How To Own The Room

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 you take the plunge and become a full time writer.

You can pre-order Lucy Foley's book, The Paris Apartment now.

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

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 stigma around it) shaped her family life, and reveals how working with others gave her back a sense of control after the strange end of her first marriage. She (or is it Theresa May?) talks the power of the double act, the horror of writing - and the vital importance of doing things that scare you. You can follow Jan on social @thatjanravens Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

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 keeping it real matters even more. She reveals that as a woman in sport she is still far more scrutinised than her male colleagues, and even as one of the most sought after broadcasters around she still gets asked: "do you actually like football?" You can find out more about Jules @JulesBreach

Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

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, feminism, being a carer and the horror of reading your own books. And Kate recalls actor Juliet Stevenson's advice: if you see a closed door, go round the side.

You can find out more about Kate's work including her latest book The City of Tears at her website katemosse.co.uk

Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

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 perception of the world. She describes being an adult drawn to break down the traditional boundaries between ways of thinking. And she reveals the secrets of keeping calm, speaking out - and owning the room in the face of the hostility which can be the price of confidence.

Siri's latest book, Mothers, Fathers and Others is out now. You can find out more about Siri and her work at her website sirihustvedt.net

Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

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 you are fundraising or networking. They talk sickening nerves, and the power of pretending everything is fine. They talk over-compensating for having very fluffy hair - and what losing at tennis can teach you about winning at life.

You can find out more about Amanda at Semble.org

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

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 in. Opting for personality rather than perfection. Embracing your own style rather than mimicking a traditional pinstripe. And why even she struggles to call herself ambitious... You can find Helena's latest book, Style and Substance: A Guide for Women Who Want to Win at Work here.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

Could it be like jazz? Viv Groskop talks to writer, poet and performer Yrsa Daley-Ward about allowing a bit of improvisation into your performance, so that you can respond to the energy in the room. They talk shyness, nerves - and bringing the realest, clearest, most honest version of yourself. Don't look for perfection, she says. There's always another chance to create something new. You can find out more about Yrsa and her work, including her latest book The How: Notes on the Great Work of Meeting Yourself, here.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

Do you feel lucky? Viv Groskop talks to actress Dame Eileen Atkins about how owning the room is sometimes about being open to chance. They explore the genuine terror of the first night, the horror of being publicly judged, and why your own opinion is what matters. And there are room-owning anecdotes aplenty, starring the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier...

Dame Eileen's book, Will She Do? Act One of a Life on Stage is out now.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

Could you be a rebel? Viv Groskop talks to former French teacher and climate activist Anne Taylor about joining Extinction Rebellion to fight the climate emergency. They explore getting arrested, speaking in court and how to communicate with people who don't want to listen. They talk about quietness, passion, privilege - and discovering that a vital cause can drive you to own the room in ways you would never have expected.

You can find out more about Extinction Rebellion here Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop