The Trailblazers Experience Podcast

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Join us for candid conversations with remarkable women in business and entrepreneurship. We celebrate the successes of women across various fields, including digital, e-commerce, STEM, content creation, and more. Our guests share their inspiring career journeys, lessons learned , significant milestones, and the challenges they’ve faced while climbing the ladder of success. These women are true #IRLTrailblazers, and their stories will motivate and empower you. In each episode, we explore topics like resilience, leadership, work-life balance, and the importance of community. From entry level to making bold moves in senior roles, our guests provide valuable insights into their industries. They discuss imposter syndrome, building strong teams, and revolutionizing their respective fields. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the experiences of trailblazing women, this podcast is for you.

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3 recent

April 19, 2026Episode 9046 min

EP90 Julia Cove Smith Founder Eleven as One : Building a brand with Football Kit that Fits

Women’s football has never had more momentum, yet so many players still end up wearing men’s shorts, “unisex” cuts that do not fit, or gym gear that was never designed for the pitch. That disconnect is exactly what sparked Julia to build 11 As One, a UK women’s football kit brand with a simple aim: give everyone access to that football feeling of belonging, confidence, and community. 00:00 - Introduction to Julia Cove-Smith and her purpose-driven brand 00:44 - Julia’s background in retail marketing and transition to entrepreneurship 01:49 - Insights from her long tenure at Emma Bridgewater and lessons learned 02:48 - Discovering the gap in women’s sportswear, particularly football kits 06:53 - Developing brand identity from concept to execution 07:13 - The relationship between product quality and marketing success 08:54 - The importance of testing, learning, and agility in e-commerce 10:36 - Strategies for brand messaging, community, and purpose 14:33 - Building a collaborative, trust-based work environment 15:32 - Pivoting from traditional retail to online and the importance of experimentation 16:51 - Creating a brand centered on accessibility, diversity, and belonging 17:50 - Developing brand visuals, name, and purpose with external support 24:39 - The value of a compelling product versus purpose-led branding 26:20 - Addressing product design gaps for women in sports kits 29:46 - Encouraging more women and girls into sports through inclusivity 32:02 - Implementing quotas and support systems for female leaders and coaches 35:35 - Common startup challenges, from sourcing to motivation 37:45 - The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the importance of accountability 41:57 - Personal growth, confidence, and embracing new passions like football 44:16 - Finding your community and staying externally connected 46:17 - Top three trailblazer tips:Connect with Julia:Email: hello@elevenasone.co.ukLinkedIn: Julia Cove-Smitheleven_as_onSend us Comments & FeedbackSupport the showListen : to the audio version Apple Spotify .Amazon Music Google Podcasts Watch and subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ThetrailblazersexperienceFollow Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazersexperience/

April 9, 2026Episode 8944 min

EP89 : Caitlin Robbins - Building a global community for women in hybrid fitness ROXQUEENS

From City Consulting to Building a Global Movement for Women in Hybrid Fitness — Caitlin Robbins on Rox QueensDiscover how Caitlin Robbins transitioned from a corporate consulting career to creating an inspiring community empowering women through hybrid fitness. This episode explores the importance of community, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and staying true to your values. Key Topics: Caitlin’s journey from traditional corporate job to founding Rox QueensThe pivotal moment during her first Hyrox race that inspired community supportThe growth of Rox Queens from a WhatsApp group to a global networkStrategies for building authentic partnerships with brands like NikeThe lessons learned from launching tech products for community engagementThe significance of vulnerability and community support in entrepreneurshipThe impact of health setbacks and the importance of self-careFuture plans for Rox Queens including scaling and funding challengesAdvice for founders on curiosity, collaboration, and valuing themselves 00:00 - Introducing Caitlin Robbins and the mission of Rox Queens 02:32 - Caitlin’s background in sports and overcoming dyslexia through running 04:09 - The decision to pursue high rocks competitively and build community 05:48 - The support network behind Rox Queens’ growth 07:06 - The loneliness of training and the need for community 09:37 - Expansion of Rox Queens globally and partnerships 11:00 - The serendipitous encounter with Simon Squibb and the power of dreams 13:08 - Moving to Bali for new opportunities and community building 14:37 - The importance of supporting others through community initiatives 17:19 - Lessons from living abroad and taking risks in entrepreneurship 19:51 - The importance of vulnerability and health during setbacks 22:18 - The partnership with Nike and the journey of brand collaboration 23:26 - Navigating funding, alignment with brands, and staying authentic 26:14 - Creating inclusive community spaces for women of all ages and abilities 27:55 - The shifting perceptions of hybrid athletes and Rox Queens’ global growth 29:13 - The significance of community-driven impact over immediate revenue 30:35 - Launching and iterating Rox Queens app for better engagement 33:00 - Addressing barriers to participation and matchmaking in training 34:00 - The creative approach to connecting female athletes using tech 36:47 - Milestones, growth, and future funding plans 39:08 - Personal health scare and lessons on community’s role in support 41:59 - Balancing the entrepreneurial hustle with self-care 43:00 - The ongoing journey of scaling Rox Queens and securing sponsorships 45:40 - The importance of perseverance, community, and celebrating small wins 47:19 - Advice for founders: curiosity, collaboration, and self-validation 48:46 - Caitlin’s closing thoughts and how to connect with Rox QueensResources & Links: Rox Queens InstagramCaitlin Robbins - InstagramLovable - AI-powered app builderNike - Official WebsiteSimon Squibb - TikTok Connect with Caitlin Robbins:InstagramRox Queens on Instagram Send us Comments & FeedbackSupport the showListen : to the audio version Apple Spotify .Amazon Music Google Podcasts Watch and subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ThetrailblazersexperienceFollow Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazersexperience/

April 4, 2026Episode 8839 min

EP88 Fiona Lambert :The power of Reinvention at any Age

Fiona Lambert is an author, experienced fashion and retail industry leader, board advisor and now fitness influencer who shares how redundancy sparks a full reinvention, from getting her fittest at 60 to becoming an author, speaker, and advocate for women who refuse to fade into the background. We talk candidly about identity beyond job titles, confidence through change, and the mindset shifts that turn rejection into redirection. • being made redundant as a catalyst for purpose and reinvention • resourcesFiona Lambert's Website - https://fionalambert.comInvincible, Not Invisible (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Not-Invisible-Fiona-Lambert/dp/XXXXXXSAS 60 Single (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/SAS-60-Single-Your-Manual/dp/XXXXXXFind Fiona Website - https://fionalambert.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/fionalambertLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/fionalambertPlease remember to follow, like, share. We are on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever listen to your podcast.Send us Comments & FeedbackSupport the showListen : to the audio version Apple Spotify .Amazon Music Google Podcasts Watch and subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ThetrailblazersexperienceFollow Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazersexperience/