On today’s episode of Reclaiming Bossy, I’m sharing the story of how I won £1,000 in 90 seconds through pitching and why learning how to pitch yourself is one of the most valuable skills you can build in your career, business and life.

Whether you’re applying for jobs, building a business, growing a personal brand, trying to get clients, or simply learning how to speak about yourself with more confidence, this episode is for you.

We talk about:

- How to structure a strong pitch

-  Creating a hook that grabs attention

-  Understanding the problem you solve

- Why knowing your audience matters

-  Building confidence through evidence

- Communicating your value more clearly

- How pitching applies to jobs, friendships, dating, content creation and business

If you’ve ever struggled to talk about yourself, doubted whether you’re “qualified enough”, or felt scared to put yourself out there, I hope this episode reminds you that you probably know more than you think you do.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro: How I won £1,000 in 90 seconds

00:37 Welcome to Money Month

01:10 Why pitching is a life skill

01:55 How my business journey started

02:26 The pitch competition that changed everything

02:39 Overcoming limiting beliefs before pitching

03:11 How to pitch yourself clearly

03:12 Start with a strong hook

03:46 Identify the problem you solve

04:39 Create a clear solution

05:25 Example: my viral “learn to learn” video

06:01 Know who you’re speaking to

07:27 Test, iterate and improve your pitch

08:51 Build confidence through evidence

09:48 Back yourself and collect the receipts

10:20 Communicating confidence clearly

11:03 Know what you want and what you don’t want

11:54 Why we are always pitching

12:37 How pitching can create opportunities

13:19 Pitch yourself in the comments

13:35 Final thoughts

If you like this episode send it to a friend who would benefit from learning about pitching :)

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

On today’s episode of Reclaiming Bossy, I’m joined by Vanesa Pazos from Noba Capital to ungatekeep venture capital and break down what actually happens behind the scenes of raising money.

If you’ve ever wondered how founders get funded, what investors are really looking for, whether you actually need VC investment, or how to confidently pitch yourself and your ideas, this episode is for you.

We talk honestly about the things that often feel confusing or intimidating when it comes to fundraising and career growth, from networking and rejection to female founders, leadership, and building opportunities before you feel fully ready.

We talk about:

•  Breaking into venture capital through a “squiggly career” path
• What investors actually look for beyond just a good idea
•  How founders can pitch themselves and raise money more effectively
•  Common mistakes founders make when fundraising
•  Building genuine relationships and networking authentically
• Navigating rejection and hearing “no”
•  Female founders and bias in business spaces
•  Hiring, leadership, and building strong team cultures
•  Understanding whether VC funding is actually right for your business
•  Balancing ambition, motherhood, and personal life

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:03:00 – Entering VC Through A “Squiggly Career”

00:05:33 – Why Investors Back Founders, Not Just Ideas

00:06:50 – What Makes An “A-Player” Founder

00:08:00 – How To Pitch Investors Effectively

00:10:08 – Female Founders, Bias & Building Traction

00:11:16 – How To Start Learning About Investing

00:14:04 – The Story Behind Empower Her

00:16:04 – How To Ask For Help & Build Genuine Connections

00:18:18 – Why “No” From Investors Isn’t Always Final

00:20:08 – Do You Actually Need VC Funding?

00:22:25 – Why Fundraising Is Like Dating

00:24:46 – Biggest Red Flags Investors Notice

00:27:41 – Balancing Motherhood, Career & Leadership

00:33:29 – Hopes For The Next Generation Of Female Founders

00:36:03 – Reclaiming The Word “Bossy”

Connect with Vanesa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanesa-pazos/

Noba Capital: https://www.nobacapital.com

Get involved: https://www.nobacapital.com/get-involved?referrer=luma&utm_source=luma

Connect with the Pod / Me:

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

In this episode of Reclaiming Bossy, we’re kicking off Money Month, a series all about money, career growth, entrepreneurship, investing, confidence, and trying to build financial security in your 20s.

I’m sharing some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from reading 30+ books on money, business, psychology, habits, productivity, and wealth as a 22-year-old navigating starting a business, managing my money and living in London.

