Why assertiveness is hard for women and how to make it work for you, with Kate Rainford-Foakes

Author: Becci McEvoy
Published: Tue 24 Jun 2025
Episode Link: https://beheardsocials.com/captivate-podcast/53

Why assertiveness is hard for women and how to make it work for you, with Kate Rainford-Foakes

Season 5, Episode 53: Show Up and Be Heard

Today’s episode is a brilliant chat with Kate Rainford-Foakes, all about assertiveness, negotiation, and showing up with confidence - without losing your kindness or compassion along the way.

Whether you’re in the corporate world, running your own business, or figuring out your next steps, this one’s packed with insight and practical tips to take away.

We talk about the language of leadership, the emotional load women carry when trying to be ‘nice’ and assertive at the same time, and how to blend your career goals with your personal wellbeing without burning out. Kate has such a wonderful perspective from both corporate and entrepreneurial life, and her advice is super practical and empowering.

BOSS THINGS YOU’LL LEARN IF YOU TUNE IN:

How thinking of negotiation as collaboration can totally change how you show up
Tips for setting boundaries and being assertive without feeling bad about it
Why being kind to yourself and understanding your emotions is a strength, not a weakness

If you enjoyed this episode or found it useful, then I would really appreciate if you could take just a few minutes to give it a review on whatever platform you are listening on - because every one I get really does make me do a little squeal and a happy dance!

ABOUT KATE:

Kate is a Careers and Leadership coach who brings a wealth of experience from both the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds to her work supporting female leaders. After a 15-year career in senior leadership at CHANEL, Kate now helps women navigate critical career transitions with confidence and authenticity.

Her unique perspective comes from straddling both sides of business - from leading luxury retail operations and negotiating with senior stakeholders at retailers including Harrods and Selfridges, to being a founding shareholder and coach in a successful tech startup. This blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experience allows her to deeply understand the challenges faced on both sides of the coin.

Kate is particularly passionate about helping women integrate their professional ambitions with personal wellbeing, drawing on her experience as a yoga teacher and her own journey of transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship while raising two young children.

She believes that success comes not from maintaining perfect balance, but from authentic integration of all aspects of life.

Through her coaching practice, Kate helps female entrepreneurs and leaders move from uncertainty to purposeful action, enabling them to create businesses and careers that align with their values and bring fulfilment and success while making meaningful impact.

LINKS YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO CHECK OUT:

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

Check out Kate's website

Join Kate's mailing list

CONNECT WITH BECCI:

Connect with Becci on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook

Join Becci's email community

TIMESTAMPS TO HELP YOU FIND WHAT YOU NEED:

05:04 Kate's Journey to Business Ownership

08:00 Finding Purpose and Meaning in Work

10:48 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

13:49 Understanding Negotiation and Assertiveness