Anatomy of a Leader with Maria Hvorostovsky

To win the giveaway: fill in this survey - https://form.typeform.com/to/Tyq9H0gd - subscribe and follow the show, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Do skincare businesses need to be more deliberate and thoughtful? These days, the desire for flawless, untextured, dewy skin has brought in a wave of skincare products which supposedly help you achieve it. But are these businesses prioritising speed over substance? Today’s guest shows that doing something slowly and authentically - rather than what everyone else is doing - can produce the best results. If you want a glimpse into the success story of a business that is a force for good in the world, or if, like me, you’ve got a passion for skincare, you don’t want to miss this episode! Timestamps: 00:00 - How Did Pai Skincare Start? 01:32 - Being Diagnosed with Chronic Urticaria 03:11 - Navigating the Beauty Abyss: A Sensitive Skin Journey 06:43 - Limited Options for Sensitive Skin 08:37 - Skincare for the Sensitive Customer: Pai Skincare's Vision 10:09 - 3 Years of Urticaria Flare-Ups and No Improvement 11:19 - Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Selling Crosswords in School to the Wine Industry 13:06 - The Final Flare-Up: A Turning Point in Sarah's Career 14:29 - Noticing Patterns and Making Lifestyle Changes 18:04 - Which Skincare Ingredients Made Her Skin Worse? 19:35 - Common Skincare Ingredients you Should Avoid 23:11 - Pai Skincare Formulas: Thoughtful Ingredients for Sensitive Skin 25:32 - Maintaining Control over Manufacturing 29:47 - Staying True to Your Values: The Heart of Pai Skincare 35:52 - The Lowest Low: Nearly Losing Her Eyesight 38:56 - Pai Skincare's Pivotal Moment: Natalie Portman's Seal of Approval 45:08 - Personal Qualities and Business Growth: Sarah's Journey 46:03 - Fundraising Insights: From Bank Debt to Angel Investors 56:21 - Business During COVID: Challenges and Contributions 59:54 - How Pai Skincare Made a Difference During Covid by Making Hand Sanitizer 01:06:39 - Ethical Pricing: Navigating Tough Choices During Crisis 01:10:17 - Personal Growth: Resilience and Problem-Solving 01:15:15 - How to Stay Focused 01:20:14 - Skincare Tips 01:26:43 - The Importance of Sleep for Healthy Skin 01:30:13 - Gut Health and Skin: Understanding the Connection Meet Sarah Brown, the Founder of Pai Skincare. She founded it in 2007 as a solution to her own skin allergies. Having suffered with Chronic Urticaria since age 25, she felt let down by products claiming to be “hypoallergenic” and “organic”, when all they did was irritate her skin further. Pai offers certified organic products, now revered by those seeking skin confidence after trying numerous alternatives. With an ingredient policy focused on transparency, Pai helps its global following of sensitive souls navigate the tricky world of skincare. The brand, which started in a garage in West London now exports to over 50 countries. All Pai products, endorsed by A-list celebrities like Natalie Portman, are crafted in-house by London-based organic cosmetic specialists. Sarah Brown: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-brown-3616113 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paiskincare_sarah/ Brand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paiskincare/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paiskincare?lang=en X: https://twitter.com/PaiSkincare Website: https://www.paiskincare.com/ Follow 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 Contact: anatomyofaleader@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.

