Host: Sarah Knight
Guest: Alison Humphries — Award-winning NED, strategic advisor, truth-teller and woman who’s been there, built that, and still shows up with receipts.

In this episode, I sat down with Alison Humphries — and let me tell you, this woman came ready with 30+ years of hard-won wisdom, boardroom lessons, and real-life grit.

She’s grown a £100 million business, sold it, raised four kids, survived the era where women were told you can have it all — but only if you act like a man — and still has the fire to tell it straight.

We talked about:

• 💼 What it really takes to run a business while raising a family (spoiler: it’s not balance, it’s boundaries and blunt truth)
• 👩‍⚖️ Why she hid being a mum in the workplace — and how far we’ve come (but not far enough)
• 💣 The cost of “doing it all” and how that lie nearly burned out a generation of women
• 💰 The moment she stopped playing small, doubled her rates, and changed the game
• 📈 Building a business today vs. 20 years ago — and what she’d do differently from day one
• 🧠 The policy shifts that changed the game for working women — and why we need to stay loud
• 🔥 Why being good isn’t enough if you’re not valuing yourself accordingly

There’s no fluff in this one. It’s honest. It’s raw. And it’s a reminder to every woman listening that your value doesn’t need to be justified — it needs to be owned.

And when Alison dropped her six-word memoir at the end? I got goosebumps:
“Always keep learning. Change is constant.”

This one’s for you if:
You’ve ever felt like you’re running a business, a family, a household, and your sanity — and still asking yourself, Am I doing enough?

Let me say it clearly: You are. But if you’re not backing yourself properly, you’ll burn out before you break through.

So pull up a chair. We’re getting into it.

Links & Resources:
👉 Connect with Alison: LinkedIn – Alison Humphries
👉 More about Recruitment Leadership: recruitmentleadership.co.uk

Loved the episode?
And if it hit home — I'd bloody love you to leave a review, share it, send it to that friend who’s doing it all and forgetting herself in the process.

🎧 This is how women find their fire, find her, and keep her.

Sarah is the founder of FoundHer Fire—a membership space for experienced women in business who know real success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about self; a place, a space, a community where women find their fire, for women who aren't done yet and who are ready to write their own rules of success. Sarah also co-founded The Plot Twist (un)Awards, celebrating female founders and women smashing through glass ceilings with purpose, passion and joy.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

This one’s for every woman who’s ever been told to bounce back, build character through trauma, or just be strong—while quietly holding the world on her shoulders.

In this solo episode, I’m swinging open the emotional doors and chucking one of the most toxic phrases straight in the bin:
👉 “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Nah. Not today, Doris. Get in the bin.

Here’s the truth:
🧠 Trauma doesn’t automatically gift you wisdom.
💥 Adversity isn’t your coach.
🔥 And strength? It isn’t always the answer.

What you really need is to be better resourced, not just tougher. I’ll show you how your inner edge—your grounded strength, clarity, and recovery rituals—can help you lead, live, and love without constantly white-knuckling it through life.

You’ll hear:
💬 The emotional toll of “keeping it together”
🛠️ The six domains of real resilience (not wellness-washed BS)
❤️‍🩹 Why recovery is the missing piece in the resilience puzzle
💡 What to do when life shakes you to your bloody core

We’re not performing strength here. We’re reclaiming energy, clarity, and calm. And we’re doing it on our terms. One swear word and boundary at a time.

Mentions & Resources:
💥 Six Domains of Resilience – Dr. Yossi (Yuri) Ruso’s framework

💬 What are the other phrases we need to put in the bin? Drop me a message. Let’s build the ultimate list of things that boil our collective piss.

Sarah is the founder of FoundHer Fire—a membership space for experienced women in business who know real success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about self; a place, a space, a community where women find their fire, for women who aren't done yet and who are ready to write their own rules of success. Sarah also co-founded The Plot Twist (un)Awards, celebrating female founders and women smashing through glass ceilings with purpose, passion and joy.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

This one’s a big-hearted, big-energy chat that’ll stay with you.

In this episode of It’s Got Pockets, I sit down with the brilliant Jane Druker — fashion and beauty journalist, editor, author, and a woman who’s lived a life full of stories, style, and reinvention. The people she has met, the places she has worked; we delve into all the details; from her favourite interviewee to her top tips for keeping it real.

We talk about what really goes on behind the glossy magazine pages — the pressure, the pivots, and the power of showing up as yourself. From career highs to deeply personal losses, Jane shares how she’s navigated decades in the industry without losing her spark (or her sense of humour).

This is a conversation about ageing on your own terms, claiming your confidence, and ditching the outdated rules about how women “should” show up in the world. We get into the generational shifts, the grief that sneaks up on you, and the everyday rituals that keep you grounded when life throws its curveballs.

