Episode 14 - Beyond Strong and Sensitive: Rethinking Gender and Vulnerability with Zeenat Ahmed-Peto

She Leads Collective Podcast: stories, allyship and confidence tools for women

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Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of male suicide and mental health.

Why is it that men are told to be “strong” while women are labelled “too sensitive”? And what happens when those same societal rules leave both men and women struggling in silence?

In this powerful episode, released on World Suicide Prevention Day, I’m joined by award-winning cognitive hypnotherapist and author Zeenat Ahmed Peto. Together, we explore how the very system that holds women back also pressures men to hide their emotions — sometimes with devastating consequences.

We discuss:

• How childhood and culture shape emotional expression differently for men and women.
• Why vulnerability is still so uncomfortable at work.
• The subtle signs someone may be covering up their struggles.
• Small, human actions leaders, colleagues and families can take to create safety and connection.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to

Mind UK https://www.mind.org.uk

The Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org

or your GP. In an emergency, always call 999.

Connect with Zeenat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeenatahmedpeto/

If you’re a woman leader who’s ever doubted your confidence, explore my programme “Exploding the Confidence Myth” → https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploding-the-confidence-myth-tickets-1617750698889?aff=oddtdtcreator

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✨ Produced by Mary Gregory Leadership Coaching