How To Own The Room

By Viv Groskop

Personal Journals Society & Culture Business

What's How To Own The Room about?

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 To Own The Room episodes:

02.09.2024
22.6 Carrie Sun, author
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...
02.02.2024
22.5 Kate Stephens, CEO
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...
01.26.2024
22.4 Joanna Jensen, entrepreneur
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...
01.19.2024
22.3 Angela Saini, science journalist and author
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:...
01.12.2024
22.2 Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako, presenter and moderator
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,...
01.05.2024
22.1 Patsy Palmer, actress and DJ
How do you learn to say no and do what makes you happy? Viv talks to the actress, Patsy Palmer, best-known for her role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, who now lives in Malibu, California. Exuding...
07.03.2023
21.5 Evanna Lynch, actress and writer - Happy High Status
How do you find your voice and your confidence when people expect you to be only one thing? How can you overcome thoughts that keep you small? Actress and writer Evanna Lynch joined the cast of the Harry Potter series...
06.30.2023
21.4 Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singer-songwriter - Happy High Status
How do you bounce back from a major knock to your confidence? How do you maintain focus and poise even when you’re exhausted or overwhelmed? In this fourth in our series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to...
06.29.2023
21.3 James O’Brien, broadcaster - Happy High Status
Can you be “too confident”? How entitled is too entitled? In this third of a series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to broadcaster and journalist James O’Brien, LBC presenter and author of How They Broke Britain (coming...
06.28.2023
21.2 Fatima Whitbread, Olympic athlete - Happy High Status
What happens when you swivel the lens away from yourself? In this second of a series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to Olympic athlete and world champion javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread, star of I’m a Celebrity and...
06.27.2023
21.1 Tom Allen, comedian - Happy High Status
Can you be both insecure and confident at the same time? In this first of a series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to award-winning comedian Tom Allen, star of The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Bake-Off: Extra Slice,...
06.23.2023
20.6 Angela Cretu, CEO
How do you achieve and stay authentic? Viv talks to Angela Cretu, CEO of Avon, one of the biggest beauty brands in the world. Growing up in Communist Romania she says she learnt about gender and social equality,...
06.16.2023
20.5 Lucinda Chambers, fashion director
How do you follow a dream? Viv talks to the fashion legend, Lucinda Chambers, who worked at Vogue from the age of 21, eventually working her way up to become fashion director at the iconic magazine. ...
06.09.2023
20.4 Curtis Sittenfeld, novelist
How do you simply get things done? Viv talks to the American writer, Curtis Sittenfeld, whose new novel, Romantic Comedy, is already a bestseller and has been selected for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. They chat about feminist...
06.02.2023
20.3 Isabel Wilkerson, author
How do you nurture self-belief? Viv talks to the bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson, about cultivating gentle trust in ourselves. The Pulitzer prize-winning writer of narrative nonfiction, whose latest book, Caste, explores the inner workings...
05.26.2023
20.2 Claire Fuller, author
How do you keep going when your mouth turns ‘sticky’? Viv talks to the award-winning writer, Claire Fuller about lessons from life, digging back into tales from when Claire worked in marketing and a pitch ran aground. Offering tips and...
05.19.2023
20.1 Marielle Wyse, fashion entrepreneur
Launching series 20 with a splash of colour and pizazz, Viv talks to fashion label guru, Marielle Wyse, about finding that thing you love and doing with all your heart. Having worked in TV documentaries, Marielle took time out to...
04.21.2023
19.6: Masterclass on How to Be Confident
What is the secret of fearlessness? How do you focus if you’re feeling nervous? In this final episode of the How to Own the Room masterclass series, we dive back into the back catalogue for key tips and tricks...
04.17.2023
19.5: Masterclass on How to Prepare (Part 2)
In this week’s round-up of all the best tips and tricks for confidence and performance, we continue with the theme of preparation. Talking to actress Nicole Ansari (Deadwood) and her husband Brian Cox (Succession), Viv discusses their definitions of owning the room while...
04.07.2023
19.4: Masterclass on How to Prepare
Everyone loves to feel prepared, but what would happen if you didn’t really prepare at all? How do you prepare for the moments of pressure? In this masterclass, Viv is interested in our different relationships with preparation. Writer and...
03.31.2023
19.3: Masterclass on How to Cure Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever felt like you can’t do certain things? What do you do to tackle your own self-doubt? In this 3rd episode, Viv turns traditional thinking about imposter syndrome on its head, and considers alternative outlooks from her guests....
03.24.2023
19.2: Masterclass on How to Overcome Nerves
Where does confidence come from? What can you do if you’re very self-conscious and you feel really uncomfortable in front of others? In this second episode of weekly masterclasses, Viv talks about nerves and confidence, and how they really do...
03.17.2023
19.1: Masterclass on How to Know What to Say
How do you work out what you want to say and what you think people are expecting? If you want to speak up, how do you know where to start? In this new batch of episodes coming up over the...
11.18.2022
18.8 Dawn O’Porter, Novelist and TV Presenter
How do you regain your confidence? Viv talks to the author, TV presenter, social media influencer and founder of fashion line Joanie, Dawn O’Porter, on finding your voice again. Dawn, who lives in LA with her husband the actor Chris...
11.11.2022
18.7 Catherine Mayer, Writer and Activist
How can we thrive wearing many hats? Viv talks to the author and co-founder and President of the Women's Equality Party, Catherine Mayer, about shifting emphasis to achieve greatest effect. Catherine shares how having an awareness of your audience and...
11.04.2022
18.6 Elaine Bedell, Arts CEO
