Mia, founder of Mamamia Talent representing Business/Club, Riff Raff and Love Song, reflects on the personal and professional shifts that have shaped her journey, sharing candid thoughts on identity, leadership and creativity as a woman of colour in advertising.. and the courage it takes to start again. With warmth, humour and vulnerability, she explores how life’s more challenging moments can often lead us back to ourselves in unexpected and powerful ways. Mia is fiercely creative in her approach to everything she does which shines through in this conversation.

Together, Athene and Mia talk about redefining success, rediscovering joy and learning to hold both ambition and humanity at the same time. It’s a frank conversation, and one that will resonate with anyone navigating change, whether in work, life, or both.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Sweet Like Chocolate - Shanks & Bigfoot

Track 2 – Hotel California - The Eagles

Track 3 – Jets - Bonobo

Track 4 – Down The Line - It Takes A Number - Romare

Track 5 – So U Kno - Overmono

The emPOWER Breakfast - Mia Powell Spotify Playlist

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Rani shares her thoughts on life and purpose, believing that creation is a spiritual act, that the business of advertising, at its best, is the art of manifesting the nebulous into matter. Together, they explore intuition, dreams and the unseen forces that guide us, as Rani reflects on the recent loss of her stepfather and the ways grief reshapes both our inner and creative worlds.

Former co-founder of Calling and now Brand and Business Partner at Creator Lab at adam&eve/TBWA, Rani is a pivotal and deeply respected voice within the network. We are honoured to welcome her singular vision, wisdom and vulnerability to the emPOWER series.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Dreams - Gabrielle

Track 2 – No Matter What They Say - Lil Kim

Track 3 – So Far To Go - J Dilla, Common, D’Angelo

Track 4 – Mystic Brew - Ronnie Foster

Track 5 – Ultra Beam - Sunday Service Choir

The emPOWER Breakfast - Rani Patel Spotify Playlist 

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In this episode, Athene Parker is joined by Perry Power for a deeply thoughtful and courageous conversation about breaking generational silence, storytelling and the role of emotional honesty in healing.

An actor and entrepreneur, Perry speaks openly about his work as founder of the Be Powerful movement, supporting survivors of sexual abuse to reclaim their voices through writing, film and community. He reflects on why men’s stories are still so often unheard, the impact of silence on identity and wellbeing, and the responsibility we all share in creating safer, more compassionate spaces for truth to be spoken.

Together, Athene and Perry explore how storytelling can become a powerful path to recovery, how vulnerability reshapes ideas of strength and leadership, and why emotionally intelligent conversations are essential both at work and at home. The episode touches on masculinity, creativity, care and the quiet courage it takes to show up authentically, even when it feels uncomfortable.

He wanted to give you his free guide to writing your story so click and download and start to explore your own story in a safe space.

Perry has also written two books with a third on the way:

Breaking The Silence and his second book Story Medicine is coming out soon! 

Perry is fundraising for his film ‘It Ends With Me’ so if you would like details please click here.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Grease - Frankie Valli

Track 2 – Thinkin Bout Me - Morgan Wallen

Track 3 – An American Trilogy - Elvis Presley

Track 4 – Gonna Fly Now - Theme from Rocky

Track 5 – If I Can Dream - Elvis Presley

The emPOWER Breakfast  - Perry Power Spotify Playlist 

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With more than twenty years on screen at the BBC, Jen reflects on a career shaped by storytelling and public connection. She also speaks candidly about the emotional toll of being targeted online, the knock to confidence that followed, and the intentional determination it took to rebuild a sense of safety and self.

Together, Athene and Jen explore how we hold space for ourselves in challenging moments, how confidence can be reclaimed after adversity, and why clear communication remains such a vital tool in every setting, from the studio to everyday life. Jen also shares practical strategies for reducing digital overwhelm, grounding in real-life connection and supporting our own wellbeing in an always-on world.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark

Track 2 – Smokey Robinson - Tears of A Clown

Track 3 – Radiohead - No Surprises

Track 4 – Katy Perry - Raw

Track 5 – Primal Scream - Moving On Up 

The emPOWER Breakfast - Jennifer Bartram Spotify Playlist 

Jen talked about a wonderful supportive Facebook community called Adults Bereaved As Children. A place where she has found empathy and support around her feelings of grief losing her father aged 16.