If you have ever avoided opening your banking app, felt behind financially compared to everyone online, or struggled with money anxiety, this episode is for you.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

00:33 Welcome to Money Month

01:38 My personal money journey at university

02:15 Reading 30+ finance & career books

03:27 Why I hate the phrase “girl math”

04:08 Money is emotional, not just logical

04:24 Attachment styles & money habits

05:09 Building healthier financial habits

05:22 The 12 Week Year & financial goal setting

06:03 Tracking spending without shame

07:21 Best budgeting & money tracking apps

07:58 Automating savings & investments

08:44 Paying yourself first

09:54 Reframing limiting beliefs around money

10:52 Atomic Habits & financial growth

11:07 Weekly “money homework” habits

11:45 Why talking about money matters

12:34 Being busy doesn’t always make you money

13:03 Productivity vs actually generating income

14:14 Working hard vs working strategically

14:31 Focus on your core competencies

15:23 Spending in alignment with your values

16:50 Setting boundaries around money

17:54 Courageous money conversations increase income

18:44 Curating your environment & mindset

19:12 Your environment shapes your income

20:18 Building systems instead of relying on discipline

20:50 Final thoughts on building financial confidence

Some Of The Books Mentioned In this Episode:

1) The Psychology of Money

2) The 12 Week Year

3) Atomic Habits

4) Money: A User’s Guide

5) Working Hard, Hardly Working

6) We Need To Talk About Money

7) 168 Hours

If you want to go deeper into some of the ideas from this episode, I’ve linked a few resources for you…

Here are some reflections and summaries on some of the books mentioned in this episode over on my LinkedIn there are 12 summaries on there: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maahikasingh/recent-activity/articles/

For my London girls trying to navigate the cost of living crisis, career anxiety, and the reality of building a life in this city, I also loved this article: https://londonistcitykeys.substack.com/p/broke-in-london-theres-an-app-for

And if you enjoyed the conversation around “girl math,” money mindset, and financial empowerment, I wrote a longer piece on why I think we collectively need to Kill “girl math” https://open.substack.com/pub/maahikasingh/p/lets-collectively-kill-girl-math

Comment what else you want to see for this finance season and send this to a friend who wants to feel more confident about money and let me know if you want reading recommendations.

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

This episode is for you if you are going through a “Flop Era’ In this episode of Reclaiming Bossy Madrid Season, I’m joined by Tatiana, founder of Deep Chats, for an honest conversation about self-trust, moving abroad, navigating uncertainty in your twenties, and finding your people when life doesn’t go to plan.

After experiencing redundancy and navigating a season of uncertainty, Tatiana rebuilt her life in Madrid and created Deep Chats, a community focused on meaningful conversations and genuine connection.

We talk about trusting yourself before you have all the answers, embracing awkwardness, creating authentic community, and why some of your most confusing seasons can actually become the beginning of something better.

If you’re navigating change, feeling behind, trying to rebuild trust in yourself, or questioning whether you’re on the right path, this episode is for you.

We talk about:

● Building self-trust through trial and error

● Moving abroad and navigating uncertainty in your twenties

● Coming out of a “flop era” and sitting with difficult emotions

● Learning to trust life’s timing

● Finding your people and building authentic community

● Journaling, affirmations and practical mental health tools

● The power of silence and meaningful conversations

● Breaking social scripts and asking better questions

● Learning how to talk about yourself more positively

● Starting something before feeling fully ready

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Tatiana

00:44 - Tatiana’s background, moving to Madrid, and starting Deep Chats

01:39 - Navigating your twenties and the uncertainty of moving abroad

03:49 - Tangible ways to build self-trust through trial and error

05:48 - Trusting life’s timing and adopting a spiritual perspective

07:45 - Filtering through the wrong crowds to find your true community

09:06 - Dealing with a “flop era” and sitting with difficult feelings

11:07 - Practical tools for mental health: journaling and affirmations

12:32 - The power of silence and the concert story

15:27 - The journey of creating Deep Chats and embracing awkward silence

17:51 - Breaking the social script to have more intentional conversations

20:24 - Asking better questions to learn from others

21:34 - How to talk about yourself authentically and practice positive self-talk

23:13 - Where to find Tatiana and Deep Chats online

23:39 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” as a female business owner

