As a kid arriving from the Soviet Union, Victoria Tollossa marveled at Whitney Houston.

She wanted to sing like her. Be like her. Share a message.

So she worked tirelessly to win in the music industry. She was even nominated for a Grammy. But after years of contorting herself to fit others’ expectations, she left. Walking away from a childhood dream that was no longer serving her.

But her creativity found new life in experiential events, corporate marketing and now in her Personal Branding agency, Illume. Driven by the resilience to share her message, Victoria reflects on losing herself during her music career and how she found the strength to take back control over her path.

Reminding us that when we hear too many No’s, sometimes we just need to Exhale and get out of our own way.

In this interview you’ll take away:

3:20:  Creativity in the Soviet Union

5:45:  Whitney Houston dreaming

10:05: Holding space for your purpose

14:00: We control Inputs, not Outcomes

18:00: Grammy nomination and pivoting from No's

21:23: Uncovering Victoria's natural gifts

22:50: Our purpose is not our job title

26:50: Seeing ourselves as Creative

31:15: What children's books teach us

34:55: When branding is the star

40:40: Reinspiring your Creative force

44:55: In 10 years where do you want to be?

48:55: Fast growth by unlocking your brand

52:30: How to get out of your own way

57:15: There's no one else that can be you

Episode Resources:

Learn more from Victoria Tollossa about how to build your personal brand here: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tollossa/

To uncover your natural gifts and elevate your Career or your Team, connect with me: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/chadaboud/⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠www.chadaboud.com⁠⁠