For people with teens interested to read how social media is affecting young people Jen recommended The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

Jen also offered practical ideas for creating healthier boundaries with technology, from grounding ourselves offline to removing the visual prompts that drive habitual scrolling.

Jen’s Digital Wellbeing Tip: Turning on Greyscale (iPhone):

Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Colour Filters → switch ON → select Greyscale

To add a quick shortcut:

Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Shortcut → select Colour Filters

Triple-click the side button to toggle greyscale instantly.

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James joined us for a deeply moving and insightful emPOWERMENt conversation that explored the power of compassion, courage and vulnerability in leadership and life. Drawing on his own personal journey, James shared how he transformed a profoundly difficult family experience into a movement that supports parents navigating separation with empathy and understanding.

Together, Athene and James discuss the importance of building compassionate workplace cultures, the role of employers in recognising major life events such as separation, and how these moments ripple through families and professional lives alike. They also reflected on their shared experiences as parent carers to non-speaking autistic children, opening up an honest dialogue around care, communication and the unseen challenges faced by many families.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Queen - Radio Gaga

Track 2 – Stormy Clouds - The Verve

Track 3 – Heart and Soul - David Gray

Track 4 – Fever to the Form - Nick Mulvey

Track 5 – When I Close My Eyes - Benjamin Amaru

The emPOWER Breakfast - James Hayhurst Spotify Playlist 

For those who’d like to explore the themes discussed in more depth, you can find resources and insights from the session in our accompanying PDF guide.

You can also learn more about The Parents Promise and how to introduce its principles in your workplace here:

www.theparentspromise.org.uk

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Rebecca’s Creative Directing career spans bold campaigns, beautifully crafted films and a passion for celebrating real stories that challenge the status quo. Through her work, she continues to open up space for creative voices to be heard and supported.

In this honest and energising conversation, Rebecca talks about the messy, brilliant and very human sides of doing the work: the pivots, the doubts and the hard-earned wins. She shares her insights on navigating leadership as a freelancer, building a life and career on your own terms, and finding strength in moments of uncertainty.

A reminder that being authentic is not something to fix, but a powerful place from which creativity, courage and growth can flourish.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Assassin De La Police – Cut Killer (from La Haine)

Track 2 – Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Édith Piaf

Track 3 – Coconut Mall – Mario Kart Wii Soundtrack

Track 4 – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli

Track 5 – I Am the Greatest – Spinifex Gum x Marliya Choir

The emPOWER Breakfast  - Rebecca Rowntree Spotify Playlist

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For this episode, Athene Parker talks to emPOWER’s inaugural emPOWERMENt guest speaker, Barny Wright, CEO and Partner of No.8 London.

Back in April, Barny joined us to launch our very first emPOWERMENt event, an open space for men in our industry to share their own challenges and journeys.

In this conversation, Barny opens up with striking honesty about his path through addiction, recovery, and astonishing professional success. He talks candidly about the pressures that can come with working in the advertising industry, the grief of the loss of his nephew, and his unwavering commitment to sobriety. What shines through is his ability to blend humour, vulnerability, and courage, offering hope and perspective to anyone navigating life’s tougher moments.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Don’t You Want Me - Hooj Mix - Felix

Track 2 – Prayer - Prospa

Track 3 – White Lines - Grandmaster Flash

Track 4 – Starfish and Coffee - Prince

Track 5 – Wildfires - Sault

The emPOWER Breakfast – Barny Wright Spotify Playlist

We asked Barny what helped him stay on track and here are a few of the books that he turned to to help him get through his experience of not only addiction, but also the grief of losing his nephew.

Addiction:

The Ongoing Path by Mark Dempster

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Running (running is Barny’s ‘goto’ to maintain mental wellness and resolve):

Born to Run (McDougall book)

Grief: 

A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney

We also thought these links might be helpful resources. 

NA - Narcotics Anonymous

AA - Alcoholics Anonymous

Mind

Remember, If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction please source support. Unmasking and reaching out to your community for help and advice will make you feel better than you think. If someone you know is struggling and it is impacting you, the first thing you must do is support yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.

