Sound of Breaking Glass (Hristina Vaceva)

Nicky Sevel is the definition of a fintech entrepreneur who started her career almost by chance, but quickly found her niche by combining wealth management with technology.

Currently she is set on a mission to bring down the cost of financial planning services by building Woven Advice, a software solution for advisors. She is also dedicated to making financial planning more accessible to those in need with her project Neeshe. 

In this episode we explore the trials and tribulations of setting up a tech start up in London, knocking on C-suite doors and building a network of clients through free-lance contracting.

You can find out more about Nicky's business here: https://wovenadvice.com

In this special episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, we’re shaking things up! This season, we’re moving beyond personal stories and focusing on the tools you need to improve your wellbeing at work, navigate transitions, and take your next career steps with grace and confidence.

We’ve got a stellar lineup of expert guests who are ready to share their practical strategies:

• Vikki Louise of Time Hackers shows us how to reclaim and manage time like never before.
• Wendy Macartney from Burn Bright dives into preventing burnout and staying resilient.
• Jan Rees of Speak the Speech offers transformative tips on communication skills that elevate your professional presence.

Plus, we explore midlife transitions with Rachel Lancaster, Christine Sandman Stone, and Tatjana Greil Castro, as they share insights on embracing and thriving during life’s major changes.

Finally, we discuss the evolving role of women in corporate leadership with Nneka Orji, Gail Bishop, and Liz Gebhard, and close out with a fascinating conversation with Dr. Malvina Bartmansky, a psychologist turned safari guide.

And don’t miss our bonus episode with our very first male guest!

This episode is packed with insights, so tune in and get ready to fill your toolbox with practical tips for success!

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Christine Sandman Stone, an author, advisor, and advocate for women in technology. Christine’s unconventional career journey took her from philosophy graduate to accidental technologist, eventually leading global operations at Groupon and beyond. Now in her self-proclaimed “Renaissance” phase, Christine focuses on coaching, writing, and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reframe Career Changes: Christine views career shifts not as "pivots" but as deliberate, strategic moves based on self-awareness and preparation.
2. Value of Experimentation: Small experiments can build confidence before big leaps, whether writing a book, starting a business, or changing careers.
3. Recognize Your Energy Zones: Focus on work that energizes you and aligns with your strengths to avoid burnout.
4. Women in Tech: Layoffs in tech disproportionately affect women—mentorship and networking are crucial for representation and retention.
5. The Power of Prioritization: Saying no to non-promotable tasks allows you to focus on impactful, high-value projects.

Christine shares practical strategies for navigating career transitions and emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal values and energy. Tune in to hear her advice on creating a meaningful career while balancing life’s priorities.

Find out more about Christine's latest work: https://www.deliveratscale.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinesandmanstone/

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Designer Lisa Redman has always been driven by a simple motto – create beautiful, well-crafted, high quality clothes that women can wear over and over again. She describes herself as a “soft power dresser” – a theme that describes her life philosophy very well.

She started her career in textiles design and worked with Betty Jackson, Calvin Klein and Elspeth Gibson, before establishing her own brand.  

Raised by an ecologist father, Lisa is a firm believer in the need to go back to basics when it comes to fashion and create collections that outlive trends. She is currently expanding her business by re-inventing her clients’ beloved old pieces, dressing entire generations and focusing on sustainable, natural materials.

In this interview we talk about the highs and lows of glamorous fashion shows, how she built her business bit by bit and why investing in fewer, high quality pieces is the best way to build a wardrobe that will stand the test of time. 

Find out more about Lisa's brand on https://www.lisaredman.com/

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Nneka Orji, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal and a passionate advocate for youth and diversity. Nneka shares her journey from engineering to corporate leadership, revealing how she found her voice in male-dominated boardrooms and why diversity at the top is crucial for driving real change.