If you’ve ever questioned your style, your worth, or whether you’re “too much” — this one’s for you.

We cover:
💄 What fashion taught Jane about identity and reinvention
🧳 The cultural curveballs that change how you see yourself
🌙 The unexpected magic of evening rituals
💥 Grief, joy, and holding both without falling apart
💬 Real talk on confidence, comparison and why peace matters more than perfection

Get ready for a dose of honesty, heart, and a few belly laughs. This episode is about finding your fire again — no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Takeaways:

• Jane emphasises the importance of writing down goals and wishes.
• Younger generations are redefining traditional life paths.
• Authenticity is crucial in interviews and personal interactions.
• Self-awareness is different from self-confidence.
• Facing fears can lead to personal growth and confidence.
• Daily practices can enhance life satisfaction.
• Cultural traditions can offer unique perspectives on life.
• Incremental changes can significantly improve well-being. Self-care rituals can enhance overall well-being.
• Reflecting on joyful moments can shift perspective.
• Grief is a part of life; finding joy is essential.
• Career aspirations should align with personal passions.
• Fashion choices reflect personal identity and comfort.
• Expectations can shape life choices; it's important to challenge them.
• Success is defined by joy and fulfillment in life.
• Finding peace in everyday moments is crucial.
• Believing in oneself is vital for personal growth.
• Life is a continuous journey of learning and adapting.

Loved this conversation?

There’s way more where that came from. I love to chat - and I'd love to chat with you.

I’m building something powerful for women who are ready to reignite — a private, no-fluff coaching collective called FoundHer Fire. It’s not open to everyone. It’s for those who feel it. And it’s quietly opening its doors soon. Drop me an email on Sarah@mindthegap.academy if you'd like a sneak peak.

Want in? Or just want to chat?
Drop me a message. Let’s connect properly.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

In this episode, I’m calling you out, calling you out for not putting yourself front and centre of how you press play and crack on.

I’m talking about the responsibility we owe to ourselves, the duty we owe to ourselves to do the work on us. It is on us to do the work on us; it's our duty to ourselves.

We hold the sky up for everyone, the invisible weight, the emotional labour, and this is why our inner work is non-negotiable because if you go down, the whole ship goes down.

I introduce my 50-30-20 rule for managing your energy for how you create your impact and still boost your battery levels.

And (drum roll) there's more with a little sneak peak into my new community, Found Her Fire, for experienced women in business who know that real success isn’t just about strategy — it’s about self.

We need to start banging our drum a little bit louder and this, my friend, is where we start. Who's with me?

If you'd like some information about how you can be one of the founding members of FoundHer Fire, drop me an email on sarah@mindthegap.academy or come and find me on Instagram at FoundHERFire.

Takeaways

• It's our duty to ourselves to pursue what we want.
• Emotional endurance is crucial as we age.
• Inner work is non-negotiable for personal growth.
• We often forget to prioritize our own needs.
• Low-level burnout is common among high achievers.
• Energy impact mapping is more important than time management.
• The 50-30-20 rule can help manage energy effectively.
• Quality recovery time is essential for recharging.
• Real success is about personal development, not just strategy.
• Found Her Fire is your community for women seeking growth.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

This week on It’s Got Pockets, I’m joined by the brilliant and bloody inspiring Alison Cork MBE—entrepreneur, author, broadcaster, and fierce champion of women in business.

Alison's most recent book, Female, Fit & Fabulous, is a guide to wellbeing for women in their second act. Alison is an English entrepreneur, lifestyle expert, author, and broadcaster. She is the founder and CEO of lifestyle brand Alison at Home (www.alisonathome.com). A champion of female enterprise, she is also the founder of Make It Your Business (www.makeityourbusiness.co.uk) and National Women’s Enterprise Week (www.nwew.co.uk) and an active investor.

Alison is proof that the second act of life isn’t about slowing down—it’s about powering up. From fitness to business, mindset to legacy, this episode is a masterclass in midlife reinvention with grit, grace and a whole lot of real talk.

We dive into:

✨ Owning your worth in your 50s and beyond

✨ Strength, nutrition & confidence is the ultimate power combination for rewiring your second act

✨ Building businesses, shaking off self-doubt, and setting bold goals

✨ Ditching pressure, redefining success & chasing purpose

✨ Why contentment is wildly underrated—and completely liberating

If you’ve ever felt the itch to do more, be more, or try again (no matter your age), this one’s for you.

Alison’s six-word memoir? 🔥 You’ll have to listen for that.

🎧 Tune in now: your second act can be your best yet.

