Women at the Top of Telecoms and Tech

Nicola Skorko

Welcome to Women at the Top of Telecoms and Tech, the podcast for women leading in the corporate world. I am Nicola Buckley, the coach for women leaders who are a real force for good and want to make a real difference in the corporate world without sacrificing family time, neglecting themselves or compromising who they are. I take my clients on a hugely transformational journey that really changes their life. I help them to really step into their values and find out who they truly are at their heart. I help them to find their way to lead, and I help them to step past any beliefs or stories that are holding them back. This really is a podcast for women who are change-makers, who are fire starters, and they're on a quest to challenge and change the corporate world. And they dream big and they want to leave a legacy. It can be lonely at the top. It doesn't need to be anymore. I'm the coach here to hold your hands to really change the corporate world and be the leader of that you know you are. read less

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Play Trailer

Anniversary Trailer

Anniversary Trailer

I'm super excited today because we are coming up to the one-year anniversary of the Female Leaders on Fire Podcast. This podcast is something I’m really proud of as I didn't know the impact it was going to have. I didn't know that we were going to be getting thousands of downloads a month and that we were going to be listened to in 30 countries across the world. To celebrate being one, we have got some things coming up that I want to tell you about. So first of all, we are gonna be changing the name of the podcast, I’m really excited to share that with you so watch out for that at the end of July. We're also going to have a week of interviews with some women at the top of different organisations in different industries that are absolutely incredible. Then we're also going to have two bonus episodes; one is gonna be edited together, with my best bits for the year and then we've also got my lessons from this year and what I've learned and what's changed for me. Finally, we also have a competition running and you can find out all the details below. Competition details: Do you need some you time? Time to relax, switch off and just be? Then the competition is perfect for you. Throughout August to celebrate the anniversary of the Female Leaders on Fire podcast and the shift to a sexy new name, Women at the Top of Telecomms and Tech we’re running an amazing competition, with something you will LOVE! When you share the podcast on Linked In and tag me Nicola Buckley, or you post a review on iTunes. You’ll be entered into a free prize draw to win a Solo Journey Spa Day worth £300 at the luxury eco-hotel in Cornwall. If you don’t know the hotel it’s a beautiful eco spa hotel perched on Cornish cliffs overlooking a beautiful beach, it’s the perfect place to rest and unwind. Conditions: From Friday 29th July to Friday 2nd September One prize draw entry per share or review. Prize draw on Friday 2nd September and winner notified within 1 week Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email

Episodes

Ep 100: The Final Episode

Ep 100: The Final Episode

This episode brings mixed feelings as not only is it the 100th episode of the podcast, it is also the last one. In this episode, I'm excited to share some of the lessons that I've learned from having my podcast for nearly 18 months. Hopefully, some of the practices I have put in place will help you in your work too. Here are the highlights: (1:40) Finding my voice and message. (6:05) Taking small steps and being persistent. (8:30) Be consistent and persistent with people. (10:39) Trust your inner voice. (14:52) Hopes for the new podcast. Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact me through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 099: Highlights

Ep 099: Highlights

In this special episode of Women At The Top of Telecoms & Tech, it is one of our farewell episodes. Over the past several years, I have had the pleasure to discuss some exciting and challenging topics while speaking with some of the leading leaders in our industry. It was challenging to decide what to include in this highlights episode. However, in my opinion, this episode showcases some of the finest subjects we have covered over the past few years. Here are the highlights: (2:17) Impostor Syndrome. (4:25) Overcoming the feeling of being an imposter. (6:42) Men are four times more likely to ask for pay rises. (8:01) Women would rather move company than ask for what they're worth. (10:19) The importance of self-image. (11:26) The importance of being a role model. (14:56) Being the only woman in the room. Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact me through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 098: Women Leading Change Impact on Wider World

Ep 098: Women Leading Change Impact on Wider World

In today’s episode I am going to be sharing a topic that I will be covering in the new podcast I am launching. This is all part of a new chapter for me, a new chapter in my business and a new chapter in my life and I want to share it with you today! Here are the highlights: (03:50) The benefits of having more women in senior roles (05:33) Changing family dynamics (07:05) A shift in language (08:48) Gender pay gap (13:15) What’s next for the podcast?

