S4 Ep10: Stefanie Sword-Williams - F*ck Being Humble
Self-promotion. It’s not an easy thing to do. We all struggle with it. But how do we overcome that fear of putting ourselves out there? That’s exactly what we discuss in this episode. Stefanie has an impressive and interesting history and shares with us why she’s done with tiptoeing around talking about success. We cover everything from the reason why not everyone needs a side hustle, to unders...
53m Mar 18, 2021
53m
S4 Ep11: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I’m scared of setting boundaries.
I’m rubbish at setting boundaries outside of work. Inside work, I find myself setting boundaries all the time. In this episode, I talk about why boundaries are so important in BOTH settings. I unpack the role that boundaries play in protecting our mental health and share my experiences and mishaps with setting boundaries for myself. Karen, our podcast therapist, also helps us to understand our ...
35m Mar 25, 2021
35m
S4 Ep12: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…stop telling me everything ‘will be fine’.
There are over 100 million #goodvibes posts on Instagram alone. But how much positivity is too much? We’re often met with ‘everything will be fine’ and ‘it could be worse’ when we express feelings of sadness, but sometimes this has the opposite of a positive effect. Joined by our podcast therapist, Karen, we dive into the impact that toxic positivity can have on us and our mental health and exa...
19m Apr 21, 2021
19m
S4 Ep13: I Shouldn't Say This, But...My Ambition Can Be Toxic
If you're looking for some guidance on your own personal development, this is the episode for you. This week's podcast is with the amazing @Alice ter Haar and Alice shares an amazing realisation - what she thought she wanted wasn't ACTUALLY what she wanted, and how she built her business, Badass Unicorn, because of it. We unpack her career journey and why understanding your values is key to whe...
37m Apr 28, 2021
37m
S4 Ep14: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I don’t want to work at home forever.
The office vs WFH debate continues. In this episode, I talk about which companies are in which camp when it comes to where and how they want to work. I also talk about what model we’re looking to implement at Social Chain but why, in reality, everyone’s working model should be different. We’re joined again by our podcast therapist, Karen, and we discuss the impact that WFH has truly had on our ...
32m May 12, 2021
32m
S4 Ep15: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…sometimes I think, "what would I do if I were a man?"
In this episode I speak to the wonderful Tessa Clarke from OLIO - an app that exists to prevent food waste by connecting people. We have a very honest conversation about what it was like raising millions in investment for the business as a woman, we explore how important having a diverse business is and what it’s really like being a startup founder with a family behind the scenes. Tessa also le...
34m May 19, 2021
34m
S4 Ep16: I Shouldn't Say This, But...my brain crashed.
In this episode I talk to High Performance Expert & Psychiatrist, Dr T. We start this amazing conversation with WHY - why we’re both invested in preventing burnout and helping deal with crisis’. We also talk about how we both deal with being people pleasers but the positives this has brought to both our lives. Finally, we look at how restriction, change, uncertainty and threat can impact our em...
45m May 26, 2021
45m
S4 Ep17: I Shouldn’t Say This, But...I’m Struggling To Take My Own Advice.
Cate Sevilla is my spirit animal. In this episode we talk about Cate’s journey through huge companies, including Google, and how she came to write her incredible book, ‘How to Work Without Losing Your Mind’. We touch on the role that companies play in supporting us, and why it might not be what you think, alongside the right way to raise issues with your manager and what our work identities rea...
48m Jun 09, 2021
48m
S4 Ep18: I Shouldn’t Say This But … I used my anti-depressants as a crutch.
In this episode, I talk candidly about my experience with situational depression and the journey I’ve been on with anti-depressants. I discuss how it felt first being prescribed them, right through to how it feels now that I’m coming off them, as well as the importance of doing so effectively. The past two years have been hard, but I’m coming out the other side a much better person.
15m Jun 16, 2021
15m
S4 Ep19: I shouldn’t say this but...I have to work at finding balance - every day
In this week’s episode, I speak to the fabulous Emma Heal; Managing Director of alcohol free brand, Lucky Saint. We talk about her incredible career history, the importance of fitting your own life jacket first and how Emma perceives the role of Managing Director. We also take a look at why “I’m not drinking tonight” is becoming a more accepted stance. Get £10 off your first order of any singl...
