• Leaders often say they want to empower teams but struggle to genuinely share power and trust others' decisions• The worst relationships teach us the most about empowerment by showing us what disempowerment feels like• Societal taboos and expectations create invisible barriers to women's empowerm...
2025-07-0434 minSay it Sister...Ageism. Too Young, Too Old, Never Just Right?Send us a textLucy and Karen explore how we can reclaim our power by embracing our age rather than seeing it as a problem to fix, sharing personal experiences of navigating ageism throughout their careers and personal lives. They discuss the liberating perspective shifts that come with midlife and the importance of finding champions at every stage.• Finding confidence to be authentically yourself regardless of age• Navigating workplace dynamics when being perceived as "too young" or "too old"• Different approaches to handling ageism: downplaying versus amplifying femininity• The joy of finding intergen...
2025-06-2733 min
Say it Sister...Sonja Leason : From Homeless to HealedSend us a textLucy and Karen welcome Sonja Leason, a resilient entrepreneur who transformed her life from homeless teenager to successful business owner and author. Sonja shares her powerful journey of healing from trauma and discovering purpose through helping others align their businesses with their authentic stories.• Running away from home at 16 with just £150 and finding "earth angels" who helped along the way• Experiencing homelessness, toxic relationships, and surviving in difficult circumstances for years• Facing a critical turning point when her son became seriously ill, prompting her to challenge conventional systems• Embarking...
2025-06-1336 minSay it Sister...The Power of Peak Life ExperiencesSend us a textLucy and Karen explore how peak life experiences permanently change us, sharing stories of transformational moments and the wisdom they've gained from them.• Lucy describes her life-changing trip to Costa Rica, including a magical encounter with sloths and a profound moment of presence during a horse riding excursion• Karen shares her challenging journey to motherhood, including conception difficulties, the moment she discovered she was pregnant, and a frightening health scare while in Delhi• The importance of creating intentional sisterhood connections and how this transforms group dynamics• How leadership evolves...
2025-05-0938 min
The Leaders in Strategy PodcastTurning Leadership Upside Down with Special Guest Lucy BarkasWelcome to all you Leaders In Strategy. Our latest podcast features part 2 of my insightful interview with Lucy, who challenges our traditional views on effective leadership, prompting a re-evaluation of what it means to lead successfully.
Explore revolutionary leadership strategies in this exciting YouTube video titled "Turning Leadership Upside Down with Special Guest Lucy Barkas." This compelling discussion is tailored for business leaders, managers, and aspiring leaders eager to develop innovative business strategies and drive business growth. Renowned leadership expert Lucy Barkas joins me to share her groundbreaking insights into modern leadership dynamics and strategic growth.
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2025-04-0731 minSay it Sister...Emma Streets Pt 2: Finding Your Voice in a World of CrisisSend us a textLucy and Karen welcome back Emma Streets, a leader in reputation management, to discuss navigating global crisis, preserving personal agency, and finding wisdom in challenging times. They explore how women can maintain their voice in a world that often seeks to silence them.• Finding balance between staying informed and protecting mental health in a 24/7 news cycle• Setting personal boundaries around news consumption while maintaining professional awareness• Strategies for processing difficult information without becoming overwhelmed• The value of age and experience in crisis management situations• Why comparing yourself to others...
2025-03-2825 minSay it Sister...Seeds of Change: Why This Spring Could Transform Your LifeSend us a textLucy and Karen explore how spring's return mirrors our own journey toward light, balance and feminine power through personal stories and wisdom about seasonal transformation.• Acknowledging both the light and dark within ourselves to become more authentic and embodied• Reconnecting to the feminine through natural rhythms like spring equinox and celestial cycles• Finding balance between masculine drive and feminine receptivity by "moving into the back of our bodies"• Healing our relationship with our inner maiden by reclaiming joy and unfiltered expression• Using nature as medicine to regulate our nervou...
2025-03-2136 minSay it Sister...The Feminist Journey: Overcoming Patriarchy and Finding Your VoiceSend us a textLucy and Karen explore the challenges faced by women in today's world and share acts of positivity to become better allies to ourselves and others in this second part of their International Women's Day series.• Recent history of women's rights in the UK, including that women couldn't open bank accounts until 1975 and marital rape wasn't illegal until 1992• Common misconceptions about feminism, emphasizing that feminists are not anti-men but seeking equality• The impact of patriarchal systems on both women and men, and the need for men's healing circles• Personal experien...
2025-03-1430 minSay it Sister...Goddess 4: Celebrating the Inner Goddess and Personal EnergySend us a textThis episode revolves around the themes of empowerment, community, and personal growth through the exploration of our inner goddess. Lucy and Karen share insights on navigating life's challenges with clarity and courage, stressing the importance of connection and inner reflection.• Exploring the connection between empowerment and community • Discussing the urgency of embracing our true selves • Reflections on personal experiences with societal expectations • The significance of shadow work in personal healing • Encouraging listeners to honour their inner goddess • Highlighting the role of rituals and spiritual practices in growth • Und...