With a passion for mentoring the next generation and a deep commitment to creating inclusive communities, Nneka's story is one of resilience, purpose, and balance. Whether you’re navigating your career or looking to step into a board role, Nneka’s insights will inspire you to find your authentic voice and use it in a way that’s aligned with your values and ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

1. 1. Finding Your Voice in Leadership (and How Social Media Can Help!)
   2. The Power of Mentorship and Finding Your Tribe
   3. Diversity Drives Change – but Don’t Wait for the Perfect Role Models
   4. Balancing a Full -Time Role with NED Work
   5. Building Resilience in the Corporate World

Tune in to hear Nneka’s practical advice on how to carve out a meaningful career while making an impact in the world around you.

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva invites Liz Gebhard, a seasoned commercial executive whose career has dynamically spanned across the realms of video games, fashion, and technology. Liz began her journey in supply chain management, a field she never planned to enter, but one that sparked a deep and lasting interest in the intricacies of a vast industry. This early experience set the stage for her later role at Amazon, where she became a key figure in shaping their global diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Lessons Learned:

• Adaptability Opens Doors: Liz teaches us that flexibility in your skills and openness to new opportunities can propel you through diverse career landscapes.
• Diversity Enhances Environments: By fostering inclusivity, Liz shows that diverse workplaces are not just nicer, but stronger and more dynamic.
• Resilience Shapes Futures: Facing personal and professional challenges head-on can steer your career into more meaningful directions.
• Mentorship Drives Growth: Liz underscores the importance of nurturing talent, particularly in less represented groups, to cultivate a richer, more varied corporate culture.
• Intentional Career Moves Matter: Liz’s shift towards roles that align with her personal values demonstrates how purpose-driven changes can enrich your professional life and satisfaction.

Discover how the twists and turns along the way inspired Liz to navigate her career path with intention and innovation - and so will you!

Find out more about Liz’s current projects by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizgebhard/

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join our community on IG @LifeWellLived.by.HV

I recorded the episode with Victoria Clapham back in October last year, but I really wanted to save it for March, when we celebrate International Women’s Day. This conversation is truly a celebration of all that we have achieved in the financial services industry over the years trying to fill that gender gap.

And don’t get me wrong, there is a lot more that can be done. But it is always just so refreshing to come across someone like Victoria who never went to university, started her career at reception but eventually rose through the ranks and founded her own financial advisory business.

Today, Victoria is committed to not only making the industry more accessible to the next generation, but also teaching them the basics of financial planning. Together we reflect on the importance of role models, how to grow your professional network and why the wealth management industry is so well suited to women.

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Wendy Macartney, founder of Burn Bright, about recognizing and recovering from burnout, especially among high performers and neurodivergent individuals. Wendy shares her insights on the early warning signs of burnout, how to restore balance, and the role of self-care in preventing burnout from taking hold.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout often starts subtly, with small signs like overworking or neglecting self-care. The key is to recognize these signs early.
• Sleep is the foundation of mental and physical well-being. When sleep suffers, it can lead to a cascade of other issues like poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
• High performers may be more prone to burnout because they believe they can push through anything, often to their detriment.
• Addressing burnout is not just about mindset—it’s also about managing external factors like work environment and personal pressures.
• To recover, it's crucial to acknowledge and validate your own experiences and take steps to prioritize self-care, including mindfulness practices and setting boundaries.

Tune in to this episode to learn practical tools for recognizing and preventing burnout early, especially if you are navigating a challenging career transition right now!

*** Apologies for the audio quality issues on my part - I had issues with my mic during the recording, but I promise you it's more than worth listening to Wendy!***

Find out more about Burn Bright here: https://bbrcoach.com/

Follow Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyburnbright8/

Follow me on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Rachel Lankester, founder of Magnificent Midlife, about redefining midlife for women and embracing aging with empowerment. Diagnosed with early menopause at 41, Rachel set out to change how society views midlife and menopause, advocating for women to embrace this stage with self-acceptance and resilience. She dives into the cultural narratives around aging, the impact of the anti-aging industry, and how societal pressures affect women’s self-worth.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Midlife: Midlife is a dynamic stage, not a decline, and can span from around 40 to 60 years, offering opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Cultural Influence on Aging Perceptions: Societies with less ageism tend to value older women more, while Western marketing drives fear and insecurities around aging.
• Menopause as a Gateway: Menopause can be a time for self-reflection and reassessment, encouraging women to focus on mental, emotional, and physical health.
• Challenging Anti-Aging Narratives: Embracing the natural aging process allows for authenticity and self-acceptance, counteracting the pressures to ‘reverse’ aging.
• Flexibility and Self-Care at Work: Workplaces and personal lives should adapt to support cyclical and evolving needs as women age.

