Take A Chance On You

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth reflects on the past year and shares strategies for executing goals in 2026. She emphasises the importance of self-reflection, crafting a personal mission statement, using feedback as a catalyst for change, building community, and empowering the next generation.

Alexandra encourages listeners to take action, even when they don't feel ready, and to seek connection and support from others as they navigate their personal and professional journeys.

The biggest takeaway, embrace the uncertainty of the future with optimism, hope and resilience, you're not alone on your journey.

Takeaways:

• Becoming who you are meant to be by crafting a mission statement, putting thoughts into action and building your personal brand.
• New Year’s resolutions / vision board can be nice activities to complete, helping self-reflect on things that went well and areas for improvement, but we must focus on execution.
• Breaking down big goals into smaller actionable. You cannot do everything in one day. Decide how you can remove stressors from wanting to achieve success and think about longevity. Outreach to that person today, gain leads, feedback on proposal etc and then move forward.
• Build your personal brand by starting to share your stories in 2026.
• Feedback is your momentum for change if you want it. Think about how you can engage with feedback from others and focus on professional development / transferable skills.
• Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.
• Seek out opportunities. The art of community, culture and networking.
• Start before you’re ready, I did with the podcast and I couldn’t imagine my life any differently.

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Goal Setting

03:10 Crafting Your Mission Statement

05:55 Using Rejection as Momentum for Change

09:03 Building Community and Networking

11:54 Empowering the Next Generation

15:03 Taking Action Before You're Ready

This year we have dived into the world of thought leadership, personal and professional resilience, embracing change and the importance of taking breaks.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

See you all for more storytelling in 2026!

Season 2 Collaborator - INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Segal, Managing Director of InterTalent, one of the UK’s top talent agencies, reflects on the fast-paced changes in the entertainment industry throughout 2025 and expectations for the year ahead. 

Alex discusses the importance of strategic planning during the holiday season as we approach Christmas and reflect on client engagements, setbacks and forward momentum. 

Alex and his team approach the multifaceted role of InterTalent, and the necessity of adaptability in communication with confidence, emphasising the significance of risk-taking and innovation in talent management, as well as the need for personal branding in the digital age. He also shares insights on his Substack, Dealmakers, aimed at empowering others in the industry. 

The importance of community, networking, and resilience in the entertainment industry underpins Alex’s key message, requiring personal growth, learning from competitors, and the significance of being organised and having a strong work ethic. 

The discussion also touches on the exciting future of talent representation and the importance of embracing new platforms and ideas; Alex sharing his own experiences of resilience and grit. 

Takeaways

·  2025 has been a year of relentless change in the entertainment industry.

·  December is now a frantic month for strategising and planning.

·  Talent agents must be adaptable and understand their clients.

·  Building trust and communication is crucial in talent management.

·   Risk-taking can lead to significant opportunities in the industry.

·   Personal branding is essential for success in today's market.

·   Embracing AI can enhance productivity but not replace relationships.

·   Consistency is key to building a successful career in talent management.

·   Gatekeeping knowledge in the industry is detrimental to growth.

·   Empowering others through shared knowledge can foster community.

·   Younger agents should be encouraged to explore Substack.

·   Networking happens best in person, not through Zoom or emails.

·   Don't be afraid to start; everyone begins somewhere.

Dealmakers - Substack.

Season 2 Collaborator: INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with Tasha Turnbull, Senior Account Manager at Mitchell & Stone. Tasha shares her unique journey from being the first employee at a startup to managing a team across different countries. The conversation delves into the importance of networking, authenticity in professional relationships, and the impact of AI on the marketing landscape. Tasha emphasises the value of hard work, staying prepared, and being yourself in the workplace. She also discusses her experiences at Downing Street and how they shaped her career.

Takeaways

Tasha was the first employee at Mitchell & Stone, witnessing its growth.

Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Authenticity is key in professional relationships.

AI is an assistive technology, not a replacement for humans.

Building confidence is crucial for career progression.