We’re not older, we’re just hotter. To win the giveaway - fill in this survey - https://form.typeform.com/to/Tyq9H0gd / subscribe and follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! I admit, I am in denial that I will ever be going through menopause (I’m sure many women are). I don’t want to think about yet another life change. I just had my kids. And maybe that’s the problem. As a society we are pretending that these issues don’t exist, resulting in a lack of representation and systems that reflect women’s needs at different life stages. We still prize youth in women and don’t see enough models of what life looks like as you age. My guest today is a trailblazer who is rewriting the narrative and proving that you don’t need to be 30 under 30 to overcome addictions, battle self-hate AND start a new business. Tune in if you want to be seriously inspired about carving out your own path and doing it on your own terms. Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer and Introduction 00:53 - Turning 50: Thriving in Health, Wisdom, and Defying Norms 06:00 - Facing Failure and Embracing Authenticity 09:30 - Confronting Menopause: Reflecting, Adapting, and Redefining Ageing 11:50 - Cherishing your 40s: Confidence, Inner Connection, and Breaking Free 17:07 - Overcoming Addiction and Self-Destructive Patterns 19:12 - Ditching People-Pleasing for Authenticity 26:06 - The Power of the Mind: Intrusive Thoughts and Learning to be Vulnerable 30:22 - Understanding Your Shadow Self 33:52 - Embracing Discomfort and Rejecting the Idea of Retirement 35:17 - Masculinity and Femininity: Debunking Gender Stereotypes 38:26 - Moods, Emotions, and Menstrual Cycles 45:06 - Demystifying Menopause: Challenges, Lifestyle, and Lack of Education 51:30 - Empowering Women: Sexuality, Ageism, and Knowledge Sharing 53:37 - How to Recognise the Signs of Menopause 55:39 - Taking Accountability for your Health: Ageing, Vitamins, and Self-Care 56:51 - Just Hotter: A Platform for Women's Health and Empowerment 01:02:28 - The Inner Mentor: How to Know Yourself Better 01:07:08 - Embracing Change: The Power of the New Generation Meet Sarah Curran, the visionary Founder and self-proclaimed Chief Menopause Officer of Just Hotter, a retail platform which delivers a personalised experience for women going through perimenopause and the menopause, giving them access to products, as well as health and wellness content. Sarah’s mission is to bring menopause out of the shadows, and to empower Gen X women so they can continue to lead happy and fulfilled lives heading into their 40s, 50s and beyond with the mantra: We’re not older, we’re Just Hotter. Sarah Curran: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahcurranmbe Website: https://justhotter.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/just.hotter/ Follow 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 Contact: anatomyofaleader@hvosearch.com Buy the book: Playing Big by Tara Mohr: https://amzn.to/3GIXDfK 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.

In this short clip, I’m revisiting my conversation with Stuart Trevor, the founder of AllSaints. I ask Stuart what the early days of AllSaints were like, from the strategies he used to expand the store, to connecting with younger demographics, as well as why he decided to sell the business. If you’re a fan of the AllSaints brand and want to peek behind the scenes of an iconic British brand, are looking for insights into expanding your own brand, or are thinking about selling, then tune in! Since selling AllSaints, Stuart has created a new fashion brand - STUART TREVOR - which is focused on producing clothes from recycled clothing or deadstock fabric. You can find out more on his website: www.stuarttrevor.com  If you enjoyed this short clip, check out the full episode with Stuart Trevor, which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiSV1zGUuOY&t=3823s  Stuart Trevor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-trevor-b201b912/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/stuart_trevor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stuart.trevor/ Follow 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 Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com Podcast filmed, edited and produced by: https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com/ LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

When you’re a founder, when is it the right time to sell your business? In this short clip, I speak to Aaron Chatterley, the co-founder of FeelUnique - the largest online retailer of beauty products in Europe - about his experience with exiting the business. He tells me about deciding to sell to Sephora, and whether it was the right decision to sell to private equity. Additionally, Aaron provides valuable advice for founders planning their own exit. If you’re a founder planning your exit, or thinking about whether to sell to private equity then this episode may be for you. Since exiting FeelUnique, Aaron has started a new brand - Indu - a teenage skincare brand, created with teens, for teens. Check it out! If you enjoyed this short clip, check out the full episode with Aaron Chatterley, which you can find here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EEWXFBWDizF1OyaCbKIWN Aaron Chatterley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-chatterley IG: https://www.instagram.com/aaronchatterley 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 – https://www.hvosearch.com/ LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Pre-loved fashion used to be a shameful secret you didn’t want your friends to know about. Now, it’s a global business which is showing no signs of stopping. As the owner of a pre-loved marketplace business, how do you navigate the delicate balance between sustainability and profitability? If you’re interested in what it takes to run a pre-loved fashion business, then this episode might be just for you. Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer and Introduction 04:31 - Antonia's Journey into Sustainable Luxury 06:04 - Acquiring Sign of the Times and Merging Businesses 08:07 - How to Outshine your Competitors 10:28 - How to Balance Profitability and Sustainability 10:35 - Strategies for Educating Customers on Sustainable Choices 12:05 - How the Perception of Resale Products has Changed 13:39 - Behind the Scenes: How do you Ensure Authenticity of your Products? 15:22 - What are the Fashion Items that get Bought the Most? 17:01 - Does the Value of Luxury Handbags Increase over Time 17:59 - Handbag Trends: Tips and Tricks 18:56 - What Fashion Items Stand the Test of Time? 19:38 - Top Tips for Shopping Pre-Owned Fashion Items 22:17 - Why did you Want to Start a Business in the Pre-Loved Market? 23:05 - Starting a Business was Easier than Going for a Job Interview 24:47 - Making Mistakes and Growing from Failure 25:57 - Factoring Failure into your Business 27:26 - The Game-Changing Impact of Social Media 28:41 - Embracing the Unpredictable 30:53 - Antonia’s Perspective on Leadership 31:18 - Not Seeing Yourself as a Leader 33:11 - Business Tips: How to Build a Good Business 43:50 - The Importance of Reflection and Disconnecting 49:46 - Challenges Faced as a Founder: Covid and Fundraising Meet this week’s guest, Antonia Johnstone, the Founder and CEO of Sign of the Times (SOTT) - a luxury pre-owned marketplace pioneering the authentication and valuation of designer goods. In 1976, Sign of the Times began as a store for selling celebrities' clothes. Antonia, a devoted fan, joined the store in 2008. Inspired to democratise luxury fashion and reduce over-consumption in the fashion industry, she founded her own store, Timpany's, in 2009. In 2019, Antonia acquired SOTT, transforming it into what it is today. Antonia Johnstone: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/antonia-johnstone-b6759b72 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sign_ofthetimes/ Website: https://www.wearesott.com/ 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 – https://www.hvosearch.com/ LEAVE A REVIEW: If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts make sure to Follow, Rate, and leave a REVIEW.

