The Leader Unmasked Podcast

#10 Sam Bramwell The ADHD Leader

The Leader Unmasked: Sam Bramwell on Embracing Authenticity with ADHD

 

Feeling like you’re hiding your real self to keep up in a corporate world? Struggling to balance ADHD with leadership demands?

 

In this episode of The Leader Unmasked, host Angela Cox sits down with Sam Bramwell to explore her journey from corporate masking to authentic coaching. Sam shares how a spontaneous casino meeting in 2016 sparked a friendship, and how she went from suiting up at Microsoft—juggling people-pleasing and perfectionism—to launching a business that helps ADHD leaders thrive. Her story of shedding the armour and writing Enough is Enough offers hope for anyone in the “silent middle” quietly battling overwhelm.

 

Tune in and subscribe for more heartfelt insights on leading as your true self.Here are three reasons to give it a listen:

• Hear how Sam swapped corporate perfectionism for a business that supports ADHD leaders.
• Get tips on managing the ups and downs of ADHD while staying authentic in leadership.
• Learn about Sam’s book Enough is Enough and how it’s helping others reflect and grow.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:28 - 00:03:31] Corporate Armour: Sam recalls arming up at Microsoft with suits and a people-pleasing mask, hiding her ADHD-driven intensity.

[00:03:31 - 00:04:19] The Mask’s Weight: She opens up about the toll of perfectionism and self-criticism, performing for others while feeling unfulfilled.

[00:39:31 - 00:40:08] Coaching Rewards: Sam shares the joy of seeing clients blossom, a stark contrast to the invisible results of her corporate sales days.

[00:40:08 - 00:41:19] Book Journey: She reflects on co-authoring Enough is Enough, a milestone that boosted her confidence despite ADHD challenges.

 

Three Powerful Quotes:

[00:03:55] “That mask was a mixture of people pleaser and perfectionist… a deep people pleaser.”

[00:39:31] “I really felt for such a long time… that I was good for nothing.”

[00:41:02] “Sometimes with ADHD we don’t always finish elegantly… but it’s wonderful to share it with people.”

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity changes everything. If Sam's story on The Leader Unmasked struck a chord, subscribe and share it with someone who might need it. Leave a review and tell us how finding your passion has helped—your words help others find us. Got questions? Reach out to Angela on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more episodes, check out theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.

#9 Lee Robinson Acting Enterprise Change Director, Compass Group

The Leader Unmasked: Lee Robinson on Leading with Authenticity

 

Tired of running from your true self to prove your worth? Wondering if slowing down could lead to something better?

 

In this episode of The Leader Unmasked, host Angela Cox chats with Lee Robinson, Acting Enterprise Change Director at Compass Group, about his journey from masking with extreme running to embracing a purposeful life. Lee opens up about using ten marathons in ten days as a shield from personal and professional challenges, only to discover stillness was the real strength. From high-pressure roles to mentoring with honesty, his story shows how letting go of the mask transforms leadership. If you’re in the “silent middle” quietly battling stress, this is a down-to-earth listen to inspire change.

 

Tune in and subscribe for more real stories on leading as yourself.Here are three reasons to give it a listen:

• Hear how Lee turned running ten marathons into a lesson about masking, not resilience.
• Get insights on finding purpose by stepping back from the grind, even in tough roles.
• Learn Lee’s thoughts on guiding others—especially the next generation—through uncertainty.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:42 - 00:02:33] The Running Mask: Lee reveals how running ten marathons was a way to avoid facing deeper issues, using it as a badge of honour.

[00:03:24 - 00:04:31] The Shift to Stillness: He reflects on realising extreme efforts stemmed from a scarcity mindset, and how pausing helped him find value.

[00:04:53 - 00:05:20] Home Challenges: Lee hints at personal struggles at home, adding depth to his journey of unmasking over the past year.

[00:35:31 - 00:37:13] Looking Ahead: Lee shares advice for young people to be generalists, embrace AI’s impact, and find purpose in a changing world.

