Take A Chance On You

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

Today's topic and theme is 'love for learning and continuous 

education’ 

Taran is on a mission. Not just any mission, he has a well executed plan to change the lives of students forever through a new platform called ‘Anyverse’ which he co-founded alongside two friends. 

Students from any background can find application support ahead of attending university in the UK (big plans to expand globally). Taran is ready to offer his advice to you on this podcast before you choose your university studies - offering application support via an AI course advisor, free of charge to supercharge your future! 

Taran’s mantra is to “make the world a better place”, optimising life through a suite of different products via the Anyverse website, alongside support offered from top collaborators including Oxford and Cambridge universities. 

Key aspects Taran covers includes: 

• Showing your passion for the subject area in your personal statement 
• Identify and showcase how you have gone beyond your schooling and extracurriculars, why do you want to attend the university and study? Taking online courses, attending webinars, networking, and building a portfolio through upskilling can really help you stand out. 

“What would I have wanted when I was 17”, Taran describes as being the key motivating phrase for himself and co-founders when launching Anyverse. But taking it right back, Taran’s love for learning was shaped by his family influences, and how education can be a tool to make life better. 

Taran’s grandfather wanted him to attend a Grammar school in the UK, and eventually go to Oxbridge. This led Taran down a path of discovery, being fortunate enough to attend Cambridge university. 

It took Taran a while to figure out his ‘why’ in life, and he retells how it is okay to not have it straight away, instead taking time to apply himself, and do the self diligent act of learning on the go. 

In the corporate world, Taran was given an enormous amount of responsibility, working with Amazon in the delivery warehouse, leading a team. This taught Taran that whilst he may have considered himself as an introvert, communication, collaboration and teamwork became crucial in order to gain his colleagues respect, trust and conviction that he was the right person to lead. 

In the networking world, Taran puts a unique spin on his experiences, choosing to mentor with ProjectAccess, and seek out passion projects he could volunteer with, and speak with people instead of going to mundane events which sometimes do not result in long lasting connections. 

Anyverse website

Project Access website

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

From GCSE’s to graphic design, retail to creative industry, facing rejection head-on, learning the art of self-taught study and mentorship; this week, Nikesh and Sophie walk us through their incredibly determined and witty stories so far! 

Nikesh and Sophie are two apprentices working in London with Music Maestro, a creative marketing and production company hosting a portfolio of record labels for content creation, radio and video content, visualising and marketing assets. 

Music Maestro also have their own podcast diving into the behind the scenes world, and talking to executives about music. 

Nikesh and Sophie have embedded themselves in the creative industry, with Nikesh sharing his passion for creating digital designs and photography, which led him to build a portfolio through his own projects from his A-Level Graphic Design course, later using it to apply for apprenticeships. Meanwhile, Sophie began working with premiere Adobe suite, completing her media studies during school, before going onto study full-time media at college before later completing her degree in Film Production over three years. 

A fantastic resource worth mentioning this week is Big Creative Education (BCE), with Nikesh and Sophie sharing how they had help through the interview process, coaching, and long-term collaboration with other creatives in the industry. 

Nikesh began his journey in electrical engineering, finding a passion for buying soldering kits and LED lights online, practicing putting things together. 

Nikesh feels very strongly towards self-taught study, and figuring things out along the way, skills he has passed onto Sophie when helping mentor her within their collaborative roles. 

Sophie gets real with us about the impacts of lockdown and COVID on graduation and being able to film her final project before the required deadline. 

Sophie spent time in hospitality and retail, continuing to apply for roles in film and creative. In an inspiring turn of events, Sophie tells us how she pushed through multiple rounds of rejection, ending up in her dream career with Music Maestro, prior keeping in the right mind frame via creating vlogs during her travels. 

Nikesh believes his personal development stemmed not from his casual CV,  but his portfolio and the power of sharing personal projects in film, helping him to thrive and getting the roles he wanted / professional experience in the industry. 

Nikesh and Sophie end by detailing the power of friendship in the workplace, guiding each other along the way and building a strong foundation for future team members. 

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

WE ARE BACK!! 

