Girls In Movement Podcast

Charlotte Cijffers | Leading Digital Media in the AI Era | Episode 52 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

In this episode of the Girls in Movement Podcast, Polly Dhaliwal sits down with Charlotte Cijffers, Chief Digital Officer at ITP Media Group, recorded live from Web Summit Qatar.

Charlotte is a senior digital and product leader who has helped shape some of the world’s most influential media brands including Rolling Stone, ITV, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Esquire, Grazia, Cosmopolitan and Arabian Business.

With over a decade of experience working at the intersection of content, culture, technology and audience strategy, Charlotte shares insights into how media brands are evolving in the age of AI.

In this conversation, Polly and Charlotte discuss:

• How media brands build trust with audiences in 2026
• The importance of authentic storytelling in a world driven by algorithms
• Why the “1000 true fans” model matters for creators and startups
• How brands can reach younger audiences in today’s digital landscape
• Advice for young women looking to build careers in media and publishing

Charlotte also reflects on her own career journey, leadership lessons, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support and challenge you.

This episode was recorded live from Web Summit Qatar, surrounded by founders, creators and innovators shaping the future of technology and media.

About Girls in Movement

Girls in Movement is a not-for-profit platform dedicated to empowering girls and young women through education, confidence building and entrepreneurship.

Through the podcast, Polly Dhaliwal speaks with female founders, creators and leaders from around the world to share real stories and inspire the next generation.

Lamis Abualkheir | Founder, FoodSwap AI | Episode 51 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

In this episode of the Girls in Movement Podcast, Polly Dhaliwal sits down with Lamis Abualkheir, Founder and CEO of FoodSwap, recorded live from Web Summit Qatar.

FoodSwap is an innovative food technology platform building AI-powered interactive menus designed to help restaurants better understand their customers while creating more personalised dining experiences.

In this conversation, Lamis shares her journey building a startup at the intersection of food technology and artificial intelligence, and what it takes to grow a company as a female founder navigating the startup ecosystem.

Together we discuss:

• How AI is transforming the restaurant and hospitality industry
• The reality of raising investment as a startup founder
• Why confidence and resilience matter in entrepreneurship
• The importance of building meaningful relationships with investors
• The future of personalised food experiences

Lamis also reflects on the mindset required to build a company from the ground up, and why staying curious and confident can open doors in the startup world.

This episode was recorded live from Web Summit Qatar, surrounded by founders, innovators and leaders shaping the future of technology.

About Girls in Movement

Girls in Movement is a not-for-profit platform dedicated to empowering girls and young women through education, confidence building and entrepreneurship.

Through the podcast, Polly Dhaliwal speaks with female founders, creators and leaders from around the world to share real stories and inspire the next generation.

Ruby Rose Ellis & Lorna Bladen | Building Purposeful Brands & Non-Profit Impact | Episode 50 | Girls In Movement Podcast Series

Recorded live at Web Summit, this episode of the Girls In Movement Podcast brings together two brilliant women making real impact through design, branding and community leadership.

Hosted by Polly Dhaliwal, Founder of Girls In Movement and COO of Enterprise Nation, this conversation features:

• Ruby Rose Alice: Founder of Studio 77 and The Non Profit Design Studio, where she leads branding and website design for charities, social enterprises and grassroots organisations around the world. Ruby also leads Project 100, her mission to design and build 100 websites for nonprofits by 2030.

• Lorna Bladen: Chief Marketing Officer at Enterprise Nation, and co-founder of SheShoreham, a grassroots community empowering women near Brighton. Lorna brings deep insight into marketing, brand identity, and how founders can cut through the noise in a crowded digital world.

Together we explore the realities of building a brand from scratch, the emotional power behind non profit storytelling, and why design still matters in an age of AI and rapid automation.

This episode is lively, warm, honest and full of practical advice for founders, creatives, non profit leaders and anyone trying to build something meaningful with limited resources.

In this episode:

• The story behind The Non Profit Design Studio & Project 100
• Why non profits struggle with branding and how to fix it
• How to build a strong brand on a bootstrap budget
• The role of AI in design: threat or tool?
• Why “launch ugly” is often the best first step for founders
• The importance of brand personality and founder story
• How to stand out at events like Web Summit
• Building community, connection and trust online vs offline
• The value of human creativity in an AI-driven world
• Advice to their younger selves — slowing down, staying curious and believing in your journey

🔗 About Ruby Rose Alice

Founder of Studio 77 and The Non Profit Design Studio, leading creative work for charities and social enterprises globally.

Learn more or apply for Project 100: thenonprofitdesignstudio.com

🔗 About Lorna Bladen

Chief Marketing Officer at Enterprise Nation, supporting 150,000+ founders across the UK.
Co-founder of She Shore, a grassroots community for women near Brighton.

