

Anatomy of a Leader with Maria Hvorostovsky
Maria Hvorostovsky
Welcome to Anatomy of a Leader - a video podcast that shows you there are many faces of leadership, that perfection doesn’t and shouldn’t exist and that making mistakes (or taking detours) can often lead to deep insights about your superpowers.
My name is Maria Hvorostovsky. I’m a headhunter and Founder of HVO Search. I help ambitious leaders hire the most hard to find, high potential C-Suite talent.
Each week let me take you on a journey to discover what leadership really
🖋🕊
LinkedIn/ Insta: @mariahvo
WORK WITH ME: www.hirewithmaria.com
My name is Maria Hvorostovsky. I’m a headhunter and Founder of HVO Search. I help ambitious leaders hire the most hard to find, high potential C-Suite talent.
Each week let me take you on a journey to discover what leadership really
🖋🕊
LinkedIn/ Insta: @mariahvo
WORK WITH ME: www.hirewithmaria.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 22, 2022 • 2min
TRAILER for #37, Shivani Pau Podcast Host of A Millennial Mind on Marriage, Confidence and Being Authentically You
Shivani Pau packs a punch in her fast growing podcast A Millennial Mind. She tackles topics such as marriage, independence, grief, terminal illness all told through the mind of a millennial.
Shivani is supremely confident, fiercely independent, a strong role model for her generation.
In Episode 37 we talk about how to be authentically you, perfectionism, being judged on your looks and quitting your day job to pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
Love love love
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SHIVANI PAU
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-pau-9b7565177/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shivanipau
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shivanipau3769
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FOLLOW ME ON
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
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Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
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LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.
The best review will get a mention in the next episode!

Nov 15, 2022 • 2min
TRAILER for #36, Turning down a dragon on Dragons' Den Dr Rhona Eskander co-founder of Parla toothpaste
Dr Rhona Eskander is what a strong, bold, and smart entrepreneur looks like. She exudes confidence in herself and in her industry disruptive ‘toothpaste’ Parla so much so that she even turned down investment from a dragon on Dragons' Den.
A successful dentist with her own practice Chelsea Dental Clinic, and an influencer with over 100k followers on Instagram and regular TV appearances, Dr Rhona has created her own niche.
She is unapologetically glamorous, who in no uncertain terms has been told to tone it down.
In this episode #36 we talk about her fighting with society, breaking down stereotypes, her approach to ‘having it all’ and taking over the world.
Such a positive and inspiring conversation.
I hope it fills you with as much energy as it did me.
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DR RHONA ESKANDER
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrhonaeskander/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrhonaeskander
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drrhonaeskander
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrRhonaEskander
Websites:
Parla: https://parlatoothpastetabs.com/
Personal: https://www.drrhonaeskander.com/
Dental Practice: https://www.chelseadentalclinic.co.uk/team/dr-rhona-eskander/
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FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.
The best review will get a mention in the next episode!

Nov 15, 2022 • 59min
#36, Turning down a dragon on Dragons' Den: Dr Rhona Eskander co-founder of Parla toothpaste
Dr Rhona Eskander is what a strong, bold, and smart entrepreneur looks like. She exudes confidence in herself and in her industry disruptive ‘toothpaste’ Parla so much so that she even turned down investment from a dragon on Dragons' Den.
A successful dentist with her own practice Chelsea Dental Clinic, and an influencer with over 100k followers on Instagram and regular TV appearances, Dr Rhona has created her own niche.
She is unapologetically glamorous, who in no uncertain terms has been told to tone it down.
In this episode #36 we talk about her fighting with society, breaking down stereotypes, her approach to ‘having it all’ and taking over the world.
Such a positive and inspiring conversation.
I hope it fills you with as much energy as it did me.
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WE DISCUSS
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02:22 - Intro - did you always want to be a dentist?
09:09 - Rhona fighting with society
12:33 - Rhona’s early years and growing up
21:34 - How do you handle comments such as ‘don’t look so glamorous’?
25:27 - On motherhood & mental health
34:21 - Rhona’s Dragons' Den Experience with her toothpaste brand Parla
40:38 - Was it a mistake to walk away from the Dragon’s offer?
43:35 - What’s the hardest thing about being a co-founder?
47:10 - How do you handle social media and running a business?
48:51 - Anything you would change about yourself?
52:10 - What does leadership mean to you?