This week's episode of Take A Chance On You is dedicated to my dear friend Emma Davies, who I had the pleasure of meeting earlier this year when she gave a presentation on how to maintain your mental and physical well-being when working in the technology industry. 

Emma works with the UK Cyber Security Council in the events space, and brings a breath of fresh air, discussing her career trajectory and new lease on life. 

Starting out in the freelance world, Emma navigated corporate settings with ease, and is now ready to share her journey with you all! 

Emma describes freelancing through to events coordination in cyber security, taking with her transferable skills, and thinking about what else she could bring to the table. Ultimately, cyber security can be anything you want, with Emma knowing little about the industry before entering. 

Emma helps run a webinar series once a week, and advocates for the cyber access network - helping anyone going through career changes, early stage to pivoting; offering a space to share skills through different mediums and build connections - youth advisory panel. 

Emma also leans into wellness, detailing how it was sprung upon her in the  least expected moments - getting personal about her journey, stemming from loss and thinking about gut health / the signs you can look out for. 

Key points this week include the power of having mentors and getting the advice you need / being purposeful with your connections. 

Multiple streams of passions and skills to tap into. 

Having time in the morning for yourself - affirmations. Reading a nourishing book. 

You can be whoever you want to be, keep it fun, and just be yourself. 

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

If you're new here, or a seasoned Take A Chance On You professional, this episode offers short recap based on all of the fantastic guests we have had on so far!

Yevgeniya Melnyk: 

‘Are You Really Where You’re Meant to Be in Life’. 

Yev was born and raised in Ukraine, before studying her Master's degree in petroleum engineering, and later moving to the UK to enrol in  Fashion Design and Development at the London College of Fashion. 

Yev has a very interesting background, pivoting careers, and getting opportunities to travel the world, learning the importance of networking, interning with fashion designers and building a solid foundation ready to launch her brand ROQSOIR!!

Naychi Htet: 

‘Exploring Culture, Growth and Learning’. 

Naychi is originally from Myanmar, Southeast Asia, where she grew up, studied and had her first role in marketing, before moving to Nottingham, UK to further study marketing as part of her postgraduate degree; eventually moving to London and working in project management and client services. 

Naychi dives into the importance of knowing which career path to explore, however remaining open minded to the world around her, including varying perspectives.

Aleksandra Werstak and Ines Ribeiro: 

'Having a sense of self and identity in the fashion space'. 

I met Aleks and Ines during London Fashion Week in September 2024, and listened to their stories while waiting in the queue to enter a show, however had no luck because of arriving late. In the meantime, I got to know the girls and later invited them both on the podcast.

Aleks originally from Poland, emigrated to the UK, and has since grown up in the south London town of Croydon. Aleks originally studied Textiles, learning the fundamentals of fashion, alongside having teachers to help ground her, before going onto continue studying Textiles at A-Level. From there, Aleks navigated Ravensbourne university, learning about pattern cutting, and then transferred to Kingston. 

Ines born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, arrived in London during 2023 to attend Kingston university, meeting Aleks along the way. Ines developed a love for fashion from an early age, which began with making costumes for carnivals, an activity emphasised in her hometown. 

Ajay Ruckmani:

'Reframing failure and building your dream life’. 

Ajay believes in putting yourself out there, which has helped him build his networking capabilities; and if you failure you will learn something and build resilience overtime. Ajay tells himself that when he is going through a big life changing moment, if it fails then it is a new story to tell. 

Tash Sanganoo: 

‘It is okay to pivot careers and try something new’. 

Tash spends time in this episode discussing the importance of pivoting careers, having started as an assistant / leadership role from the young age of 15, teaching Martial Arts students. Since then, Tash has built a strong sense of self, resilience, and confidence mindset that has helped her to figure out what she really wants to do - social media strategy for clients. 

Dixie Newman: 

Dixie was originally born in New York, and raised in Somerset, UK, where she discovered her love for acting, singing and dancing from a young age. Dixie went onto audition for the National Youth Choir and performed twice at the Royal Albert Hall in her mid teens, and in 2015, was accepted into Royal Central School of Speech & Drama to study a 3 year BA (Hons) in Acting, Musical Theatre where she spent 50 hours a week stu

Alexandra Forsyth: On Route To Take A Chance On You and Getting To Know The Creator

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

This week, Alexandra is lifting the lid on Take A Chance On You! 