🌍 About Girls In Movement

Girls In Movement empowers girls aged 8–14 globally through confidence, education and storytelling.

Mission: reach 1 million girls worldwide.

Website: girlsinmovement.com
Instagram: @girls_in_movement

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🎧 Listen on:

Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Podbean 

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone building a brand or nonprofit.

Song Kim | Founder, Zeya Social | Episode 49 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

Welcome back to the Girls In Movement Podcast.

In Episode 49, Polly Dhaliwal sits down with Song Kim, the founder of Zeya Social, a new platform designing safe, intentional, low-pressure social experiences for women navigating modern dating. Recorded live at Web Summit, this conversation dives deep into the changing landscape of dating, technology, women’s safety, and how social wellness is becoming central to how we connect.

Polly opens the episode from the heart of one of the world’s biggest gatherings for founders and changemakers. As COO of Enterprise Nation and Founder of Girls In Movement, Polly reflects on the mission of empowering young women globally with confidence, education, and opportunities to build their futures. Her guest, Song Kim, embodies this spirit.

Song shares her honest and personal journey of navigating dating apps, the self-esteem challenges many women face online, and how her own experiences inspired her to build Zeya Social. Instead of endless profiles and swiping, Zeya curates small in-person group hangouts, matching six singles based on hobbies, personality, and shared values — designed to reduce dating fatigue, social anxiety, and pressure.

Together, Polly and Song explore:

• Why today’s dating apps still feel overwhelming for women
• What “social wellness” really means and how it can transform confidence
• The societal pressures women face around dating, marriage, and timelines
• The cultural differences in dating across Korea, Europe, and South Asia
• How communities, offline experiences, and curation can rebuild trust
• Song’s shift from product design to becoming a solo female founder
• Her journey as an Alpha startup at Web Summit and preparing to pitch
• The future vision for Zeya Social, AI-powered matching, and global expansion
• What young girls (and anyone starting out) should remember when choosing their path

This is an honest, warm, and uplifting conversation about pursuing ideas that matter, trusting your instincts, and building products that put women’s safety and wellbeing first.

If you’re a young founder, a woman navigating the dating landscape, or someone passionate about female-led innovation, this episode is full of insight, empowerment, and real talk.

Find Zeya Social:
www.zeya.social

Listen to more Girls In Movement episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Sach Kukadia | Founder, SecretSales and 7879 | Episode 48 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

Sach Kukadia is a serial entrepreneur, non-executive director, chairman, board advisor and angel investor. He launched his first start up, SecretSales.com at the age of 22 and over a period of 10 years, raised £18m through leading Venture Capital Institutions and drove annual sales of £48m. In 2015 SecretSales was the 68th fastest growing company in the UK as awarded by the Sunday Times. He eventually sold the business to a London based Private Equity firm in 2017. 

 

In October 2021, Sach launched 7879, which is the first sustainable luxury jewellery house to offer wearable bullion in the form of recycled pure gold and platinum jewellery.  

 

Sach remains chairman of Rehaus, a digital marketplace for used designer furniture as well as advising a number of high profile business in the direct to consumer markets.

 

Sach has been awarded the following accolades: 

 

• Debrett’s 500 Most influential in Great Britain (2015 & 2016)
• Top 100 BAME Leaders in Business 2016
• Etail Power List top 50 (2015 & 2016) 
• Entrepreneur of the year 2015 (AAC)
• Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 (GBEA)

Dhillan Bhardwaj | CEO, Ratchet Clothing | Episode 47 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

Welcome everyone to the Girls in Movement podcast where we talk to founders and influencers from all over the world. We welcome Dhillan Bhardwaj to the show...what an incredible podcast, lots of laughing, when is there not!

 

Dhillan decided to quit college to start a unique and affordable unisex clothing brand for people who wanted more than what you would find on the high street.

 

Dhillan started Ratchet when he was 16 years old, his weekend job was washing cars at his uncle's garage for £1 a car. From 2012 Ratchet has been worn by Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Drake, Rihanna and more. 

 

Never going to fashion school nor studying anything to do with fashion - he taught himself everything when it came to tie dye. Because every item is handmade, they all looked the same but they were not all the same, every item was different in its own quirky way.

 

Every item sold on Ratchet Clothing is hand dyed, hand made and hand printed.

 

Ratchet Clothing has always grown organically, Dhillan says him and his customers are more like a big family - "they've supported me since day 1"

 

"I've always said Ratchet has gotten to where it is today because I involve my customers in everything I do. What I achieve in the brand is what we've all achieved, I wouldn't be where I am today with the support of you all."

