Reclaiming Bossy

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

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

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.

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

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

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

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

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

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

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.

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

Collaborations + 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

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected]

In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I share how I created an international podcast season in Amsterdam from scratch, without funding, connections, or a clear plan. This is a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to turn an idea into something real, and why overthinking is often the only thing holding you back.This episode is for anyone who has been putting off a passion project, waiting until the timing feels right, or believing they need more resources before they start. If you have an idea that will not leave you alone, this is your sign to take action.We also explore the concept of “just doing things,” and how shifting from overthinking to action can completely change your trajectory. I share practical ways to break out of perfectionism, build momentum, and start creating before you feel ready.In this episode, we cover how to start a podcast with no money, how to build something internationally without a network, and how to take action even when you feel unprepared. If you are interested in podcast growth, personal branding, entrepreneurship, or building something from scratch, this episode will give you both the mindset and the strategy to begin.This Amsterdam season features conversations with some of the most exciting female founders and creatives across the city so stay tuned and subscribe.Timestamps00:03:45 - my mission00:05:30 - why are we here?00:08:30 - producer reveal00:12:55 - getting creative00:16:00 - getting going and getting goodThings MentionedErifili: one of the bossy gals and previous podcast guests, here is her episode: https://youtu.be/Nu2L24RkXQQ?si=MiL2favl4ljiqKoRHer essay “literally Just Do Things” :https://erifili.substack.com/p/literally-just-do-thingsThe Musician who made this podcast’s music : @elizabethgounariMy Lovely Co producer for this season: @plamenkalinikov

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected]

Feeling lost after university? 

Yes me too, you are not alone…

In this episode, we’re talking about the post uni hangover, that weird, deflating, confusing period after finishing university where you have no idea what is next for you. If you’re navigating uncertainty, comparing yourself to everyone around you, or questioning what’s next, this episode is for you.

I share my own experience of finishing uni, feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsure of my path, and how I moved through it to start building my life and career.

This is your reminder that you’re not behind, you’re just getting started :) 

Timestamps 

00:02:30 - feeling deflated

00:05:30 - comparison is the thief of joy

00:09:00 - burn-out

00:10:30 - life audit

00:14:00 - year recap

What we cover:

• Why you might feel deflated after finishing university

• Comparison and the pressure of everyone else’s timelines

• Burnout after years of constant output

• How to do a simple life audit to reset your direction

• Reflecting on your year and what you actually want next

• Why your career doesn’t have to be linear (kaleidoscope careers)

• Small, practical ways to move forward without spiralling

Things mentioned in the episode:

Recommendations of a cool kaleiscope careers:

The assistant director to Netflix’s top boy, also a writer and actor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP_TpZEeSTw

Think day :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO0bvT_smdM

Erifili’s book and episode to design your life and career: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu2L24RkXQQ

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected]

How do you build confidence, find your voice, and stop shrinking yourself in rooms you’re meant to lead?

In this episode of The Reclaiming Bossy Podcast, we’re talking about confidence, self expression, women in comedy, and overcoming self-doubt with Lynne Parker, founder of Funny Women.

If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, fear of judgement, or felt like you were “too much” or “not enough,” this episode will change how you see your voice, your humour, and your power.

Lynne Parker is the founder of Funny Women, a platform that supports and empowers women in comedy through workshops, competitions, and community. She has helped thousands of women build confidence, step into visibility, and take up space unapologetically.

In this conversation, we explore how comedy can be a tool for confidence, communication, and identity, and why humour is one of the most underrated skills for personal and professional growth.

timestamps 

00:01:00 - what is Funny Women?

00:07:00 - what does it mean to be funny?

00:08:30 - why did you start

00:22:00 - which venues are doing a good job

00:31:00 - how do you build a portfolio?

00:34:30 - what if you don’t like social media?

00:45:00 - how do you show up for yourself?

00:54:00 - being shamed for being loud

Connect with Lynne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynneparker/

Funny Women: https://funnywomen.com

BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREER

Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.

⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠

WORK WITH ME

Creator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.

⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠

Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.

Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠

Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠

Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠

Follow The Podcast/ Connect With Me

Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy

Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy

My Instagram: @maahika.s

My TikTok: @maahika.s

Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re talking about how to actually stop caring what people think about you…I always hear people say they want to stop caring what others think. But I’ve started to realise that a more helpful way to think about it is this: stop seeking validation and permission.Wanting acceptance isn’t a bad thing. We are wired for connection and belonging. The problem is when other people’s opinions become the biggest stakeholder in your life and start shaping your decisions more than your own values and desires.In this episode, I share some of my own experiences with validation and permission across different areas of life, including health, relationships, and work. From struggling with body image and external validation growing up, to navigating dating and rejection, to building a career and learning to trust my own ideas instead of constantly asking for approval.We talk about why rejection is often about alignment rather than worth, how to self validate instead of constantly looking outward, and why living your life based on your own joy and values is the real goal.If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for the right time, the right validation, or someone else’s permission to move forward, this episode is for you.Your homework this week is to ask yourself where in my life am I still seeking permission and asking for validation & how can I start to self permit and validate a bit more ?Timestamps 00:02:30 - asking for permission00:04:30 - permission in health and beauty00:11:30 - permission in relationships00:16:00 - validation00:18:00 - career00:22:00 - rewiring limiting beliefs

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