FROM VODKA TO VICTORY 

In this powerful, deeply human and short episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Lada Popova — a Russian entrepreneur, influencer, and mentor who turned her pain into purpose. Lada’s journey began in a cold, emotionally distant environment where affection and validation were hard to come by. Growing up in a home where love was rarely expressed, she yearned for attention and connection.

That void led her down a dark path. In her teenage years, she began drinking heavily — not for pleasure, but in a desperate attempt to feel seen by her parents. What started as a cry for love quickly spiraled into addiction, misery, and deep emotional pain. But Lada’s story didn’t end there. When the world shut down during COVID-19, she found herself at a crossroads. Isolated and introspective, she made a bold decision that would change her life forever — she launched a social media account.

Not for fame or followers, but to create the kind of meaningful change she never found for herself. Her raw, vulnerable content began to resonate. Her videos spread. Her voice reached people who felt just like she once had — invisible, broken, and longing for more. As her platform grew, so did her purpose. Lada leaned into the impact she was making and embraced a new mission: to empower others to reclaim their voice, build their own brand, and transform their lives. That mission brought her all the way to America — a land of new beginnings.

Today, Lada Popova is one of the most influential Russian voices on social media. She has helped over 5,000 students and rising entrepreneurs discover their message, build their brand, and find freedom through content creation. This episode is a tribute to transformation. It’s about how deep wounds can become powerful weapons for change — and how one woman turned suffering into strength, and silence into a movement.