In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Karen is joined by Marion Shaw to unpack one of the most uncomfortable — and least talked about — parts of career growth: office politics.
From aggressive stakeholders in meetings to hidden agendas and shifting power dynamics, Marion shares the lessons she learned navigating leadership at senior levels — including the mistakes she still makes today. Together, Karen and Marion explore what political capital actually is, how influence gets built inside organisations, and why understanding what the business is truly “betting on” can completely change your career trajectory.
They also dive into one of the most difficult leadership moments many managers face: protecting your team publicly while also protecting yourself professionally.
This episode explores:
How to navigate conflict and difficult stakeholder situations
When to speak up vs when to de-escalate
Why shutting down meetings is sometimes the best leadership move
How to separate noise from what really matters
The hidden dynamics influencing workplace behaviour
Why leadership means accepting that you’ll still get things wrong sometimes
If you’ve ever left a meeting replaying everything you should have said, this conversation will make you feel far less alone.
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