2025-01-2444 minSay it Sister...Embracing Crossroads: Harnessing Hecate's Power of ChoiceSend us a textHave you ever stood at a crossroads, feeling the weight of choices and the courage needed to make them? Join us as we channel the power of the ancient goddess Hecate, exploring the pivotal moments that shape our lives, particularly during the transformative phase of midlife. In this episode of Say it Sister, Lucy and I, Karen, open up about our own experiences navigating these significant transitions, underscoring the significance of patience, intuition, and heartfelt decision-making.Midlife relationships can be complex, influenced by cycles both external and internal. We share our...
2025-01-1739 minSay it Sister...Transformative Travel: Embracing Adventure and Inner ResilienceSend us a textEver wonder how a simple trip can transform your life? Join me, Lucy, and my fellow adventurer Karen on our podcast episode as we share personal stories that highlight the profound impact travel has had on us. From the teenage thrills of interrailing to the unexpected wonder of landing on the wrong island, our tales reflect the beauty and chaos that comes with embracing the unknown. Discover how stepping out of our comfort zones and into diverse cultures fuels our dreams and fosters friendships that span the globe.Imagine a journey...
2024-12-1348 minSay it Sister...Rediscovering Desires: Navigating Self-Expression and EmpowermentSend us a textHave you ever felt like your desires have taken a backseat to the demands of life? As women, we often find ourselves navigating a complex web of societal expectations and biological inclinations, which can lead us to prioritize others' needs over our own. On this episode, we share Karen's heartfelt journey of losing touch with her personal desires amid the responsibilities of motherhood, alongside Lucy's reflections on her evolving aspirations as her children grow more independent. Together, we take a closer look at how personal desires related to freedom, sexuality, money, and power...
2024-11-1537 minSay it Sister...Asking for help Pt 2: Embracing Help for a Balanced LifeSend us a textWhat happens when we shift from a life of survival to a life of thriving? Join us, Lucy and Karen, as we share our deeply personal journeys, examining the delicate dance between asking for help and truly receiving it. Karen opens up about the transformative effects of requesting support in her family, leading to a more joyful and balanced home life. Meanwhile, Lucy reflects on her corporate career, where asking for help was easy, but accepting it was a different story. Together, we explore how embracing both sides of this equation can prevent...
2024-11-0834 minSay it Sister...Asking for help Pt 1: Transforming Help-Seeking and Redefining LeadershipSend us a textLucy found herself grappling with stress, often hesitating to ask for help until it felt too late. Karen, meanwhile, faced a life-altering accident that left her vulnerable and in need of support. Their stories bring to light the complexities and emotional hurdles surrounding the issue of asking for assistance. Listen as we break down the taboos and societal expectations that discourage us from seeking help, especially for women who are pressured to manage it all. Discover how embracing vulnerability can lead to healing and growth, and the profound realization that we are worthy...
2024-11-0143 minSay it Sister...Everyday Sexism part 1: Challenging Everyday Sexism and Reclaiming Personal SpaceSend us a textCasual sexism lurks in everyday life, from the clothes we wear to the space we claim in public. Lucy and Karen come together on Say it Sister to tackle these pervasive issues head-on. Lucy shares the journey of raising daughters who are beginning to recognize the subtle and not-so-subtle ways sexism creeps into their world. Karen reflects on her own past experiences, revealing the emotional scars that linger. Our conversation uncovers not just the absurdity of tiny pockets in women’s jeans, but the normalization of dismissive attitudes toward harassment and the importance of...
2024-10-1135 minSay it Sister...Balancing Professional Success with Personal StrugglesSend us a textIs patriarchy still holding you back in your career? Have you ever wondered how women manage to shatter the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries? Join us on this episode of the Say it Sister podcast as Lucy shares the gritty details of her career in the energy sector, highlighting the obstacles women frequently encounter. Meanwhile, Karen provides a fascinating contrast with her experiences in PR and communications, where the leadership landscape remains male-heavy despite the majority of the workforce being female. Together, we dive into how our role models have shaped our j...
2024-09-2735 minSay it Sister...Navigating Patriarchy's Past and Building a Balanced FutureSend us a textHave you ever wondered how ancient societies viewed gender roles and how those perceptions have evolved into today's patriarchal norms? Join us, Lucy and Karen, as we embark on a historical journey to uncover the origins of patriarchy and its sweeping influence on society. We'll walk you through early human settlements where gender balance was the norm and trace the seismic shift to male-dominated systems around 2000 years ago. Delving into crucial events like the witch trials of the 15th to 17th centuries, we reveal how these dark chapters have left a lasting mark...