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Athene Parker talks to the indomitable Melissa Robertson, CEO, Director of Menopause Mandate and Director of the Women’s Sports Trust. In a refreshingly frank conversation about Melissa’s experience of peri menopause and how she managed debilitating symptoms while CEO at Dark Horses, where she also wrote an open source menopause policy later adapted by Menopause Mandate.

Melissa takes us through defining and challenging moments of her impressive career and we get a glimpse of the fearless, entrepreneurial schoolgirl Melissa once was. The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Oliver’s Army – Elvis Costello
2. Days Like This – Van Morrison
3. Sisyphus – Andrew Bird
4. Rise – Gabrielle
5. Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman

The emPOWER Breakfast – Melissa Robertson Spotify Playlist

Melissa is a Director of Menopause Mandate, a movement founded by Mariella Frostrup to push for policy change for women in peri menopause and menopause in both workplaces and GP surgeries. Here is Melissa’s open source Menopause Policy, written while CEO at Dark Horses.

Did anyone mention Menopause: It's a Right Laugh!? A one off show with an all female line up of top comedy, introduced by MM chair Mariella Frostrup and compéred by the one and only Davina. Menopause Mandate are looking for a sponsor to cover artist costs so that we can get this CORKER on air. If that sponsor could be YOU then click here.

The emPOWER Breakfast created a giveaway PDF with tips, information and testimonials from members for Melissa’s talk which we wanted to share with you.

Lifestyle & Symptom Management:

Nutrition: Manage symptoms by eating phytoestrogen-rich foods (soy, flaxseed, legumes), a balanced diet with extra protein, and reducing sugar and refined carbs. Stay hydrated.

Exercise: Focus on weight-bearing and strength training, yoga, walking. High cardio can increase cortisol in peri menopause.

Sleep: Practise good sleep hygiene and mindfulness before bed.

Stress: Meditation, breathing exercises, journaling.

British Menopause Society: Guidance on symptom management and treatment options.

HRT options:

Progesterone – Tablets (can be used as pessaries if you react to progesterone)

Estrogen – Gel or patches

Testosterone – Access Androfemme via the Newson Clinic, or ask your GP for male testosterone in the UK.

Quick fact: During peak fertile years your ovaries make more testosterone than estrogen so don’t take no for an answer if you feel it could help.

Holistic methods: nutrition, meditation, breathwork and practitioner-led support.

For some, HRT is life changing when physical and emotional symptoms impact mental health. Every woman should have the right to choose what works for her. Connecting with communities, therapists or menopause specialists can provide practical tips and emotional support.

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For this episode, Athene Parker talks to emPOWER’s first guest speaker of 2025, the INCREDIBLE Sally Miller, in a moving and profoundly human conversation.

Today, Sally celebrates her 50th birthday, offering a moment to reflect on a life and career marked by strength, humour and compassion. She speaks candidly about caring for her mother, who is living with advanced dementia, sharing the daily realities of family caregiving that so many face but few discuss openly.

Sally also takes us through some of the most defining and challenging moments of her life while building a remarkable career in advertising and media. From navigating grief and loss to finding resilience and joy, her story shows the power of vulnerability, empathy and connection in leadership and beyond.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild In The Country
2. Sex Pistols - Who Killed Bambi
3. Ludovico Einaudi - The Earth Prelude
4. Stevie Wonder - Isn’t She Lovely
5. Snatam Kaur - Long Time Sun

The emPOWER Breakfast - Sally Miller Spotify Playlist

We asked Sally to share some of her go-to resources that bring her knowledge and comfort. Take a look below.

Resources/Links:

Gabby Bernstein Instagram

Audible Books:

Manifest by Rosie Nafousi

The Goddess Path by Kirsty Gallagher

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts

This is Dyslexia by Kate Griggs

Menopausing by Davina McCall & Dr Naomi Potter

Am I Enough: Mark Your Mirror & Change Your Life by Marisa Peer

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish

My Dyslexia by Philip Schultz

Living from a Place of Surrender by Michael A. Singer

The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland

Oh, Miriam! by Miriam Margolyes

Happy Mind, Happy Life by Dr Rangan Chatterjee

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For this special episode, emPOWER’s first guest speaker, the wonderful Leila Bartlam, has turned the tables and is in glorious conversation with Athene Parker, finding out more on Athene’s own personal story! Athene is the founder and host of The emPOWER Breakfast, an autism advocate and founder of theSENmumma, a network for mums at the beginning of the diagnosis journey for their kids. Athene has worked in music and advertising for over 25 years in a New Business capacity and went full time on emPOWER at the end of 2024.