Are you a female founder with an amazing business, but struggling to raise capital? Or are you an investor who is serious about investing in female founders? For all the incredible female founders out there seeking to secure investment, elevate your networking skills, and make your business shine, this episode is a must-watch! Timestamps: 0:00 - Trailer and Introduction 01:13 - Why do Female Founders Receive Less in Venture Funding? 07:13 - How to Empower Yourself with Skills for Raising Investment 12:09 - Why There’s a Low Success Rate for Funding 16:53 - How to Find the Right Investors 19:01 - How to Network 19:36 - Are Women Bad at Networking? 21:31 - How to Approach Conversations with Potential Investors 24:50 - What Should Investors be Thinking About When it Comes to Funding Female Founders? 25:19 - How Can We Speed up the Process of Achieving Diversity in Investment Firms? 29:07 - How Can Female Founders Assert their Power when Pitching to Investment Firms? 33:03 - The Importance of Gender Balance in Business 35:20 - Supporting the Underdog: Julia’s Personal Experience as a Female Founder 37:26 - How Julia Started Upper Street 38:08 - Taking Inspiration from Bespoke Shoe-making in Hong Kong 42:28 - Funding Challenges in the Footwear Industry 45:36 - What Makes Founders Investable? 01:07:25 - Building a Sustainable Business and the Role of Co-founders ​​Introducing Julia Elliott Brown, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for empowering female founders. She's behind successful ventures like Upper Street, UpMyStreet.com, and is currently the CEO and Founder of Enter The Arena, which helps female founders fly through offering investment expertise and business coaching. Julia is not only a business expert but also a compelling keynote speaker and host of the "Fundraising Stories with Female Founders" podcast. Her book, "RAISE: The Female Founders Guide To Securing Investment," is making waves with a 2023 Business Book Awards nomination. Julia Elliott Brown: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliaelliottbrown X: https://twitter.com/juliaelliottb?lang=en Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0o2pNa2BqPaxowewAjSBOF Website: enterthearena.co.uk Books: Eldest Daughter Effect: How First Born Women like Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg, JK Rowling and Beyoncé Harness their Strengths - Lisette Schuitemaker and Wies Enthoven https://amzn.to/3Qwr3lJ 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.