 

Three Powerful Quotes:

 

[00:02:08] “Running was the mask for me… it was more about what I was running from.”

[00:04:06] “I was never just really taking enough time to be still… you need to understand what you really value.”

[00:35:56] “The need for authenticity in human humanness is going to be a prized asset in the future.”

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity changes everything. If Lee's story on The Leader Unmasked struck a chord, subscribe and share it with someone who might need it. Leave a review and tell us how finding your passion has helped—your words help others find us. Got questions? Reach out to Angela on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more episodes, check out theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.

#8 Sue Wesby CEO Sandacre Group

The Leader Unmasked: Sue Wesby on Embracing Authenticity

 

Feeling boxed in by a corporate career that doesn’t fit? Wondering if midlife can bring a fresh start?

 

In this episode of The Leader Unmasked, host Angela Cox chats with Sue Wesby, CEO and founder of Sandacre, a property investment firm built on ethics and values. Sue opens up about her 15 years at Barclays Bank, where progression was rigid and impersonal, and her later stints in pharmaceuticals, contrasting that with her leap into property investing in 2021. She shares how shedding corporate expectations let her flourish, finding passion and purpose later in life.

 

For leaders in the “silent middle” wrestling with burnout or self-doubt, Sue’s story is a nudge to chase what lights you up. Tune in and subscribe for more real insights on leading as your true self.Here are three reasons to give it a listen:

• Hear how Sue left behind corporate constraints to build a values-driven property business with Sandacre.
• Pick up ideas on rediscovering passion and purpose, even in midlife, to beat burnout.
• Learn from Sue’s experience inspiring others, especially young people, to carve their own path.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

 

[00:01:25 - 00:03:30] Corporate Roots: Sue recalls her time at Barclays, where career steps were pre-set, offering solid training but little personal freedom.

[00:04:19 - 00:05:03] A New Outlook: She reflects on how age and passion helped her care less about others’ views, sparking the courage to try property investing.

[00:30:34 - 00:31:21] Inspiring Others: Sue talks about challenging the education system’s limits, encouraging young people to explore entrepreneurship over traditional paths.

[00:32:06 - 00:32:37] Open Doors: Sue mentions her approachable nature, inviting people to her property open days for a cuppa and a chat.

 

About the Guest:

 

Sue Wesby is the CEO and founder of Sandacre, a property investment firm grounded in ethics and values, where she’s become a leading light in the industry. After 15 years at Barclays Bank—where progression was automatic but impersonal—she moved into pharmaceuticals and later ran her own commercial vehicle business. Post-2008 financial crash, she left corporate life in 2021 to dive into property, a passion that now defines her. Sue’s journey from corporate rigidity to authentic leadership speaks to the “silent middle”—leaders quietly pushing through pressure—and her open, inspiring approach motivates others, especially younger generations, to rethink their paths.

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity changes everything. If Sue Wesby’s story on The Leader Unmasked struck a chord, subscribe and share it with someone who might need it. Leave a review and tell us how finding your passion has helped—your words help others find us. Got questions? Reach out to Angela on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more episodes, check out theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.

#7 Haley Heath Leader and Transformational Coach

The Leader Unmasked: Hayley Heath on Shedding the Corporate Mask

 

Feeling trapped in a role that drains you, even if it looks successful from the outside? Ready to let go of the pressure to perform?

 

In this episode of The Leader Unmasked, host Angela Cox sits down with Hayley Heath, an IT leader turned transformational coach, to explore her journey from hiding behind a mask to embracing her true self. Hayley opens up about 24 years in corporate life—leading teams in male-dominated settings—where she masked her unhappiness with a smile, battling anxiety and exhaustion daily.

 

Training with Paseda360 sparked her shift, and now she’s thriving as a coach, planning retreats and courses on self-trust. If you’re a leader in the “silent middle” juggling stress and self-doubt, this chat offers hope and practical steps to live authentically.

