Welcome to the two-year anniversary of Frustrated and Exhausted! In this special “Purpose Edit” episode, we’re taking a grounded look at what purpose really means for women’s careers and leadership—well beyond the usual cliches. This episode features conversations with three remarkable women whose leadership journeys show that purpose is shaped by everyday choices, resilience, courage, and deep-rooted values. Featured Guests: Caroline Colliston, Managing Partner for Scotland at DWF: Caroline shares her candid reflections on balancing ambition, family, and self-compassion. She discusses how her inner drive has been shaped in part by her relationship with her sister and offers insights into authentic, values-led leadership. Caroline role-models how success can come from embracing a “squiggly, bumpy” career path and staying true to yourself. Rebecca MacLean, Director of Environment and Sustainability: Rebecca’s story is all about trusting your gut and embracing your uniqueness. She reflects on bold career moves, following interests rather than a rigid plan, and how the support of family helps remove fear from decision-making. Ingrid De Kiroth McGee, Partner & Employment Law Specialist: Ingrid shares her leap of faith into a startup environment, her commitment to fairness and inclusion, and the importance of backing yourself—even when it feels intimidating. Her advice: “You can do hard things,” and if you don’t stretch beyond your comfort zone, you won’t know what you’re capable of. Key Themes: Authentic, compassionate leadership: Being visible, honest, and supportive—especially in challenging moments. Purpose as daily choices: Not always a lightning bolt, but a series of intentional decisions and learning from lived experiences. Support networks: The value of mentors, family, friends, and honest feedback in helping you navigate demanding careers. Courage and self-trust: Career risks, pivots, and doing what feels right, even when the path isn’t straightforward. Why listen? If you’re recalibrating your leadership, feeling a bit adrift, or simply looking for inspiration from women who’ve truly lived their purpose, tune in for reassurance, wisdom, and some much-needed compassion. Caroline Colliston 00:03:12 to 00:10:06. Her segment covers her story, leadership approach, navigating drive and boundaries, the importance of support networks, authenticity, and compassionate leadership. She reflects on her inner critic, role models, and the practical challenges of being a driven woman in leadership. Rebecca MacLean 00:10:51 to 00:15:58. This section features Rebecca discussing her upbringing, embracing her “weird,” making career decisions, gut instincts, and the impact of her support network on her sense of purpose and direction. Ingrid Kiroth McGee 00:17:23 to 00:23:09. Ingrid shares her journey of stepping out of her comfort zone, making bold career moves, backing herself, confronting fear, and the value of surrounding herself with supportive people. Come back next week for more honest conversations about leadership and ambition. Frustrated and Exhausted — Helping you navigate spaces not built with you in mind. Connect with Ruth: Instagram LinkedIn Website
