Anatomy of a Leader with Maria Hvorostovsky

"You only have one reputation. And once it's burnt, it's burnt." Grant J Bates sold a £61.3 million house in Holland Park, the highest-value residential sale in the UK that year, and says the corporate estate agency model that trained him is dead. Five years earlier, when he started filming his listings for Instagram, his friends told him he was a moron and his employer sent him cease-and-desist letters. He kept going, and in 2025 launched his own brokerage. In this conversation Maria tells him about the estate agent who physically pushed her away from a development she wanted to see when she was buying her first flat, and asks him the question everyone asks her at dinner: should you rent or buy? ─────────────────── 👤 GRANT J BATES Grant J Bates has worked every level of London property, from lettings in Wembley at 17 to running the private office of a major corporate firm for ultra-high-net-worth clients. He now runs Grant J Bates Property, the independent brokerage he founded in 2025. Website: https://www.grantjbates.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/grantjbates/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grantjbates LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/grant-james-bates-9137574a ─────────────────── 🎙 FOLLOW MARIA HVOROSTOVSKY IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria.hvo/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/

Your manifestation is already working, every second, every day, says hypnotherapist Jim Curtis. The money you have right now, the relationship, the body, the life: all of it is the output of beliefs you don't know you're carrying. Jim Curtis was eight when his father held peas to his mouth until he couldn't breathe, and taught him that hard work costs you nothing. A spinal cord diagnosis at 19 taught him the opposite: hard work costs you everything, and the life you're living right now is the output of beliefs you don't even know you're carrying. In this conversation he shows Maria - live - how to find the belief blocking the money, the relationship, the life you want. It is not what either of them expected. Jim Curtis is a transformational coach and hypnotherapist, author of "The Book of Possibility", and runs retreats worldwide. After two decades in health-tech leadership while privately navigating a chronic spinal condition, he rebuilt his life around one idea: the subconscious runs the show, and it can be rewritten. In this episode: the four-line Ho'oponopono prayer that made Maria cry, the $10 million manifestation protocol run live, the naked mirror exercise, and why what you're not changing, you're choosing. ─────────────────── 📕 THE BOOK OF POSSIBILITY Amazon: https://link.amazon/B08o1YtzS Official site: https://www.bookofpossibility.com/ 👤 FOLLOW JIM CURTIS IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimcurtis1/ Website: https://www.jimcurtiscoaching.com/ ─────────────────── 🎙 FOLLOW MARIA HVOROSTOVSKY IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria.hvo/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ As an Amazon Associate, Anatomy of a Leader earns from qualifying purchases.

Dermatologist Dr Aamna Adel spent 13 years earning her title - then got told off by her hospital bosses for "dancing on TikTok". She ignored everyone, grew to 1.5 million followers, and launched rhute: the scalp-care brand that sold out three times with a 33,000-person waiting list, no investors and no co-founder. And along the way, she dismantles the biggest myth in haircare: air-drying isn't the gentle option - it's feeding the fungus on your scalp. Dr Adel is a Consultant Dermatologist, content creator, founder of rhute, and a mother - though ask her what she does, and the answer is always "dermatologist first". In this conversation with Maria Hvorostovsky: the medical-school rejection her twin sister didn't get, why hair-loss brands exploit desperate people, what actually works for your scalp (and in what timeframe), and the two-word answer to "how do you do it all?" ──────────────────────────👤 FOLLOW DR AAMNA ADEL: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aamnaadel IG: https://www.instagram.com/dermatologist_adel/ rhute: https://rhutehair.com/ 152 Harley Street: https://www.152harleystreet.com/specialists/aamna-adel/ ─────────────────────────── 🎙 FOLLOW MARIA HVOROSTOVSKY: IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria.hvo/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/

