Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Emma Slade Edmondson, to  discuss the complexities of identity, self-perception, and the journey of navigating success. Emma shares her transition from a corporate career in advertising to pursuing her creative passions, including writing a book that addresses race and identity. 

Useful links:

Emma on Instagram

Emma’s book - The Half of It

Emma's new venture - Good Form

Emma’s website

The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

Sophie’s Instagram

Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Success and Emma's Journey

06:02 - Navigating Multiple Identities and Skills

08:10 - Early Touchpoints with Success

12:46 - Learning to Fail and Embracing Imperfection

15:07 - University Experience and Personal Growth

27:35 - Navigating Workplace Stress and Emotional Well-being

31:14 - Success in Corporate Environments: Happiness vs. Achievement

34:44 - Taking the Leap: Freelancing and Financial Preparedness

39:14 - Sustainable Fashion: Bridging Knowledge and Community

40:38 - The Pressure of Defining One's Career Path

41:39 - Discussing Race and Identity in Public Spaces

45:57 - The Journey to Authorship: From Dreams to Reality

54:00 - Building Community and Support

58:54 - Moments of Success Amidst Challenges

01:02:05 - Defining Success in a Changing Landscape

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Anne Ravanona shares her journey from burnout and perfectionism to speaking in front of world leaders and creating a funding platform for women.

Useful links:

• Global InvestHer

• The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

• Sophie’s Instagram

• Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

  
  

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Success and Guest Anne Ravanona

05:46 - Early Life and Academic Success

14:29 - Burnout and the Pressure of Perfectionism 

19:28 - Career Beginnings and Transitioning Roles

29:11 - Building a Career in Consulting

33:47 - Recognizing the Gender Funding Gap

39:51 - Privilege and Intersectionality 

41:04 - Defining Success and Setting Goals

48:30 - Redefining Success: Impact Over Personal Achievement

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Tasha Bailey, AKA Real Talk Therapist, to talk about her journey from childhood as a Golden Child, to becoming a therapist.

Useful links:

• Tasha on Instagram

• Tasha’s book

• The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

• Sophie’s Instagram

• Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

• Yearly Compass

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Tasha Bailey and Her Work

03:08 - Young relationship to success

10:16 - The Pressure of Being the Golden Child

12:58 - Learning to Embrace Failure

15:49 - Before becoming a therapist

16:57 - Defining Success in Retail Management

20:29 - Navigating Psychotherapy Training Challenges

23:29 - Taking Therapy outside of the therapy room

23:51 - The Evolution of Therapy Practices

25:33 - The Changing Perception of Therapy in Society

27:43 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Mental Health

29:34 - Transitioning to Public Engagement in Therapy

32:21 - Defining Success in the Digital Age

34:27 - Envy and external perceptions

36:24 - Goal Setting

39:28 - Silencing the Inner Critic

45:39 - Navigating Ambition and Success

50:50 - Setting Boundaries in Professional Spaces

56:46 - Redefining Success on Personal Terms

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest and comedian Erika Ehler explore succession the world of comedy. They discuss early influences, the challenges of navigating the comedy scene, the importance of representation, and the evolving definitions of success in a creative career.

Useful links:

• The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

• Sophie’s Instagram

• Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Chapters

00:00 - Intro and Getting Into Comedy

04:43 - Early Life and Education

09:07 - Parental Influence on Success

11:44 - Reflections on Turning 27

14:29 -  Career Path in Comedy

19:04 - Choosing Non-Traditional Career Paths

22:31 - The Journey of Stand-Up Comedy

25:23 - The Pressure of Success and Expectations

27:57 -  Representation in Comedy

32:00 - Support and Community Among Female Comedians

35:57 - The Evolving Landscape of Comedy and TV

36:19 - The Current State of Television Writing

39:22 - Turning Life Experiences into Comedy

42:14 - Audience Reactions and Success in Stand-Up

44:42 - Balancing Writing and Performing

47:04 - Defining Success in a Creative Career

52:26 - Quickfire round

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Rupal Patel to explore Rupal's unique journey into the CIA. They discuss the challenges faced by women and people of color in corporate environments, the importance of team dynamics, and the challenges of working in individualistic societies.

Rupal shares her journey from a successful academic background to the challenges of entrepreneurship and the loneliness and self-doubt that often accompany starting a business.

Useful links:

• Rupal on Instagram

• Rupal’s website

• Rupal’s book - CIA to CEO

• The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

• Sophie’s Instagram

• Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Chapters

00:00 -  Intro

01:35 - Reflections on Success and Identity

12:44 - Early Life and Academic Success

16:40 - UK vs US Perspectives on Success

20:19 - Working at the CIA: An Insider's View

27:46 - Defining Success in Unique Environments

30:28 - Working as a Sports Team, not a Family

32:58 - Leaving the CIA and returning to Studying

34:59 - The Challenge of Lost Personal Identity when Starting Anew

42:57 - The Pursuit vs. The Result

45:35 - Letting Go of Results: Finding Peace in the Process

46:45 - Absolute vs. Relative Success: Defining Personal Happiness

48:21 - The Importance of Community in Defining Success

50:19 - Contentment vs. Complacency: Balancing Ambition and Satisfaction

52:14 - Redefining Success in a Changing World

54:48 - The Interconnectedness of Success and Community

57:26 - Challenging Traditional Notions of Success

01:02:26 - Wrapping up and quickfire questions

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Annabel Rivkin, to explore the intricate relationship between work and creativity, the personal journey of defining success, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult ambitions. Annabel and Sophie explore the importance of building meaningful relationships, the power of collaboration, and the unique perspective on midlife that Annabel and her co-founder Emily  have developed through their work with The Midults. They discuss the journey of writing a book, the impact of friendship during challenging times, and the complexities of navigating success and expectations in a fast-paced world. 