 

Tune in and subscribe for more stories that inspire you to lead as your real self.Here are three reasons to give it a listen:

• Hear how Hayley moved from corporate burnout to finding joy by dropping her mask.
• Pick up insights on managing anxiety and overthinking as a leader in a tough environment.
• Learn about Hayley’s plans to help others build self-awareness and trust through coaching.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:48 - 00:02:47] The Hidden Struggle: Hayley reveals how she hid her unhappiness behind a smile, feeling pressured to achieve and suppress her personality in corporate roles.

[00:03:44 - 00:05:12] Daily Masking: She describes the anxiety of putting on a mask each morning, dreading meetings, and holding back her true voice while leading teams.

[00:05:37 - 00:06:26] Exhaustion and Relief: Hayley shares how her passion for teams kept her going, but the drive home was her only decompression, leaving her with little social life.

[00:37:00 - 00:38:17] A New Path: Hayley talks about her exciting future—retreats, a self-trust course, and moving to full-time coaching—embracing the unknown with enthusiasm.

 

Three Powerful Quotes:

[00:02:12] “I was very unhappy inside… I didn’t really feel like I experienced a lot of joy in life.”

[00:04:48] “I would feel a lot of anxiety… I would often hold back, and it became draining.”

[00:35:30] “Knowing that you’ve got a choice and it’s your choice to make has made a massive difference.”

 

About the Guest:

 

Hayley Heath is an IT leader turned transformational coach who’s turned her corporate struggles into a force for good. After 24 years in senior management and C-suite roles, often in male-dominated settings, Hayley masked her true self—smiling through anxiety and exhaustion—until training with Paseda360 opened her eyes. Now, she facilitates Paseda courses and is building a coaching career, with plans for retreats and a self-trust course. Her journey from corporate burnout to authenticity speaks to the “silent middle”—leaders quietly battling pressure—and her wisdom helps others find their voice. As a soon-to-be master practitioner, Hayley’s passion for empowering people shines through.

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity is the key to great leadership. If you learned something new from Rob Regan’s story on The Leader Unmasked, hit subscribe and share it with your colleagues and friends! Post a review and share your thoughts online—tell us how embracing authenticity has inspired you.

 

Your feedback helps more leaders find us.

 

Have questions? Contact Angela through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela

 

#6 Coral Horn Founder Pink Link Ladies & The EVAs

The Leader Unmasked: Coral Horn on Authenticity and Empowering Women in Business

 

Struggling to fit into a male-dominated corporate world? Tired of putting on a front just to get by?

In this episode of The Leader Unmasked, host Angela Cox chats with Coral Horn, founder of Pink Link Ladies and the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs).

Coral opens up about her time in sales, where she felt out of place amid football chats and being left out at lunch, and how she left it all behind to start her own business 16 years ago.

Now, she creates spaces where women can connect, collaborate, and support each other without pretending to be someone they're not. It's a down-to-earth conversation about finding your tribe, staying true to yourself, and why authenticity makes everything easier.

If you're a leader feeling the quiet strain of the "silent middle," this one's for you. Listen in and see how dropping the mask can change things for the better.

Don't forget to subscribe for more real talks on leading as yourself.

Here are three reasons to give it a listen:

• Hear how leaving a toxic corporate setup let Coral build something genuine and supportive for women in business.
• Get tips on overcoming isolation and burnout by surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.
• Learn from Coral's experience running Pink Link Ladies and the EVAs, where belonging and real connections are key.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:24 - 00:04:20] Corporate Struggles: Coral talks about feeling like an outsider in sales teams, where male colleagues dominated conversations and left her on the sidelines.
[00:05:14 - 00:06:20] Undermined Moments: She recalls being publicly challenged on ideas that had been agreed upon, just for laughs, and how it made her realise she needed to leave.
[00:06:20 - 00:07:16] Making the Leap: Coral explains the decision to quit corporate life for her own business, knowing it wasn't good for her mental health long-term.
[00:32:35 - 00:35:54] Lifting Others Up: Coral shares advice on letting go of the mask to find your people, plus updates on the EVAs finalists and upcoming events.Three Powerful Quotes:
[00:03:09] “It was quite male-dominated… the conversations were all about football and golf… you just didn’t feel part of it.”
[00:05:38] “Why are you doing that? They thought it was funny… it was difficult trying to fit into that environment.”
[00:33:11] “Just let it go. Be yourself. People will love you more for that… you’ll find your right tribe.”

About the Guest:

Coral Horn, founder of Pink Link Ladies and the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs), is all about helping women in business be themselves and support each other. After years in corporate sales feeling like she didn't fit in—dealing with exclusion and undermining—she started her own ventures 16 years ago.

Today, Pink Link Ladies connects women for collaboration, and the EVAs celebrate their achievements in a welcoming space. Coral's path from isolation to building real communities hits home for leaders in the “silent middle” who are pushing through unseen struggles. Her focus on sustainability and inclusivity shines through in events like the upcoming House of Commons gathering.

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity is the key to great leadership. If you learned something new from Rob Regan’s story on The Leader Unmasked, hit subscribe and share it with your colleagues and friends! Post a review and share your thoughts online—tell us how embracing authenticity has inspired you.

 

Your feedback helps more leaders find us.

 

Have questions? Contact Angela through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela

#5 Rob Regan COO Principality Building Society

The Leader Unmasked: Rob Regan on Finding Balance Through Authenticity

 

Are you chasing external validation, only to feel unfulfilled?  Caught in a cycle of striving that leaves you drained?

 

This episode of The Leader Unmasked is your moment to pause and reflect. Host Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives and Founder of Paseda360, sits down with Rob Regan, Chief Operating Officer of Principality Building Society, who shares his journey from a “needy” corporate mask to authentic leadership. From relentless striving in financial services to coping with personal tragedies—losing his brother, mother, and sister, and facing his wife’s cancer diagnosis—Rob used work as a crutch, hiding his true self. A pivotal break from corporate life and a return to a values-driven role helped him find balance.

 

Perfect for senior leaders and aspiring professionals in the “silent middle,” this episode will inspire you to seek internal fulfilment and lead authentically.

 

Tune in to discover how unmasking can transform your leadership and life.

 

Subscribe now for more insights to be brilliant by being you!

 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Discover how to move beyond external validation and lead with authenticity, finding true fulfilment.
• Learn about the “silent middle” and how to break the cycle of relentless striving and burnout.
• Gain insights from Rob Regan on balancing corporate leadership with personal authenticity and purpose.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:03 - 00:03:55] The Needy Mask: Rob reflects on craving external validation in his early career, seeking recognition and popularity, which left him unfulfilled and exhausted.
• [00:11:00 - 00:12:54] Personal Tragedies and Coping: Rob shares how the loss of his brother, mother, and sister, and his wife’s cancer diagnosis pushed him to use work as a mask to avoid emotional pain.
• [00:17:44 - 00:21:56] A Pivotal Break: Rob discusses taking a break from corporate life, which taught him about self-worth beyond external validation and status.
• [00:29:39 - 00:32:52] Embracing Vulnerability: Rob explains how sharing his struggles openly, despite initial fears, inspired others and reduced his need for external approval.

Three Powerful Quotes:

• [00:03:38] “The more I tried to please others, probably the less fulfilled… everything I was doing was about me giving the impression to others that I was successful.”
• [00:13:25] “Work was like almost my mask… all my validation, particularly external validation, and all my self-worth came through work.”
• [00:32:52] “I don’t worry about [negative opinions] as much as I might have 5 or 6 years ago… if one person makes a different decision, it’s worth it.”