It has been a crazy two months since the podcast launch, with a number  guests already telling their stories, and now Alexandra thinks it is time she told you about her journey!

Alexandra is joined by moderator Joshua Swain, a London-based Videographer and Producer.

Alexandra unveils why this podcast was created, how it came to be, alongside touching on the power of networking, community, personal branding, cyber security and more! 

Guests will be back soon. 

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Carolina Marsoli: The Importance Of Personal Styling, Personal Branding and Showing Up For Women

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

Today’s guest is Carolina Marsoli, who has a background in fashion, personal styling and helping women strengthen their personal brand using consultancy. 

The key topic and theme for this episode is: 

‘Personal styling and how to elevate your wardrobe to feel empowered’.

With over 100 satisfied clients across Europe, the United States and Dubai, Carolina is dedicated to transforming how women approach their wardrobes and helping them find clarity and confidence through their clothes. Carolina’s mission is to help women feel empowered by what they wear, understanding they can have anything they want and feel great. 

Ecommerce is BOOMING, the ability to shop in real-time through online shops and via social media, means the amount of people looking to up style themselves is thriving. 

During Carolina’s university studies in personal styling, she learnt the importance of colour analysis, wardrobe edits and body shapes, focusing on making women feel good through the right mix and match of clothing.  

Personal style is an untapped market, and unspoken communication tool, helping professionals make lasting first impressions, own a room, and accelerate career growth, specifically in leadership and public speaking. 

Styling can reinforce credibility, influence, and leadership presence, whether for a career change, speaking engagements, or personal reinvention.

From individual style transformations to guiding industry newcomers, Carolina is committed to the art and purpose of styling as a powerful means of expression. Whether her clients are heading into a high-stakes meeting, a casual brunch, or a special date night, they'll know they look and feel their absolute best because Carolina offers styling courses and workshops, with a focus on corporate wardrobe solutions for professional women.

Carolina has presented her ‘Wardrobe Architect Method’ for the first time at a workshop for women at the BBC Club on the theme of "Wearing vs. Styling" and Editorial Photo Shoots showcased at the prestigious Saatchi Art and distributed across Europe in leading High-End Fashion Magazines.

Follow along with Carolina! Substack - London Newsletter

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

Today’s guests is Laura Diana Mee, breath work teacher, and jewel career enthusiast due to wearing multiple hats, and trusting her instincts towards PR and hospitality consultancy, going against societal expectations.

Laura faced redundancy as a result of the COVID pandemic, soon after she faced the tragedy of being hit by a car, and further rejection when trying to find a new job. However, through these challenges, Laura realised this was the wake up call she needed, facing up to her present reality and figuring out her next steps. 

Pandemic was a big turning point for Laura - a year of chaos - hit by a car, lost job, moved house, recent relationship break up prior - hit rock bottom - lost her confidence - anxiety starting creeping in around her  voice and abilities. Jumped from job to job trying to feel fulfilled. Breath work helped make a mental shift, obstacles turned into purpose. 

Laura took the leap a few years ago, and quit her full time job at 30, going freelance, and spending her savings training in holistic field. 

Laura describes herself as being a very sensitive person, always having had strong intuition. Feeling energy and emotions deeply has been both a blessing and a challenge, and Laura often found it difficult to navigate through these experiences which resulted in a dys-regulated / disorganised nervous system.

This sparked Laura’s interest in holistic practices and after years of exploring various interventions, she discovered the therapeutic benefits of breath work and started to orientate and organise her nervous system. Laura is very passionate about nervous system healing as truly believes that creating safety in the body is the first step to becoming your most authentic self. 

Giving people a voice is Laura's mission! An opportunity to speak about their journey, different perspectives and insights into different lifestyles and careers, inspiring listeners to think outside of the box beyond societal expectations.

It is okay to want a different life, multiple avenues and paths to go down if you would like, taking risks and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, not being afraid to look silly. Thinking outside the box takes courage, but Laura has no doubt you can do it!

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

Today’s guests is Dixie Newman, actress, singer, dancer, performer and secret music producer. You may have seen Dixie in the not so secret Netflix hit show Bridgerton season 2!! 

