Reena Cholera didn’t set out to break barriers, but that’s exactly what she’s done. Over two decades in the pharmaceutical industry, she’s carved out a reputation not just as a sharp strategic thinker, but as the kind of leader who lifts everyone around her.

In this episode, Reena opens up about the real story behind the titles – the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the moments that defined her rise. From sales floors to senior leadership, she’s led with heart and conviction, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion, gender equity, and meaningful mentorship.

In this episode, we talk about:

(06:14) The internal struggle to feel confident

(08:28) From stage fright to inclusion advocate

(12:17) How introverts find real confidence

(15:20) Staying authentic while finding balance

(18:14) Work-life balance and the guilt no one talks about

(24:42) Leadership is about paying it forward

(26:04) Clarity, courage, and commitment in action

(31:31) How to face subconscious bias together

(34:33) The power of having the right guidance

Reena’s story is a testament to authentic, values-driven leadership, rooted in culture, family, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Her wisdom will resonate with anyone aspiring to lead with integrity, balance, and impact. Tune in to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with real strategies for your own leadership journey!

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show, we cover

Authentic Leadership, Inclusion, Women in Leadership, Mentorship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Perfectionism, Confidence

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact and Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Connect with Reena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenacholera/

Corina Goetz knows what it means to live between worlds. Born in East Germany and shaped by the fall of the Berlin Wall, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and fearless transformation. Today, she’s an intercultural strategist and trusted advisor to global leaders navigating the complexities of doing business across the West and the Middle East.

From boardrooms in London to business deals in Riyadh, Corina helps leaders go beyond translation, teaching them how to build real trust, understand the unspoken, and thrive in unfamiliar terrain. As founder of her consultancy, she’s become a bridge for those daring enough to lead across cultures.

In this episode, we talk about:

(04:07) Growing up with limited travel in the Eastern Bloc

(09:47) Living under surveillance and missing family history

(13:02) How generational change creates new divides

(14:00) The lasting East–West cultural split

(18:29) Family, identity, and Middle Eastern stereotypes

(21:15) Bridging worlds: first impressions of Saudi Arabia

(25:54) A travel experience that challenged everything

(27:05) The side of Saudi Arabia no one talks about

(30:20) What most people misunderstand about culture

(33:53) Empowerment through learning and change

(36:43) Meeting Princess Reema: Saudi Arabia’s top US envoy

(42:54) A modern guide to Middle East business etiquette

Corina’s journey is an inspiring testament to the value of breaking down barriers, whether personal, cultural, or professional. Her passion for connection, inclusion, and courageous curiosity offers powerful lessons for any leader ready to step beyond their comfort zone.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

In this show, we cover

Cultural Bias, Leading Internationally, Middle Eastern Business, Curiosity, Overcoming Stereotypes, Relationship-Building

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact and Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Connect with Corina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinagoetz/

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anya Topiwala, an award-winning medical researcher, psychiatrist, and lecturer. Anya graduated from Oxford University before going on to complete her DPhil in Psychiatry, and she’s since made an extraordinary impact in the field by exploring the links between alcohol and dementia. Recognised with major research grants from the Wellcome Trust, Anya is a champion for evidence-based medicine, women in STEM, and inclusive leadership in academia.

In this episode, we talk about:

(05:59) Balancing academia and motherhood

(09:21) Gender bias in science research

(12:05) How alcohol affects dementia risk

(16:16) Aspiring to a coaching leadership style

(20:15) Why confidence and collaboration matter

(22:54) Championing women in science

(24:21) Key takeaways on leadership and legacy

Anya’s story is a powerful reminder of how diversity isn’t just a values issue – it’s essential for better science, fairer workplaces, and improved outcomes for everyone. This episode is filled with actionable insights for women and allies looking to lead with impact, courage, and compassion.

About the host

Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20 years of experience, she partners with organisations across the globe to develop and retain top female talent, strengthen the female leadership pipeline, and promote gender equality in senior roles. Drawing on her background in acting, neuro-linguistic programming, and Positive Psychology, Sarah empowers leaders to advance their careers, build confidence, enhance performance, and ultimately flourish and thrive. Her offering includes one-on-one executive leadership coaching, group workshops, and bespoke programmes.

If you’d like to learn more about Sarah and her work with women in leadership, you can find out more here: https://www.sarahperugia.com/women-in-leadership/

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

Contact and Connect

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/

Anya’s Work: https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/team/anya-topiwala