Tune in to this episode to hear Rachel’s refreshing take on how women can reclaim their narratives, embrace midlife, and redefine what aging means in modern society.

Find out more about Rachel's work and podcast here: https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/

Grab yourself a copy of Rachel's book: https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/

For more exclusive content, don't forget to join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Career coach Anita Rolls is the founder of the Career Intelligence Academy, a business helping employees, managers and HR teams engage and improve career development outcomes. 

Anita and I talk about her search for meaning at the beginning of her career, the golden cage of a comfortable city job and what to do when you find yourself absolutely stuck, particularly as a woman in your mid-thirties.

Anita’s career story is a fascinating one with many squiggles along the way, but when she starts talking about helping others find their spark, it becomes clear that she has found hers.

Find out more about Anita's 1-2-1 Coaching here:

https://careerintelligence.lpages.co/ucw-coaching-2024/

And for organisations interested in the Career Intelligence Academy: 

https://careerintelligence.lpages.co/introducing-career-intelligence/

Patricia Wing is the founder of SuLe hub, a legal tech startup for business founders navigating the hurdles of setting up their first business.

Having started her career in the city at only 18, she qualified as a solicitor in the UK only to discover that her true passion lied elsewhere.

In this episode, we talk about the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From founding a youth football club in South East London, through to supporting the startup ecosystem in the UK, Trish has always been driven by an authentic desire to help others.

Currently she is focusing on her mission to democratise access to legal support, particularly for small businesses. 

You can find out more about her startup here: https://www.sulehub.com/

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

Dear listeners, I’m back! While it may have seemed like a long break, I’ve been busy recording Season 2 of Sound of Breaking Glass. In this teaser episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek into what’s to come.

This season, we’re exploring how to navigate mid-career transitions mindfully, with a firm commitment to our health and wellbeing. As women, we wear so many hats, and finding harmony between work and life is a challenge. But what if they didn’t have to be in conflict?

Join me and my inspiring guests as we share 10 incredible stories of women who’ve redefined their careers—each in their own unique way. Whether they changed roles, started businesses, or found new opportunities within their companies, they all share the moment they heard the sound of breaking glass and knew it was time for change.

Season 2 premieres this autumn—stay tuned, it’s going to be an exciting journey!

Connect with me on social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Gail Bishop, a recruitment powerhouse with over two decades of experience transforming how senior leaders and board members are placed in influential organizations. Gail’s career began in nursing, but her natural talent for connecting people led her to recruitment and eventually to becoming Head of Talent Research & Diversity.

This conversation goes beyond the mechanics of recruitment to tackle bigger issues like diversity in leadership, the importance of patience in building inclusive talent pipelines, and how organizations can truly support career returners and underrepresented groups. Gail also shares her personal insights on navigating male-dominated industries and why taking a chance on unconventional candidates can be a game-changer.

Key Takeaways:

• • Patience Pays Off: Building diverse talent pipelines requires time and commitment, but the rewards are transformative for organizations.
  • Returner Programs: Structured initiatives for career returners can help unlock hidden talent and bring valuable skills back into the workforce.
  • Diversity Isn’t Optional: Representation in leadership is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity, fostering better decision-making and innovation.
  • The Power of Networking: For those seeking board roles, proactive networking and personal branding are critical for opening doors.
  • Personal Courage: Gail shares how embracing vulnerability and preparation helped her build trust at the board level and navigate her own career challenges.

Tune in to hear Gail’s advice on how to create lasting change in recruitment practices and the workplace—and why taking risks in hiring might just lead to your organization’s next great leader.