This episode is sponsored by CP+R, Maria’s cardiac rehabilitation provider: https://www.cpandr.co.uk/ Heart surgery may repair the heart, but recovery also means rebuilding strength, confidence and trust in your body. CP+R cardiac nurse Angela Hartley joins Maria Hvorostovsky (one of the patients she supported after mitral valve repair0 to explain when cardiac rehabilitation should begin, how to exercise safely after surgery and why recovery is emotional as well as physical. They discuss palpitations, breathlessness and women’s heart symptoms; post-surgery fatigue, pain and medication side effects; safe heart-rate zones; bisoprolol; blood pressure; alcohol; and why it can take months to feel physically recovered and even longer to stop thinking about the surgery. ABOUT ANGELA HARTLEY Angela Hartley is Head of Nursing at CP+R and an experienced cardiac nurse, cardiac rehabilitation exercise specialist, personal trainer and nutritional therapist. Having trained in Australia and worked in cardiac nursing at the Royal Brompton Hospital, she now helps people regain fitness, confidence and trust in their bodies following heart attacks, heart surgery and other cardiac diagnoses. CP+R: https://www.cpandr.co.uk/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/healthyhearties/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angelahealthyhearties FOLLOW MARIA HVOROSTOVSKY IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria.hvo/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by: https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak to your doctor, cardiologist or cardiac rehabilitation team about your own health and recovery.

This episode is personal. Maria Hvorostovsky sits down with the man who repaired her heart - Mr Toufan Bahrami, one of the world's leading cardiac surgeons and the only surgeon in the UK performing fully endoscopic mitral valve repair. With over 4,000 procedures and multiple world firsts, he is the surgeon other surgeons refer their patients to. What starts as a conversation about heart surgery becomes a masterclass in elite performance, calm under pressure, and what it truly means to lead in the highest-stakes environment imaginable. This episode is sponsored by CP+R - London's leading cardiac rehabilitation and performance recovery centre, supporting patients before and after heart surgery https://www.cpandr.co.uk/ Find Mr Toufan Bahrami HCA Healthcare http://bit.ly/4uHMxPs Guy’s And St Thomas’ Specialist Care https://bit.ly/43BUsC2 London Mitral Clinic https://bit.ly/4dRfbq7 Follow host Maria Hvorostovsky: IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/

You have 23 seconds before your doctor interrupts you — what do you say? If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or unsure how to explain your symptoms, this episode will change the way you speak so you’re actually heard. In this episode of Anatomy of a Leader, Maria Hvorostovsky sits down with Penny Parkes, author of How to Talk So Your Doctor Will Listen, to explore how patients can communicate clearly, prepare for appointments, describe symptoms, ask better questions, and advocate for themselves in a medical system that often doesn’t listen. Penny shares what she learned after decades as a patient navigating complex conditions, medical trauma, near-death experiences, and the reality of medical misogyny — offering practical tools for anyone who wants to feel more confident, prepared, and taken seriously by their doctor. -- About Penny Parkes Penny Parkes is an author, health journalist, and long-term patient living with multiple rare and complex conditions. Her book How to Talk So Your Doctor Will Listen: Helping Your Doctor to Help You shares practical tools to help patients communicate effectively, advocate for themselves, and get better care. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@how2talktoyourdoctor IG: https://www.instagram.com/how2talktoyourdoctor/ BUY Penny's book - https://amzn.to/4tPfU1r -- Follow host Maria Hvorostovsky: IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/

Two heart surgeons looked at the same heart and gave me opposite advice. One said plan surgery. The other said wait. At 42, in the best shape of my life, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation. And suddenly I had to answer a question I never expected to face: 👉 Do I operate now — or can I safely wait? This is Part 2 of my heart story. In this episode, I break down exactly how I chose my heart surgeon in London, what criteria I used, and what I learned navigating the NHS, private healthcare, and multiple surgical opinions. If you’ve been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, mitral regurgitation, or told you “might need surgery,” this episode is for you. In this episode: • What severe mitral valve prolapse actually means • Why two top surgeons gave completely opposite advice • The difference between repair vs replacement • Why “minimally invasive” doesn’t always mean what you think • The exact criteria I used to shortlist surgeons • How many surgeries is “enough”? • Why bedside manner mattered less to me than technical mastery • The red and green flags I noticed • What finally made my decision clearI’m not a doctor. This is not medical advice. This is my lived experience navigating high-stakes medical decisions as someone who researches leaders for a living. I’m a headhunter. I assess excellence for a living. Choosing a heart surgeon felt like the most important search of my life. And what I discovered about expertise, confidence, ego, craft, and decision-making surprised me. Follow Maria Hvorostovsky: IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ If this helped you, subscribe and share it with someone navigating a diagnosis.

