How can you overcome stage fright? Viv Groskop talks to award-winning writer and nominee for this year’s Booker Prize, Elizabeth Strout, ahead of the ceremony. She reveals an intervention that enabled her to handle public events that would previously have sent her spinning into panic. Elizabeth tells Viv how the spaces that allow her to write are the ones in which she’s not needed by anyone. Riding the subway is good, but even better is her studio in Maine. Despite Elizabeth’s success now seeming to come easily, she tells Viv that it has been hard won and how the intuition that penetrates her work has sometimes been painful to live with. She also shares some top tips on handling criticism or ungenerous remarks. Find out more about Elizabeth Strout’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel,  Oh William! A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now. @vivgroskop

18.3 Elizabeth Strout, Writer

Want to own the room? Comedian and radio and TV presenter Viv Groskop talks to inspirational women about the secrets of brilliant speaking. They share the tips and tricks that will get you the attention you deserve.

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  How do you swap a soul-crushing job for one that sustains you?   Viv talks to the writer, Carrie Sun, whose new memoir, Private Equity, is about to be released in US and UK. The story draws on Carrie’s own experience of being headhunted to be Executive Assistant to a billionaire. The competitive role was glamourous but 24/7, unrelenting and led to burnout in the face of a pitiless boss.   Carrie critiques capitalism and systems of misogyny, giving extraordinary insight into extreme hustle culture within a closed world.   Viv and Carrie unpick these complex threads and counsel keeping a sense of perspective and plotting a way out when you need to escape. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now. Find out more about  Private Equity. @vivgroskop

22.6 Carrie Sun, author

  How do you find the confidence to pursue the work you want and ace an interview?   Viv chats to Kate Stephens, the CEO of Smart Works, an amazing charity with celebrity backers whose mission is to help marginalised women break the cycle of rejection and deprivation that comes from long-term unemployment. Since 2013 they’ve helped over 30,000 women prepare for job interviews by giving them coaching, styling and an outfit to wear at their interview chosen from new clothes donated by fashion brands and retailers.   Kate tells Viv how respect and kindness can unlock confidence. Being welcomed and nurtured is key to enabling women to shine in an interview situation. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now. Find out more about Smart Works. @vivgroskop

22.5 Kate Stephens, CEO

  How do you find the self-belief to pursue a brilliant idea, convince investors in your vision and pick yourself after setbacks?   Viv chats to Joanna Jensen, the founder, former CEO and now brand ambassador of Child’s Farm, a family skincare brand she developed from her kitchen table.   It’s an unabashed success story, built from the challenges of a recent divorce and two young children, and driven forward by Joanna’s conviction and hard work.   She tells Viv how necessity, belief in the product and utter determination was the rocket fuel that powered her along. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now. @vivgroskop

22.4 Joanna Jensen, entrepreneur

  How do you connect with audiences on a deeper, truer level? Viv talks to  award-winning journalist and author, Angela Saini, about combatting pseudo-science and reaching people by peeling back the layers of thinking. Her celebrated books include: Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong, Superior: The Return of Race Science and her latest The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule.   Angela tells Viv how her grounding in news journalism in her 20s helped hone her skills to write succinctly, to deadline and to time in a way that helps her in every aspect of her work now – from writing to public speaking.   There’s a meticulousness to Angela’s approach that combines keen organisation with keeping an open, ready to adapt and think differently. It’s a winning formula that Viv delves into and pulls out some nuggets to take away.   The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule by Angela Saini is out at the end of February 2024. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now.

22.3 Angela Saini, science journalist and author

  How do you create the best panel experience? Viv talks to professional moderator, Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako, about managing nerves, getting the best out of interviewees on stage and handling feedback.   Based in her home city of Hamburg, Germany, Alexandra hosts an array of sessions – from author interviews to tech start-up pitch events and festivals such as the African Book Festival in Berlin.   It’s about taking charge of a space in a way that makes everyone relax.   And while it all seems to come naturally, Alexandra hasn’t always been so confident in front of an audience. In fact at school she was known as the quiet kid. Find out what made the difference and set her on a different path, picking up some priceless tips along the way. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now. @vivgroskop

18.3 Elizabeth Strout, Writer

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