Discover more:

• Connect with Gail on https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailbishop/
• Join the Breaking Glass community on Instagram @breakingglasspodcast_
• Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

Danguole Litvinskaite once used to work in the financial services industry. Fast forward to today, and she has now established a successful practice as a coach, specializing in performance and motivation. In her work she comes across executives, often women, who are looking for that missing piece of the puzzle, be that a promotion, a new leadership role or a more balanced personal life.

Her desire to help other women has led her to develop a holistic approach to self-improvement, and she is a passionate advocate of incorporating wellbeing and self-love as part of the transformation journey.

Together, we talk about the heavy burden of wearing masks, the subconscious power of the inner critic and how you can start to change that pattern by applying some simple techniques on a daily basis.

You can connect with Danguole on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danguolelitvinskaite/ or via her website https://coachandyou.com/

Have thoughts on this episode or would like to share some feedback? Do get in touch - I always love hearing from you! https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/ 

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva speaks with behaviour coach Jan Rees of Speak the Speech. Jan’s career journey is far from linear, starting as a work study engineer before eventually discovering her passion for training and personal development. Jan shares her insights on the power of self-awareness, understanding human motivation, and how communication can be transformed by treating people the way they want to be treated.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-Awareness First: Jan emphasizes the importance of understanding your own behavior and motivations before trying to understand others.
2. Career Path Transitions: Jan’s journey shows that career success doesn’t always follow a straight line—it’s about finding the right fit, even if it takes time.
3. Understanding Motivation: To connect with others more effectively, it’s essential to understand what drives their behavior.
4. Adaptability in Communication: Jan highlights how changing your communication style based on the person you’re interacting with can improve relationships.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity and learning from every experience are what lead to personal growth

Whether you're in a leadership role, working with teams, or simply looking to improve your own communication skills, tune in for some practical tips on how to work well with others by understanding yourself first.

*** Apologies for the audio quality issues on my part - I had issues with my mic during the recording, but I promise you it's more than worth listening to Jan!***

Find out more about Speak the Speech here: https://speakthespeech.co.uk/team/janis-rees/

Follow Jan Rees on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janrees/

Join the Breaking Glass community on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva sits down with Kevin Powell, a chartered physiotherapist and former professional athlete who transformed his personal setbacks into a holistic approach to healing. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the human body, why traditional quick-fix approaches often fall short, and how addressing root causes leads to long-lasting well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Listening: Kevin emphasizes the importance of truly listening to your body and addressing its signals rather than masking symptoms with quick solutions.
2. Holistic Healing: Understanding the body as an interconnected system is key to resolving chronic pain and improving overall health.
3. Sustainable Wellness: Lasting health is about small, consistent changes—not overnight fixes or magic solutions.
4. Empowering Women’s Health: Kevin’s work highlights unique challenges in women’s health and the importance of tailored, individual approaches.
5. Reframing Setbacks: Kevin’s personal journey from injured athlete to holistic practitioner showcases how adversity can lead to transformation and a deeper sense of purpose.

Join this Christmas special, first ever male guest conversation to explore the intersections of health, personal growth, and career reinvention.

Discover more:

• Connect with Kevin on https://kevinpowellphysio.co.uk/
• For more exclusive content, join the Breaking Glass community on Instagram @breakingglasspodcast_
• Follow the show on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/

Welcome to the Sound of Breaking Glass. In this very first season we will be focusing on the topic of non-linear careers. Please join me in exploring the zig zags of professional and personal growth as we navigate that tricky work-life balance and search for meaning behind the job title. My guests come from a wide range of backgrounds, but each share a unique perspective on what it takes to find your true calling. In this trailer episode I lay out my motivation for starting this show and what I hope you will take away.

Simone Muller is the founder of Re-Centre, an online platform dedicated to the Low Pressure Fitness-Hypopressives technique.

Having grown up in South Africa, she trained with the Royal Ballet School in London, before ending her career as a dancer and setting up her own business. 

In this episode, we talk about finding your calling by focusing on what you truly desire and giving yourself the freedom to experiment and fail, particularly if you’ve been taught all your life to numb this part of your being.

But what if your interests and ideas don’t seem to fit together at first sight? Simone is great example of how it all starts to make sense once you give yourself time. 