I never thought heart disease would be part of my story. At 42, in the best shape of my life, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and severe regurgitation. What started as a strange episode during a workout turned into months of fear, waiting, uncertainty, and eventually heart surgery. This is Part 1 of My Heart Story. In this episode of Anatomy of a Leader, I share what it was really like to be diagnosed with a heart condition at 42 — from early symptoms and medical tests to the emotional impact of living with uncertainty while raising young children and running a business. This is the beginning of a deeper series about fear, vulnerability, healing, and what happens when your body forces you to slow down and listen. This is not medical advice. This is my real story — shared in the hope that it helps someone feel less alone, recognise symptoms earlier, or feel brave enough to get checked. In this episode I talk about: – Mitral valve prolapse diagnosis – Heart palpitations and symptoms – ECG and echocardiogram experience – Waiting for cardiology appointments – Anxiety and fear after diagnosis – Exercising with a heart condition – Women’s heart health being underdiagnosed – Why “being strong” can make illness lonelier Follow Maria Hvorostovsky: IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ 💗 Follow for honest conversations about leadership, health, emotions and real life.

What happens when a kid who didn’t speak English and didn’t touch a computer until 15 goes on to lead some of the biggest AI and automation programmes in the world? Meet Danilo McGarry — a global AI expert, automation pioneer and digital transformation leader who has worked across organisations like Citigroup, UnitedHealth Group, Royal Bank of Canada and Alter Domus, helping companies redesign how work is done using artificial intelligence. From growing up in Brazil to becoming one of the most recognised voices in AI leadership, Danilo’s story is about resilience, obsession with learning, and refusing to accept how things have always been done. In this conversation, we go far beyond buzzwords. We talk about how AI is really being used inside companies, why culture matters more than technology, how automation is reshaping jobs and leadership, and what executives must understand if they want to survive the next decade. We also explore the human side of artificial intelligence — anxiety, burnout, biology, sleep, emotional intelligence, and what it actually means to stay human while machines become more powerful. This is not a hype conversation. This is about execution, responsibility, leadership under pressure, and building a future where AI amplifies people instead of replacing them. We Discuss: – Danilo McGarry on AI & Leadership – Danilo’s personal story: from Brazil to AI expert – Using automation to outperform humans in work – The chaotic banking story & leadership lessons – Why culture must lead AI adoption – The 5 pillars of AI transformation – The biggest myths about AI & singularity – How to manage anxiety in a rapidly changing world – The future of jobs, freelancing & gig economy – The future of hiring: beyond resumes – Why sleep, biology & humanity matter – Danilo’s final advice on execution with AI About Danilo McGarry: Danilo McGarry is a globally recognised AI expert, automation leader and digital transformation advisor, consistently ranked among the Top 20 Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence worldwide. He has led large-scale AI and automation programmes across major organisations including Citigroup (Head of AI & Machine Learning), UnitedHealth Group (enterprise automation leadership), Royal Bank of Canada, JPMorgan, BNP Paribas and Alter Domus, delivering measurable business impact across finance, healthcare and enterprise technology. Danilo is also a Strategic Adviser on AI to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the UK and a sought-after keynote speaker on AI, leadership, future of work and digital transformation. His work and insights have been featured in publications including WIRED, Financial Times, Bloomberg and Computer Weekly, and he advises governments and global companies on how to adopt AI ethically, practically and at scale. YT: https://www.youtube.com/@aimcgarry IG: https://www.instagram.com/aimcgarry/ 🎧 Listen now to a deep, practical conversation on AI on Anatomy of a Leader. Follow host Maria Hvorostovsky IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/