Problem-solving skills are essential in any role.

Don't take yourself too seriously in a corporate environment.

Nurturing relationships can lead to long-term success.

Stay prepared for unexpected opportunities.

Everything happens for a reason in your career journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tasha Turnbull and Her Journey

02:57 The Startup Experience: Building from the Ground Up

05:55 The Importance of Networking and Authenticity

08:56 Unexpected Opportunities: The Downing Street Experience

16:03 Discovering Passion Through Networking

18:09 Navigating University and Career Paths

21:49 Adapting to Challenges During the Pandemic

25:53 Fostering a Problem-Solving Mindset

28:17 Embracing AI in Marketing

32:39 Final Thoughts on Professional Growth

Season 2 Collaborator: INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Morgan Yuan, a business major at USC Marshall School of Business. They discuss Morgan's experiences with influencer marketing, wealth management, and her passion for entrepreneurship.

Morgan shares her journey to securing an internship with Poppi, emphasising the importance of hard work, authenticity in content creation, and managing expectations. She discusses how rejection can lead to redirection and the value of taking breaks to maintain wellbeing whilst studying.

The conversation also covers the impact of AI on creativity, the importance of human connection, and Morgan's entrepreneurial aspirations.

Takeaways

• Hard work will always be talent.
• Rejection is redirection.
• Authentic content creation is rewarding.
• Taking breaks combats burnout.
• Interning with Poppi was a dream come true.
• Networking is key to success.

• Morgan emphasises the importance of taking chances and reaching out to industry leaders.
• AI can enhance productivity but may limit creativity in some educational settings.
• Human connection remains vital despite technological advancements.
• The Poppi internship is a significant milestone in Morgan's journey.
• The importance of being present and enjoying the moment is highlighted.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Morgan Yuan
• 00:03:00 Impact of AI on Creativity
• 00:09:00 Importance of Human Connection
• 00:15:00 Morgan's Internship Journey
• 00:21:00 Overcoming Rejection
• 00:27:00 Morgan's Future Aspirations
• 00:39:00 The Role of Networking
• 00:45:00 Balancing Passion and Career
• 00:51:00 Insights on Entrepreneurship - Closing Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host and creator Alexandra Forsyth reflects on the transformative year of 2025, emphasising the importance of dreaming big and taking actionable steps towards personal goals. She shares her journey of leaving the corporate world, facing rejection, and the significance of community support. Alexandra encourages listeners to craft their mission statements, embrace their unique journeys, and leverage transferable skills while setting ambitious goals for the upcoming year.

Takeaways

Dreaming big involves becoming who you're meant to be.

Rejection can lead to new opportunities and redirection.

Surround yourself with people who challenge you.

Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.

Crafting a mission statement can guide your actions.

Not everyone will understand your journey; that's okay.

Visualisation helps in understanding your goals.

Transferable skills can be applied across various industries.

Set ambitious and outlandish goals for yourself.

Your journey is unique; embrace it fully.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Change

02:49 Dreaming Big: Turning Thoughts into Action

06:08 Embracing Rejection and Building Resilience

08:48 The Importance of Community and Support

11:58 Crafting Your Mission Statement

15:14 Navigating Your Unique Journey

18:09 The Power of Visualisation and Intentionality

21:02 Self-Reflection and Growth

Season 2 Collaborator - INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with financial coach Diane Watson about the importance of financial literacy, especially for women. Diane shares her journey from being a financial advisor to becoming a money mentor and author of 'She Can Prosper'.

They discuss the unique challenges women face in understanding finances, the impact of neurodiversity on financial management, and the importance of community support. Diane offers practical strategies for financial success and emphasises the need for intention and purpose in financial planning.

Takeaways

Women often feel poor in understanding complex maths related to finances.

Early financial education is crucial for building confidence in money management.

Neurodiversity can impact financial decision-making and management.

Avoidance of financial issues can lead to greater problems in the long run.

Community support is vital for women navigating financial challenges.

