Radio Show #644- What Truly Drives Connection, Trust and Engagement for Women in Today’s Workplaces

Guest: Sarah Perugia: Executive Leadership Master Coach, Speaker and Podcaster Sarah Perugia has more than twenty years’ experience developing leaders across global organisations, including Amazon, Meta, Vodafone and Hugo Boss is an. Her work blends rigorous coaching practice with an unusual foundation: before moving into leadership development, Sarah trained and worked as a professional actor. This gives her a distinctive perspective on presence, confidence and storytelling, and how these skills shape trust, engagement and influence across every level of an organisation. Sarah hosts The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories, a podcast exploring the human side of leadership, and is known for her warm, story-rich approach to helping leaders navigate pressure, visibility and change. She is particularly passionate about women in leadership, drawing on years of experience coaching high-performing women who, despite their capability, often feel unseen, under pressure or at risk of stepping back from opportunities. Her work is rooted in positive psychology, evidence-informed coaching and a whole-person philosophy that builds sustainable confidence rather than performative “executive presence”. In this conversation, Sarah will share how leadership presence – the ability to be fully seen and heard – can be a powerful catalyst for confidence and progression, and how her journey from stage to boardroom has shaped her understanding of what authentic presence looks like in practice. Sarah will also discuss why so many talented women are quietly disengaging or opting out, the invisible pressures they are carrying, and the practical actions organisations can take to support them better. From cultures that encourage women to use their voice, to leadership habits that foster belonging and psychological safety, Sarah will offer a grounded and hopeful look at what helps women not only stay, but thrive and lead with impact. Join us as we discuss what truly drives connection, trust and engagement for women in today’s workplaces. Host: TBC