What happens when extreme ambition meets an unregulated nervous system? In this episode of Anatomy of a Leader, Maria sits down with John Skelton — co-founder of cult concept store LN-CC, former buyer at Selfridges and Harrods, and founder of mental health project Hearted — to explore what really happens behind high-performance careers. John shares how he rose fast inside the fashion industry, helped reshape menswear, tripled turnover at Harrods, and built one of London’s most influential retail concepts — while accumulating pressure, burnout, and emotional overload. This is a conversation about: Extreme talent. Extreme pressure. Identity collapse. Addiction as coping. And the slow, uncomfortable work of rebuilding capacity. Not a comeback story. A reconstruction story. Why This Conversation Matters We live in a culture that rewards speed, output and visibility — while ignoring emotional capacity. John’s story exposes the hidden cost of that model. It’s about what happens when identity becomes fused with achievement. When performance replaces presence. When ambition outruns regulation. And when rebuilding becomes the real work. This episode is for anyone who has: Built success but felt empty. Burned out silently. Used work, substances or distraction to cope. Hit a personal breaking point. Or is rebuilding after collapse. About John Skelton John Skelton is a fashion industry veteran, co-founder of LN-CC, former buyer at Selfridges and Harrods, and the founder of Hearted — a project focused on emotional recovery, mental health awareness and honest storytelling. IG: https://www.instagram.com/_h_e_a_r_t_e_d_/ Follow host Maria Hvorostovsky IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/

After being made redundant with two young kids, Elizabeth Willetts couldn’t find a flexible, senior role, so she created one. She founded Investing in Women — a platform helping women find flexible, part-time and meaningful work. In this episode, Maria Hvorostovsky talks to Elizabeth about how recruitment is changing, why flexible working is the key to closing the gender pay gap, and why ‘you cannot be diverse and inclusive if you don’t embrace flexible work.’ We explore how flexibility creates better workplaces for everyone, the emotional cost of ‘doing it all,’ and what job sharing, part-time leadership, and hybrid work really look like in practice. We also discuss how women can build wealth while staying in the workforce — and hear Elizabeth’s most unpopular opinion about women’s careers. 00:18 – Founding Investing in Women 01:36 – The Myth of Flexibility When You Work for Yourself 02:51 – How to Create Real Flexible Work Opportunities 06:17 – Job Sharing: How It Actually Works 08:28 – The Future of Work, AI & the Gig Economy 14:48 – How Flexibility Can Close the Gender Pay Gap 16:24 – Spotting Red Flags in Companies Before You Join 24:48 – Flex: Building a Career Around Your Life 25:30 – Why Knowing What You Want Is a Career Superpower 30:07 – CVs & Cover Letters That Stand Out 38:07 – LinkedIn Tips That Get You Hired 44:22 – Will Recruiters Be Replaced by AI? 54:48 – What’s Next for Investing in Women About Elizabeth Willetts Elizabeth Willetts is the Founder of Investing in Women, a UK-based recruitment platform and job board connecting employers with talented women and parents seeking flexible, part-time, and remote work. Elizabeth is a leading advocate for gender equality, flexible working, and closing the gender pay gap. Through Investing in Women, she’s reshaping the UK employment landscape by helping organisations attract, hire, and retain diverse talent while promoting careers that support modern family life and caregiving responsibilities. Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-willetts IG: https://www.instagram.com/investinginwomencareers/ Website: https://investinginwomen.co.uk/ Follow host Maria Hvorostovsky IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ 📖 Be the first to get Anatomy of a Leader Diary : https://bit.ly/4qkvC3M

