The 5-Year-Old You Deserves Better: Healing Ambition with Iona Holloway
- S1E33
- 51:42
- June 9th 2025
What if the bravest thing you ever do… is stop pretending you're fine?
Meet Iona Holloway: bestselling author of Ghosts, magnetic keynote speaker, ex-Google high-achiever turned imperfection activist—and today’s guest on Fearless and Flawed. She’s not here to sugar-coat the struggle or sell you a “just be confident” script. Iona cracked herself open to stop shrinking. Now? She teaches others how to become the bravest version of themselves—not when they feel ready, but while they're still trembling.
From Scottish hockey fields to the pressure-cooker of corporate America, Iona’s story isn’t one of overnight transformation. It’s one of raw reclamation, guided by a life philosophy she calls the 5 & 95 Rule: Live a life that 5-year-old you would be delighted by, and 95-year-old you would be damn proud of.
You’ll hear us get bold and beautifully unfiltered about:
✨ High-functioning pain and the invisible weight of “being fine”
✨ Why perfection is an open-air prison (and how to get out)
✨ Her 5-step Brave Methodology for untangling self-doubt
✨ The pressure-cooker of motherhood meets entrepreneurship
✨ Speaking your truth when your voice is shaking
✨ What we owe our 5-year-old selves and 95-year-old future
And here’s the sass-kick in the soul: you don’t have to burn it all down to build something braver. You just have to stop abandoning yourself.
Loved this episode? Fire it off to a woman in your life who needs to be reminded she’s not broken, she’s awakening. Oh, and if you haven’t already, hit that shiny ‘Subscribe’ button. We’ve got more truth bombs coming right at ya.
Come for the fire. Stay for the freedom.
Fearless and Flawed
Welcome to Fearless and Flawed, the podcast hosted by Sara Ferrer and Serena Reynolds, where we dive into the unfiltered stories of fearless female leaders. As female entrepreneurs ourselves, we know the hustle, the challenges, and the triumphs that come with leading the charge.
Each episode, we bring you the authentic journeys of inspiring female leaders. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From stepping into leadership roles to mastering the art of delegation, we cover it all. No fluff, just straight talk from women who’ve been there and done that.
Whether you’re looking to own your worth, refine your leadership style, or just need a dose of inspiration, Fearless and Flawed has got you covered. We’re all about empowering you to lead with confidence, authenticity, and a whole lot of heart.
Join us, Sara and Serena for high-energy episodes packed with actionable insights, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. Let’s unleash your inner leader and take on the world together.
Serena is the founder of Conceptiv, a dynamic creative agency that leverages brand power to drive lead generation and ROI. With a keen eye for impactful branding, she helps businesses stand out and thrive in competitive markets.
Based in London, Serena works from a cozy caravan in her garden, where she balances her passion for business with a soft spot for animals. Whether she’s crafting compelling brand narratives or taking breaks to play with her furry friends, Serena is all about blending creativity with results.
Sara is the founder and former CEO of Zoey Koko, a bath and body line for kids and tweens. After successfully selling her company in April 2024, she now dedicates her time to consulting female owned businesses and strategically growing their brands.
Currently residing in Madrid, Spain, Sara enjoys exploring the local cuisine, always on the hunt for the perfect croqueta de jamón to pair with a fruity glass of sangria.