48m Jun 23, 2021
48m
S4 Ep20: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … leadership often comes at the expense of creativity.
In this week’s episode, I take a look at the way our brains change as we move into adulthood, and the impact this has on our creativity. I talk about my own experience of this and the way this change is mirrored as we move up in our careers. I also raise some big questions, like can you move forward in your career without becoming a manager? Do we have to sacrifice our creativity as we move thr...
22m Jun 30, 2021
22m
S4 Ep21: I shouldn’t say this, but … taking a personal step back allows the mission to move several steps forward.
In this week’s episode, I speak to the fantastic Jamie Crummie; co-founder and director of the amazing Too Good To Go. We talk about everything from the value in detaching yourself from your ego when building a business and team, to the role of education in changing the culture of food waste in the UK and being proactive in your passions and the issues you wish to resolve. Jamie also shares som...
38m Jul 07, 2021
38m
S4 Ep22: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…we can make social media a positive place.
In this week’s episode, I dive into the positive side of social platforms. There are some obvious issues that need to be addressed across them all. Namely issues of trolling and abuse, which need to be dealt with quickly and with severity. But I’m not sure that it’s productive to let these issues dominate the conversation. I explore the idea that to want to make social media a more positive pla...
23m Jul 14, 2021
23m
S4 Ep23: I shouldn’t say this, but … I’ve been suffering with chronic pain since the age of 18.
In this week’s episode, I speak to the brilliant Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids. We have a really candid conversation about the realities of living with chronic pain and the desire people have to hide their struggles. We also dive into Rachel’s fantastic business, looking at childcare as a people issue, not just a women’s issue, in addition to the importance of setting boundaries when wor...
37m Jul 21, 2021
37m
S4 Ep24: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … Leaders need to be honest about the fact they don't know everything
In this week’s episode, I dive into the realities of leadership. I talk about the difficulties that come with leading a team through a pandemic, the silent struggle of perfection and the pressure I personally feel to deliver for my team. There is a false sense of expertise surrounding leadership roles and it is a huge contributing factor to the problems we face when we enter into them. It’s tim...
21m Jul 28, 2021
21m
S4 Ep25: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…your side hustle could change your life.
In this week’s episode, I talk to the wonderful Elizabeth Ogabi about the realities of creating your own side hustle, the significance of long-term vision in setting work/life boundaries and her fantastic new book ‘Side Hustle in Progress: A Practical Guide to Kickstarting Your Business.’ It was really interesting to get the other side of the debate when it comes to role side hustles play in th...
48m Aug 04, 2021
48m
S5: Season 5 Trailer
I Shouldn’t Say This, But … Season 5 is coming VERY soon. With each episode featuring a brand new guest, it’s set to be our biggest and best yet! I can’t wait to share the first one.
1m Oct 27, 2021
1m
S5 Ep1: How to harness the power of YOU: Tiwalola Ogunlesi
Tiwalola Ogunlesi is using her platform to fight the generation cycle of low self-esteem, making sure that this generation of women and girls grow to be the most confident yet. In this episode, we discuss: - How to harness the power of you - Tips for improving your self-confidence, combatting imposter syndrome and getting to grips with your self-worth - How social media can be used to create ...
36m Nov 04, 2021
36m
S5 Ep2: Behinds the Scenes of Social Media: Alex Holmes
Alex Holmes has dedicated his career to making both schools and the digital sphere a safe space for young people. Deputy CEO at the Diana Award and advisor to the likes of TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Alex’s knowledge of social media and the issues facing young people today is second to none. In this episode, we discuss: - The power and legacy of young ...
37m Nov 11, 2021
37m
S5 Ep3: The Importance of Authenticity: Gary Neville
There’s no social media presence more authentic than Gary Neville’s. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of Footballers having an authentic social media presence  - THAT Manchester United interview - His hopes for the digital world his daughters are growing up in - Where the curriculum is failing young people - Why the Glazer family are a threat to the soul of Football I hope you e...
33m Nov 18, 2021
33m
S5 Ep4: Ending Online Abuse: Seyi Akiwowo
Seyi Akiwowo is an absolute powerhouse. Through her charity Glitch, she is working hard to create a kinder, safer, more robust digital sphere. In turn, Seyi is empowering people to advocate for others whilst raising a generation of digital citizens who will carry these lessons into the future. In this episode, we discuss: - The online space as a continuation of our offline realities - The du...
