
Anatomy of a Leader with 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
Latest episodes

Apr 16, 2024 • 7min
#98 How to Make Work WORK for Women with Monique Hodgson
Loved this episode? Check out the full episode for more insights on motherhood, women in the workplace, and building a supportive sisterhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irGQvutqGbA
Monique Hodgson is the founder of Mumble Forum, a networking platform which aims to build a community of mothers, where women can network and celebrate each others’ successes.
If you’re a working woman or mother - or even a man - who is eager to be a cheerleader for women, then this episode is for you.
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Apr 9, 2024 • 6min
#97 Leaders are Born - Be the CEO That Stands the Test of Time w/ Philip Mountford
Do you want to know what it takes to be a successful CEO?
Philip Mountford is a Chairman, NED, and former CEO, who has led fashion retail giants like Hunkemöller, Moss Bros and Versace.
If you want to know what you need to do to get that CEO role, or want to become a better CEO, then watch this episode.
Loved this episode? Check out the full episode for more do’s and don'ts of CEOhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF2XvLltx6g
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Apr 2, 2024 • 11min
#96 The Visual Detox with Marine Tanguy, Founder of MTArt Agency
Buy the book - https://amzn.to/4aoHd98 - The Visual Detox: How to Consume Media Without Letting it Consume You
Marine Tanguy is the CEO and founder of MTArt Agency - a talent agency in the art sector dedicated to democratising the art world. She’s also the author of a book, “The Visual Detox” where she explains how the imagery we see shapes our wellbeing.
If you want to know more about the impact of constant visuals and how to responsibly consume them, then this episode is for you.
Loved this episode? Check out the full episode for more nuggets of wisdom from Marine about understanding and detoxing your visual diet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi_wjhNNg6w&t=1556s
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Mar 26, 2024 • 6min
#95 The Future of Work with Isabel Berwick, Host of Working It Podcast
Isabel Berwick is the host of the Financial Times Working It podcast and author of its namesake newsletter. She’s also written an upcoming book about thriving in the workplace called The Future-Proof Career.
If you want to hear Isabel’s insights on the ever-evolving workplace culture and how to navigate it, then tune in.
Loved this episode? Check out the full episode for more great advice about understanding workplace cultures and navigating post-pandemic careers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo0OdChooHw
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Mar 19, 2024 • 9min
#94 Take Control of Your Career With LEADERSHIP COACH Heather Elkington
Loved this special? Check out the full episode for more great advice about management and leadership: • How to Lead as a Young Manager; LEADE...
Heather Elkington is leadership coach, author and social media star helping new managers become high-performing leaders.
If you’re looking for some excellent leadership tips, career advice, or need some inspiration, then tune in.
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: / mariahvo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwit...
TikTok: / maria_hvo
X: / mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT AND GIVE IT THE THUMBS UP

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 7min
#93 Become a Confident New manager With Leadership Coach Louise Howells
New Manager course - https://www.newmanagercourse.com
Louise Howells is a leadership coach and entrepreneur, having co-founded Riot and Rebel and Leadership with Louise. She’s here to help new managers become confident and successful leaders.
If you’re a new manager trembling in your boots because you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, then this episode is a must-watch!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Trailer
05:41 - Should You Have to Manage People if You Get Promoted?
09:49 - What Big Mistakes do Rookie Managers Make?
11:24 - Not Having All the Answers as a New Manager
14:16 - Team Norms
21:01 - Listening to How People Want to be Managed
23:07 - Why We Should Get Rid of Traditional Work Hierarchies
25:40 - How to Promote a Great Staff Member to the Right Role
27:58 - What Do Great Leaders Do Right?
30:04 - What Happens When Managers Make Assumptions
34:03 - Does Upward Management Contribute to Toxic Workplaces?
40:40 - The Older Generations’ Approach to Work
48:04 - Accidental Micromanaging
52:02 - Being Ignored in the Boardroom as a Woman
57:15 - Young Women Not Being Taken Seriously
Louise Howells has worked in tech for over 20 years, and 10 of them have been spent in management and senior management positions.
Her own experiences of being a manager led her to start Leadership with Louise in 2023, where she offers courses, mentoring and coaching to new managers in order for them to gain more confidence in their role.
Since 2018, she has also been the Director of Riot and Rebel, a Manchester-based web agency, which she also co-founded.
