Reclaiming Bossy

In today’s episode of Empower Sounds, I’m joined by Flourish with Zara — a Registered Associate Nutritionist — to answer all your questions about how to meet your nutritional goals while juggling a busy lifestyle.

We talk about how to nourish yourself as a student or young professional, even when you’re on a budget or trying to balance a social life. We cover common misconceptions around protein (especially for vegetarians!), how much you actually need, and whether supplements like creatine are worth considering.

We also go deeper than just food — exploring how to build sustainable habits, the mindset side of nutrition, and how to take care of yourself in a way that doesn’t feel restrictive or overwhelming.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion around nutrition, eating habits, and eating disorders. Zara also shares that her own past struggles with disordered eating inspired her journey into nutrition. If this is a sensitive topic for you and you may find it distressing, please feel free to skip this episode and check out the many other conversations we have on the podcast.

Zara’s work is all about making wellness more accessible and empowering — and this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you do just that.

Explore Zara’s work:About: https://flourishwithzara.com/about

Features: https://flourishwithzara.com/features

Zara’s recommended products & nutrition workbook: https://flourishwithzara.kit.com/

Follow the podcast for more:

📸 Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

🎥 TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

📩 Inquiries & collaborations: [email protected]

🎧 New episodes every week — hit follow so you never miss one!

In this episode, I’m joined by Marlene Leiss, co-founder of The Graduate Guide, to talk about what it’s really like navigating entrepreneurship as a woman—especially when it comes to fundraising, leadership, and sales.

We dive into her experience leading in a mixed-gender founding team, shifting her identity into that of a CEO, and learning how to own the room, even when it feels intimidating.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• The fundraising gap women face—and how Marlene is tackling it

• Building systems for sales, follow-ups, and client success

• What a CRM is and why it matters when growing a business

• Navigating co-founder dynamics as a woman in leadership

• Moving through imposter syndrome and building unshakable self-belief

If you’re building a business, pitching investors, or simply trying to back yourself more boldly—this episode is packed with relatable insight and real strategy.

🎧 Tune in and reach out if anything resonates—we love hearing from you!

Connect with Marlene on LinkedIn:

📎 Marlene Leiss

Follow along with Empower Sounds:

📸 Instagram: @empowersoundspod

🎥 TikTok: @empowersoundspod

📩 For inquiries & collaborations: [email protected]

Starting university can feel like stepping into a whirlwind — new people, new responsibilities, and a lot of pressure to figure it all out. In this solo episode, I’m opening up about everything I wish someone had told me before I started...

What We Talk About in This Episode:

💬 1. Not Everyone Will Like You — and That’s Not the Goal

→ School was cliquey, and I wanted to be liked by everyone. I’d organise calls, brunches, and burn myself out trying to keep up.

→ The truth? You don’t need to be for everyone. Stay open to connection, but don’t take it personally.

💬 2. Make Time for Your Health

→ That uni joke about choosing only two: sleep, social life, or good grades? Let’s stop glorifying burnout.

→ You need fuel, rest, and boundaries. Plan ahead. It’s okay to say no.

💬 3. Ask for Help – You’re Not Supposed to Know Everything

→ Uni is independent and often unclear. Use your resources: book office hours, email your lecturers, ask questions. Support is there for a reason.

💬 4. Prioritise Smarter, Not Harder

→ Ditch the never-ending to-do list. Try the avalanche method to focus your energy on what matters most.

💬 5. FOMO is Inevitable – But Burnout Isn’t Worth It

→ You will always be missing something. Let yourself rest. Quiet time isn’t a waste — it’s how you stay grounded.

💬 6. You Don’t Need to Get It Right Instantly

→ New environment. New responsibilities. It’s okay to mess up. You can’t be clean without getting a little messy. Just learn and keep going.

💬 7. You’re Going to Change — Let Yourself Evolve

→ Changing interests, friendships, even values? That’s normal. You’re growing. You’re allowed to evolve.

💬 8. Try New Things

→ This is your chance to explore. New people, societies, hobbies — take the leap. You might just surprise yourself.

💬 9. Feeling Lost is Completely Normal

→ Everyone’s pretending to have it together — trust me. Use the resources around you. You deserve support. Embrace the uncertainty — clarity will come.

💬 10. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

→ Everyone’s life branches off differently at this stage. Run your race. Stay in your lane. Your journey is valid.

💡 Whether you’re starting uni, deep in the journey, or reflecting back — this episode is your permission slip to be gentle with yourself.

📸 Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

🎥 TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

📩 For inquiries & collaborations: [email protected]

🎧 New episodes weekly — hit follow so you never miss an episode!

Thinking about starting a business? This episode is your blueprint...