A woman who has been no stranger to challenges, she and her husband navigate life as parent/carers for their wonderful son Jack who is profoundly autistic and pre-verbal. Living with her husband Ben (who is also her voiceover agent!), their son and their crazy dog Conker.

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Tracks:

1. Fairport Convention - Crazy Man Michael
2. Rosie Vela - Magic Smile
3. Mother Devine - Devi Prayer
4. Justin Timberlake - Can’t Stop The Feeling (Got That Sunshine in My Pocket) 
5. Ganavya - Oh Raaya 
6. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity

The emPOWER Breakfast - Athene Parker Spotify Playlist

Useful Resources:

The Telepathy Tapes - Ky Dickens

If you are a parent to a non speaker, this will blow your mind. If you aren’t it will blow yours harder!

Spell To Communicate

theSENmumma

Filofax! They still exist :)

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Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with McCann Birmingham MD Lucy Hudson. Lucy is an all-round, incredibly inspiring woman. Her story is deeply moving and we do have a:

‼️TRIGGER WARNING‼️

In this powerful episode, Lucy shares her journey of leadership through the ultimate test—losing her first child, Poppy, to a brain tumour. Now MD of McCann Birmingham, she speaks openly about navigating grief at work and educating organisations on how to support teams facing profound loss.

Lucy reflects on how tragedy reshaped her leadership style, her career path and her belief that there is life after loss—no matter how unreachable that may feel. This episode explores the intersection of personal grief and professional responsibility, with insights into resilience, vulnerability and community.

Lucy is a proud mother of three and lives with her husband and Poppy’s two sisters.

The conversation flows through a trip down musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

Tracks:

1. Thank You For The Music – ABBA
2. Working 9-5 – Dolly Parton
3. Together in Electric Dreams – Phil Oakey
4. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
5. Weightless – Marconi Union

The emPOWER Breakfast – Lucy Hudson – Spotify Playlist

Key Topics:

Leadership Through Crisis – Balancing work with personal grief

Workplace Grief – Creating supportive environments

Team Support – How to show up for grieving colleagues

Authentic Leadership – Why vulnerability is a strength

Supporting Colleagues Through Grief – Tips:

Listen, don’t fix

Follow their lead – Let them share at their pace

Offer specific help – “Can I handle the client call today?”

Respect their process – Grief has no timeline

Ongoing Support:

Check in regularly – Often, support is most needed after the funeral

Remember key dates – Offer flexibility on anniversaries or birthdays

Include them – Don’t assume they want to be alone

Be patient – Grief affects focus and decision-making

What NOT to Say:

“I know how you feel.”

“They’re in a better place.”

“How old? That’s a good innings.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“You need to move on.”

Any “At least…” statements

What TO Say:

“I’m thinking of you.”

“I’m here if you need me.”

“Would you like to talk about [their loved one]?”

“There’s no right way to grieve.”

“How are you today/this afternoon?” (Be specific)

If You’re Bereaved: The Five Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model):

1. Denial – “This can’t be happening”
2. Anger – “Why me? This isn’t fair”
3. Bargaining – “If only…”
4. Depression – Sadness and withdrawal
5. Acceptance – Coming to terms with reality

These stages aren’t linear. You may revisit or skip them. Knowing the model can help make sense of your experience.

Useful Resources:

Cruse Bereavement Care – Free advice/support

The Compassionate Friends – Support for bereaved parents/siblings

Child Bereavement UK – Family support

Winston’s Wish – Support for grieving children/young people

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Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with ex BBH Deputy ECD Rosie Arnold. Rosie is a multi award-winning Art Director who has had a huge career in advertising, with a gifted start, bagging a placement at BBH before she had even finished her degree, going on to work there for 33 years. Rosie is the inventor of the white pencil (the ‘good works in the world’ pencil) while President of D&AD for their 50th year, lifetime achievement award winner, mother of two and now prolific painter of clouds! As a tiny nugget if you haven’t listened already, Rosie made the point to say menopause at least twice a day in boardroom meetings while she was in peri - WAY before menopause was anything other than the unspoken M word. GO ROSIE! 