56:48 - The Impossible question
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DR RHONA ESKANDER
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrhonaeskander/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrhonaeskander
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drrhonaeskander
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrRhonaEskander
Websites:
Parla: https://parlatoothpastetabs.com/
Personal: https://www.drrhonaeskander.com/
Dental Practice: https://www.chelseadentalclinic.co.uk/team/dr-rhona-eskander/
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FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
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Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Nov 8, 2022 • 1h 9min
#35, Flexible Working: Anna Whitehouse aka Mother Pukka and Founder of Flex Appeal Campaign
If you are a working parent and haven’t heard of Anna Whitehouse (aka Mother Pukka) you must have been living under a rock. Anna is an author, editor, podcast host and founder of Flex Appeal campaign fighting for flexible working for all.
I knew I had to talk to Anna on the show, as lack of flexible working is one of the top reasons women leave the workforce and do not rise through the ranks (something I care about very very much).
To be clear her campaign is for everyone, not just women.
We talk about how having kids is not a choice, miscarrying at your desk, closing the gender pay gap, the archaic dinosaurs that won’t see the light of day about flexible working, and what you can do to help.
Anna is so passionate, she had me in tears at the end, as she talked about her own mother.
It triggered me, as how my mother was treated had a massive impact on my approach to work especially about being financially independent.
I hope this podcast gives you hope that there are people in your corner fighting to make a change, and that you can make a change too.
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WE DISCUSS
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02:06 - How did the idea for FlexAppeal come about?
09:36 - Why do companies insist on not offering flexibility?
15:08 - What made the biggest impact on your campaign?
18:44 - Who are the progressive companies doing this well?
26:54 - What can retailers learn from NHS job sharing?
32:28 - Flexibility is not perfect - it’s a relationship
37:32 - What’s the biggest barrier to women getting ahead in the workplace?
49:50 - Generational trauma
01:00:41 - What can we do to support Flex Appeal?
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ANNA WHITEHOUSE
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-whitehouse-586623a4/
Website: https://www.motherpukka.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mother_pukka/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mother_pukka
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FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anatomyofaleader
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Nov 7, 2022 • 2min
TRAILER for #35, Flexible Working: Anna Whitehouse aka Mother Pukka and Founder of Flex Appeal Campaign
If you are a working parent and haven’t heard of Anna Whitehouse (aka Mother Pukka) you must have been living under a rock. Anna is an author, editor, podcast host and founder of Flex Appeal campaign fighting for flexible working for all.
I knew I had to talk to Anna on the show, as lack of flexible working is one of the top reasons women leave the workforce and do not rise through the ranks (something I care about very very much).
To be clear her campaign is for everyone, not just women.
We talk about how having kids is not a choice, miscarrying at your desk, closing the gender pay gap, the archaic dinosaurs that won’t see the light of day about flexible working, and what you can do to help.
Anna is so passionate, she had me in tears at the end, as she talked about her own mother.
It triggered me, as how my mother was treated had a massive impact on my approach to work especially about being financially independent.
I hope this podcast gives you hope that there are people in your corner fighting to make a change, and that you can make a change too.
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ANNA WHITEHOUSE
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LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-whitehouse-586623a4/
Website: https://www.motherpukka.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mother_pukka/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mother_pukka
-------------------------------
FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anatomyofaleader
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Jul 19, 2022 • 45min
#34, Fashion & Metaverse w/ Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Innovation Agency, London College of Fashion
How does Head of Innovation challenge the slow moving, traditional Fashion Industry?
By evoking strong emotions in fashion leaders using state of the art emerging technologies.
Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion knows a thing or two about how gaming, emerging technologies like VR and AR and fashion can co-exist and work together.
In Episode 34 I talk with Matthew about the big shift in fashion tech, what the Metaverse is and how to support the young talent that is disrupting the fashion industry.
We talk everything from 2D, 3D, the skills required for fashion brands of the future and what to expect in the future.
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WE DISCUSS
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02:12 - What does Head of Innovation do?
05:00 - Matthew’s background
08:26 - Who is driving the change in fashion?
09:48 - What problem is emerging tech trying to solve in the fashion industry?
11:41 - What is coming in the future?
14:42 - Who should companies be hiring now and how to support them?
22:23 - What are the new cool emerging technologies?
23:36 - What must tech founders know about the fashion industry?
27:49 - Metaverse - what is it and why should we care?
34:25 - Dangers of the metaverse
36:48 - Retail needs to change
38:52 - Gap between customer and brands?
41:02 - Main road blocks for adopting emerging technologies
42:55 - What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs in fashion tech?
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MATTHEW DRINKWATER
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdrinkwater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewdrinkwater/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkmatt
FIA: www.fialondon.com
-------------------------------
FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Jul 19, 2022 • 2min
TRAILER for #34, Fashion & Metaverse w/ Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Innovation Agency, London College of Fashion
How does Head of Innovation challenge the slow moving, traditional Fashion Industry?
By evoking strong emotions in fashion leaders using state of the art emerging technologies.
Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion knows a thing or two about how gaming, emerging technologies like VR and AR and fashion can co-exist and work together.
In Episode 34 I talk with Matthew about the big shift in fashion tech, what the Metaverse is and how to support the young talent that is disrupting the fashion industry.
We talk everything from 2D, 3D, the skills required for fashion brands of the future and what to expect in the future.
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MATTHEW DRINKWATER
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdrinkwater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewdrinkwater/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkmatt
FIA: www.fialondon.com
-------------------------------
FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Jul 4, 2022 • 38min
#33, Four Crucial Factors To Success - Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer & Author of Success Factor
If you could take all successful people from all disciplines, what would they all have in common?
According to Ruth Gotian there are four key factors that determine success whether you are a Nobel Prize winner, an Olympic champion or an astronaut.
In her book “The Success Factor” Ruth talks through the 100 people she interviewed to give you priceless nuggets about what high-achievement is and what they do differently.
If you are curious about high-achievers or want to become one - this is the episode for you.
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WE DISCUSS
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01:52 - Why study high achievers?
05:08 - Definition of a high achiever
06:59 - Who is the book for?
07:59 - What are the 4 mindsets high-achievers have in common?
13:37 - Is it ever too late to find your purpose?
15:28 - Is there a case for quitting? When should you stop pursuing something?
17:09 - What kind of mentors do you need? How do you find them?
21:50 - How to spot high-achievers?
25:56 - How to attract high-achievers?
27:40 - Difference between successful men and women?
29:57 - What did you leave out of your book?
31:10 - Who stood out to you from your interviews?
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RUTH GOTIAN
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgotian/
Website: https://www.ruthgotian.com/book
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthgotian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthgotian
-------------------------------
FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Jul 4, 2022 • 3min
TRAILER for #33, Four Crucial Factors To Success - Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer & Author of Success Factor
If you could take all successful people from all disciplines, what would they all have in common?
According to Ruth Gotian there are four key factors that determine success whether you are a Nobel Prize winner, an Olympic champion or an astronaut.
In her book “The Success Factor” Ruth talks through the 100 people she interviewed to give you priceless nuggets about what high-achievement is and what they do differently.
If you are curious about high-achievers or want to become one - this is the episode for you.
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RUTH GOTIAN
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgotian/
Website: https://www.ruthgotian.com/book
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthgotian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthgotian
-------------------------------
FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Jun 20, 2022 • 54min
#32, Stop The Bias Against Working Mothers - Elizabeth Cowper, Founder & CEO of WoMo & Ludo
How would the world change if more mothers returned to work feeling empowered, supported and valued?
How would amazing talent change the companies if they no longer had to lie about having IVF or hide that they had a miscarriage?
Surely we would finally have more women in senior leadership positions, more role models, more diverse thinking.
This is exactly Elizabeth Cowper’s mission with Ludo, which provides companies with tech for inclusion, with a specific focus on women.
Ludo’s first module, WoMo (an affectionate nickname for Working Mothers), launched July 2021 and supercharges the maternity experience for women, through support, advice and connection to the workplace.
And this is just the beginning.
Ludo Menopause launches October 2022 to help businesses educate employees and engage female talent through the menopause.
In this very open conversation Elizabeth shared a lot of her own personal experiences after having IVF for the first two of her children and how her background in HR (she was previously VP of HR as well as Head of Wellbeing at the Tapestry group which owns the brands Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman) shaped her view of supporting working mothers in the workplace.
We talk about good and bad bosses, especially ones that didn’t make her “feel like Elizabeth”.
We talk about why women don’t return to work after having kids (it’s not always the first choice to be a full-time mum), and about funding in a male dominated VC environment as well as what we need to change that.
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WE DISCUSS
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03:02 - Elizabeth’s superpowers
05:06 - Compromising values
08:48 - Why did you go into HR?
10:53 - Why WoMo?
14:43 - Why do women not return to work after having kids?
19:43 - Biggest challenge to get WoMo off the ground
24:16 - What is it like raising funds?
30:48 - What is WoMo’s big vision?
37:16 - How can Leaders support your mission?
41:19 - One mistake that led you to where you are now?
44:58 - Would you do anything differently?
45:53 - Advice to younger self
47:50 - How to get into flow
50:48 - Impossible question
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ELIZABETH COWPER
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cowper-chartered-fcipd-ludo/
Ludo: https://weareludo.com/
WoMo: https://womonetwork.com/
Instagram WoMo: https://www.instagram.com/womonetwork/
Instagram Ludo: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_ludo/
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FOLLOW ME ON
-------------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need help HIRING - head over to - http://www.hirewithmaria.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.