How do you bring together a winning team so that all voices can contribute to the room? Viv Groskop talks to the Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre, Elaine Bedell, on energy, stress and successfully leading teams of talented creative...
10.28.2022
18.5 Gabby Logan, Broadcaster
What helps to build resilience? Viv Groskop talks to the broadcaster, Gabby Logan, who has pioneered sports presenting for women in the UK. Just this year she co-led the BBC’s coverage of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Women’s Euro...
10.21.2022
18.4 Debbie Wosskow OBE, Entrepreneur
How do you put on your game face every day? Viv Groskop talks to the co-founder of AllBright, Debbie Wosskow, on purpose, energy and drive. She launched the startup Love Home Swap, inspired by the film The Holiday, and sold...
10.14.2022
18.3 Elizabeth Strout, Writer
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...
10.07.2022
18.2 Kamila Shamsie, Writer
Can you easily switch between private and public modes? Viv Groskop talks to the award-winning writer, Kamila Shamsie, about the different kinds of energy she needs in her life as a successful author. She tells Viv about the peace and...
09.30.2022
18.1 Kit de Waal, Writer
How do you find your authentic voice? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, Kit de Waal, who found success later in life with her book My Name is Leon. Kit tells Viv how she reconciled the different parts of her...
07.22.2022
17.7 Marisha Wallace, Musical Theatre Performer
Do you believe in yourself? Viv Groskop talks to the musical theatre performer, Marisha Wallace, best-known for roles in Something Rotten, Dreamgirls, Waitress and Hairspray. Marisha tells Viv that she was drawn to London six years ago for work and...
07.15.2022
17.6 Sadie Jones, Writer
Are you reluctant to be in the limelight? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, Sadie Jones, who made her name with The Outcast, winning Best First Novel in the Costa Book Awards. Sadie is a self-confessed introvert who would much...
07.08.2022
17.5 Sheila Hancock, Actor
Can you manage your nerves? Viv Groskop talks to legendary actor, Dame Sheila Hancock, ahead of a theatre audience to share reflections from her second memoir Old Rage. Dame Sheila reveals how she has always suffered from chronic stage fright...
07.01.2022
17.4 Abi Morgan, Writer
Can you tell your own story? Viv Groskop talks to award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Abi Morgan, whose work includes The Split, The Iron Lady, The Hour and Suffragette. Abi has occupied and owned many rooms in her life and career...
06.24.2022
17.3 Ellen Nichols, Writer
What are you waiting for? Viv Groskop talks to writer, Ellen Nichols, author of Remember Whose Little Girl You Are. Now in her 70s, Ellen Nichols has published her first book – a memoir of growing up in the Deep...
06.17.2022
17.2 Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO
Do you bring your true self to the table? Viv Groskop talks to CEO Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Founder and Executive Chair of the fintech Snoop. She was the CEO of Virgin Money from 2007 to 2018, working closely with Richard...
06.12.2022
17.1 Emily Chang, Executive and Fosterer
What will your social legacy be? Viv Groskop talks to corporate high flyer Emily Chang about her philosophy which has inspired a unique way of life, where the spare room is always available to young people in need. As soon...
04.14.2022
16.7 Delia Ephron, Writer
Are you doing what is expected of you? Viv Groskop talks to writer Delia Ephron about following other people's rules. She explains how to blow it and still have a life. She talks about grief, about storytelling, about not having a strong...
04.08.2022
16.6 Julia Samuel, Psychotherapist
Do you have a good relationship with yourself? Viv Groskop talks to psychotherapist and author Julia Samuel about how hard it is to own the room and relate well to others if you don't relate well to yourself. She talks...
04.01.2022
16.5 Vanessa Sanyauke, CEO
Have you stepped into your greatness? Viv Groskop talks to Vanessa Sanyauke, founder and CEO of Girls Talk London and expert in diversity, inclusion and sustainability in business. Vanessa celebrates uncertainty, curiosity - and never listening to your parents. She...
03.25.2022
16.4 Paula Hines, Teacher
Is your dream a nightmare? Viv Groskop talks to yoga teacher Paula Hines about giving up her dream job to take a different path as a yoga teacher, and the importance of trusting your instincts. She reveals how yoga can help...
03.18.2022
16.2 Anne Fine, Writer
Have you done your best? Viv Groskop talks to writer and second Children's Laureate Anne Fine, about the freedom of being well prepared. She says: if I've done my best and they don't like it, that's their problem. She talks...
03.11.2022
16.2 Lucy Foley, Writer
Do you know what you're talking about? Viv Groskop talks to author Lucy Foley about squeaky voices, head girl energy and never quite feeling you are a "proper" person. They explore judicious giving up, failing better - and just how...
03.04.2022
16.1 Jan Ravens, Actress and Impressionist
Do you have the confidence to fail? Viv Groskop talks to Jan Ravens, the actress and impressionist. Jan (or is it Liz Truss?) talks about exploring the space between vulnerability and control. She recalls the way mental illness (and the...
01.28.2022
15.7 Jules Breach, Presenter
Can you laugh at yourself? Viv Groskop talks to Jules Breach, presenter for BT Sport, Premier League Productions and the Football Ramble podcast. She says knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with the whirlwind of live TV. But...
01.21.2022
15.6 Kate Mosse, Writer
Can women win? Viv Groskop talks to writer Kate Mosse, founder director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and founder of the global Woman In History campaign. They discuss playing by your own rules - and winning. They talk ambition,...
01.14.2022
15.5 Siri Hustvedt, Writer
Are you too polite? Viv Groskop talks to writer and public intellectual Siri Hustvedt about sexism, misogyny and why she believes politeness is a bad policy. She recalls being a child whose illness and "Alice in Wonderland syndrome" altered her...
01.07.2022
15.4 Amanda Horton-Mastin, CEO
Do you believe your own story? Viv Groskop talks to Amanda Horton-Mastin, formerly senior director at Comic Relief and current CEO of Semble, which connects companies and communities to drive positive change. They explore how conviction can be contagious, whether...
12.17.2021
15.3 Dame Helena Morrissey, Financier and Campaigner
Have you asked? Viv Groskop talks to financier and campaigner Helena Morrissey DBE about the power of just asking for what we want and need. They explore the value of expressing your true self as opposed to trying to fit...

