Female Leaders - Power of Women

Megan Draper | The CEO Turning Discarded Furniture into Human Dignity

by admin | May 26, 2025 | Blog, Change Makers, Female Entrepreneur, Female Leaders, Podcast For Women

DescriptionIn this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, host Di Gillett speaks with Megan Draper, Founder and CEO of Furniture Reuse Solutions (FRS) — a 100% female-owned environmental company that has quietly redefined what it means to lead with purpose.

Megan was raised to believe that women were meant to be subservient to men — homemakers in the background, while men took the lead as breadwinners. A chance encounter at a gas station led her into the world of recycling and environmental logistics. Today, she leads a company that has redirected more than £60 million worth of surplus furniture to over 200 nonprofits and humanitarian organisations — avoiding landfill and transforming lives in the process.

We explore the growing intersection of sustainability, circular economy principles, and social responsibility — and how impact-led leadership is no longer optional in today’s business landscape. This episode is for anyone building something bigger than themselves — especially women navigating leadership, visibility, and purpose in a world that still questions their right to take the lead.

In this episode we reveal:

The truth about leading in a male-dominated industry
How one desk or chair can transform a child’s future
The power of circular economy thinking in business
Why real leadership today must include social impact

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Kerry Henwood | What To Expect In 2025 [Part 1]

by admin | Jan 29, 2025 | Blog, Female Leaders, Female Podcast, Transformational Change

2025 will be a year of transformation, renewal and greater awareness.

Di is joined by internationally recognised intuitive healer, inspirational speaker and teacher, Kerry Henwood. Having consulted her global network, Kerry outlines the significance of the Lunar New Year. The transformative energy of 2025 will be characterised by collaboration, leadership and the rise of empathy in technology.

Together they explore the importance of mentorship, the role of elders, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The conversation emphasises the collective consciousness and the potential for positive change and growth as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the new year.

Ep.32 Shirley Wardle | How To Navigate Your Way From Burnout To Balance

by admin | Oct 28, 2024 | Blog, Career Change Over 50, Female Empowerment, Female Entrepreneur, Female Leaders, Health & Wellbeing, Managing Menopause, Women Over 50, Women's Health

We’re diving into something so many of us have faced at some point in our lives: Burnout. It can creep in and take a serious toll on our health and well-being as well as impact those around us. In this episode of the Power Of Women podcast, I engage in a candid discussion with Shirley Wardle, an Australian-born, UK-based female executive who has navigated a remarkable career across multiple industries—including telecommunications, media & broadcast, and cybersecurity. Despite her impressive achievements, the relentless pace and high-stakes demands of corporate life took their toll, leading her to the brink of burnout. Shirley opens up about her journey through the corporate ranks, the warning signs she ignored, and the turning point that forced her to reset. The turning point is still raw & still elicits an emotional reaction when talking about it. After stepping away from her executive role, she discovered a new path to balance and well-being. Shirley has just launched a rejuvenating Pilates oasis in the heart of Kent, UK—a project that symbolises her commitment to both physical and mental health.

Tune in to hear how Shirley transformed burnout into a fresh start, what she learned about maintaining well-being in high-pressure environments, and how she’s using her experience to help others find balance in their own lives.

Shirley Wardle

Ep.29 Gill Moakes | Radical Authenticity: How to be the best version of you

by admin | Oct 7, 2024 | Blog, Champion, Female Empowerment, Female Entrepreneur, Female Leaders, Women Supporting Women

I don’t think anyone could be more radically authentic than Gill Moakes. On this episode of the Power Of Women podcast, Di gets into the weeds with the award winning business coach, writer, speaker and the host of the Heads Together podcast. Having both made a commitment to no more sugar, they explore the importance of prioritising ourselves, the concept of rewilding and the benefits of cutting away what no longer serves us. Gill works with freedom-seeking, risk-taking women to help them grow phenomenal businesses. She believes that when you’re brave enough to do things your way and you’re outstanding at what you do, you deserve a life of infinite possibilities. They also shine a light on the privilege it is, to love what you do. That’s empowering.

Gill Moakes

Ep.28 Angela Rakis | The Rise & Rise Of Female Entrepreneurs

by admin | Sep 30, 2024 | Blog, Career Change Over 50, Change Makers, Female Empowerment, Female Entrepreneur, Female Leaders, Leader, Women Over 50, Women Supporting Women

This week on the Power Of Women podcast, Di spends time with Angela Rakis in Washington DC. As a child, she would spend time in her grand-parents iconic store, the Acropolis Food Market, providores of Greek and Mediterranean foods and condiments. We discuss how these influences along with the exemplary role modelling from her mother, who now in her 80’s is still a working & exhibiting artist, have played a key role in Angela’s life choices, the roles she pursued and ultimately her own business, Favorite Daughter LLC. We also discuss the Great Resignation post the COVID 19 pandemic, the rise of female entrepreneurs, and how more and more people are re-evaluating what they want from their careers and more broadly, life in general.

Angela Rakis

Ep.27 Elle Roseby | An Inspirational Purpose-Driven Leader

by admin | Sep 23, 2024 | Blog, Champion, Change Makers, Exemplar, Fashion Industry Leader, Female Empowerment, Female Leaders, Female mentoring, Transformational Change, Women Supporting Women

Renowned as a transformative, purpose driven leader. This week on the Power Of Women podcast, Di is joined in the studio by one of Australia’s most highly regarded retail leaders, Elle Roseby. Elle has led some of Australia’s most recognisable fashion brands including Sportsgirl, Country Road and Trenery. Together they discuss the importance of health and well-being as women over 50 and the fabulous mentors who have supported Elle throughout her career. Elle emphasises the importance of leading with empathy and generosity. An outstanding retailer with a focus on fostering collaboration, driving cultural change and empowering teams to reach their full potential. A key player shaping the future of retail.

Elle Roseby