In this episode, host Jacqueline Frost talks to Kat Davis, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Solenis.

Kat highlights the importance of combining business acumen with technical skills. Drawing from her early career experience in a production line, Kat emphasizes the value of understanding the financial impact of operational efficiency. This mindset helped her identify opportunities to increase value without additional costs. Kat introduces the concept of “future escaping,” which focuses on proactively envisioning and shaping the future rather than merely mitigating risks. She contrasts this with “future proofing,” advocating for a positive and strategic approach to achieving business goals.

Jacqueline and Kat discuss the significance of developing personal strengths and leveraging team dynamics to enhance workplace productivity. Kat uses the Fantastic Four analogy to illustrate the power of combining unique individual strengths. This approach encourages teams to focus on their superpowers and complement each other’s weaknesses. They also explore the concept of “knowledge workers,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing and promoting one’s expertise.

Kat concludes with her personal mantra: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” She encourages taking small steps beyond comfort zones to foster growth and achieve unexpected career advancements.

In this episode of "Finding Your Epic," Jacqueline Frost takes on a new role as the interviewee, with Lisa Quinn stepping in as the interviewer. The theme for their enlightening conversation is about the importance of setting boundaries, both personal and professional, a recurrent topic Jacqueline has observed throughout her interviews with various influential women. They delve into "EPIC limits," discussing the critical balance between being generous and preserving one's self-interests.

Jacqueline reflects on the nuanced ways boundaries influence our interactions and decisions, noting that while it's essential to be generous, one must avoid self-sacrifice to the point of personal detriment. The discussion also covers the psychological aspects of boundary-setting, examining the deep-seated fears that often lead individuals to either enforce too rigid boundaries or none at all, which can significantly impact relationships and work dynamics.

The episode closes on a powerful note with Jacqueline citing Helen Keller: "Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold." This quote beautifully encapsulates the episode's message, encouraging listeners to recognize and assert their needs thoughtfully and boldly to foster well-being and success across various life aspects.

In this weeks podcast, Jacqueline interviews Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE, CEO, Green Finance Institute. The conversation explores their journeys as female leaders in finance, highlighting how their roles have shaped their leadership philosophies.

Jacqueline recalls their initial connection formed over shared experiences in senior financial positions. Rhian-Mari discusses effective leadership, emphasizing inspiration and collaboration over authoritarian methods. She reflects on her tenure at the Green Finance Institute, advocating for a focus on outcomes, which has steered her through complex challenges and strategic decision-making.

Rhian-Mari also addresses personal growth, noting the importance of learning from others and self-awareness through tools like the Clifton Strengths Test. She stresses maintaining authenticity and balancing ambition with well-being.

The discussion concludes with Rian-Mari quoting Ruth Bader Ginsburg, urging listeners to advocate passionately in ways that inspire collective effort.