This week on SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui are joined by Christine Nikolaou of The FMCG Guys for a bold, no-fluff conversation on Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and the work still left to do.

This is not a celebration episode. It’s an audit. An unfiltered conversation about power, progress, and the systems still holding women back at work.

Together, they unpack the hard truths behind corporate gender equity conversations — from the “broken rung” keeping women from that critical first promotion, to the gap between visibility and actual power, to the reality that sponsorship, not just performance, still shapes who advances and who gets left behind.

They also dig into the uncomfortable questions companies love to avoid:

• Are women being supported — or simply showcased?
• Has leadership equity become more of a branding exercise than a business priority?
• And are flexible work policies really helping women, or quietly penalizing them?

With sharp insight, real talk, and zero patience for buzzwords, this episode explores what progress actually looks like, what’s still broken, and what needs to change next.

If you’re tired of pink-washed corporate messaging and ready for a more honest conversation about women, leadership, and power in the workplace — this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• The “broken rung” and why early promotions matter so much
• The difference between representation, influence, and authority
• Why sponsorship changes careers
• Performative allyship vs. real structural change
• Flexibility, caregiving, and the hidden penalties women still face
• What companies continue to get wrong about women and ambition

Smart. Sharp. Honest. And exactly the kind of conversation Women’s History Month should make room for.

Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

What’s the biggest e-commerce lie brands still believe? According to Aisha Khan (WPP Media, Head of Retail Media & Digital Commerce for Unilever U.S.) that retail media alone is going to save the growth plan.

In this unapologetically honest episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with the one and only Aisha Khan for a conversation that goes way beyond buzzwords and straight into the real work behind modern commerce leadership.

Aisha brings the heat on why brands need to stop treating retail media like a magic wand and start thinking bigger. From social’s role in driving retail demand, to the reality that all media is now commerce media, she lays out a sharper, smarter playbook for growth.

But this episode doesn’t stop at strategy.

Aisha also gets real about the human side of leadership: the bold career pivots, the moments where things nearly caught fire, the lesson that creative still drives performance, and the truth about what women really need to lead transformation inside complex organizations. She opens up about sponsorship, boundaries, feedback, self-awareness, and recovering from toxic leadership without losing yourself in the process.

This one is equal parts commerce masterclass and career therapy session.

In this episode, we get into:

• Why retail media isn’t the only answer to growth
• How social, culture, and demand creation fuel commerce
• The mistake brands make when they over-focus on media and ignore creative
• What it really takes for women to lead boldly in high-pressure environments
• Why one sponsor is not enough
• How to protect your power, trust yourself, and stop apologizing for being great

Smart, sharp, and wildly relatable, this episode is for anyone building brands, leading change, and refusing to play small.

Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

During the month of March Cristina and I are providing sparkling sips and cocoa cups of hot takes from a whole array of gorgeous humans for Women's History Month and International Women's Day.

In this Cup of Cocoa episode, the Dynowski and Marinucci kids weigh in on why the International Women's Day is so very important. It's cute, unfiltered, and a ringing endorsement of kids who make us feel like maybe, the future is in good hands. Give it a listen for unfettered adorability (we might be biased)!

Their Give to Gain? Showcasing how women are the mainstay of historical achievements and the reason why we are all here.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

During the month of March Cristina and I are providing sparkling sips and cocoa cups of hot takes from a whole array of gorgeous humans for Women's History Month and International Women's Day.

In this Sparkling Sip, Dr Elisabeth Giselbrecht, Lecturer at King's College London and a close friend talks about how important it is to show women in the field of classical music that they are absolutely worth a seat at the table.

Women are outnumbered at the head table in pretty much every sector and industry and those rising through the ranks need to know that, increasingly, they have support to get that seat.

Lisi's Give to Gain? Being the anchor support to rising up the ranks to get to those leadership positions and working with those female leaders as their support so everything doesn't rest on their shoulders.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

This International Women’s Day episode hits where it matters: the boardroom.

Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Cassie Burr, Co-Founder and Board Member of Women on Boards Project, and Kierstin Riley, CEO, for a candid conversation about why women are still underrepresented on consumer company boards — and why the real issue is not a pipeline problem, but a demand problem.

Together, they unpack the power dynamics shaping board seats, the business cost of leaving women out of the room, and why brands cannot afford leadership teams that fail to reflect the consumers they serve. From practical advice for women who want a board seat, to what founders and investors can do right now to open the door, this episode is equal parts reality check and rally cry.

You’ll also hear Cristina and Jacqui spill the weekly tea on women making big leadership moves, retail shakeups at Target, and the rise of shoppable entertainment — because at SHeCOMMERCE, we’re always connecting the “SHe” and the “Commerce.”

If you care about governance, growth, representation, and building a future where women have a real voice in the rooms where decisions get made, this one is for you.

Bold brands. Fierce women. One sisterhood.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

During the month of March Cristina and I are providing sparkling sips and cocoa cups of hot takes from a whole array of gorgeous humans for Women's History Month and International Women's Day.

In this Sparkling Sip, Amanda Wolff drops a truth bomb: women can’t afford to lose an inch of progress. Even with cracks in the glass ceiling, we’re still only at 10% of Fortune 500 CEO roles. She calls out the old “one seat for women” mentality, pushes for community over competition, and reminds us that progress is fragile. Her Give‑to‑Gain? “Always take the meeting.” Because access compounds — and one intro can change a career. Her wish for women: more momentum, more open doors, and rooms finally built with us in mind.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Women’s History Month kicks off March 1, and we’re treating it like the main event.

In this short kickoff video, Jacqui and I unpack this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” and why we’re reframing “giving” as a power move—not a drain. Women give intentionally: we build networks, stability, and pathways for the next generation.

This month on SHeCOMMERCE, we’re bringing you:

• A short video series featuring women leaders we admire
• Real talk on what IWD actually means in 2026
• Stories of giving back through philanthropy, fundraising, and community impact

Plus - on Sunday, March 8, we’re spotlighting Women on Boards—because representation at the top isn’t decoration, it’s direction.

See you all month long.

Bold brands. Fierce women. One sisterhood.

Let’s build something worth inheriting.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

This week on SHeCOMMERCE, Jacqui and Cristina sit down with Nicole Lesinski of Nestlé, a leader helping drive e-commerce, retail media, and omnichannel transformation inside one of the world’s biggest CPG organizations.

Nicole unpacks some of Nestlé’s boldest moves—from major reorganizations that put category and consumer focus at the center, to evolving how field teams think about “total commerce” so account leadership understands the full path to purchase—not just what happens in-store. She’s candid about what nearly breaks the playbook: shifting mindsets, reallocating spend without “money trees,” and building new muscles in fast-changing digital ecosystems.

A key turning point? When e-commerce became a clearer engine of growth—and the proof points, measurement, and storytelling made belief inevitable.

Nicole also shares career wisdom for women leading change: be persistent, be confident, seek feedback, trust your gut, and remember that someone is always watching you—so “walk the talk.” And because it’s SHeCOMMERCE, we round it out with the real-life details: her hype playlist (Notorious B.I.G. and Kendrick), and a signature cocktail that perfectly fits her vibe—a tequila espresso martini.

We close with the SHeCOMMERCE pledge—pay it forward, amplify women’s voices, and help shape the future of commerce.

Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood.

SHeCOMMERCE:

Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.