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This week on the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Maria Hvorostovsky — leadership coach, host of The Anatomy of a Leader, and one of Europe’s top executive search consultants. With 20+ years of placing senior leaders (including the first CEO of JW Anderson), Maria knows what makes leaders thrive and where founders stumble.

She shares her journey from a family of musicians in Russia to running her own business, launching a podcast, and building a leadership ecosystem. We dive into reinvention, the messy middle of motherhood and business, and why creating space for yourself, even a solo night away, is non-negotiable.

💡 What We Cover

• Maria’s journey from psychology student to top headhunter & entrepreneur
• Why she founded Anatomy of a Leader and her mission to inspire change
• What founders often get wrong when hiring (and how to get it right)
• How to make your CV & LinkedIn stand out to recruiters
• The three emotional skills every great leader needs
• Why creating space, from meditation to “joy creators”, is vital for women
• How saying no, outsourcing, and boundaries protect your energy

✨ Key Takeaways

Leadership starts with self-leadership: regulate, name & channel your emotions.

Hire for tomorrow: great founders recruit teams, not just one “fix-it” hire.

Your CV is just the start: your reputation and relationships carry the most weight.

Creating space isn’t selfish: even 10 minutes of stillness can fuel clarity & confidence.

Redefine success: joy, boundaries, and purpose matter as much as career titles.

🎧 Why Listen

This episode is a masterclass in reinvention, leadership, and permission to put yourself first — while still chasing big ambitions.

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Maria on LinkedIn Here

Visit Maria's Website Here

Follow Maria on Instagram Here

Listen to Her Podcast Here

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