Connect with Tatiana:

Tati: https://www.instagram.com/tatianafyodorov/

Deep Chats; https://www.instagram.com/havedeepchats/

https://linktr.ee/deep.chats?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGny8RyuS295HMG5TIRMpm7DidMo87ezXmWfgSdWFPU-jmtdSMnEMl4jfTDgHQ_aem_E6yLaNHXU3-RMwrfLK7PEg

Connect with the Pod / Me:

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

On today’s episode of Reclaiming Bossy, I’m sitting down with Nena, a fashion photographer who moved to Madrid and built her creative business from scratch while navigating the Spanish freelance visa process, finding clients through social media, and learning how to back herself in a completely new country. If you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad, becoming self-employed, building a creative career, or starting over in a new city, this episode is for you.

We talk about the realities of becoming self-employed in Spain, writing a business plan for a creative visa, building a portfolio, networking as an introvert, freelancing in the creative industry, and how to stop waiting to feel “ready” before putting yourself out there.

This episode is full of practical advice for creatives, freelancers, digital nomads, and ambitious people trying to build a life that feels more aligned, independent and exciting.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Nena

00:50 - Nena’s background and journey into fashion photography

02:20 - Navigating the Spanish visa process and becoming self-employed

03:51 - Advice for international expats dealing with Spanish bureaucracy

05:34 - The creative community in Madrid vs other cities

06:41 - Networking and making friends as an introvert abroad

07:28 - Transitioning from student work to a professional portfolio

08:46 - Getting your first freelance clients through social media

09:34 - Overcoming the fear of embarrassment online

11:10 - Writing a business plan for a creative visa

13:37 - Learning business skills as a creative freelancer

15:37 - Protecting your mindset and mental health as a freelancer

16:34 - Dealing with imposter syndrome on big production sets

18:46 - Ignoring criticism and taking small brave steps

20:16 - Founding Swap Party Madrid and building community events

21:31 - How to become more action-oriented with your goals

22:35 - Where to find Nena online

22:56 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” as a woman in business

23:53 - Final reflections and episode wrap-up

Follow/ connect with Nena

https://www.instagram.com/artisticmind.n.p/

https://www.threads.com/@artisticmind.n.p?xmt=AQG0raAAprmUhuEwOQ6cxrxawvB0cSCNl4Ml1V4F2BVVUxE

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

What does it really look like to build a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and community at the same time?

In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Laura Smyth, founder of Butterfly English Education and Found Her Madrid, to talk about how she built a fully remote language learning academy with a team of 20+ teachers whilst  also creating an in person community for women in Madrid.

We talk about the reality of scaling an online business, building systems that allow you to work remotely without burning out, and why community still matters so much in a world that is becoming increasingly digital.

This is a conversation about creating a business and lifestyle that actually feels aligned, whether that means working across time zones, running events in a new city, or building a team you trust.

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, remote work, online business, community building, digital nomad life, or creating more freedom in your career, this episode will give you both practical advice and a lot of reassurance.

We also explore hiring, leadership, SOPs, AI tools for scaling a business, how to get people to show up to your first event, and the lessons Laura learnt from growing two businesses at the same time.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode

00:23 - Laura’s background and introducing her two businesses

00:56 - The burnout that inspired her to start a language academy

01:31 - First steps to starting a business and getting fully booked

03:01 - Why you should hire before you’re ready

03:39 - How to choose the right team and the “hire slowly, fire quickly” rule

04:49 - Navigating difficult conversations and letting go of a friend

05:50 - Scaling to a team of 20 using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