About the Guest: Rob Regan, Chief Operating Officer of Principality Building Society, is a leader who transformed relentless striving into authentic leadership. With a career spanning manufacturing, financial services, and executive roles at Legal & General and Royal London, Rob once hid behind a “needy” mask, craving external validation to feel successful. Personal tragedies—losing his brother, mother, and sister, and facing his wife’s cancer diagnosis—pushed him to use work as a coping mechanism. A break from corporate life and a return to a values-driven role at Principality helped him find balance and self-worth. Rob’s journey resonates with the “silent middle”—leaders quietly struggling under pressure—offering a path to lead with vulnerability and purpose.

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity is the key to great leadership. If you learned something new from Rob Regan’s story on The Leader Unmasked, hit subscribe and share it with your colleagues and friends! Post a review and share your thoughts online—tell us how embracing authenticity has inspired you.

 

Your feedback helps more leaders find us.

 

Have questions? Contact Angela through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela

#4 Tiffany Willcox Experienced Tech Leader

The Leader Unmasked: Tiffany Willcox on Embracing Authenticity and Building Belonging

 

Struggling to show up as your true self in leadership? Feeling weighed down by the need to be perfect?

 

This episode of The Leader Unmasked is your invitation to break free. Host Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives and Founder of Paseda360, sits down with Tiffany Willcox, a senior technology leader and host of the National Coaching Awards, who shares her journey from layers of conformity to authentic leadership. From boarding school at age seven to projecting confidence at Specsavers while battling self-doubt, Tiffany built a “perfectionist mask” to prove her worth. Through deep self-awareness, she shed these layers, learning to embrace mistakes and lead with vulnerability.

 

Perfect for senior leaders and aspiring professionals in the “silent middle,” this episode will inspire you to foster belonging, trust your authentic self, and lead with ease. Tune in to discover how unmasking can transform your leadership and life. Subscribe now for more insights to be brilliant by being you!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Discover how to shed the perfectionist mask and lead authentically by embracing your true self.
• Learn about the “silent middle” and how self-awareness can ease burnout and overthinking.
• Gain insights from Tiffany Willcox on fostering belonging and empowering teams through vulnerability.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:16 - 00:03:49] Layers of the Mask: Tiffany reflects on how childhood experiences, like being left at boarding school at age seven, built layers of independence and conformity, shaping her perfectionist mask.
• [00:05:20 - 00:06:57] The Perfectionist Facade: Tiffany shares how projecting confidence at Specsavers hid inner self-doubt, leading to exhaustion from worrying about others’ perceptions.
• [00:09:43 - 00:12:34] Unmasking Through Self-Value: Tiffany discusses her struggle to list things she loved about herself, revealing a need to prove her worth, and how self-awareness transformed her perspective.
• [00:27:16 - 00:30:16] Hosting with Humanity: Tiffany describes hosting the National Coaching Awards authentically, connecting with speakers and the audience to foster belonging, creating a memorable sense of community.

Three Powerful Quotes:

• [00:06:57] “I was so worried about what everyone else thought, I’d never considered what it felt like to be me.”
• [00:15:43] “The more honest I am about me, the more I inspire more people around me. It’s the most amazing thing.”
• [00:32:10] “I can breathe lighter. I can stand taller. And I feel like I can love even more people.”

About the Guest: Tiffany Willcox, a senior technology leader and host of the National Coaching Awards, is a beacon of authentic leadership. With over 25 years in technology, including a senior role at Specsavers, Tiffany once hid behind a “perfectionist mask,” projecting confidence while battling self-doubt rooted in childhood experiences like boarding school at age seven.

 

Her journey of self-discovery, sparked by working with Angela Cox, led her to shed layers of conformity and embrace vulnerability. Now, Tiffany leads teams by fostering belonging, empowering others to be themselves, and admitting when she doesn’t know something. Her authentic approach shone at the National Coaching Awards, where she created a sense of community that left attendees feeling they belonged. Tiffany’s story resonates with the “silent middle”—leaders quietly struggling under pressure—offering a path to lead with ease and joy.

