Take A Chance On You

Last week we covered longevity and this week we continue conversations surrounding wellbeing.

In this episode Alexandra discusses the missing link in executive development with CEO of Silicon Valley Executive Academy, Victoria Mensch, driving innovative change through immersive experiences.

Victoria has spent 25 years in high tech industries, turning her attention towards helping guide executives using the innovation playbook. 

Alexandra has gone through burnout in her career: together they discuss resilience, AI, human touch and leadership. 

Key Takeaways: 

· The importance of integrating human qualities like resilience and burnout-proof strategies in tech innovation

·  Innovation in Silicon Valley is driven by a focus on people and resilience

·  How Silicon Valley companies foster rapid innovation through immersion and connection with industry pioneers

·   Strategies for corporate leaders to evolve in AI, including roadmap planning and long-term transformation

·   The shift from hype to realistic expectations around AI's immediate versus long-term impact

·    Practical advice for individual and organisational energy replenishment through micro-joys moments 

·    The role of behavioural patterns, mindset shifts, and gratitude in preventing burnout, 

·    Cultivating a safe, experimental culture that embraces failure as a learning asset.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Victoria Mensch and SVEA

02:33 Silicon Valley Innovation Playbook

05:16 Navigating Change in Established Businesses

07:29 The Role of AI in Business Transformation

09:39 Understanding AI Tools and Their Limitations

12:02 The Importance of Communication in Technology

14:21 Regulatory Challenges and Societal Perspectives on AI

16:24 Exploring the Human Element: Burnout and Behavioural Patterns

22:20 Finding Joy in Small Moments

23:56 Replenishing Energy and Self-Worth

25:38 Personalised Paths to Happiness

27:38 The Importance of Self-Value

29:24 Burnout-Proof Leadership Strategies

31:23 Creating a Safe Space for Experimentation

34:15 The Value of Failure and Learning

36:38 Navigating Career Paths and Personal Conviction

38:57 Elements of a Flourishing Life

Burnout Guide & Recommendations. ⁠Link⁠

Take A Chance Digital Channels: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance Affiliate Partners:

Riverside - Providing high quality virtual podcasting recording products and features. Where the Take A Chance On You journey began! 14-days free trial ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ and then 20% off select plans ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠

Blinkist - providing listeners fun and easy commentary on a range of genres for avid book readers and podcasters! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Granola AI Notetaker - helping strip back time taken during meetings for teams on-the-go, busy and wanting to optimise performance! (download and apply to Business Plan (1 month) -Coupon: ALEXANDRA_FORSYTH) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch to learn more - ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

What does success and passion look like for you right now?

At the Longevity Show in London, host Alexandra reflected on health, purpose, burnout, and what it really means to build a sustainable life and career.

The biggest reminder, longevity isn’t just physical it is mental, emotional, and deeply personal.

Thank you to Andrea, Nirusha and Rosie and everyone at The Longevity Show.

Take A Chance Digital Channels: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance Affiliate Partners:

Riverside - Providing high quality virtual podcasting recording products and features. Where the Take A Chance On You journey began! 14-days free trial ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ and then 20% off select plans ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠

Blinkist - providing listeners fun and easy commentary on a range of genres for avid book readers and podcasters! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Granola AI Notetaker - helping strip back time taken during meetings for teams on-the-go, busy and wanting to optimise performance! (download and apply to Business Plan (1 month) -Coupon: ALEXANDRA_FORSYTH) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch to learn more - ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

The Longevity Show, London "Speaker Spotlight"

CEO EMEA of L-Nutra, Andrea Ghirardi, shares his mission to translate scientific research into accessible nutritional interventions for everyday life. Andrea discusses the 5-day program and 1-day reset, what longevity means for him and the company, insights into his personal health journey, how he came to focus on community, and the importance of wellness. 

The discussion covers innovations in nutritional products, the benefits of fasting and the future of longevity as a sustainable healthcare model focused on preventative health.

Full Episode: ⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠

Take A Chance Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree ⁠⁠⁠

Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠⁠

More Information:

https://longevityshow.com

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

The Longevity Show, London "Speaker Spotlight"

Dr. Nirusha Kumaran, Functional and Longevity Medicine Physician, emphasises personalised health programs tailored for high performers.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the unique pressures faced by founders and executives, the impact of stress on health and the journey from traditional medicine to functional medicine. Nirusha addresses the empowerment of women in health, the future of health monitoring, and the need for a holistic approach to wellness.

We also get into what personalised longevity actually means in practice, and why women in particular deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach to their health.