Ep 097: How Organisations are Focused on Inclusion

Ep 097: How Organisations are Focused on Inclusion

We are seeing more and more women coming into senior roles in organisations, and there's a reason for that. So today, I wanted to focus on women-led organisations. I will be highlighting the benefits that women leaders can have on company culture and how this could improve retention, encourage loyalty and make your business more profitable. Here are the highlights: (2.00) Return on investment in the workplace (3.18) The benefits of bringing women into senior roles (5.04) The benefits of loyalty in your organisation (6.14) Women-led organisations leading to more creativity and innovation Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact me through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 096: How Organisations Are Supporting Women

Ep 096: How Organisations Are Supporting Women

Today, I wanted to look at what challenges women are facing in organisations, explore what they are struggling with and really get a temperature check on what is going on for women in business and the support available to them. So, with that in mind, in this episode, I look at how organisations are supporting women and what more needs to be done. Here are the highlights: (3:56) How to support women and drive policy change. (5:58) What needs to change to create a more inclusive culture. (7:46) Looking at the human style of leadership. (9:56) How to create a more inclusive company culture. (11:59) Best practices in the workplace around creating more inclusive cultures. Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact me through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 095: How to Support Women Leading Inclusively

Ep 095: How to Support Women Leading Inclusively

Following the news in my previous episode that this podcast is ending, today, I wanted to introduce you to one of the pillars of content which I will be talking about in my new podcast. I talk about my mission a lot. It is very much about helping organisations help more women to those most senior positions, while driving positive change to create more inclusive cultures that are safe and fair for all. With that in mind, in this episode, we explore how we can support women who are leading. Here are the highlights: (4:02) The structure of support for women at different life stages. (6:05) Helping women fulfil their absolute potential. (8:13) The importance of creating a strong sense of your own leadership identity and brand. (10:16) How to find purpose in your career. (13:00) Why we need to stop underplaying soft skills. Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact me through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 094: BIG News - We're Changing

Ep 094: BIG News - We're Changing

This is a different kind of episode and may feel quite strange. I’m soon going to be closing the chapter on this podcast, but with that opens another… As we approach the 100th episode , join me as I lay out my future plans , the next step of my journey and how you can accompany me on my next great adventure! Exciting times ahead! Here are the highlights: (2:00) The end of an era for this podcast (05:43) Diversity inclusion is a competitive advantage. (11:02) The war on talent (13:23) So why end this podcast? (15:16) Whats next? and how can you stay in the loop? Register your interest Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact me through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 093: 6 Steps to Have Challenging Conversations

Ep 093: 6 Steps to Have Challenging Conversations

We all have put off a meeting because we know it’s going to be challenging. In this episode, we look at why we might put off certain conversations, how to manage feeling anxious around certain topics and how to stop feeling like we could make a situation worse. Here are the highlights: (05:49) Why do people avoid confrontation? (07:49) Steps to prepare (11:27) A clear and concise next-step (13:27) Listening to the other person’s emotions Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 092: Empathy as Leadership Super Power

Ep 092: Empathy as Leadership Super Power

Empathy for me, is a huge part of my life - it’s a critical human skill. I believe empathy is not just ‘nice to have’, empathy as a leader is a superpower and something which is going to help you standout from the rest. Empathy can really help you to build a culture that is safe, fair and inclusive. So in todays episode, we look at how empathy can help you as a leader. Here are the highlights: 5:06 What does empathy look like in an organisation? 6:57 Empathy is linked with having effective teams working together 10:16 What are the symptoms of an empath? 12:41 How to use feelings as feedback 14:37 What does it mean to “finish your feelings”? Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 091: Leading with Diversity in Mind with Jenny Baskerville