Louise Howells:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisehowells/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithlouise
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadershipwithlouise
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershipwithlouise
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 29min
#92 Is Money the Root of All Happiness? The Dark Side of the 9 to 5 w/ Aaron Knightley
Aaron Knightley is an investor, TikToker and business owner having founded the Breakout Programme and Peak Performance Events. He is here to show you how to escape the 9 to 5.
If you hate your 9 to 5 job, want to become financially literate, or think that chronic entrepreneurship is your calling, then you’ve got to watch this episode!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Trailer
01:15 - Quitting the 9 to 5
04:15 - The Early Days of Entrepreneurship
14:38 - What it Means Not to Have Money
15:30 - Instilling Good Money Habits
17:49 - Business Flops
19:17 - Business Successes
27:43 - How to Meet Successful People
32:07 - What Good Relationships Are All About
33:12 - Advice for Someone Who Wants to Break Out of Their 9 to 5
41:25 - The Dark Side of Social Media
45:31 - Asking for Help
47:28 - Comparing Yourself to Other People
49:36 - Unicorn Moments
52:52 - How to Use Negative Drivers for Success
55:12 - Quiet Quitting
58:11 - Why do People Stay in Jobs They Hate?
01:01:49 - What Will Help People Get Financial Literacy?
01:05:24 - Why You Should Live a Lean Financial Life
01:10:45 - Why Comparing Your Life to Others is Pointless
01:11:57 - Detaching from Social Media
01:18:19 - Future Plans for TIkTok
01:20:41 - Is Social Media Growth a Viable Business Opportunity?
Aaron Knightley founded Knightley Investment Group - a company which assists investors secure exclusive investments in order to grow wealth - in 2015.
In 2022, he formed Peak Performance Events, which offers knowledge, inspiration and action plans to fellow entrepreneurs. In 2023, he founded The Breakout Programme, where he provides mentorship and guidance to people wanting to escape their 9 to 5 and design their own life.
On top of all that, he also hosts the Round Table Podcast and has a huge following on TikTok where he provides more advice on life, work, and money.
Aaron Knightley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronknightley-peakperformanceevents-knightleyinvestments/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronknightleyofficial/?hl=en-gb
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaron_knightley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092430635610
Website: https://www.aaronknightley.co.uk/home
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Feb 27, 2024 • 1h 21min
#91 Life After Being a Successful CEO w/ Beatrice Lafon, Former CEO of Claire’s
Beatrice Lafon is a top retail troubleshooter, having been CEO of Claire’s Accessories, NED of SuperDry, a board member of Pizza Express and many more powerful retail brands. She is here to tell you about the life and sacrifices of a successful CEO and how to become one.
Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or even an aspiring one, and are interested in gaining insights into the world of retail, the hard choices you make as a CEO and how to live with them, or just want to reflect on your own leadership journey, then this episode is a must-watch.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Trailer
02:52 - Joining Marks & Spencers
08:51 - Deciding to Go Down the Business Route
15:56 - Moving From a Big Business to a Small One
18:54 - The Hardest Thing About Working With Private Equity
22:14 - What Beatrice Was Most Proud of in Her Role at Claire’s
25:00 - The Retail Business Then vs. Now
29:54 - What the Younger and Older Generation Take for Granted
33:57 - What is Required Now to be a CEO?
37:06 - Why the Ability to Listen is the Best Quality a Leader Can Have
44:07 - Why Beatrice Stepped Down as Claire’s CEO
49:12 - Have You Sacrificed Your Personal Life as a CEO?
51:16 - Advice For Your Younger Self
53:43 - Making Mistakes
55:41 - Planning for the Unexpected: Death and Divorce
01:02:31 - Defining Success and Failure
01:06:45 - Sports and Leadership
01:12:04 - Why Life Doesn’t Have to be Hard
01:18:04 - The Best Piece of Business Advice You’ve Been Given
With 40 years of experience in retail, spanning from executive roles in blue chip companies like M&S and J Sainsbury's to leading turnaround efforts for PE-backed businesses such as Claire’s and Kondor, Beatrice is a seasoned expert in financial restructuring and operational leadership. She’s currently serving on multiple boards and driving restructuring efforts for companies like Pizza Express Group PLC.
Beatrice Lafon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorbeatricelafon/
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT AND GIVE IT THE THUMBS UP
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 4min
From Beauty Brand Expert to Founding Her Own Fragrance Brand - Michelle Feeney, Floral Street #90
Check out this course https://corporateladderdecoded.com/aff/6/ to accelerate your career and unlock your earning potential - full transparency: purchasing the course supports us, at no extra cost to you.