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Tracks:

1. Raggle Taggle Gypsy – Christy Moore
2. If I Were a Bell – Jean Simmons
3. Bring Me Sunshine – Morecambe & Wise
4. Move Over Darling – Doris Day
5. Lucky Lucky Me – Evelyn Knight

The emPOWER Breakfast – Rosie Arnold Spotify Playlist

We discuss themes of loss and grief due to leukaemia. If you’re supporting a loved one or looking for community and information, visit Leukaemia UK.

Finding Support:

• Use Cancer Care Map to find local support groups.
• Contact national organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support or the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Rosie’s Recommendations:

Rosie shared some of the things that helped her during grief after losing her beloved husband, Pete:

Poem:

The Peace of Wild Things – Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Book:

Healing After Loss – Martha Whitmore Hickman

“It helped me feel connected to everyone who has ever lost someone they love. Now I give it to anyone I know who's grieving.”

Listening:

“I found reading hard after Pete died, but audiobooks helped me escape. I'm slowly returning to reading again.”

Art:

Joseph Cornell – “His magical boxes, half-game, half-mystery, still captivate me.”

Biographies:

“I love reading about overlooked or misunderstood women in history – Lee Miller, Catherine the Great…”

Podcasts:

The Curious History of the Home – “Everyday objects, with extraordinary stories. Fascinating.”

And finally:

“My son Leo is an artist I deeply admire. He’s represented by Annet Gelink in Amsterdam.”

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Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with Sue Higgs. Sue is an award winning ECD who has a huge career in advertising, so far spanning over 25 years. Sue has been no stranger to managing multiple projects, having crafted her career trajectory while being the solo mum of three through the adland of the 90s, noughties and beyond. Sue has had many experiences that she has been vocal and front facing about, but none more so than her experience of extreme bullying whilst a Creative Director. This happened before the #metoo movement emboldened women and gave us the language to articulate inappropriate and coercive behaviour. While this was a challenging journey it is not the whole story and Sue didn’t allow this period to affect the rest of her life. Yes she suffered trauma, but she expressed it. Writing several articles on the matter in industry publications, as part of her healing. The response was shocking, endemic in the advertising industry she received an outpouring of stories of bullying both for men and women, highlighting that the issue was rife. It’s a vibrant joyful and insightful listen, to this amazing woman who is part of our community.

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Tracks:

1. Carpenters - Close To You
2. Visage - Fade To Grey
3. Primal Scream - Come Together
4. Jimmy Webb - Wichita Lineman
5. David Bowie - 5 years

The emPOWER Breakfast - Sue Higgs Spotify Playlist 

We cover topics from solo parenting to bullying - if you are experiencing bullying in the workplace, be sure to find allies and tell them what is going on and if you don’t feel like there is anyone in the immediate community you can talk to please go to the National Bullying Helpline for confidential advice. Sue says bullies like to operate in the shade so bring it into the open…

Here is a note from Sue as to things she loves.

Books I love are:

• The Year of Magical thinking by Joan Didion
• Boudica by Dr Vanessa Collingridge (I went to school with her)
• Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe
• Why Has No One Told Me This Before? by Dr Julia Smith
• The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Podcasts I love:

The Rest is Entertainment 

How to Fail With Elizabeth Day

Where There's a Will There's A Wake with Kathy Burke

Desert Island Discs

The emPOWER Breakfast (natch!) 

TV:

Brassic

Loaded Documentary 

Wham Documentary

Myth Country 

... could go on forever!

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Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with Mays Al Ali. May’s is an ex EP/TV Producer having a huge career pivot after 18 years in advertising, retraining as a Certified Nutritionist and Naturopath. Mays has a masters in clinical nutrition specialising in gut health for optimal hormone balancing, nutrition for post/cancer care and specialises in lab and genetic testing. May’s journey was triggered by her own health crisis, brought on from chronic stress stemming from childhood trauma, rebelling as a teenager and then being caught up in the fast paced hedonistic life of advertising in the noughties. Mays had a healing crisis and moved to India to train as a yoga teacher, going teetotal and overhauling her physical, emotional and mental health. Mays is inspiring from the perspective of her commitment to her career pivot, and her commitment to her clients that she works with, one to one and on retreats in Majorca and Ibiza.