Join the waitlist get Anatomy of a Leader Diary: https://bit.ly/4qkvC3M How did Jane Means go from wrapping gifts at her kitchen table to working with Chanel and Dior? In this episode of Anatomy of a Leader , host Maria Hvorostovsky speaks with the “Queen of Gift-Wrapping” about building a luxury business from scratch, going viral on social media, and creating sustainable designs for high-profile clients. Jane shares lessons on resilience, creativity, and success without stress. 00:00 Intro 00:13 Starting a Gift Wrapping Business 02:12 Viral Success and Social Media Impact 03:16 Challenges and Sustainable Gift Wrapping 05:41 Wrapping for Celebrity & VIP Clients 08:12 Maintaining Quality and Team Dynamics 17:20 The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge TV Show 20:22 Navigating Tough Feedback with Kindness 21:23 Family Dynamics and Gift Wrapping Humor 22:08 The Art of Understated Gift Wrapping 25:09 Sustainability in the Wrapping Industry 27:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life 30:12 The Journey of Hiring and Business Growth 32:36 Reflecting on Positivity and Life Lessons 33:33 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 37:10 Proving Doubters Wrong Jane Means IG: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/janemeans⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janemeans⁠ 🎁 Special Offer for Anatomy of a Leader viewers: Get 20% OFF your order at ⁠https://www.janemeans.com⁠⁠ with code MARIA at checkout. Follow Maria Hvorostovsky IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvorostovsky/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahvorostovsky/ Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ Artwork and video by https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ 📖 Become a founding member of Anatomy of a Leader Diary sign up here: https://bit.ly/4qkvC3M

On June 19th, 2025, my heart was stopped. And restarted. I had robotic heart surgery to repair a valve, but what it healed went far beyond the physical. This short video is about what breaks us open… and how we begin again. This is not just a story about surgery, it’s about identity, rebirth, and the quiet strength it takes to come back different. Regular programming will resume in September, as I gather strength and take time to rest and be with my family. Pre-order Anatomy of a Leader Diary here: https://stan.store/mariahvo/ 📖 Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/anatomyofaleader ☕️ FOLLOW ME: IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleader/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/

Pre-order Anatomy of a Leader Diary here: https://stan.store/mariahvo/ 📖 Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/anatomyofaleader ☕️ —- Work-life balance is a lie. In this episode, I open up about my recent health challenge - a heart condition called mitral valve prolapse - that forced me to completely rethink how I work, live, and lead. I share how the Anatomy of a Leader brand is evolving and what I’ve learned about slowing down, listening to your body, and making aligned decisions after two decades in executive search and leadership. If you’re navigating burnout, reinvention, career change, or leadership challenges, this episode is for you. —- Follow me: IG: / mycareerwithmaria LinkedIn: / mariahvo TikTok: / maria_hvo IG: / anatomyofaleader Website: https://www.anatomyofaleader.com/ —- What’s inside: Why work-life balance is a mythHow my heart condition (MVP) changed everything Why I’m closing HVO SearchWhat’s next for Anatomy of a Leader The story behind the Anatomy of a Leader Diary - pre-order now! https://stan.store/mariahvo/ How I’m applying lessons from Slow Productivity by Cal Newport Behind-the-scenes of creating this podcast with Felipe, my husband A shoutout to Bill Bailey’s “Thoughtifier” show —- Resources mentioned: Anatomy of a Leader Diary: https://stan.store/mariahvo/ Slow Productivity by Cal Newport: https://amzn.to/4kk1rpT Bill Bailey’s “Thoughtifier” trailer by Felipe Meggio: • Bill Bailey Thoughtifier Show Intro —- Thank you for watching and supporting! Please like, subscribe, and comment - I’d love to hear: 💬 What’s keeping you stuck in your career right now? 💬 What leadership topics do you want me to cover next? —- We breathe. We inhale and exhale. We work and we rest. We live and we lead. This is Anatomy of a Leader. Thank you for being here.