 

 

Poorna Bell | Author and Journalist | Episode 46 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

Episode 46 is one to miss this week - we talk to Author and Journalist Poorna Bell who has recently published her new book, Stronger.An award-winning journalist, charismatic motivational speaker, published author and influencer, Poorna Bell works extensively across several areas including women's journalism, women in business, fitness and strength, body image, wellness, mental health and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion. The former UK Executive Editor and Global Lifestyle Head for HuffPost, Poorna now works as a freelance journalist and editor for titles including The Guardian, Red magazine, Stylist, Grazia, Women's Health and the Daily Telegraph. A popular public speaker and event facilitator, Poorna also received Stylist magazine's Rising Star Award at their inaugural Remarkable Women Awards 2019.

 

We speak to Poorna today about her new book, her journey as a journalist, women in colour and the importance of role models.

 

Poorna’s debut book, Chase the Rainbow, was published in 2017, to high acclaim. The personal memoir is the story of one man’s journey with mental health told by the woman who loved him. Poorna's third book, Stronger, came out last week. The part manifesto, part memoir is inspired by Poorna's journey to find physical strength following her husband's passing, after which she became a competitive powerlifter and the book aims the help lay a roadmap for how women can tap into their own physical and mental strength. Poorna also hosts See My Strong, a personal blog which champions stories of womxn and fitness traversing all races, ages, body shapes and sizes, aiming to inspire and empower beyond the mainstream.

 

 

Using her social media platforms for good, Poorna was named on the Marie Claire Verified power list 2019, which champions women who use Instagram to amplify positive messages, inspire others and open difficult conversations with honesty and candour. An avid weightlifter, Poorna credits the sport for helping her throughout her grief, providing her with not only physical, but mental strength, body confidence and resilience too. Her work in the fitness space and position within the diversity and female empowerment conversation has led to a number of high profile collaborations with brands including NatWest, Bupa, Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and Sport England's This Girl Can campaign.

 

A judge for The Mind Media Awards, Poorna is also the chair of the print category for judging the Own Media Awards. She has also sat on the judging panels for the prestigious The British Book Awards, Sony World Photography and First Women Awards.

 

Working in every facet of the media, Poorna has regularly been a guest on TV and radio with appearances including BBC 5Live and BBC Radio 4. Additionally, she is also a regular guest on podcasts, including Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place and The Book of Man with Professor Green.

 

Kishan Bodalia | Doctor and DJ | Episode 45 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

We are in conversation with Kishan Bodalia this week, who is the founder of NHS sessions - Doctor and DJ!

 

Episode 45 we discuss Kishan’s work during the pandemic as a Doctor, working in the respiratory ward. After qualifying and graduating as a Doctor, Kishan had only worked in the NHS for 8 months, before he was faced with a brand new challenge of COVID.

 

Throwing all of his energy into the global pandemic and supporting the NHS, he also bought his passion for music in to the mix.

 

Creating NHSessions which bought together communities all over the world with one common interest - Music!

 

Kishan is currently working as a doctor and his passion as a DJ is only growing - he had incredible celebrities and artists supporting NHS sessions from start to finish. Such as @jon_hosking @joshdenzel, @katiepiper_, @jonasblue and many more.

 

Kishan has some exciting summer plans after securing a gig of a series of televised stadium events.

 

Tune in and leave your comments below.

Priya Sidhu | Beauty, fashion & Lifestyle | Episode 44 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

We talk to Priya Sidhu, known across the globe as an incredible content creator, we talk about lockdown life, her new love for yoga and how her family relationships have built up her resilience. 

We discuss Priya’s incredible brand that she has built over social media and how her content creation allows her to channel her passion in beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Priya also had one of her recent Tik Tok's hit 1Million, so it’s definitely worth taking tips. 

We talk about the challenges and joys in her family life, with her dad passing away when she was young she had to step up and become a role model for her younger sister. 

We also discuss the taboo of mental health in South Asian communities and how important it is to talk about struggles and build a routine in to your day. 

Incredibly humble individual who bares all on the Girls in Movement podcast, enjoy! 

Chloe Handelman| Empowerment coach | Episode 43 | Girls In Movement | Podcast Series

Chloe is an NLP Mindset and Empowerment Coach, helping entrepreneurs and leaders navigate their subconscious mind and emotions so they can create authentic success and unlock their infinite potential in their life and work. She’s obsessed with helping her client build radical self-trust and confidence leading to more alignment, balance, and authentic expression.

 

Having spent 5+ years working for corporations and traveling for 3+ years connecting with entrepreneurs from around the world, Chloe recognises the deep need for empowering entrepreneurs and employees with the internal resources to create and maintain mental and emotional balance. Chloe is also a breath coach and EFT practitioner who uses the breath and tapping to support her clients in cultivating more presence and balancing their nervous system so they can enjoy and succeed in the life they are creating for themselves.

 

Outside of her mindset coaching business you can find Chloe weightlifting, traveling, adventuring outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. She lives for silly humor, deep conversations, awkward dancing, and authentic connections.