Dixie was originally born in New York, and raised in Somerset, UK, where she discovered her love for acting, singing and dancing from a young age. Dixie went onto audition for the National Youth Choir and performed twice at the Royal Albert Hall in her mid teens, and in 2015, was accepted into Royal Central School of Speech & Drama to study a 3 year BA (Hons) in Acting, Musical Theatre where she spent 50 hours a week studying alongside a small class of 17 other students. 

Dixie faced a few setbacks along the way, including undergoing vocal surgery in her second year due to a cyst that was affecting her speaking and singing voice. The recovery time forced Dixie to learn how to speak and sing again which was stressful during a 50 hour a week intense course, however BIG achievements came later when Dixie did manage to still graduate with her original class. 

After graduating (and with a voice even better than before) Dixie went home to live with her parents during COVID and discovered a love of producing her own music, ranging from Pop, R&B and House - some of which are on Spotify. 

When Dixie moved back to London in 2021, she was offered a small role in season 2 of Bridgerton which was wonderful. Dixie learnt a lot in just the 5 days she was on set and realised that she wanted to move into doing more TV and Film as opposed to just theatre. Since then, Dixie has performed in a new comedy musical at the Southwark Playhouse (June 24) and hoping that more will come up!

Recommendations for listeners this week include, networking, using the people around you in the same position or who are finding the pro's in it a little better, and ask them to be your off camera scene partner when going through the process of self-tapes since COVID has changed the audition process.

The power of mentoring is also hot on the agenda for Dixie, after being burnt a little through agencies, she now finds solace in friends, and people around her. Researching prior projects, clients with agencies, and longevity to help find the right person to represent you in the acting world is crucial.

Follow along with Dixie on Instagram and Spotify

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

Today’s guests is Tash Sanganoo, a social media strategist, and co-founder of Tribal Empire, helping coaches achieve their potential with clients. 

Tash will be discussing the topic and theme for this podcast episode which is: 

‘It is okay to pivot careers and try something new’. 

Tash spends time in this episode discussing the importance of pivoting careers, having started as an assistant / leadership role from the young age of 15, teaching Martial Arts students. Since then, Tash has built a strong sense of self, resilience, and confidence mindset that has helped her to figure out what she really wants to do - social media strategy for clients. 

Transferable skills are so important for Tash, having worked in retail, teaching, and several other roles where she has collaborated and communicated with others effectively; adapting to different audiences. 

Social media trends to keep an eye out for include:  

• Video content, starting with creating watchable clips, 
• Remaining authentic, showing up and being vulnerable, 
• Building community through personal brand and business. 

Tash breaks down the importance of ‘cold’ and warm’ leads, how to identify a winning strategy, including tailoring your approach, and offering bespoke services. 

What makes Tash different to others, she shows up as her authentic self, keeping sessions fun and light, but direct and adaptable to growing demands. 

Follow along with Tash - ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ 

Season 1 - episodes produced by Bloomsbury Institute.

Welcome to Take A Chance On You hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, cyber security expert, advisor, coach and public speaker. 

Today’s guests is Ajay Ruckmani, a cyber security analyst, with a background in web development, public speaking, retail, sales, consumer goods, fashion and more!

Ajay will be discussing the topic and theme for this podcast episode which is: 

'Reframing failure and building your dream life’. 

Ajay believes in putting yourself out there, which has helped him build his networking capabilities; and if you failure you will learn something and build resilience overtime. Ajay tells himself that when he is going through a big life changing moment, if it fails then it is a new story to tell.

Ajay's first role was in web development, however he soon realised it wasn't the right pathway for him. Ajay then attended a cyber security workshop and developed a natural authentic pull towards the industry.

Ajay discusses the important of visualisation, from knowing he wanted to create his own startup, to working creatively in sustainable fashion. Leaning into his own mindset has allowed Ajay to make many hard decisions including pivoting into a business development role more suited towards his needs.

Alongside networking, Ajay offers tips such as documenting your journey early, aiming to post more consistently on platforms such as LinkedIn to engage with others and open up opportunities for collaboration.

Follow along with Ajay - LinkedIn and Instagram