2024-09-2040 minSay it Sister...Women Uplifting Women Through Challenges And Claiming Our VoicesSend us a textHow do you reclaim your voice after it has been silenced? Join us in our inaugural episode of the Say it Sister podcast, where Lucy and Karen share their deeply personal journeys of empowerment and self-discovery. We unpack the courage it takes to post on social media, the supportive bonds that strengthen us, and the transformative power of using our voices to speak truth. Hear Lucy's story of how a single critical comment when she was temporarily silenced her, and how she found the determination to speak out again. Together, we reflect on...
2024-09-1128 minSay it Sister...Navigating Safety: Honest Stories about Womens Safety and Collective ResilienceSend us a textWhat if feeling unsafe wasn't just a fleeting moment but a constant reality for many women? On this heart-wrenching episode of Say it Sister, we, Lucy and Karen, open up about our own experiences with personal safety and share the collective tales of women who navigate a world rife with violence and harassment. By highlighting historical and current data, we aim to shed light on this persistent issue and create a safe space for open, honest dialogue. Together, we explore ways to confront these harsh realities and offer resources for empowerment and support.
2024-09-1140 minSay it Sister...Creating Safe Spaces: Empowerment Through Self-Discovery and NatureSend us a textWhat if feeling safe could open up a world of relief and readiness for life? In this transformative episode of the Say it Sister podcast, Karen and Lucy take you on an enlightening journey into the profound concept of safety. We kick things off by discussing how identifying, feeling, and building a sense of safety can profoundly impact our lives. Karen offers her invaluable wisdom on recognizing when we don’t feel safe and the crucial importance of taking action. Meanwhile, Lucy shares a heartfelt and eye-opening personal experience from a pro-peace rally, hi...
2024-09-1128 min
The Alternative Leader PodcastThe Alternative Leader Podcast - Lucy BarkasLucy Barkas founded 3WH, a leadership and team development consultancy in 2013 after working as a leader in the energy industry. She works with leaders and their teams to build organisations they are proud of.Author, Podcast host and regular BBC Radio contributor, her clients include private clients to international conglomerates.She was the archetypal good girl, and followed the traditional path – head girl, uni, job, married, kids, career – all ticked off the list by the time she was 30. She was living the dream, except it wasn’t bliss, nor a nightmare.She was coasti...
2022-01-1955 min
The LeaderX Podcast with Lucy BarkasLucy Barkas reflects Restarting the team and getting back to basicsIn any leadership programme I do with teams, we do a levelling exercise. We get back to basics to discuss, what is the team for, who is on it and why does it matter? It doesn't matter whether it is a new team or one that has been around for ages. I recommend the restarting discussions at least one a year. It clears the decks, lets go of the past and get's all members to focus on the future.So here are my reflections on how to do it well.
2021-10-0118 min
The LeaderX Podcast with Lucy BarkasLucy Barkas reflects on what I learned from my leadership mistakesLeadership is hard and you won't have all of the answers. I have made mistakes and learned from them. And yet I have been kind to myself. I have owned my mistakes and taken responsibility. When I am at my worst I try to control everything. When I am at my best I trust.I learned to lead by treating people like adults. Empowering and building trust.
2021-07-1915 min
The LeaderX Podcast with Lucy BarkasLucy Barkas reflect on leading through crisis and authenticityEvery guest inspires me. Jonathan Hemmus helped me realise just how transferable leadership skills are, whether in crisis, engagement, strategy or decision making.It got me thinking about how authentic my leadership is and how my saboteurs stop me from being myself.
2021-07-0511 minThe LeaderX Podcast with Lucy BarkasLucy Barkas reflects on mental healthMy conversation with Rob Brady was enlightening. It moved me. So hear my reflections.
2021-06-1412 min
LOCKDOWN... AND THEN WHAT? PODCAST SERIESEpisode 10 - Step up, take control and lead through uncertainty with Lucy Barkas❓ If you had the undivided attention of a bestselling author and leadership expert for 1 hr - what would you ask them❓
Listen to our 10th episode and gain new insights from Lucy Barkas, Leadership Expert, Coach, Podcaster, Speaker and Author of 'LeaderX'
Lucy loves people and she loves business. She believes that through their work, people can feel fulfilled, energised and build self-esteem, A great leader can build a culture where people are safe and free to do their best work and best thinking, and in return they deliver great results.
She works with...
2021-06-0744 min
The LeaderX Podcast with Lucy BarkasLucy Barkas reflects on Leadership wellbeing and coachingTalking to Mari Williams helped me to remember why I choose to work in Leadership Coaching. Listen to my reflections about why the work we do is so important.Find out how LeaderX you are LeaderX Scorecard - 3WH
2021-05-3113 min