06:51 - Using AI to build out your business structures and systems

07:24 - Running a remote company with zero daily meetings

08:34 - Trusting your team and avoiding micromanagement

09:28 - Managing a global team across multiple time zones

10:17 - Time management and structuring a schedule to run two businesses

10:53 - Why Laura built the “Found Her” community in Madrid

11:31 - How to get people to show up to your very first event

12:26 - Creating an English-speaking community in a Spanish-speaking city

14:10 - Applying lessons from your first business to your second

14:55 - What Laura wishes she did differently when starting out

15:24 - Where to find Laura and the Found Her community online

15:42 - Final advice on building a life and business you love

16:09 - Reclaiming the word “bossy”

16:33 - Actionable homework for starting a local community

17:07 - Actionable homework for launching an online business

17:36 - Conclusion and outro

Follow Laura / Butterfly English / Found Her Madrid

Laura’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasmyth/

Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.inmadrid/

Found Her Madrid: https://www.instagram.com/foundhermadrid/

Butterfly English Education: https://butterflyenglisheducation.com

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

What if Emily in Paris was actually set in Madrid and was culturally accurate?

In the first episode of the Reclaiming Bossy Madrid season, I sit down with Maddy, the creator behind Maddy in Madrid, to talk about what building a real life abroad actually looks like beyond the romanticised TikToks and Netflix versions.

We talk about the reality of moving to Madrid, learning Spanish as an adult, making friends when you know nobody, navigating culture shock, understanding the unspoken social rules in Spain, and creating a life that feels exciting and authentic.

This episode is part Madrid city guide, part deep dive into identity, reinvention, and what happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and actually move abroad.

We also get into the cafés worth working from, the rooftop bars and picnic spots locals actually go to, how to find community in Madrid, and why embracing the culture instead of recreating your old life abroad changes everything.

If you’ve been dreaming about moving abroad, taking a solo trip, becoming a digital nomad, or building a slower and more intentional life overseas, this episode will either make you book the flight or finally give you the honest guide to doing it properly.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction and moving to Madrid

00:50 - Maddy’s background and learning Spanish

01:54 - Embracing a new culture vs. Emily in Paris

03:12 - Why English speakers struggle with learning languages

05:16 - Advice on making friends in a new country

07:12 - Biggest culture shocks in Spain

08:27 - Best coffee shops for working, dates, and relaxing

11:26 - Finding Madrid’s authentic hidden gems

12:41 - Cultural norms and respecting the Spanish way of life

15:21 - Representing Spain online and navigating expat stereotypes

17:15 - Dealing with reverse culture shock and homesickness

19:07 - Advice for taking the leap and moving abroad

20:03 - What people get wrong about Spain and Americans

21:16 - Best bars, rooftops, and picnic spots in Madrid

23:58 - Communities to join to make friends

26:15 - What’s next for Maddy

26:51 - Reclaiming the word “bossy”

Connect with  Maddy

Website: https://maddyinmadrid.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyinmadrid_/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maddyinmadrid

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

Have you ever wondered what the hell blockchain actually is and why it’s useful? If so, this episode is for you…

In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by 

Marieke De Ruyter De Wildt founder of Open food Chain, to break down how blockchain technology is transforming global food systems.

With over 25 years of experience in agri-tech and having worked across more than 50 countries, Marieke is building the infrastructure for a more transparent, sustainable, and resilient food system using Web3 and blockchain.  

We talk about what blockchain actually means (in simple terms), why traceability in food supply chains matters, and how technology can create trust between farmers, businesses, and consumers.

This is a conversation about building in complex industries, navigating global systems, and what it really looks like to be a woman in tech, agriculture, and innovation.

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, emerging tech, or building something impactful across industries and borders, this episode will completely shift how you think about both technology and the future of food.