 

Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn to learn more about her inspiring journey.Enjoy This Podcast? Authenticity is the key to great leadership. If you learned something new from Tiffany Willcox’s story on The Leader Unmasked, hit subscribe and share it with your colleagues and friends!

 

Post a review and share your thoughts online—tell us how embracing your authentic self has inspired you. Your feedback helps more leaders find us. Have questions?

 

Contact Angela through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.

 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.

 

#3 Andrew Bird CEO W A Chump & Sons

The Leader Unmasked: Andrew Bird on Authentic Leadership and Breaking Free

 

Ever feel trapped by the pressure to conform as a leader? Burnt out from wearing a mask that doesn’t feel like you?

 

This episode of The Leader Unmasked is your wake-up call. Host Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives and Founder of Paseda360, sits down with Andrew Bird, CEO of W A Chump and Sons, who shares his journey from a “perfectionist mask” in banking to leading authentically.

 

From being labelled “mental” as a child for his creativity to chasing corporate success at the cost of happiness, Andrew’s “enough moment” in India—witnessing true joy in a community—changed everything. Now, he leads a values-driven company, rejecting jargon and prioritising outcomes over time.

 

Perfect for senior leaders and aspiring professionals in the “silent middle,” this episode will inspire you to trust your gut, shed inauthentic behaviours, and live every day with purpose.

 

Tune in to discover how authenticity can transform your leadership and life. Subscribe now for more insights to be brilliant by being you!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Learn how to break free from conformity and lead with authenticity, no matter the corporate pressure.
• Understand the “silent middle” and how to overcome burnout by trusting your gut.
• Gain insights from Andrew Bird on building a values-driven business that prioritises outcomes over time.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:48 - 00:06:29] Conformity from Childhood: Andrew shares how being labelled “mental” for a creative essay at age five led to decades of suppressing his true self to conform to societal and corporate expectations.
• [00:16:44 - 00:19:24] The Enough Moment in India: Andrew recounts his pivotal realisation at a barbecue in India, seeing the joy of a community despite their lack of wealth, prompting him to quit banking and seek authenticity.
• [00:30:33 - 00:34:28] Building W A Chump and Sons: Andrew discusses founding W A Chump and Sons with a values-led charter, rejecting industries like weapons and mining, and focusing on delivering outcomes, not time.
• [00:44:43 - 00:47:21] Advice for Authentic Living: Andrew shares his advice to his children and others: “Be yourself, trust your gut,” emphasising living every day authentically over chasing financial success.

Three Powerful Quotes:

• [00:18:17] “Everybody’s looking at you because they want to be like you… And I said, that’s really odd because I’m looking at all of you and you’ve got everything that I want.”
• [00:34:28] “What you see is what you get… There’s no jargon. There’s no bias. And that’s direct. I hope it’s authentic because it’s authentic to me.”
• [00:53:18] “We die once. We live every day… Every day’s an adventure. What are we going to do today? Whose life are we going to improve today?”

About the Guest:

 

Andrew Bird, CEO of W A Chump and Sons, is a trailblazer in authentic, values-driven leadership. With a career spanning banking and consultancy, Andrew once wore a “perfectionist mask,” climbing corporate ranks as the youngest branch manager and area manager while hiding his true self.

 

His “enough moment” came in India, where a community’s joy despite poverty inspired him to quit banking and reject conformity. Now, Andrew leads W A Chump and Sons, a company focused on delivering outcomes, not time, with a strict values charter excluding industries like weapons and mining.

 

His journey from burnout to fulfilment resonates with the “silent middle”—leaders quietly struggling under pressure. Andrew’s mission is to leave a non-financial legacy, from maternal healthcare in Kenya to accessible e-learning, proving success lies in authenticity.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn to learn more about his transformative approach.

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

 

Authenticity is the key to great leadership. If you learned something new from Andrew Bird’s story on The Leader Unmasked, hit subscribe and share it with your colleagues and friends!