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3WLo8cXThis week I welcome back Alison Cork— lifestyle expert, author and former food critic transformed her life by losing five stone and reclaiming her health. Inspired by her journey, she wrote “Fit and Fabulous Over 50” to show you how to rewire your second act!If you want practical health tips or motivation to make the most of your second act (or even your first act), then this episode is for you.Alison joins me to talk about:- The key to breaking cravings- How to stop relying on treats for comfort - The one food you should stop eating immediately- Why meal planning is the secret source to successTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:12 - Starting Alison at Home and Rebranding09:56 - Rethinking Diet and Exercise18:44 - How to Break Your Cravings 21:57 - Why Do We Want Treats?24:48 - How to Eat 1,000 Calories a Day27:40 - Stop Eating This Immediately29:45 - Meal Planning is Essential to a Healthy Diet33:12 - We’re Out of Balance40:34 - Writing Fit & Fabulous Over 5046:28- Confidence Won’t Just Happen47:13 - Drinking Less and Staying Strong52:36 - The Struggles of Being a Working Mother01:02:04 - Advice for Being Fabulous Over 50Alison Cork:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisoncork_home/ X: https://x.com/AlisonCork?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Website: https://www.nwew.co.uk/ Website: https://alisonathome.com/ Maria Hvorostovsky:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvoX: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovskyPodcast filmed, edited and produced by:https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.comNeed help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Meet Mary Ann Sieghart. She’s the former Assistant Editor of the Times, Ted speaker and author. She’s here to expose why women are not taken as seriously as men and show us how to close that gap for good. If you care about understanding and dismantling the biases that hold women back—and creating a more equal and fair world—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:55 - The Authority Gap in a Nutshell06:19 - Why do we Still Underestimate Women's Intelligence?08:51 - How do we Address this Bias?15:11 - Nature vs. Nurture19:13 - Is Gender Equality Dangerous to Men?22:49 - Online Misogyny35:17 - Why Don’t Men Notice Their Biases?39:31 - How to Reduce Unconscious Bias42:20 - Closing the Authority Gap 54:44 - Why Do Women Have to be Warm?58:21 - What Trump’s Re-election Means for Women01:02:15 - Why Men Think They’re Oppressed01:06:35 - Why Care About Closing the Authority Gap?Mary Ann Sieghart is the author of the best-selling book The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men, and What We Can Do About it and a Founding Partner of The Authority Gap Consultancy. A former Assistant Editor and columnist at The Times for 20 years, she gained a wide following for her writing on politics, economics, feminism, and life. Mary Ann has presented numerous BBC Radio 4 programs, including Start the Week and Profile, and chaired The Brains Trust on BBC2. A Visiting Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford, she also serves as Visiting Professor at King’s College London’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership. She has chaired the Social Market Foundation, sits on several boards, and was Chair of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2022 judges.Buy the books:The Authority Gap: Mary Ann Sieghart - https://amzn.to/3DZEM1X Of Boys and Men: Richard E. Reeves - https://amzn.to/4gZXQMh Mary Ann Sieghart:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-sieghart-17a27891/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masieghartwriter/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.maryannsieghart.com/Maria Hvorostovsky:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria IG: https://www.instagram.com/anatomyofaleaderTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvoX: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovskyPodcast filmed, edited and produced by:https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.comNeed help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

BUY THE BOOKS: The Crazy Busy Cure - https://amzn.to/3W7WuGB Badly Behaved People - https://amzn.to/3DUSKlx Happy New Year, my fellow leaders! The holiday season can leave us feeling overwhelmed, and as we dive into 2025, let’s ditch the phrase, “I’ve been crazy busy,” for good. I’m thrilled to bring you this conversation with Zena Everett—a leadership coach, dynamic speaker, and author of Mind Flip , The Crazy Busy Cure , and Badly Behaved People . Zena’s here to share her wisdom on reclaiming your time and navigating the challenges of dealing with badly behaved people in your life. If you’re tired of endless to-do lists, struggle to set boundaries, or feel drained by workplace drama, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive. Zena Everett is a leadership coach, speaker, and author specialising in productivity and career success. Her career began as a recruitment entrepreneur, and after selling her business in 2007, she pursued a master’s degree in organisational psychology and career management, followed by advanced coaching qualifications, including studies at MIT Sloan School of Management.She has written two books: Mind Flip, focused on career management, and The Crazy Busy Cure, a guide to tackling modern productivity challenges, which was a bestseller and nominated for the Business Book Awards 2022. Her new book: Badly Behaved People, is about recognising challenging personality types and learning how to deal with them.Zena Everett:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenaeverett/?originalSubdomain=uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenaeverett1/ Website: https://www.zenaeverett.com/ Maria Hvorostovsky:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvoX: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovskyPodcast filmed, edited and produced by:https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.comNeed help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