We also explore the challenges of scaling blockchain in real-world industries, working across cultures, and why the next generation of founders needs to understand both storytelling and systems.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - introduction

00:01:32 - explaining blockchain and food traceability jargon

00:03:22 - the reality of food safety and immutable data

00:04:20 - supply chain transparency and new regulations

00:05:11 - why not all data is good data

00:06:32 - balancing data transparency with privacy

00:08:15 - overcoming the intimidation of tech as a founder

00:09:40 - finding tech communities and the power of meetups

00:10:47 - leaving your bubble to hire the right people

00:12:17 - the difference between a corporate job and entrepreneurship

00:13:35 - busting the romanticized myth of startup culture

00:15:05 - building confidence and finding mentors

00:17:10 - timeboxing to balance founder life and personal life

00:19:05 - making fun a core part of business culture

00:19:40 - how living in 50 countries shifts your perspective

00:21:22 - the future of tech, AI, and food regulations

00:23:40 - the truth about fair trade and premium food certificates

00:25:31 - simple diet advice for overwhelmed consumers

00:26:03 - where to connect with marike online

00:26:27 - reclaiming the word bossy and taking up space

00:27:39 - homework for leaving your comfort zone

00:28:44 - summary and final thoughts

Follow Marieke / Open Food Chain

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt/

https://www.openfoodchain.com

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]

In this episode of Reclaiming Bossy, we’re breaking down the art of shooting your shot and how to reach out, build genuine connections, and get people to actually say yes to you.

This episode is part of the Amsterdam season, where I take you behind the scenes of how I created an international podcast series from scratch. No huge budget, no established network in the city, no perfect plan, just an idea, a vision, and the willingness to go for it.

We’re talking about how I reached out to founders in Amsterdam, built relationships from nothing, and turned that into a full podcast season, but more importantly the mindset and strategy behind creating your own opportunities.

If you’re trying to grow your network, build something meaningful, or stop waiting and start doing, this episode will give you both the confidence and the tools to start.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - introduction

00:01:06 - the fear of asking and getting rejected

00:01:49 - reaching out to amsterdam founders

00:03:55 - advice for cold outreach online

00:04:45 - humanizing your approach

00:05:37 - bringing value and joy to collaborations

00:06:58 - the importance of knowing what you want

00:07:40 - doing a weekly energy audit

00:08:45 - making vision board bingo grids

00:10:06 - rewiring limiting beliefs

00:11:08 - creating an opportunity radar

00:12:49 - homework for the episode

00:13:17 - reframing rejection as data

00:14:50 - summary and final advice

Key takeaways

You don’t need permission to create opportunities.

People are more open than you think if you approach them right.

Rejection is data, not a reflection of your worth

Humanise your approach

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to shoot their shot this week.

Connect with me/ the podcast 

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maahika.s

For collaborations and enquiries

[email protected]

What is Jamu? How do you turn a 1,300-year-old wellness practice into a global brand?

In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Anna Uspessij, founder of Good Jamu, to break down how she built a wellness business rooted in culture, identity, and authenticity.

We talk about how Anna transformed a traditional Indonesian healing ritual into a fast-growing European brand, without diluting its meaning for Western markets. This is a conversation about building something real in a world full of trends.

If you are interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, personal branding, or how to build a brand from scratch, this episode will give you both the mindset and the strategy to start.

We also explore the difference between ritual and routine, cultural appreciation vs appropriation, and what it actually takes to scale a business while staying aligned with your values.

Timestamps

00:00:25 - introduction

00:00:40 - introducing anna and good jamu

00:01:17 - what is jamu

00:02:23 - the meaning and history of jamu

00:03:37 - jamu as a community ritual

00:05:01 - the inspiration behind goed jammel

00:06:34 - advice on starting a business

00:08:55 - cultivating resilience as a founder

00:10:53 - finding founder communities

00:12:03 - introducing cultural heritage to a new market

00:15:37 - storytelling and explaining a new product

00:17:16 - building confidence as an entrepreneur

00:19:47 - designing a business around your values

00:22:25 - deciding on flavors and scaling

00:26:01 - international expansion

00:27:47 - marketing and building a community

00:29:15 - what's next for good jamu

00:30:03 - final advice for entrepreneurs

Follow Anna/ good jam

Good Jamu: goodjamu

https://goodjamu.com/en?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnJigniDe_KzLA_EAtdphd-oT5q8Y45hW-mxGd6UrQJDFwfgWisszV0O0HzOM_aem_xvW_llJqZf_fYDAlMH1TGA

Connect with the Pod / Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My TikTok: @maahika.s

For collaborations & enquiries:

[email protected]