Do you dream of becoming a CEO, or want to be a better one? Well, if you don't enjoy the pressure, don't become a CEO, warns my guest, Philip Mountford. Phil is a CEO, Chairman, and NED, who has led fashion retail giants like Hunkemoller, Moss Bros and Versace. He fell into the fashion industry after a motorbike accident put a stop to his dreams of going to the Olympics - and soon enough, he discovered where his talents lay. Phil tells me about: 1. Rebranding Hunkemoller 2. Out-strategizing Victoria’s Secret 3. Making Hunkemoller profitable 4. Failing as a CEO If you’re interested in taking a peek behind the executive curtain, or are an aspiring CEO looking for tips, then tune in! Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer and Introduction 00:43 - Unpacking Leadership: Definition and Purpose 04:00 - Being a Chameleon Leader 13:56 - Leaving a Lasting Legacy 18:58 - Retail Landscape and Strategies for Inclusivity 30:49 - Dealing with Public Scrutiny 38:57 - An Unexpected Love Affair: Career Transition 48:01 - Evolving CEO Roles: Leading with Vision 52:33 - Advice for Aspiring CEOs 56:03 - The Art of Decision-Making Philip Mountford: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/philipmountford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philip.mountford/ X: https://twitter.com/P_Mountford Website: https://www.hunkemoller.co.uk/ 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 – https://www.hvosearch.com/ Give us a Review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Expectations of the office have changed. That typical dreary, depressing office block with uniform cubicles - who wants to go there? No one. So who’s out there, trying to change that? My guest is Gaby Hersham, the co-founder of Huckletree, a network of community-driven and design-led workspaces which aims to challenge the typical workspace model. She believes that a well-designed workspace can profoundly impact your work and mindset for the better. Gaby tells me about conceptualising Huckletree, leading a physical office business through COVID-19, and the future of flexible spaces. We discuss why working from the office is beneficial in helping with innovation, creativity and productivity, and she shares her thoughts on why your colleagues shouldn’t be like family, as well as balancing work and family life, and overcoming “mum guilt”. Gaby also sheds light on the unique struggles women entrepreneurs face, and the power of asking for what you want, whether in business or life. Tune in if you’re interested in hearing about the potential of flexible workspaces, want to reimagine your approach to work and productivity, or just want to hear a badass woman entrepreneur’s story. Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer and Introduction 01:08 - Being a “Passionately Curious” Leader 09:22 - Conceptualising Huckletree: Creating a Home for Innovation 12:31 - Working Smarter, Not Harder 14:25 - COVID-19: Shifting Mindsets for the Better? 18:36 - The Future of Flexible Spaces 24:24 - Designing Workspaces for Innovation 28:56 - Work and Team: Different Roles for Different Spaces 29:56 - Work, Family Life, and Mum Guilt 44:12 - Being a Woman Entrepreneur: People-Pleasing, Gender Bias and Imposter Syndrome 54:25 - Don’t Ask, Don’t Get 59:54 - Business Lessons Gaby Hersham: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabriela-hersham-26b12565 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielahersham/ X: https://twitter.com/gabrielahersham Website: https://www.huckletree.com/ 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 – https://www.hvosearch.com/ Give us a Review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Why are you obsessed with money? Do the rich have an obligation to right some wrongs? Is interviewing Andrew Tate commendable? And are you a misogynist if you don’t believe in the gender pay gap? These were the ‘small’ questions I asked Rob Moore, a property developer, multi-millionaire, money expert, and host of the Disruptors podcast. We dive into the topic of money - having it, not having it, and understanding it, as well as Rob’s opinions on whether the rich have an obligation to distribute wealth downwards. There’s no denying that Rob likes to stir the pot, but does he do it for clickbait or because he’s truly misogynistic, amoral, and avaricious? We debate on whether it’s moral to give a platform to people like Andrew Tate, and whether denying the existence of the gender pay gap is misogynistic. If you want to see a heated discussion on Money, Power, and Feminism, then tune in. What do you think? I want to hear from you too. This episode is sponsored by HVO Search:https://www.hvosearch.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer and Introduction 07:05 - Why is Rob Obsessed with Money? 14:40 - What Does Money Mean to You? 19:26 - Money and Happiness 34:19 - Money Matters and Wealth Distribution 40:44 - Clickbait Content: How Far is Too Far? 48:27 - Elephant in the Room: Interview with Andrew Tate 55:28 - Taking Accountability on Public Platforms 01:03:22 - The Gender Pay Gap 01:12:53 - Influence of Jordan Peterson & Andrew Tate 01:23:24 - “Male Energy”: What Defines Masculinity? 01:28:10 - Feminism: Equity vs. Equality Rob Moore: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressive/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/robprogressive?lang=en Website: https://robmoore.com/ Progressive Property: https://www.progressiveproperty.co.uk/ Maria Hvorostovsky:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvoTwitter: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky Podcast filmed, edited and produced by: https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT AND GIVE IT THE THUMBS UP

My prayers are with everyone affected. Here are links to charities that you can support: American Friends of Magen David Adom (Red Star of David) https://afmda.org/ Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALMEP) https://www.allmep.org/ CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) https://www.care.org/ Doctors without Borders https://rb.gy/2j26r Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) https://www.pcrf.net/ United Hatzalah https://israelrescue.org/ UNRWA https://www.unrwa.org/