Across The Pond Talk

Leading with Confidence and Compassion

Great leaders are not just experts in their fields they are advocates for empowerment, equity and resilience. Leadership is about inspiring change and no one exemplifies this better than Dr. Priscilla J. Murphy. From her beginnings as a Registered Nurse to her impactful work as a Mental Health Counselor and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Murphy has committed her career to helping individuals break through barriers, particularly within under represented communities, while also prioritising their mental health.

In an era where workplace stress and mental health challenges are at an all-time high, Dr. Murphy’s perspective is more relevant than ever. Neuroscience research consistently shows that emotional regulation, the ability to manage stress and maintain mental clarity—is key to effective leadership. Leaders who prioritize mental well-being are more resilient, exhibit better decision-making skills, and build more engaged, motivated teams. Dr. Murphy’s work directly aligns with this scientific understanding, as she teaches professionals how to…

Breaking the Stigma: Dismantling Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

The landscape of leadership has shifted dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with leaders being forced to adapt quickly to an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Mental health has taken center stage, as the global crisis brought to light the importance of well-being both for leaders and their teams.

Yet, despite this, mental health stigma remains a barrier, particularly within the professional and leadership circles, where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness.

Dr. Priscilla J. Murphy, a Registered Nurse, Mental Health Counselor and motivational speaker, has spent decades working to dismantle this stigma. Her mission is clear: to create safe spaces where leaders can prioritise their mental health without fear of judgment.

Dr. Murphy’s work has focused on breaking down barriers for diverse communities, empowering individuals to seek professional mental health services and manage their life transitions with confidence and…

You’re mentoring junior staff. Educating colleagues on bias. Sitting on the diversity panel. All while delivering KPIs. Sound familiar? For women of colour, this unpaid emotional and cultural labour is a daily reality and it’s rarely acknowledged as leadership.

The modern workplace often frames this contribution as “extra” or “nice to have,” yet research shows it is essential to the social cohesion and ethical integrity of organisations. But at what cost?

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just disrupt education it exposed every crack in the system. From infrastructure gaps to digital exclusion, millions of students were left behind while teachers scrambled to adapt. And now, AI is being positioned as the solution to everything.  Personalised learning, automated grading, real-time feedback, but we must ask who is steering this transformation and what values are guiding it?

AI in education promises scale and efficiency, but without diverse leadership and inclusive design, it risks reproducing the same inequities that have always existed this time at lightning speed. Post-pandemic, learners and educators alike are seeking not just technology, but trust, connection and support.

In regions where many women still don’t have a bank account like Africa, India and parts of Latin America AI isn’t just enhancing banking, it’s leapfrogging it. These markets are embracing mobile-first solutions, decentralised finance and community-driven fintech to reach millions. Meanwhile, legacy institutions across the West remain mired in outdated infrastructure, regulatory gridlock and a culture of incrementalism that stifles progress.

While the Western banking system struggles with trust, bureaucracy and slowness, emerging markets are innovating out of necessity. For women in developed markets particularly women over 40 in leadership this creates a sharp pivot point. Do we maintain tradition or do we reimagine access, equity and value creation?

Transport is becoming smarter, faster and more automated. But as we race toward innovation, we must ask who is designing these systems and for whom?

From autonomous vehicles to smart city planning, AI is revolutionising how we move. But equitable access, ethical infrastructure and sustainability require more than just code. They require community insight and responsible leadership.

Design Your Leadership Intentions

A Personal Blueprint for Purpose, Power & Progress

You’re not just leading a team or a business, you’re leading a vision, a legacy and a future that demands clarity, courage and intention.

That’s why we’ve created a powerful new resource for the Across the Pond community inside SistaTalk:

"Design Your Leadership Intentions for 2025" –a FREE downloadable worksheet to help you align your goals, values and impact in the year ahead.

Leading with Confidence: Harnessing AI for Women in the Workplace and Business

Are you ready to redefine your leadership for the digital age?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t the future, it’s now. And the most powerful women in business aren’t just watching the shift, they’re leading it.

Join us for the next Across the Pond session "Leading With Confidence: Harnessing AI for Women in the Workplace and Business" A dynamic and forward-thinking webinar that will equip you to lead with clarity, purpose and cutting-edge strategy in an AI-driven world.

Whether you’re just starting your business or already leading a team this session will transform how you think about leadership, innovation and growth.