Key Takeaways

• Many women in their 50s experience a crisis of self-image and purpose.
• Physical health is crucial for mental well-being and confidence.
• Strength training and proper nutrition are key to feeling good at any age.
• Celebrate small achievements.
• Visualization can help in achieving personal and professional aspirations.
• A positive mindset opens up more opportunities in life.
• Women should not accept societal pressures about aging and beauty.
• Maintaining health is a continuous journey, not a quick fix.
• Life experience brings confidence and resilience that can be leveraged in the second act.
• Finding purpose can take time and multiple career changes.
• Women over 50 are leading in entrepreneurship.
• Success is not just about financial gain.
• Contentment is the most under-rated state of being.
• Experiences create lasting memories, not possessions.
• It's our responsibility to pursue our passions.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

In this episode, I'm delving into that murky world of self-doubt, you know that thing that still niggles us no matter how successful we appear on the outside. I'm sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how it affects every single one of us at all stages of life and career.

And in this episode, I'm introducing you to my Press Play Power Shift and my signature No More Next Time rule, I'm calling BS on confidence being something you have or something you don’t.

Confidence is something to be built through action and evidence of success.

This episode is full t'brim of practical techniques to combat self-doubt, for you to take immediate action, track your achievements, and reframe your self-talk to build a confident and crack on mindset.

All you need to do is Press Play. And if this episode hits home, you'll need my FREE masterclass, you can get more information here: The Confidence Code Masterclass: Get Ready to unleash your secret weapon: The Power of You.

Your key take-aways will be:

• Self-doubt affects everyone no matter level or age.
• Confidence is built through action, not waiting for the right moment.
• Our brains are wired for safety, not success, which fuels self-doubt.
• We must challenge negative narratives and replace them with positive affirmations.
• Tracking wins and achievements can significantly boost confidence.
• Self-doubt can be a learned behaviour that can be unlearned.
• Taking small, actionable steps is crucial for building confidence.
• Creating a supportive environment is key to overcoming self-doubt.
• It's important to acknowledge and reflect on personal successes.
• Confidence is a decision, not just a feeling.
• You've got this - no more next time.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

In this today's blinking brilliant conversation, I talked to the wonder woman that is Olympic gold medalist Kate Richardson-Walsh, exploring her journey from a shy young athlete to a confident leader in women's hockey taking the team to Olympic gold. Kate shares her experiences of becoming a captain at a young age, the challenges she faced in leadership, and how she discovered her emotional intelligence as a super strength. We talk about the need for confidence in our abilities, how we do that and how keeping the receipts of the stuff we do well is key in building our self-worth and confidence. Kate Richardson-Walsh talks to me about self-doubt, mental resilience, and the impact of hormones. Kate shares her thoughts on the importance of support systems, personal growth, and the need for reflection and the definition of success beyond traditional achievements, highlighting the significance of being the best version of oneself to uplift others.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding what a good day looks like is crucial for mental wealth.
• Bad days are inevitable, but managing them is key to resilience.
• Support from loved ones can help navigate tough times.
• Identity and self-expression are ongoing journeys.
• Reflection can help maintain mental clarity and focus.
• Success is about feeling fulfilled, not just achieving goals.
• Creating environments where everyone can thrive is essential.

I enable women in business, female founders and leaders to leverage their personal advantage through one-to-one and group coaching. Get in touch to find out how I can empower and enable you to rise up and thrive with motivation, energy and impact.

Press Play on you today; email me at sarah@mindthegap.academy

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy

Welcome to It’s Got Pockets with me Sarah Knight.

You know that feeling where you find that perfect dress or those bloody brilliant wide leg trousers and they have pockets, well that is what you’re going to get with my weekly podcast.

I’m bringing you real conversations with real women.

I'm bringing you the stories of women who crack the feck on every single goddamn day. The ones who somehow press play even when life gets proper lifey.

Our unsung heroines, the ones doing it anyway, the ones showing us how, the bloody brilliant women who have found their spark, their passion, who are lighting up their own worlds, owning who they are. Women who’ve been there, done that, and are still figuring it out.

Each episode will be filled with unfiltered reality, hints, tips and tactics to help you press play and crack on, and all the swears that makes life, work, business and everything in between feel that bit more manageable.

Whether you’re reaching into your pockets for tissues or a notepad or just searching for your last F&ck, I’m going to be here for all of it - the laughs, the tears, and those lightbulb moments that make you realize it’s never too late to press play on who you were always meant to be.

I can not blinking wait to bring you the kind of conversations you can only have with a friend who gets excited about finding pockets in her dress.

This isn't about being perfect. This is about being true, we're about to get very real – and unfiltered.

Find out more about me and how I can work with you:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On the Web
• Or drop me an email sarah@mindthegap.academy