405: Mentorship, mobility and making change with Leila Thomas
Women Who Lead is more than a podcast—it’s a movement, a mindset, and a space for transformation. It’s a platform for real, raw, and radically honest conversations with women who are redefining leadership on their own terms. Rooted in the belief that true leadership begins within, these Women Who Lead invite us to break free from outdated models of power and success.
Through storytelling, coaching, and a soulful newsletter that follows the rhythm of the seasons, it supports women to rise—courageously, unapologetically, and as their whole selves. This is a space for women ready to lead with more self-trust, more softness, and more power. Learn more at https://ourtimetobloom.com.
Season 4, Episode 5: Mentorship, mobility and making change with Leila Thomas
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Leila Thomas—CEO and founder of Urban Synergy, an award-winning charity that’s transforming the lives of young people through mentorship and opportunity.
Leila’s own career started in tech, working as a network engineer before moving into the City and eventually founding Urban Synergy while working at the BBC. What began as a passion project quickly became a powerful platform for change—one that’s now impacted thousands of lives across the UK.
In this episode, we explore the power of mentorship, the importance of representation, and what it takes to build bridges for the next generation of leaders. Leila shares how her own lived experience shaped her mission, how she navigated male-dominated industries, and why she believes every young person deserves access to role models who reflect their potential.
To stay updated on future episodes, make sure you subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. I’d love to hear what resonates—so feel free to leave a review or reach out on social media. And if this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you feel seen, please consider sharing it with someone else who might need to hear it.
Timestamps:
01:31 | What does it mean to you to be ‘in Bloom’ in work and life?
07:48 | What challenges did you face as a woman in the male-dominated world of work, and how did you navigate them?
10:24 | How did you create and maintain confidence and authenticity in environments where those traits might be tested?
11:20 | How has understanding the connection between mind and body influenced your life and career growth?
13:31 | Which season of your career shaped you the most, and how did it impact you?
17:12 What are your top strategies for preventing burnout while staying driven?
21:27 | What advice would you give to women on building confidence and asking for what they deserve?
Resources mentioned:
