Lead to Soar: Career Advice and Guidance for Ambitious Women Leaders

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert Michelle Redfern sits down for an interview with the one and only Sheila Flavell. Sheila is an extraordinary leader (by our full ACtS! definition!) in the truest sense. She has created exceptional outcomes for business and women in the Tech industry. She continues leading today and has the curiosity and energy to keep learning and pushing herself into new territory. We were so inspired by this episode, and hope you are too!

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Bio for Guest, Sheila Flavell

Sheila Flavell has over 30 years experience in the global tech sector. She played an integral role in FDM’s flotation on AIM in 2005 and was a key instigator of the management buy-out of the Group in 2010 and the subsequent listing onto the main FTSE Market in 2014. Sheila’s sector knowledge has been crucial in driving FDM’s global expansion programme, taking them into the FTSE250. She spearheads the ‘Global Women in Tech’ campaign and created FDM’s hugely successful Returners Programme. Sheila is Deputy President of TechUK and chairs the Institute of Coding’s Industry Advisory Board. One of her proudest moments in business was when FDM achieved a zero gender pay gap. She has won numerous awards during her career for services to the tech industry and was recognised in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list with ‘Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire’ for her services to gender equality in IT and the employment of graduates and returners. She is also listed in Computer Weekly’s ‘Most Influential Women in UK Tech, Hall of Fame.’

Bio for Michelle Redfern

Michelle founded Advancing Women, an enterprise that provides research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion, and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! The Women Who Get It is the founder of the women’s network, co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women), and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and has various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker, a regular contributor to the discussion, and an advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sports and business workplaces.

Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.