What's How To Own The Room about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

How To Own The Room episodes:

22.6 Carrie Sun, author

22.5 Kate Stephens, CEO

22.4 Joanna Jensen, entrepreneur

22.3 Angela Saini, science journalist and author

22.2 Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako, presenter and moderator

22.1 Patsy Palmer, actress and DJ

21.5 Evanna Lynch, actress and writer - Happy High Status

21.4 Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singer-songwriter - Happy High Status

21.3 James O’Brien, broadcaster - Happy High Status

21.2 Fatima Whitbread, Olympic athlete - Happy High Status

21.1 Tom Allen, comedian - Happy High Status

20.6 Angela Cretu, CEO

20.5 Lucinda Chambers, fashion director

20.4 Curtis Sittenfeld, novelist

20.3 Isabel Wilkerson, author

20.2 Claire Fuller, author

20.1 Marielle Wyse, fashion entrepreneur

19.6: Masterclass on How to Be Confident

19.5: Masterclass on How to Prepare (Part 2)

19.4: Masterclass on How to Prepare

19.3: Masterclass on How to Cure Imposter Syndrome

19.2: Masterclass on How to Overcome Nerves

19.1: Masterclass on How to Know What to Say

18.8 Dawn O’Porter, Novelist and TV Presenter

18.7 Catherine Mayer, Writer and Activist

18.6 Elaine Bedell, Arts CEO

18.5 Gabby Logan, Broadcaster

18.4 Debbie Wosskow OBE, Entrepreneur

18.3 Elizabeth Strout, Writer

18.2 Kamila Shamsie, Writer

18.1 Kit de Waal, Writer

17.7 Marisha Wallace, Musical Theatre Performer

17.6 Sadie Jones, Writer

17.5 Sheila Hancock, Actor

17.4 Abi Morgan, Writer

17.3 Ellen Nichols, Writer

17.2 Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO

17.1 Emily Chang, Executive and Fosterer

16.7 Delia Ephron, Writer

16.6 Julia Samuel, Psychotherapist

16.5 Vanessa Sanyauke, CEO

16.4 Paula Hines, Teacher

16.2 Anne Fine, Writer

16.2 Lucy Foley, Writer

16.1 Jan Ravens, Actress and Impressionist

15.7 Jules Breach, Presenter

15.6 Kate Mosse, Writer

15.5 Siri Hustvedt, Writer

15.4 Amanda Horton-Mastin, CEO

15.3 Dame Helena Morrissey, Financier and Campaigner