 

Post a review and share your thoughts online—tell us how breaking free from conformity has inspired you.

 

Your feedback helps more leaders find us. Have questions? Contact Angela through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

Thanks for listening!

 

For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.

 

To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.

#2 Thera Prins CEO Equiniti UK

The Leader Unmasked: Thera Prins on Breaking Free from Conformity

 

Ever feel like you’re hiding your true self to fit corporate expectations?

Burnt out from pretending to be someone you’re not?

 

This episode of The Leader Unmasked is your wake-up call. Host Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives and Founder of Paseda360, sits down with Thera Prins, CEO of Equiniti, who broke free from the shackles of conformity. Thera shares her journey from dull navy suits and suppressed vibrancy in banking to rediscovering her "colour" after devastating setbacks, redundancy at Lloyds and a marriage breakdown. Through her "enough moment," she learned that conforming didn’t bring success; authenticity did.

 

Perfect for senior leaders and aspiring professionals, this episode dives into the "silent middle", high-functioning leaders quietly unraveling and how to shed the mask of conformity. Thera’s story will inspire you to embrace your true self, stay visible in midlife, and lead with resilience.

 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

• Learn how to break free from conformity and lead authentically, no matter the corporate pressure.
• Understand the "silent middle" and how to overcome burnout by embracing your true self.
• Gain insights from Thera Prins on staying visible as a woman in midlife through authentic leadership.

Resources:

• Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn
• Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast
• Explore coaching at Paseda360

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:22 - 00:04:22] Conforming to Fit In: Thera shares how she adopted a conformist persona—wearing navy suits and suppressing her vibrant personality—to succeed in banking, only to realize it dulled her true self.
• [00:04:51 - 00:06:17] The Enough Moment: Thera recounts her devastating redundancy at Lloyds and personal collapse, which forced her to confront how conformity led to a loss of authenticity and happiness.
• [00:08:17 - 00:08:53] Becoming a Role Model: Thera reflects on the shift from emulating others to being a role model by leading authentically, inspiring others to do the same.
• [00:35:10 - 00:45:23] Staying Visible in Midlife: Thera discusses staying visible as a woman in midlife by rejecting corporate constraints and embracing her energy, wisdom, and authentic leadership.

Three Powerful Quotes:

• [00:06:18] “I slowly separated myself from the true person that I am… My mum would say to me, ‘You’ve lost your color.’”
• [00:06:39] “The big turning point for me was, well, you know, sod all this… I’d spent all this time adjusting to what I thought everybody else expected of me.”
• [00:45:23] “I’ve got nothing to lose anymore… I’ve got all that learning and all that confidence, plus a big network of people that I love. So let’s go and do something good with it.”

About the Guest: Thera Prins, a dynamic CEO, embodies the power of authentic leadership after a transformative journey through corporate conformity. With a career spanning banking and leadership roles, Thera once molded herself to fit expectations—wearing "boring" navy suits and suppressing her vibrant personality to climb the ranks. A devastating redundancy at Lloyds and personal challenges became her "enough moment," prompting her to reject conformity and rediscover her true self.

 

Now, as a leader, Thera inspires others to shed inauthentic masks and lead with courage and authenticity. Her story resonates with the "silent middle"—leaders quietly struggling under pressure, offering hope and strategies for resilience. Passionate about empowering women in midlife to stay visible, Thera combines her wisdom, energy, and colorful personality to foster human-centric leadership. Her insights make her a role model for executives and aspiring leaders seeking to lead well and live well.

 

Enjoy this Podcast?

Failure is not the end of things. What makes leaders great is their ability to embrace them and be more open to admitting them. If you learned something new from today's episode hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, share your thoughts with us online and tell us your stories of how innovative thinking boosted your business or improved your life. You can also share it to help your family and friends.

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean. 

 

Thanks for listening!

For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean. To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.