A woman who has been no stranger to challenges, Mays believes in the guidance that she has been given from her higher self and angels to follow this new path.

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Track 1 - Aha - Take On Me

Track 2 - Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Track 3 - Ram Dass Aware - Heart Takes Flight

Track 4 - Alexia Chellun - The Power is Here Now

Track 5 - Depeche Mode - Just Can’t Get Enough

The emPOWER Breakfast - Mays Al Ali Spotify Playlist 

Here are some resources picked by Mays to share with you. 

Mays loves to listen to Great Dr Joe Podcast.

Dr Gabor Maté's podcast on trauma and healing.

A 9D breathwork sequence.

Max Ström Ted Talk on the importance of 478 breath with a practice at the end.

Content that Mays has created:

May’s blog has all her favourite healthy recipes:

www.healthymays.com/blog 

May's podcast on liver detox:

https://www.cnmpodcast.com/liver-health-detoxification/ 

May's podcast on cravings:

https://www.cnmpodcast.com/how-to-deal-with-sugar-cravings-blood-sugar-balance-with-mays-al-ali/ 

A Mays Al Ali Yoga Nidra recording 30 mins for sleep:

https://on.soundcloud.com/tY8H8GSdhXhJUz5Z6

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Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with Selma Nicholls. Selma is an award winning casting Director and the Founder of Looks Like Me Casting. Selma has an extensive history of the arts, dance and theatre, and is a proud board member of Punchdrunk Entertainment. She has been committed to addressing the imbalance of representation on screen and in the arts since founding Looks Like Like Me Casting in 2015 - after her daughter aged 3 questioned the fact that no one ‘looks like me’ - Selma began this movement well before diversity and inclusion was an expected norm, and has always been ahead of the curve ensuring all nationalities, genders and abilities are represented.

A woman who has been no stranger to challenges, as a single mother, business founder, and a pioneer in this field, Selma still has the sweetest nature and brings energy and optimism to everything she does.

Awards:

Black British Theatre Awards - Best Casting Director Recognition 

Casting Directors Association Awards - Best Casting of a Live Performance 'Rumble in the Jungle'

Casting Directors Association Awards - Best Casting of an Open Media 'Queen Charlotte Global Orchestra Promo'

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Track 1 - Rasta Medley - Groundation - Nyabinghi Drumming of Jamaica 

Track 2 - Kirk Franklin (Love Theory) 

Track 3 - Cutty Ranks (Who Say Me Dun) 

Track 4 - Erykah Badu (Bag Lady)

Track 5 - Little Simz (Point And Kill feat. Obongjayar)

Track 6 - Nina Simone (Here Comes The Sun)

The emPOWER Breakfast - Selma Nicholls Spotify Playlist

We asked Selma if she wanted to share any resources with you that mean something to her so please see her note below.

Books:

Be More Human - Rethinking the Rules of High-Performance Teamwork, by Caspar Craven

Ego is the Enemy - The Fight to Master Our Greatest Opponent, by Ryan Holiday

48 Laws of Power, by Robert Greene

Masterclasses and Podcasts:

LOVE all Masterclasses, especially Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Serena Williams, Chris Voss https://www.masterclass.com

Love https://www.youtube.com/c/YourAuntiesCouldNever

and love https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiaryOfACEO

Currently on a journey of living with grief and joy in my heart at the same time and enjoying long hugs from adults like never before. The beauty of life is learning something new everyday. Selma x

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Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with Jody Allison - Award Winning Producer and Co-Founder of Heads Up Production - Jody talks candidly about her mental health journey and her life of two halves, as she discusses her breakdown in her early 30s. We journey through her resulting rehab experience and the landscape of her early childhood which was very much a contributing factor to offering the opportunity for growth that the experience afforded. In more recent years she has beaten breast cancer and has approached it with the same gusto and positivity in the face of adversity as everything else that has come her way. Jody reminds us to look up, take a step back and to find joy in the small things.