Michelle Feeney knows what it takes to build a cult beauty brand. She launched Creme de la Mer, led MAC to become the world’s biggest make-up brand and was the CEO of St Tropez. She took time off in her 50s only to launch a brand new fragrance brand - Floral Street.
If you’ve dominated your industry, but feel like you’ve got some enterprising left in you, then tune in!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Trailer and Introduction
05:01 - What Was it Like Working with Private Equity?
09:28 - Building a Good Core Team
13:29 - The Estée Lauder Days
17:32 - Early Days of MAC
23:35 - How Floral Street Came About
25:06 - Taking Time Off at 50
28:58 - Entrepreneurship vs. Employment
30:07 - Leading Through Uncertainty: Covid and 9/11
38:16 - What Else Did You Learn About Yourself?
40:50 - How the Younger Generation Approaches Work
43:24 - Do Young People Not Know How to Work Hard?
51:10 - Are Schools Entirely Responsible for Teaching Our Kids?
59:04 - Advice You Would Give Your Younger Self
01:01:10 - What’s Next for Floral Street Perfume?
Michelle started her beauty career in New York, where she was headhunted by Estée Lauder. She was soon promoted to Vice President, Global Communications of MAC Cosmetics following their acquisition by Estée Lauder. Her work at MAC, primarily the legendary MAC AIDS Fund and Viva Glam initiatives, led it to become the global brand it is today. After moving back to the UK, Michelle became CEO of St Tropez.
After taking a year-long sabbatical, Michelle founded Floral Street in 2017, an independent, British brand committed to eco-responsibility. It is vegan and cruelty-free, and comes in planet-positive packaging.
*** Love Anatomy of a Leader? Help us grow! Check us out on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/ba3uVmwxVRvOXgEzBs4e
Michelle Feeney:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-feeney-838200b6/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_feeney_/?hl=en-gb
X: https://twitter.com/floralstreet_?lang=en
Website: https://floralstreet.com/
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycareerwithmaria/?img_index=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Feb 13, 2024 • 59min
#89 How to GROW Your Podcast With Fountain - The GAME-CHANGING Podcast Platform w/ Nick Malster
Check out this course https://corporateladderdecoded.com/aff/6/ to accelerate your career and unlock your earning potential - full transparency: purchasing the course supports us, at no extra cost to you.
Nick Malster, co-founder of Fountain App is here to share tips on effective podcast strategies, and his vision to create an innovative podcast platform for fellow podcast evangelists.
If you’re a die-hard podcast fan, or are a podcaster yourself and want some insights on how to make your podcast go the distance, then this episode is the one for you.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Trailer and Introduction
02:34 - How the Fountain App Got Started
04:56 - Bitcoin and Gaming Mentality
08:47 - Podcast Relationship as a Long Distance Relationship
10:47 - Tips for Podcasters on Engaging with Their Audience
13:27 - What Have You Learned About Podcasts in General?
16:22 - Is Podcasting Dying?
17:50 - The Future of Podcasting
20:55 - Do Short Clips Help Expand Your Audience?
24:20 - TikTok Algorithm
25:29 - Fountain App’s Tools for Creating Clips
27:01 - Tips for Growing Your Podcast
32:32 - Perfectionism
34:02 - Going From Nike to Starting His Own Business
38:59 - Conflict Resolution
44:09 - Struggles with Mental Health and Alcohol Addiction
47:42 - When Did it Escalate?
49:34 - Attitudes to Quitting Drinking
54:29 - What’s Next for the Fountain App?
Before launching Fountain, Nick served as a Brand Manager at the renowned athletic footwear and apparel giant, Nike. In 2021, he turned his passion for podcasts into a visionary business venture by co-founding Fountain alongside his friend Oscar Merry. The idea took root during the lockdown, as Nick spent more and more time listening to podcasts.
*** Love Anatomy of a Leader? Help us grow! Check us out on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/ba3uVmwxVRvOXgEzBs4e
Nick Malster:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmalster/?originalSubdomain=uk
X: https://twitter.com/nickmalster?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
X: https://twitter.com/fountain_app
Website: https://www.fountain.fm/
Maria Hvorostovsky:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo
X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky
HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com
Podcast filmed, edited and produced by:
https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com
Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com
LEAVE A REVIEW:
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.