Full Episode: ⁠Link ⁠

Take A Chance Social Media: ⁠⁠LinkTree ⁠⁠

Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

More Information:

https://longevityshow.com

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

The Longevity Show, London "Speaker Spotlight"

What does success really look like?

Rosie Nixon joins Take A Chance, sharing her transformative journey from a successful career in British media to becoming a coach and author focused on helping midlife women navigate personal reinvention.

She discusses her experiences with burnout and perimenopause, emphasising the importance of self-care and reflection. 

Rosie introduces her PRO method, which encourages individuals to pause, reflect, and organise their lives to foster sustainable vitality.

She highlights the significance of community through her retreats, where women can explore their personal development in a supportive environment. Reflecting on her values, life changes and reinvention.

What does success really look like?

Full Episode: Link

Take A Chance Social Media: ⁠LinkTree ⁠

Learn More: ⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠

More information:

https://longevityshow.com

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

From his early days scouting in Soho pubs in London, to travelling the world working with directors and helping shape heart-centred moments through the camera lens; Michael knows a thing or two about what makes a compelling story, even finding wisdom in his own personal journey. 

We talk about the shift from film to digital, why social media has changed who gets to be a filmmaker, and what the edit suite reveals about the emotional weight of storytelling. Michael emphasises practical skills, networking, and the evolving landscape influenced by AI and social media.

Take A Chance Digital Channels: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance Affiliate Partners:

Riverside - Providing high quality virtual podcasting recording products and features. Where the Take A Chance On You journey began! 14-days free trial ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ and then 20% off select plans ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠

Blinkist - providing listeners fun and easy commentary on a range of genres for avid book readers and podcasters! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Granola AI Notetaker - helping strip back time taken during meetings for teams on-the-go, busy and wanting to optimise performance! (download and apply to Business Plan (1 month) -Coupon: ALEXANDRA_FORSYTH) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch to learn more - ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

From Emmy and BAFTA Nominations, many wins, Michael Nollet has spent 25 years cutting film. Early guerrilla productions to international co-productions shaped by politics, funding battles, and the arrival of AI. He opens and gets honest about what builds a career in film: resilience, relationships, and the willingness to learn on the job. 

From his early days scouting in Soho pubs in London, to travelling the world working with directors and helping shape heart-centred moments through the camera lens; Michael knows a thing or two about what makes a compelling story, even finding wisdom in his own personal journey. 

We talk about the shift from film to digital, why social media changed who gets to be a filmmaker, and what the edit suite reveals about the emotional weight of storytelling. Michael emphasises practical skills, networking, and the evolving landscape influenced by AI and social media.

Michael, like many of us is adapting through digital transformation and has watched the industry shift in real time. But he is still here, creating, learning and sharing his experiences.  

Key Takeaways: 

- Practical filmmaking skills over theory

- The importance of sound and image quality

- Networking and building industry relationships

- The role of funding and political influences in film projects

- The significance of storytelling and metaphors in film

- Personal stories of filmmaking journey and resilience

- The impact of global events like Brexit on the industry

Chapters: 

00:00Introduction to Michael Nollet and his filmmaking journey

00:16The importance of practical experience over theory

01:41The impact of social media and smartphone filmmaking

03:06The evolution from film to digital and AI in filmmaking

04:16Learning software skills and industry adaptability

05:48First projects and networking in the industry

07:54The role of smaller productions and mentorship

10:31Funding, international programs, and European collaborations

11:39The importance of storytelling, metaphors, and emotional impact

12:53Personal resilience and overcoming industry setbacks

16:10Advice for young filmmakers and building a career

18:53The significance of humility, feedback, and continuous learning

20:39Balancing political and creative drives in filmmaking

21:49On-location work and the creative process in editing

25:59The emotional and psychological aspects of editing intense content

29:37Reflections on impactful films and their societal influence

Resources: 

Michael’s Marathon Journey - https://michaelnollet.wordpress.com | https://www.brainresearchuk.org.uk

Portfolio - https://www.michaelnollet.com

Examples -

Edit Consulting for "A Want in Her" won at the 2025 BIFA Awards for Best Feature Doc and was nominated for Outstanding Debut at the BAFTA Awards 2026. It premiered at IFDA. 

"Name Me Lawand" was nominated for the 2025 Emmy Awards and won Special Jury Prize for International Feature Documentary at Hot Docs. Watch the trailer.

"Heart of Invictus" (docu-series) was broadcast on Netflix. Watch the trailer.

"Rebellion" was nominated for the 2023 BAFTA Awards for Outstanding Debut. Watch on Netflix.

