Future Women Leadership Series

Hosted by FW

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

Leadership takes courage and resilience. Host and founder of Future Women, Helen McCabe shares insights from some of the most influential women on the sometimes complex challenges faced by women on the path to senior leadership. Leadership thought-leaders will inform and at times challenge your thinking on what it means to be leader and advise you on how to build respect and loyalty from your team members. Future Women is a club for women to connect, learn and lead. To find out more go to futurewomen.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 21, 202636 min

Bonus FW series: Chanel Contos was "too disruptive"

Chanel Contos was just 21 years old when she launched an online petition that sparked a movement and propelled her into the global spotlight. Teach Us Consent triggered a national conversation and led to mandatory consent education in all Australian schools. In this episode, Contos joins Helen McCabe to reflect on the personal price of radical change, and the power that can come with being “too disruptive”. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , and LinkedIn . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 14, 202638 min

Back to basics: Carolyn Creswell's guide to tough conversations

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 a busy schedule, having difficult conversations, and letting go of staff members. Check out our first Summit episode on AI here . Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 7, 202624 min

Summit special: Your AI questions answered part 3

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 movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 30, 202637 min

Premier Chris Minns on leading as an introvert

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 Bondi terror attacks and high-stakes negotiations. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 23, 202633 min

Kylie Bryant on what overpromotion teaches you

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, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear her take on clashing generations. If you have any leadership dilemmas, send them her way by emailing hello@futurewomen.com . Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 16, 202633 min

Jiva Smith on how to rebuild your leadership confidence

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, burnout and how to rebuild after a setback. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear her take on defensive team members. If you have any leadership dilemmas, send them her way by emailing hello@futurewomen.com . Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 9, 202631 min

Jessica Symes Toomey's guide to finding an executive coach

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 right for you. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear her take on AI slop. If you have any leadership dilemmas, send them her way by emailing hello@futurewomen.com . Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 2, 202635 min

Annabelle Chauncy's guide to harnessing determination

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 can be a double-edged sword for leaders. She explains how she has learned to harness it without alienating her team. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear her take on tackling risky leadership opportunities. If you have any leadership dilemmas, send them her way by emailing hello@futurewomen.com . Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 28, 202617 min

Summit special: Your AI questions answered part 2

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. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 20, 202627 min

Anne-Louise Sarks' guide to leading with vulnerability

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 history. In this episode, she speaks with executive producer Odessa Blain about drive, toughness and how to lead with vulnerability. Plus, this season Helen McCabe is answering your leadership questions. Wait to the end of the episode to hear her take on clashing team members. If you have any leadership dilemmas, send them her way by emailing hello@futurewomen.com . Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW member today . Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.