#1 The Leader Unmasked: Stop Pretending & Find the Real You

The Leader Unmasked: Stop Pretending & Find the Real You

Feel like you’re leading with a mask to hide your struggles?

Stuck in a cycle of perfectionism or people-pleasing that’s burning you out?

This solo episode of The Leader Unmasked is your wake-up call. Host Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives, Founder of Paseda360 and creator of the Paseda360 coaching approach dives deep into the "silent middle"—high-functioning leaders quietly unraveling under pressure.

She unveils the four "Pretender Masks" (Perfectionist, People Pleaser, Persecutor of Self, Persecutor of Others) that keep you from leading authentically. Through her "The Pretender Model," Angela reveals how these masks, rooted in limiting beliefs, harm your health and leadership. Whether you’re a senior leader or an aspiring professional, this episode will inspire you to shed inauthentic behaviors and embrace your true self.

Get ready to discover how vulnerability can transform your leadership into a source of resilience and connection. Tune in to learn why unmasking is the key to leading well and living well.

Subscribe now for more insights to be brilliant by being you!

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Uncover the "Pretender Masks" holding you back and learn how to lead with authenticity.
2. Understand the "silent middle" and how to break free from burnout’s hidden toll.
3. Gain insights into the beliefs and values shaping your leadership for lasting change.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:03 - 00:00:56] Why the Podcast Rebranded: Angela shares the evolution from Mindset Mentor Meets to The Leader Unmasked, explaining her shift to focus on the deeper stories and beliefs beneath mindset that shape leadership.

[00:01:52 - 00:02:59] Introducing the Silent Middle: Angela defines the "silent middle"—leaders who function well but are quietly unraveling—and highlights the harm of masking struggles in leadership.

[00:03:52 - 00:08:49] The Pretender Masks: Angela breaks down the four "Pretender Masks" (Perfectionist, People Pleaser, Persecutor of Self, Persecutor of Others), detailing their exhausting impact on leaders’ health and effectiveness.

[00:23:56 - 00:26:44] A Call to Authentic Leadership: Angela urges listeners to share their struggles, align with their true values, and lead vulnerably to inspire others and build resilience.

Three Powerful Quotes:[00:08:49] “These are not your identity… They’re behaviors, protective behaviors that you have tried on earlier in your life. And it fitted, the mask fitted. And so you’ve just kept it on.”

[00:22:06] “If you’re feeling like you mask in some way, it is just something that has happened throughout your life to keep you safe… But you get to a point in life where you think, this just doesn’t work for me anymore.”

[00:26:44] “The most powerful leaders that I know have done the work, have taken the mask off. They’re not the loudest in the room. They’ve stopped performing. They’ve stopped pretending, and they’ve started showing up as themselves.”

About the Host:

Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives, Founder of Paseda360 and creator of the Paseda360 coaching approach is on a mission to help leaders unmask their true potential. Having worked with hundreds of leaders worldwide, Angela brings a unique blend of empathy and insight to her coaching, guiding executives and aspiring leaders to shed inauthentic behaviors like perfectionism and people-pleasing.

Her journey from a corporate role to founding The Leader Unmasked stems from her own "enough moment" in 2018, when she left behind the masks that fueled burnout. Angela’s "Pretender Model" and focus on the "silent middle" empower leaders to uncover the beliefs and values shaping their leadership, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

As the host of The Leader Unmasked, she shares stories and strategies to help leaders lead well, live well, and stay well by being their authentic selves.

Connect with Angela on LinkedIn or visit https://paseda360.com/ to learn more about her coaching programs.

Enjoy this Podcast?

Failure is not the end of things. What makes leaders great is their ability to embrace them and be more open to admitting them. If you learned something new from today's episode hit subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast episode, share your thoughts with us online and tell us your stories of how innovative thinking boosted your business or improved your life. You can also share it to help your family and friends.

Have any questions? You can contact me through LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for listening! 

For more updates and episodes, visit my website. You can also tune in to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean. 

To meeting inspiration,

Angela