Ep 091: Leading with Diversity in Mind with Jenny Baskerville

In this episode, I am joined by Jenny Baskerville. Jenny leads the development and execution of KPMG UK’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity strategy. Jenny is the Chair of the Living Wage Advisory Council, a Non-Executive Director of Progress Together, a Board Trustee of East London Business Alliance and an Access Accountancy Patron Group Member. Today, me and Jenny explore diversity through the lens of career progression. Here are the highlights: (2:12) Nicola’s journey to the head of diversity and equity at KPMG (05:05) The importance of listening to your heart (10:57) Barriers to career progression (24:33) Challenges within the industry (36:45) The importance of lived experience Connect with Jenny LinkedIn: Twitter: KPMG's socio-economic pay gap publication: KPMG's Social Mobility Progression report: Mind the Gap: Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go to Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 090: 5 Signs of a Toxic Workplace

Ep 090: 5 Signs of a Toxic Workplace

Today’s episode is all about toxic workplaces! How to recognise them and what to do about it. A recent study showed a toxic culture was 10 times more powerful as the root of employee attrition than compensation. Which for me is absolutely huge! This episode points out the five things to look out for, and then what to do about it as a leader. Highlights (09:37) Non-inclusive! (09:58) Managers playing favourites (12:42) Feel safe to speak up (17:31) Undermining one another (17:39) Calling out behaviour (21:35) What impact does it have? Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 089: Making Better Managers with Stefani Okamoto

Ep 089: Making Better Managers with Stefani Okamoto

In this episode, I am joined by Stefani Okamoto. Stefani started working at Microsoft in 2000 as a software tester. Over the past 22 years, she has reinvented herself many times from managing dev and test teams, to leading management excellence programmes for the entire company. Driving a culture of care is her mission. Pushing for Microsoft to be known for having the best managers in the industry while ensuring every employee has a consistent, positive experience with their manager, in an environment where they can do their best work. Here are the highlights: (2:18) From software tester, to software engineer, to manager (14:43) Being the only female in a room full of male engineers (20:12) Always speak up (28:07) Purposeful Stakeholder Management (37:45) Creating consistency in your organisation Connect with Stefani LinkedIn: More info on developing better managers: Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 088: Developing Better Managers (The Broken Rung)

Ep 088: Developing Better Managers (The Broken Rung)

In this episode, we explore what a manager really is. How do we define a manager and why are they so important in organisations? We look at how we can as leaders, develop the skills of our managers and explore the skills required by them. Here are the highlights: (14:47) Skill development (16:21) 2: Connection and care (18:20) 3: Human style of leadership (20:00) 4: Feeling safe (21:37) 5: Career development More info on developing better managers: Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 087: 5 Steps to Resetting Boundaries

Ep 087: 5 Steps to Resetting Boundaries

This episode is all about how we reset boundaries. If you are the type of person who gives so much of yourself to your work, that there's no time for anything else, this episode is for you. Today, we look at how we reclaim our time, energy and expertise so that we are demonstrating our true value and worth. Here are the highlights: (05:24) What is a boundary? (05:57) The 5 types of boundaries (07:29) Why is it so hard to say no? (21:20) How to reset your boundaries Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 086: 3 Signs of a Toxic Work Culture with Dr Jen ORyan

Ep 086: 3 Signs of a Toxic Work Culture with Dr Jen ORyan

This week, we are joined by Dr Jen ORyan. Jen is a consulting editor specialising in Inclusion, Diversity and Representation. She has a PhD in Human Behaviour and her background in tech includes designing new experiences for customers, launching global initiatives and leading organisational change. Jen works with business leaders, product owners and writers who want their message to be welcoming across a broader audience. In this episode, myself and Jen explore how we identify a toxic culture. We also look at what is a toxic culture and the impact they can have on employees and workplace culture. Here are the highlights: (03:49) The 5 attributes to a toxic culture (13:39) What does a toxic culture look like? (21:06) Recognising a toxic culture (35:34) The power shift (43:17) Your ability to influence Connect with Jen Website: https://www.pagingdrjen.com/ LinkedIn: Instagram: Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

EP 085: Your Pause and Passion Plan for 2023

EP 085: Your Pause and Passion Plan for 2023

Planning can often feel very heavy and something which comes with a lot of pressure and expectation. This week, I am excited to share with you a secret framework which I have been using successfully with my clients over the years. The aim of this framework is to allow you to feel joyful, while still setting goals and objectives for the year ahead. Here are the highlights: (07:47) Pause and reflect (11:02) Passion planning (17:38) Action inferno (20:16) Checking in Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

EP 084: The Power of Feelings in Leadership

EP 084: The Power of Feelings in Leadership

This week, we are looking at the power of feelings within leadership. We discover how feelings are relevant to being a leader and why they are important. Feelings aren't a PowerPoint presentation - they’re very intuitive and come from the soul. Some feelings within the corporate world can be seen as negative but they can drive you on to change something, to have a challenging conversation, to ask for the promotion you desire, a pay rise or even to move to a new role. Here are the highlights: (01:23) What are feelings? (06:20) Why do we have have a fear of feelings? (11:26) How do we recognise and understand our feelings? (14:18) Managing and being at peace with our feelings on a daily basis (16:26) Signs that you are numbing your feelings As mentioned in this episode, Episode 77: Journey to Success with Cindyrella Amistadi: Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

EP 083: Mental Health from Words to Actions with Vicki Debasi

EP 083: Mental Health from Words to Actions with Vicki Debasi

This week, we are joined by Vicki Debasi from Innovate Comms and look at the importance of mental health within the workplace. Having both suffered from mental health issues while working within corporate organisations, Vicki and I look at how we take a well-meaning intention and turn it into an action. Here are the highlights: (03:16) Vicki shares how she become a mental health advocate (11:12) Are people confident with asking for mental health help within the workplace? (16:11) Has the mental health stigma improved? 25:01) Creating a culture where we can have open and honest conversations Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 082: 5 Steps to Lead in Uncertainty

Ep 082: 5 Steps to Lead in Uncertainty

This week, I'm going to be talking about how to lead in times of uncertainty. Coming through lockdown has created a huge sense of uncertainty in organisations and teams. From a leadership perspective, you’ve had to lead teams in a different way because you’ve not being physically with them as much. So steps need to be taken to keep that sense of being together and keeping connected. Here are the highlights: (03:57) As a leader you need to understand the human process behind the impact of uncertainty (06:43) The neuroscience (09:50) When there is uncertainty people with not be themselves (10:36) Create a culture of togetherness (12:28) Create consistency in your structure (14:53) Create a regular structure of support (15:10) Be a consistent point of contact (17:10) Create a forum for sharing Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique

Ep 081: 5 Leadership Must Do Trends for 2023

Ep 081: 5 Leadership Must Do Trends for 2023

Today, I’m going to be sharing some thoughts and ideas that I've had about what I see as the big leadership challenges going into 2023. My intention for today is to really help you as a leader to really think about what challenges you need to really focus on going into 2023 so that you are leading your organisation in a way where you are current, you are leading in a way where you're relevant and you're leading it in a way that you're doing the best for your employees. Here are the highlights: (07:10) As a leader you need to think about what your employees really need (15:33) Humanising leadership (21:31) Focus on mental health and wellbeing (25:06) Support your team with training (28:01) Hybrid working Listen and subscribe to the podcast now, and find out more about me at Follow me on Linked In here: Download the Overwhelm to On Fire Checklist here: Contact my through Speakpipe here: For more details on how to work with me Go too Or email This podcast is proudly produced by the Podcast Boutique