🎄✨ Merry Christmas, everyone! ✨🎄Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, love, and joy. Whether you’re celebrating big or keeping it cosy, we hope your Christmas is full of special moments with the ones you love.This week, I sat down with my little elves - my kids! - to chat about all things festive. We talked about the house hierarchy, what they would do if they were in charge of Christmas, and whether they would let elves have a day off.So grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and join us for a cosy Christmas chat! Maria Hvorostovsky:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvoX: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovskyPodcast filmed, edited and produced by:https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.comNeed help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.comSUBSCRIBE, COMMENT AND GIVE IT THE THUMBS UP

https://form.typeform.com/to/eDtmkFff: Join the waitlist for Anatomy of a Leader events. Gen Z isn’t the problem—it’s the way we manage them. We’ve heard it all: Gen Z is lazy, entitled, and lacks work ethic. But are they really the issue, or have we just not figured out how to lead them effectively? This week, I’m excited to welcome back Heather Elkington—leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and social media powerhouse—who is reshaping the way we manage the next generation of talent. After our first conversation, Heather and I knew we had only scratched the surface. In this episode, we dive into: 1. Why the term “manager” needs a rebrand (and how to lead without the “Karen” vibe) 2. The 5-step framework for emotional intelligence in leadership 3. How to handle tough conversations that spark real growth 4. Why Gen Z can spot inauthentic leadership from a mile away If you’re a leader struggling to connect with your team, an ambitious manager ready to level up, or a Gen Z professional seeking leadership that truly gets it, this conversation is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 05:28 - You’re Already a Leader 08:59 - Gender Disparity in the Workplace 20:51 - Gen Z and the Future of Work 27:09 - What Will Get Your Team Engaged Again? 31:58 - Managing Employees’ Expectations 35:34 - Helping Your Employee Grow 44:44 - Giving Your Team Independence 52:59 - Tips for Having Difficult Conversations 01:02:25 - Gossip and Emotional Intelligence 01:08:16 - Aligning Your Team with Core Values Heather is the founder of Fresh Leadership World, a company which educates managers on creating empowered, high-performing teams where every individual feels valued and capable. She’s spent the last 10 years leading fast-growing and effective SaaS companies like GoProposal and Sage, where she was Director of Operations. Heather Elkington: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heather-elkington Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipheather/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershipheather Website: https://www.freshleadershipworld.com/ Maria Hvorostovsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky Podcast filmed, edited and produced by: https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

https://form.typeform.com/to/eDtmkFff: Join the waitlist for Anatomy of a Leader events. Meet Aigul Ahmetshina. She’s a Kazan-born opera star and the youngest mezzo-soprano to perform Carmen at the Royal Opera House. Aigul is here to show you that no dream is too big. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 03:01 - How it All Started 18:06 - Building a Technique and Finding Her Voice 19:12 - Facing Doubts and Feeling Guilty 24:03 - What Kept You Pursuing Opera? 27:57 - Opera Lets You Express Your Feelings 31:12 - Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone 33:42 - Nearly Changing Professions 36:13 - Getting Into a Car Accident 38:56 - Auditioning for the Young Artist Program 44:17 - Finding the Right Manager 51:06 - The Benefits of Therapy 54:17 - Give Yourself Time to Feel Sorry for Yourself 57:13 - Performing is Personal 59:04 - Post-Performance Rituals 01:00:38 - Learning to Find Balance 01:05:52 - Creating a Better World Through Art 01:09:15 - Why Carmen is So Popular 01:16:00 - Resolving Conflict 01:20:34 - Misconceptions About Opera Singers 01:21:23 - Treat People Like Human Beings 01:30:47 - What’s Next? 01:33:38 - Advice for Aspiring Opera Singers If you have a seemingly impossible dream you’re hesitant to pursue, or are simply an opera enthusiast and want to hear Aigul’s story, then this episode is for you! Aigul Akhmetshina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aigul_akhmetshina_mezzo/?hl=en X: https://x.com/ak_mezzo?lang=en Website: https://aigulakhmetshina.com/ Maria Hvorostovsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky Podcast filmed, edited and produced by: https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.