I’m joined by Kaitlin Fritz, a Forbes 30 Under 30 founder, startup accelerator coach, and co-founder of Musemio, an award-winning EdTech company. After scaling her own business, she now helps founders build and grow their own ventures—and she’s here to share everything you need to know before you start.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

-  The heart of entrepreneurship: finding a problem worth solving

-  How to navigate networking events and build meaningful connections

- Kaitlin’s personal journey—how she built and scaled her startup

- Balancing university, business, and life as a student entrepreneur

- Breaking barriers in male-dominated industries

- Kaitlin’s top advice for aspiring founders

If you’re thinking about launching a business—or are already on your startup journey—this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and real talk to help you succeed. 🚀

🎧 Tune in now! And share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

📲 Connect with Kaitlin Fritz:

🌎 Website: kaitlin-fritz.com

📺 YouTube: Kaitlin’s Playlist

🔥 Follow the podcast for more:

📸 Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

🎥 TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

📩 For inquiries & collaborations contact: [email protected]

It’s the final episode of the season, and we’re talking all things vision boarding! 🎨✨ As we wrap up 2024 and set our sights on 2025, I’m sharing my decade of experience with vision boards and how they’ve helped me manifest some truly incredible things—friends, opportunities, and even surprise moments like finding my dream neighborhood in Madrid.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through:

•How to create vision boards that feel inspiring and realistic

•Why a gratitude board might be the missing piece in your manifestation practice

•The importance of leaving space for life to surprise you

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, joy, and everything you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re new to vision boarding or looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is the perfect way to end the year.Thank you for an amazing season—see you in 2025 with even more interviews, solo episodes and more cool content

Let me know your thoughts and join our community

•Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

•TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

•Linktree: linktr.ee/empowersounds

For inquiries, email us at [email protected].

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In this episode of Empower Sounds, I sit down with Peggy Klaus—executive coach, author of Brag! and creator of the Unstoppable Confidence program—to uncover the power of storytelling, self-promotion, and confidence building. Peggy takes us through her fascinating journey: from training as an actor and singer at the Royal Academy of Music to coaching professionals across industries, including Hollywood stars and corporate leaders. She shares insights on:

✨ Why storytelling captivates us—and how to make it your secret weapon

✨ How to brag artfully without coming off as obnoxious (and why it’s essential for your success)

✨ The “bragging myths” holding you back—and how to rewrite them

✨ Why practice is everything when it comes to confidence and communication

✨ How women can break barriers, reclaim their voices, and step into their full potential

If you’ve ever struggled to “own your achievements” without cringing, felt stuck in the shadows, or wanted to show up as your best self in high-stakes moments—this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Peggy at PeggyKlaus.com and learn more about her Unstoppable Confidence program.

Key Takeaways:

1.Self-promotion is not bragging—it’s communicating your value so others see it, too.

2.Confidence is a skill, not a trait. Practice it like an athlete.

3.You’ll never win opportunities if you keep waiting for others to notice you.

Let me know your thoughts and join our community

•Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

•TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

•Linktree: linktr.ee/empowersounds

For inquiries, email us at [email protected].

✨ If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more conversations with incredible women redefining success. 

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On this special episode of the Empower Sounds Podcast, I’m taking inspiration from Spotify Wrapped to create my very own 2024 Wrapped. Instead of music genres, I’m sharing the most important life lessons I’ve learned this year—one for each month.

From navigating visa struggles in Spain to learning the power of community, boundaries, and optimism, this episode is packed with personal stories, reflections, and lessons that I hope resonate with you too. I’ll also explore how stepping out of your comfort zone, setting boundaries, and celebrating small wins can transform your perspective.

What I Cover in This Episode:

✨ Why the small, mundane moments matter more than you think.

✨ How hard times can be the greatest teachers—and why growth comes from how you respond.

✨ The power of boundaries in relationships, friendships, and everyday life.

✨ Why trying new, scary things is the ultimate way to build self-trust.

✨ How to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start celebrating yourself now.

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Hard seasons bring the most growth.

2️⃣ Boundaries can be empowering, not limiting.

3️⃣ Life’s magic lies in embracing the process, not just the destination.

Let me know which lesson resonates most with you—and share your own wrapped moments from the year...

Let me know your thoughts and join our community

•Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

•TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

•Linktree: linktr.ee/empowersounds

For inquiries, email us at [email protected].

Let’s wrap up the year together with inspiration and gratitude. ❤️

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🎙️ In this inspiring episode, Sandy Aziz, a lawyer, freelance journalist, and creative powerhouse, shares her journey of navigating rejection, building resilience, and thriving in her passions. Originally from Egypt and Texas, Sandy now lives in London, balancing her legal career with her creative endeavors, including writing for globally renowned publications like Teen Vogue, Notion, and 511 Magazine.

We cover:

💡 How Sandy transitioned from law school rejection to building an international career in competition law and journalism.

