To celebrate Episode 200 of Making It in The Toy Industry, something special is underway. Joining The Toy Coach, also known as Azhelle Wade, is Virginia Lette, an accomplished Australian radio and television presenter. She is renowned for co-hosting Eclipse Music TV for three years and serving as a Weekend News and Sport Presenter for WIN News Tasmania. Virginia has also hosted over 500 episodes of the Morning Kids Podcast. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated mother, entrepreneur, and an aspiring toy creator.

Azhelle Wade is thrilled to have her on the show, picking up where the 100th episode left off. They discuss Azhelle's background with Sesame Street and in the toy industry and delve into her motivations for starting the podcast. Azhelle shares her enthusiasm for assisting creators in transforming their ideas into finished products. Virginia poses several unexpected questions, ranging from Azhelle's thoughts on imposter syndrome to addressing sustainability challenges in the industry. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into The Toy Coach's journey offers valuable insights and inspiration.

EPISODE CLIFF NOTES:

• [03:18] Virginia has interviewed many people in her career, but she's a little nervous in this interview. 
• [05:49] When does Azhelle sleep? She gets a lot done using tools and repurposing content. 
• [10:26] We talk about Episode 100 and Azhelle being a child actress on Sesame Street. She's also always been an entrepreneur. She loves potatoes, is allergic to cats and dogs, and was diagnosed with cancer in her late 20s while working at Toys R Us. 
• [13:29] While working, Azhelle discovered that there was a need for information on helping people get started with their toy products. 
• [14:01] Azhelle realized that she should do a business around her toy knowledge, and she started her podcast about the toy industry.  
• [18:02] If you feel insecure, remind yourself that it will pass. 
• [28:02] Azhelle is the most proud of her podcast and the community that it has created. 
• [32:07] We talk about the importance of focusing on what works as opposed to moving to the next thing. 
• [33:32] Azhelle has always dreamed of being a CEO of a toy company. She now has her own business and has discovered the value of living in truth and honesty and being herself.
• [39:17] Being stuck on growth and revenue over innovation can be frustrating. Profit over quality can be frustrating. 
• [40:48] Is there room for innovation? At the end of the day, profits need to be made. It's like a revenue hamster wheel that can stifle creativity. 
• [41:57] We talk about AI and generating concepts. 
• [45:23] We talk about my 200th Episode wish. Join Toy Creators Academy!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at https://www.thetoycoach.com/200

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.