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Future Women Leadership Series

Future Women Leadership Series

FW 100 Episodes Oct 14, 2026

A podcast series featuring conversations with influential women on leadership challenges. Host Helen McCabe, founder of Future Women, shares insights on building respect and loyalty, and navigating complex issues women face in senior roles. The show aims to inform and challenge thinking on leadership, drawing on the experiences of leadership thought-leaders. Produced by Future Women, a club for women to connect, learn and lead.

Episodes

Back to basics: Carolyn Creswell's guide to tough conversations
Back to basics: Carolyn Creswell's guide to tough conversations Oct 14, 2026 2307 This week, we're revisiting our interview with Carolyn Creswell, the founder of Carman's Fine Foods.  At just 18, Carolyn bought the small muesli shop she worked at part-time for just $1000. Now, Carman's is a multi-million dollar business, with their products distributed to more than 35 countries around the world. In this discussion with Helen McCabe, Carolyn shares her top tips for managing
Summit special: Your AI questions answered part 3
Summit special: Your AI questions answered part 3 Oct 7, 2026 1472 In this third part of our Summit series on AI, you'll hear the opening keynote from Mel Lee, FW's former Director of Digital. In it, she’ll bring you up to speed on the rapidly evolving AI landscape and how it transforming your career. She’ll also break down what AI means for women who work, and women who want to work. Check out our first Summit episode on AI here.  Join the move
Premier Chris Minns on leading as an introvert
Premier Chris Minns on leading as an introvert Sep 30, 2026 2265 Chris Minns is the Premier of NSW. He was elected to parliament in 2015, and not long after, in 2021, became the leader of the Labor Party.  In this episode, he speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about how he approaches leading - not just the state, but managing a party and large team of staff as well. The duo speak about everything from leading as an introvert and interest rate rises to the
Kylie Bryant on what overpromotion teaches you
Kylie Bryant on what overpromotion teaches you Sep 23, 2026 2016 Kylie Bryant is one of FW Founder Helen McCabe's go-to calls for leadership advice. She has over 30 years' experience across the Australian Public Service and today runs her own consultancy business, offering executive mentoring and leadership workshops.  In this episode, Kylie speaks about how an over-promotion led to a dramatic shift in the way she approached leadership roles.  Plus, t
Jiva Smith on how to rebuild your leadership confidence
Jiva Smith on how to rebuild your leadership confidence Sep 16, 2026 1982 Jiva Smith is a transformational coach for leaders. He became a coach after making it almost overnight in New York City. Jiva managed massive teams and budgets in a big, high-powered role. But the pressure of this role soon caught up with him. He felt lost, and in the process discovered a new way to lead.  In this episode, he speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about emotional resilience, bur
Jessica Symes Toomey's guide to finding an executive coach
Jessica Symes Toomey's guide to finding an executive coach Sep 9, 2026 1872 What are the green flags you should look for in an executive coach?  Jessica Symes Toomey is the Founder and Principal of Symes Group, a boutique people development and dispute resolution consultancy. She’s an experienced executive coach and also an accredited mediator. In this episode, she explains what you should be thinking about when deciding whether executive coaching is
Annabelle Chauncy's guide to harnessing determination
Annabelle Chauncy's guide to harnessing determination Sep 2, 2026 2132 Can determination be both a blessing and a curse for leaders?  Annabelle Chauncy OAM is the founder of the not-for-profit organisation School For Life. Her life was changed as a 21-year-old university student when she visited a school in Uganda. Shocked by what she saw, Annabelle decided to make a difference... In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about how determination c
Summit special: Your AI questions answered part 2
Summit special: Your AI questions answered part 2 Aug 28, 2026 1075 In this second part of our Summit series on AI, you'll hear from Mel Lee, FW's former Director of Digital and cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon. They answer live audience questions about AI and how it's changing work, parenting and leadership at lightning speed.  Check out our first Summit episode on AI here.  Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Bec
Anne-Louise Sarks' guide to leading with vulnerability
Anne-Louise Sarks' guide to leading with vulnerability Aug 20, 2026 1675 Can leaders be both vulnerable and tough? Anne-Louise Sarks holds one of the rarest leadership positions in Australian performing arts. She’s the sole Artistic Director and CEO of the Melbourne Theatre Company, responsible for both the creative vision and full operational running of the organisation. She’s also the first solo female Artistic Director in the company’s 73 year hist
Therese Frangie on how to tame your leadership ego
Therese Frangie on how to tame your leadership ego Aug 12, 2026 2616 What are the signs your ego is getting out of hand? Therese Frangie is the CEO of Oporto. She's climbed the FMCG ladder, working for big brands including KFC and Mad Mex. In this episode, she speaks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about leadership ego, Gen Z and seeking out feedback.  Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear he
Malini Raj on saying no and setting limits
Malini Raj on saying no and setting limits Aug 5, 2026 2080 Malini Raj is the executive director of the Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance. She came to this position after holding senior leadership roles at the Commonwealth Bank. In this episode, she speaks with Helen McCabe about delegation, overcommitment and the thorny topic of so-called ‘diversity hires’.  Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questio
Summit special: Your AI questions answered
Summit special: Your AI questions answered Jul 29, 2026 1738 Ever wished you could hand off the daily question of "What’s for dinner?" to a custom AI agent? In this live recording from the FW Leadership Summit, journalist Leila McKinnon leads a discussion on how AI is changing our daily lives - from the mental load to high-stakes executive decision-making. You’ll hear from The Productivity Commissions' Dr Angela Jackson,  tech executive Row

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