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Second Hand News - Fleetwood Mac - Rumours 
2. Roxanne - The Police - Outlandos d'Amour
3. She Talks To Angels - The Black Crowes - Shake Your Money Maker 
4. Unwell - Matchbox Twenty - More Than You Think You Are.
5. Strong - Romy and Fred Again 

The emPOWER Breakfast - Jody Allison Spotify Playlist

Jody Mentions:

CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and that changing one can change the others. CBT helps people identify negative or inaccurate thinking patterns, and then teaches them strategies to respond to challenging situations more effectively. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression.

Mental Health - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Positivity - We talk about the power of positivity and not a toxic ‘everything is fine’ kind of positivity but a ‘trusting of the path’, and your instincts, and facing the hard stuff head on that creates a sense of positive progress, despite having to go through the difficult ‘stuff’ - positive people tend to be better at managing stress, bounce back more quickly after setbacks, and are more adaptable to change. Cultivating a practice of gratitude can do wonders for the mindset.

If you are experiencing mental wellness challenges, please don’t battle through it on your own. There are organisations you can reach out to like the Samaritans - and although you might not feel like it, in fact it could be the last thing you want to do, please consider reaching out to a friend or family member and let them know how you are feeling. A challenge shared is a challenge halved. There really is help out there, and you are worthy of it.

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Athene Parker talks to Nishma Patel Robb, the Ex-Senior Director of Brand & Reputation Marketing at Google, inaugurated as the President of WACL in 2023—taking them from their 100th to 101st year. The current President of History of Advertising and a trailblazing pioneer for all women entering their second act, Nishma has set up her own company, The Glittersphere—a membership community led by Nishma. This move reflects her second-act pivot and her dream to empower women with financial independence through networking and community.

A vibrant spirit driven to create opportunities and leave a legacy for future generations of women.

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Donna Summer - I Feel Love
2. The Fugees - Killing Me Softly
3. Mary J. Blige - My Life
4. Angie Stone - Wish I Didn’t Miss You
5. Sophie Lloyd feat. Dames Brown - Calling Out

Nishma Patel Robb Spotify Playlist

Topics Covered:

Racism: Nishma talked about her experience of racism and the impact of the Channel 4 Dispatches programme Defiance - Fighting The Far Right - Channel 4 on demand.

Menopause: Athene and Nishma touched on menopause and The Louise Newson Clinic, a specialist private clinic for menopause health. Many women, including both Athene and Nishma, have found HRT life-changing.

If HRT isn’t an option, lifestyle changes like cutting caffeine and sugar, mindfulness, and slowing down your responses can help manage symptoms. Nishma highlighted the mental health challenges linked to perimenopause, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and shared helpful articles:

The Independent: Fear of Being Labelled Hysterical: 1 in 10 Women Experience Suicidal Thoughts Due to Perimenopause

Menopause Support UK: Study on depression/suicide in perimenopause

Nishma also shared her experience with panic attacks. The NHS provides resources for managing symptoms, and holistic strategies like mindfulness, movement, and professional nutritional guidance.

If you are struggling with depression or intrusive/suicidal thoughts, talk to someone—either your GP or groups who can support you. Reach out to friends who may have similar experiences.

Remember, there are ways to support yourself—HRT, coaching, nutrition, and moving your body. You will get through this. Athene x

Julia Leckey:

Nishma spoke about her friend, coach, and author Julia Leckey, who helped her find a new career path. Nishma recommends Julia’s book:

Think Fearlessly to Grow Wealthy

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The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Track 1  You can go your own way - Fleetwood Mac-  Rumours 

Track 2 Inbetween Days - The Cure - Head on The Door

Track 3 Dreams by The Cranberries - The Collection 

Track 4 Shostakovich - Symphony Number 5 - The fourth movement Allegro Non Troppo

Track 5 State of Grace - Taylor Swift - Red

The emPOWER Breakfast - Leila Bartlam Spotify Playlist

Leila Mentions:

Melanie Sykes autobiography Illuminated

Noise Canceling Headphones:

More expensive:

https://www.bose.co.uk/en_gb/products/headphones/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-earbuds-ultra.html#v=QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-LBLU-WW

Less expensive:

https://www.loopearplugs.com/products/quiet-plus

Mind Mapping Software: Mind Manager 

Book: Highly Sensitive People 

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