Setting clear financial goals can help in achieving success.

Understanding one's money style is essential for effective management.

Impulsivity in spending can be managed with strategies like waiting before purchases.

It's never too late to start learning about finances and investing.

Having a mentor or advisor can provide valuable support in financial planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment

03:11 Diane's Journey and the Birth of She Can Prosper

06:08 Challenges Women Face in Financial Literacy

08:46 The Importance of Financial Education

11:41 Strategies for Financial Success

14:39 Navigating Business Ownership as a Woman

17:50 The Impact of Economic Changes on Women

20:32 Mental Health and Neurodiversity in Business

23:28 Understanding ADHD and Its Effects on Women

26:39 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

31:20 Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Complexities

34:08 Impulsivity and Financial Management

37:15 The Pressure of Holiday Spending

39:03 Limiting Beliefs and Self-Worth

41:29 Visualisation and Goal Setting

45:21 Practical Financial Strategies

48:26 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children

50:57 The Importance of Intentional Financial Planning

Season 2 Collaborator - INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with Ryan Toppin, a business coach and mentor from Australia. Ryan shares his journey from sports to business coaching, emphasising the importance of collaboration over competition, the need for clear vision and goals, and the significance of feedback in personal and professional growth.

Ryan introduces the concept of the Four P's of business success—“People, Processes, Placement, and Partnerships”—and discusses the “Founders Live” initiative, which connects startups with investors.

The conversation highlights the importance of selling oneself and the value of personal branding in today's business landscape.

Takeaways

Ryan emphasises the importance of meaningful connections in business.

The Four P's of business success are People, Processes, Placement, and Partnerships.

Collaboration with competitors can lead to greater success.

Understanding consumer expectations is crucial for business growth.

Feedback should be viewed as constructive, not personal.

Choosing your pain is essential for long-term growth.

Having a clear vision helps navigate challenges.

Lessons from sports can be applied to business leadership.

Founders Live provides a platform for startups to connect and grow.

Selling yourself is a vital part of business success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Toppin and His Journey

05:04 The Four P's of Business Success

08:06 Rethinking Competition: From Scarcity to Collaboration

10:54 Adapting to Consumer Expectations in a Changing Market

14:03 The Importance of Feedback and Choosing Your Pain

20:04 Lessons from Sports: Team Dynamics and Communication

32:14 The Bigger Picture: Community and Open-Mindedness

34:44 The Power of Collaboration and Community

36:13 Founders Live: Connecting Entrepreneurs

42:28 Market Research Through Pitching

45:27 The Importance of Networking and Community Support

47:58 Visualisation and Mental Preparation

58:08 Don't Be Afraid to Sell Yourself

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Sabrina Berko, head of content management at the DTX Technology Conference. They discuss the evolution of the conference, focusing on business transformation, the importance of inclusivity in events, and the challenges in cyber security. The conversation also touches on the significance of adapting education for neurodiverse individuals and the mental health implications within the tech industry. Sabrina shares her passion for the tech space and the importance of creating supportive environments for professionals.

Takeaways

Sabrina Berko is passionate about creating inclusive spaces at events.

DTX has shifted focus from digital transformation to business transformation.

The importance of addressing neurodiversity in tech environments.

Education and training must adapt to different learning styles.

Cybersecurity professionals face significant mental health challenges.

Networking at events is crucial for personal and professional growth.

AI innovations are reshaping the tech landscape.

Inclusivity in events enhances the overall experience for attendees.

The tech industry needs to prioritise mental health support.

Sabrina encourages young people to explore careers in tech. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DTX Technology Conference

02:39 The Evolution of DTX: From Digital to Business Transformation

05:12 Creating Inclusive Spaces at Events

08:53 The Future of DTX: Trends in AI and Cybersecurity

12:23 Understanding Neurodiversity in Tech

15:44 The Role of Education in the Age of AI

18:44 Cybersecurity: Challenges and Community Support

22:43 Mental Health in Cybersecurity