41m Nov 25, 2021
41m
S5 Ep5: Comparison Culture: Lucy Sheridan
Lucy Sheridan is the world’s first and only comparison coach, using her work and the online community she has built to to empower others into live comparison free lives.  In this episode, we discuss: - The role social media plays in fuelling comparison culture - The importance of getting to know your values - Defining your own success - Why leaders need to be conscious of the energy they brin...
48m Dec 10, 2021
48m
S5 Ep6: Social Media and Personal Branding: Ash Jones
Ash is the Founder of personal branding agency Great Influence, and part of Social Chain’s founding team. The man behind the personal brands of the likes of Steven Bartlett and Julian Hearn, his experience and knowledge of social media as a tool for good is second to none. In this episode, we discuss: - The value in personal branding
 - The social media shift we’ve seen over the past decade -...
47m Jan 06, 2022
47m
S5 Ep7: Do I Have Productivity Dysmorphia? Anna Codrea-Rado
Anna Codrea-Rado is a journalist, author and podcaster whose article ‘Do I have Productivity Dysmorphia?’ has changed they way both I and so many others view our achievements. In this episode, we discuss:  * The impact social media is having on our view of success  * The importance of finding joy in our free time * The productivity dysmorphia trap And so, so much more. Anna: https://www.in...
44m Jan 13, 2022
44m
S5 Ep8: Social Media for Good: Jay Flynn
Jay Flynn founded the Virtual Pub Quiz back at the start of the pandemic, and is living proof of the power of social media to be used for good. In this episode, we discuss: - Jay’s incredible journey from pub landlord to household name (and the social media mistake that started it all) - The challenges that have arisen as a result of digital stardom - The impact of the Virtual Pub Quiz on Jay...
30m Jan 20, 2022
30m
S5 Ep9: Social Media & Activism: Gina Martin
Gina is an activist, author and artist who uses her platforms to encourage real-world change. In this episode, we discuss: - The uncomfortable reality of activism - The intersection of social media and activism
 - The importance of setting work/life boundaries - The changes social media companies need to start making - Young people’s relationship with social media Gina: https://www.instagra...
51m Feb 03, 2022
51m
S5 Ep10: The Anxiety Coach: Chloe Brotheridge
Chloe Brotheridge is an Anxiety Hypnotherapist, Coach, Podcast Host and Author who is dedicated to helping women free themselves from anxiety.  In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of distinguishing your dream from the one’s being pushed by other people - Tips for a more purposeful and positive social media experience - How we can combat our inner critics Chloe: https://www.insta...
34m Feb 10, 2022
34m
S5 Ep11: Social media's role in the mental health fight: James Routledge
James Routledge co-founded Sanctus -  a purpose-driven organisation that supports employee mental health through proactive and preventative one-to-one coaching in the workplace.  He is also the author behind ‘Mental Health at Work’ - a book filled with stories, learnings and guidance for anyone on their mental health in the workplace journey. In this episode, we discuss: * The culture of per...
42m Feb 17, 2022
42m
S5 Ep12: Creating Change & Communities with Social Media: Daisy Morris
Daisy is the person behind The Selfhood - who makes digital interactions feel more human and puts connectivity at the heart of content strategies for brands and their audiences. She birthed The Selfhood after noticing a huge gap in the market for business owners and creatives to understand social media and digital marketing in a fun, human and relatable way after spending years in the jargon f...
48m Feb 24, 2022
48m
S5 Ep13: Entrepreneurship, community and the joy of work: Matt Clements and Giles Harrison
Matt and Giles founded Sculpd alongside their business partner Guy Vero at the peak of Lockdown, and have since sold over 100,000 at-home pottery kits. Beyond that, they’ve built partnerships with some of the most influential brands in the UK, including Bloom & Wild, Missoma and Papier. In this episode, we discuss: - The challenges that come with building a business in Lockdown
 - The role o...
42m Mar 10, 2022
42m
S5 Ep14: We are all influencers: Natalie Wills
Natalie Wills is the Global Director of Marketing at Zalando and a fellow advocate for the power of social media for good. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of authenticity online  - Why we are all influencers  - What we can learn from the way young people use social media  - The importance of leading with your values - Zalando’s approach of casting diversity of influencer talent ...