You can find out more about Simone's classes and the Hypopressives technique here https://re-centre.co.uk/

Joanna Parry-George is the CEO of Talk Education, a global, leading guide to the world of independent education, providing parents with carefully curated, ethical and comprehensive advice on school choices.

Before becoming a successful business founder, Joanna had a rather unusual career start as a theatrical agent, followed by a free-lance writing practice, which opened many doors for her.

Despite not having any formal business training, her unparalleled knowledge and passion for the education industry motivated her to stick with the rollercoaster journey and work hard on innovative product.

In this episode we talk the changing world of education and Joanna's mission to make independent schooling accessible to everyone.

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, host Hristina Vaceva sits down with Tatjana Greil-Castro, a trailblazing portfolio manager with a passion for sustainable farming. Tatjana’s story takes us from the fast-paced financial markets of London to the tranquil rhythms of her ethical farm, where she’s found a new kind of fulfillment. But this conversation isn’t just about markets or sustainability—it’s about answering the deeper call for a simpler, more meaningful life that so many of us crave.

Key Takeaways:

1. Holistic Finance: How blending financial expertise with environmental values can inspire sustainable investment strategies.
2. Career Evolution: Tatjana’s journey shows how diverse passions can enrich your professional life and open unexpected doors.
3. Living Sustainably: Why sustainable farming is more than a lifestyle choice—it’s a critical step toward a healthier planet.
4. Women in Finance: Tatjana shares her thoughts on increasing female representation in leadership roles and how it changes the narrative.
5. Nature’s Balance: Discover how connecting with nature can bring clarity and calm to even the most hectic lives.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on finding balance, purpose, and how embracing a multi-dimensional career can lead to extraordinary fulfillment.

Connect with Tatjana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatjana-greil-castro-phd-5710134/

Follow us for more stories on:

Instagram: @breakingglasspodcast_

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass

Lara Solomon is a serial entrepreneur and business lover who is always on the lookout for the next opportunity. Currently she is focusing on growing Hoopsy, an eco-friendly pregnancy test brand with a fertility community, overseen by healthcare professionals. 

With Hoopsy, Lara found a way to combine her passion for sustainability with her desire to help others going through the often complicated and lonely fertility journey. As optimistic and extroverted as Lara is, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but her focus on connecting with others and supporting the community, always helped.

In this interview, she openly shares her own experience of trying to conceive, what she learned along the way and why even one less plastic test in landfill makes a difference.

Galena Stavreva is the true definition of a Mum-preneur – inspired by her own nursing experience, she created PowerMama, a smart pumping bra. The success of the product encouraged her to expand the brand and she is now committed to making breastfeeding as easy as possible, recognising that everyone’s nursing journey is unique.

In this episode we talk about setting up a manufacturing business from your kitchen table, her earlier start up success, and the grueling hours of a city career, which now feels a lifetime ago.

Galena is open about the challenges she had as a mum, the importance of lifestyle choices and knowing when to hit the pause button for the sake of your own health.

Her story is a good reminder to take things one step at a time and let the pieces of the puzzle just fit together.

You can find out more about her business on powermama.co.uk

Do get in touch with any suggestions or feedback on https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-of-breaking-glass/  - it helps me find out what you enjoy the most about the show so I can create even better episodes for you! 

In this episode of Sound of Breaking Glass, Host Hristina Vaceva speaks with Vikki Louise, founder of Time Hackers, about how to stop wasting time by focusing on your mindset rather than traditional time management. Vikki shares her expert insights on how we can remove mental blocks, avoid perfectionism, and embrace joy as the key to productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Time isn’t the problem—it’s how we think about it.
• Managing your mind is more effective than managing your schedule.
• Perfectionism keeps you stuck; embrace imperfection to move forward.
• Procrastination reveals deeper blocks—learn from it.
• Finding joy in the process boosts productivity and fulfillment.

Tune in to learn practical tools that will help you reclaim your time and shift your mindset for more joy and ease in your daily life!

Find out more about Time Hackers here: https://www.timehackers.xyz/

Follow Vikki on IG @timehackers.xyz

Follow me on IG @soundofbreakingglasspod