💡 Her creative journey—from pitching stories to landing bylines in iconic publications.

💡 The challenges and triumphs of balancing a dual career in law and writing.

💡 Why rejection is redirection and how it shaped her path.

💡 The making of the groundbreaking Silk Road Issue for 511 Magazine, a 700-page celebration of global cultures.

💡 How to build community, embrace faith, and navigate detachment while chasing your dreams.

💬 Key takeaways:

•Rejection is part of the process—it redirects you to where you’re meant to be.

•Community and faith can be powerful forces in overcoming self-doubt.

•Pursuing your passions with conviction leads to transformative opportunities.

Connect with Sandy Aziz:

🌟 Instagram: @TheSandakin

🌟 Writing Portfolio: www.sandyaziz.com

🌟 Explore 511 Magazine’s: https://www.5elevenmag.com/

Let me know your thoughts and join our community

•Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

•TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

•Linktree: linktr.ee/empowersounds

For inquiries, email us at [email protected].

✨ If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more conversations with incredible women redefining success. ✨

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of the Empower Sounds Podcast, I reflect on one of the most transformative experiences of my life: living alone abroad for the past year in Madrid. From navigating a new country and language to learning how to self-process emotions, this journey taught me valuable lessons about independence, boundaries, and personal growth. Whether you’ve lived alone before or not, this episode shares insights that are applicable to anyone looking to deepen their self-awareness and embrace their individuality.

What I Cover in This Episode:

🌍 Living Abroad: My experience moving to Madrid, adjusting to a new environment, and embracing the challenge of being in a country where I wasn’t fluent in the language.

💭 Self-Processing Emotions: The power of self-validation and building trust with yourself through practices like journaling, voice notes, and self-reflection.

🏠 Creating Your Space: How living alone helped me establish my own routines, take pride in my space, and build a home that reflects who I am.

🛠️ Coping Mechanisms: Why it’s important to understand your emotional responses and create healthy habits to manage stress, loneliness, and challenging situations.

🌟 Boundaries and Discernment: Lessons on who and what to let into your physical and emotional space, and how to protect your peace.

🤝 Balancing Loneliness and Happiness: How I learned to embrace loneliness without villainizing it and recognize that it can coexist with happiness.

 Key Takeaways:

1) Building trust with yourself is one of the most empowering things you can do.

2) Taking responsibility for your freedom and creating structure is essential for balance.

3) Loneliness can be a beautiful teacher that helps you understand what and who truly matters to you.

Reflection Prompts:

1.How do you process your emotions when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

2.What steps can you take to create a space (physical or emotional) that feels like home?

3.Who or what gives you energy, and how can you bring more of that into your life?

Let me know your thoughts and join our community

•Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

•TikTok: @EmpowerSoundsPodcast

•Linktree: linktr.ee/empowersounds

For inquiries, email us at [email protected].

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In this episode of the Empower Sounds Podcast, I sit down with Jaya the inspiring CEO and founder of Svaha USA, a groundbreaking clothing brand that’s redefining gender stereotypes and celebrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Jaya’s journey from fashion studies in India to launching a successful, inclusive clothing line in the U.S. is nothing short of empowering.

Driven by her daughter’s love for space and a desire to challenge societal norms, Jaya’s story offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and shattering stereotypes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🧵 From Passion to Purpose: How Jaya’s love for fashion and her family inspired the creation of Svaha USA.

🎨 Why STEAM, Not STEM: The importance of integrating art into science and education—and how it’s reflected in Svaha’s designs.

🌍 Shattering Stereotypes: How Svaha challenges traditional gender norms in clothing and inspires meaningful conversations.

🚀 Starting Small, Dreaming Big: How Jaya launched her brand through a successful Kickstarter campaign and scaled it into a thriving business.

👩‍🔬 Collaborating with Trailblazers: The impact of working with inspiring women, including former NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg.

💡 Lessons in Resilience: Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and self-care while building a purpose-driven brand.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Testing an Idea: Jaya’s Kickstarter strategy to validate her vision before scaling her business.
• Inclusivity Matters: How Svaha USA ensures its designs cater to all genders and fosters freedom of expression.
• Balancing Roles: Jaya shares her secrets to juggling being a mom and a CEO with efficiency and purpose.
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Jaya’s mindset of treating every challenge as a level to conquer in her entrepreneurial journey.

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 Svaha USA Website: svahausa.com

📲 Follow Svaha USA on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook: @svahausa

Connect with the Podcast:

📷 Instagram: @EmpowerSounds

🎧 Listen Everywhere: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

📩 Email: [email protected]

Jaya’s journey reminds us all that the only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a change maker, or someone passionate about creating inclusive spaces, this episode is for you.

✨ Listen now and get inspired to break boundaries and follow your dreams! ✨

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