45m Mar 24, 2022
45m
S5 Ep15: Katy Leeson is Leaving the Building
I Shouldn’t Say This, But … this podcast has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. And this episode is going to be my last. At least for a while. When I started the podcast 4 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the journey it would take me on, the conversations it would generate or the relationships it would help me foster. Steven Bartlett had tasked me with creating a brand for my...
20m Mar 30, 2022
20m
S6 Ep1: I Shouldn't Say This But... I'm Back 🎙️
I Shouldn't Say This But is back, and I've got a lot to say and share. I'm Katy Leeson, former MD of Social Chain, founder of Courageous, and I'm bringing back one of the UK's top-ranked business podcasts with a clear mission: to help leaders and founders scale without losing their people or themselves. No fluff. No performance. Just the stuff most of us won't say out loud. Hit follow and ge...
1m Jun 01
1m
S6 Ep2: Why I Left. Why I'm Back. What Four Years Taught Me
After four years away, I'm back! In this first episode, I'm taking it right back to the beginning, from press buyer to managing director of Social Chain, growing the agency from 30 to 130 people and 650% revenue growth, to working alongside Gary Neville, and now returning with a brand new chapter of I Shouldn't Say This, But. I talk about how the podcast was born out of a need to build a pers...
15m Jun 04
15m
S6 Ep3: Your People Are Your Biggest P&L Line, So Why Are You Ignoring Them? With Kelly Tucker
In this episode I sit down with Kelly Tucker, Founder of HR Star, for a conversation every founder and leader needs to hear. We get into why your people are your biggest P&L line but probably get the least attention, the subscription model of work, Gen Z expectations, hybrid working, new employment law changes, and what it actually takes to build a culture that delivers. If you are growing, h...
49m Jun 11
49m
S6 Ep4: 78% of UK Business Leaders Feel Out of Their Depth And Nobody's Talking About It
Your Impostor Syndrome Isn't Going Away. Here's Why That's Actually Good News. Imposter syndrome gets talked about like it's a beginner's problem, something you grow out of as your career matures. Katy's here to tell you that's not how it works. After 20 years in leadership, scaling businesses, sitting in boardrooms and speaking to thousands of people on stage, she still has weeks where she q...
11m Jun 18
11m
S6 Ep5: I'm Collecting Memories, Not Sleep Scores
Consider this your invitation to pull up a chair at Mollies and have a proper catch-up with me, because that's exactly what this episode is. It's been a whirlwind few weeks. I'm talking talks, coaching sessions that made me genuinely emotional, a fitness competition that nearly finished me off (but also proved what this body is capable of, 100kg deadlift?!), and a business that finally feels l...
22m Jul 02
22m
S6 Ep6: "I've had death threats...over hair" The reality of building a personal brand online with Sarah Louise Keane
She's had death threats over hair. She won't stop. In this episode of I Shouldn't Say This But, Katy Leeson sits down with hairdresser, turned-content-creator Sarah (SLK), 21 years in the industry, founder of Host Manchester, and one of the most followed voices in UK hairdressing. Sarah opens up about the reality behind the highlight reel: the trolling, the violent threats, the message that m...
59m Jul 09
59m
S6 Ep7: Hustle Culture Is Lying To Women. The NHS Dietician's Truth About Hormones, Food & Burnout
Why You're Exhausted, Foggy and Under-Fuelled (And What To Do About It) | Jade Reilly, NHS Dietitian In this episode I sit down with Jade Reilly, a registered dietitian of over a decade with the NHS, personal trainer, Pilates teacher, and On running ambassador, to talk about what it actually takes to fuel a body that's trying to build a business, train like an athlete, and show up for everyone...
40m Jul 16
40m
S6 Ep8: My Husband Wasn't Paid for 9 Months, So We Built a 500 Freelancer Network
This week I'm joined by Pav, CEO of We Are The Allies, the incredible agency behind this podcast, and it's one of the best founding stories I've heard. Pav's career started in the accounts department of a Leeds agency (she didn't even have the GCSEs for it) and took her through the marketing departments of Morrisons, Poundland and Co-op before she finally went out on her own. But the real spar...
39m Jul 23
39m