Creatives: 

https://shootingpeople.org/ - Shutdown sadly, however resources still available. 

https://IndieShooters.org – UK-based offshoot. 

https://dokincubator.net/ - December 2026 deadline for international projects to submit, and regional workshops. 

https://www.stitchnbitcheditors.com/ - Community of female and gender-diverse editors and assistant editors. 

https://www.mandy.com/ - Network for film makers where you can list your credits and details for free.

https://www.filmriot.com/ - A lovely resource of advice, podcasts about filmmaking and short films to watch online.

Two conversations, the same message throughout: resilience and showing up for others never fades and only gets louder as you evolve.

Jennifer Doty, leader, author, and health entrepreneur shares her journey from public accounting to portfolio career, and why self-awareness, not job titles, is the real foundation of lasting success.

Risa August was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Then she got on a bike and rode across the country. She shares one of the most remarkable reinvention stories from diagnosis to patient advocate, from fear to purpose.

Take A Chance Digital Channels: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance Affiliate Partners:

Riverside - Providing high quality virtual podcasting recording products and features. Where the Take A Chance On You journey began! 14-days free trial ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ and then 20% off select plans ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠

Blinkist - providing listeners fun and easy commentary on a range of genres for avid book readers and podcasters! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Granola AI Notetaker - helping strip back time taken during meetings for teams on-the-go, busy and wanting to optimise performance! (download and apply to Business Plan (1 month) -Coupon: ALEXANDRA_FORSYTH) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch to learn more - ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

Four conversations about leadership, emotional intelligence, identity and connection: what it costs to transform.

Matthew Wheeler-Barrett, authenticity in B2B showing up as a real human in a world obsessed with optimisation. Micro-communities, LinkedIn, AI and emotional intelligence as strategy. "Smarter communities foster deeper trust."

Mike Brcic, alignment over growth, burnout and what happens when you stop chasing success and start asking What actually matters? 

Tom Lawrence, engineering to leadership coaching. Tom shared his vulnerability, admitting your credentials aren't always enough, why mental health matters more than performance, and leading through listening instead of control.

James Thomlinson, career to Founder 20 years in marketing. James on the art of pivoting, building a strong remote culture, and admitting you don't have all the answers. 

Take A Chance Digital Channels: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance Affiliate Partners:

Riverside - Providing high quality virtual podcasting recording products and features. Where the Take A Chance On You journey began! 14-days free trial ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ and then 20% off select plans ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠

Blinkist - providing listeners fun and easy commentary on a range of genres for avid book readers and podcasters! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Granola AI Notetaker - helping strip back time taken during meetings for teams on-the-go, busy and wanting to optimise performance! (download and apply to Business Plan (1 month) -Coupon: ALEXANDRA_FORSYTH) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch to learn more - ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.

Five conversations. Extraordinary Women On Their Way. One platform.

This week on Take A Chance On You goes back in time and truly we have been everywhere. From showing up in the workplace to navigating life's messy challenges, I think it is safe to say we have all been through it.

So why don't we now get through it together?

Imogen Eden-Brown shared the realities of building an acting career, from growing up in a Brighton pub to navigating film, TV, and theatre in London.

Abnia Loriston, Erin Saxton, Priscilla Arguinzoni Ellington and Robin Wood Sailer all joining us from across the pond in the U.S brought unique stories to the table.

Abnia discussed the need for talent access, AI adoption and why the next generation of creative leaders needs community.

Priscilla and Robin, co-founders of LeLabs amplified how they use experiential concepts when creating stand-out events, describing resilience and friendship.

Erin, former Emmy-nominated producer, Good Morning America, The View, broke down exactly how media works from the inside, and how you can get seen without a PR budget or industry connections.

Creative careers, leadership, media, events, human performance and more.

Different industries, the same thread running through all of it, people who took a chance on themselves!

Take A Chance Digital Channels: ⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance Affiliate Partners:

Riverside - Providing high quality virtual podcasting recording products and features. Where the Take A Chance On You journey began! 14-days free trial ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ and then 20% off select plans ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠

Blinkist - providing listeners fun and easy commentary on a range of genres for avid book readers and podcasters! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Granola AI Notetaker - helping strip back time taken during meetings for teams on-the-go, busy and wanting to optimise performance! (download and apply to Business Plan (1 month) -Coupon: ALEXANDRA_FORSYTH) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in touch to learn more - ⁠⁠⁠partner with us⁠⁠⁠

Take A Chance On You

Take A Chance On You is hosted by Alexandra Forsyth, a leader in storytelling, community and leadership. Putting people at the heart of conversation and focusing on the human-side of industry.

This platform focuses on three core pillars: Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Creatives. Listeners can expect immersion in live activations (Alexandra providing coverage at events, conferences and festivals) alongside studio-setup interviews with brands and partners. This is your chance to join this thriving community.