Useful links:

Midults on Instagram

Annabel on Instagram

The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

Sophie’s Instagram

Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

01:33 - Childhood Influences on Success

09:10 - Reflections on Age and Success

22:46 - The Illusion of Success

24:01 - The Journey into Journalism

25:24 - The Reality of Celebrity Interviews

28:32 - The Beauty Editor Experience

31:24 - Transitioning to Freelance and Consulting

34:47 - The Importance of Relationships in Success

35:51 - The Birth of The Midults

39:56 - The Romance of Friendship

44:03 - The Power of Being Seen

45:23 - The Journey of Writing a Book

47:06 - The Thrill of Creating

48:57 - Success and Its Fleeting Nature

50:56 - Redefining Success

52:34 - Navigating Advice and Vulnerability

54:11 - Giving advice professionally 

56:52 - Self-Reflection and Comparison

59:07 - Embracing Who You Are

01:03:26 - Finding Joy in Success

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Selina Flavius to discuss creating Black Girl Finance, a platform aimed at empowering Black women in financial literacy and independence. She reflects on her upbringing, the challenges of being a young parent, and the importance of representation in finance. Selina shares her experiences transitioning from a stable career to entrepreneurship, the significance of addressing pay gaps, and the need for safe spaces in financial discussions. She also talks about her journey as an author and the impact of her work on her clients' lives

Useful links:

• Selinas book - Black Girl Finance

• Black Girl Finance

• Black Girl Finance on Instagram

• The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

• Sophie’s Instagram

• Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Chapters

00:00 -  Introduction to Success and Selena Flavius

06:48 - Defining Success: Early Influences

19:05 - Transitioning from Stability to Entrepreneurship

23:02 - The Impact of Ambition and Motherhood

24:13 - The race and gender pay gaps

28:37 - The Birth of Black Girl Finance

33:48 - Access and Financial Resilience

35:40 - The Importance of Race and Gender in Finance

42:24-  The Journey to Authorship

45:55 - Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Confidence in Writing

48:07 - The Unique Journey of Publishing a Book

50:21 - Seeking Help and Mentorship in Publishing

51:57 - The Importance of Community and Support

53:20 -  Defining Success and Personal Growth

56:03 - Reflections on Loss and New Beginnings

59:33 - Embracing Opportunities and Future Aspirations

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Lauren Currie to explore success, the importance of community, and the challenges women face in defining their identities. Lauren shares the story of receiving an OBE, her entrepreneurial spirit, and framing the idea of success as a parent. 

Useful links:

• Lauren’s Instagram

• Upfront’s Instagram

• The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

• Sophie’s Personal Instagram

• Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

• TED Talk about multi-potentialites - Emilie Wapnick

  
  

Chapters

00:00 -  Introduction to Success and Confidence Building

06:41 - Childhood Experiences and the Concept of Success

10:16 - Understanding Tall Poppy Syndrome

13:38 - Parenting and framing  Success

19:59 - Being awarded an OBE

27:37 - Navigating Entrepreneurship: From Side Hustles to Success

38:02 - Collaboration Over Competition

38:47 - Struggles with Confidence Across Demographics

39:51 - The Fear of Visibility and Judgment

41:28 - Gendered Expectations in the Workplace

43:27 - Embracing Plurality in Identity

46:52 - The Pressure to Choose One Path

50:25 - Redefining Success Beyond Capitalism

51:29 - Celebrating Small Successes

54:04 - Quickfire Round

In this episode of Welcome to Successville season 2, your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by successful guest Jayde Adams (and occasionally her cat, Buffy Baby Boy), for an in depth conversation about the multifaceted nature of success. Together, they explore themes of personal growth, the importance of community and mentorship in navigating a path through he entertainment industry. Jayde shares her journey from school to comedy, the significance of recognizing achievements, and the ongoing process of self-discovery and self-care. From fires in school bathrooms, to discovering music and becoming an octuple threat, we discuss Jayde’s successess so far, as well as her plans for the future. 

Useful links:

Jayde’s Instagram 

Jaydes website, for show dates

The Book Of Human Emotions

The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

Sophie’s Personal Instagram

Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Episode Transcript

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Jayde Adams

05:13 - Chaos and Control in Life

09:11 - Mentorship and Guidance in the Industry

15:46 - School and Popularity

22:39 - Navigating Toxic Environments

24:12 - Redefining Success and Self-Validation

25:14 - The Impact of Mentorship in Creative Journeys

31:41 - The Role of Family Support in Creative Pursuits

38:01 - Recognition and Validation in the Comedy Scene

43:06 - The Cost of Success

46:52 - Defining Success: A Personal Journey

50:10 - Emotional Growth and Self-Care

52:18 - Redefining Success in Midlife

56:21-  The Complexity of Success

01:00:06-  Looking Ahead: New Goals and Aspirations

01:01:07 - Quickfire Round

In this episode of Welcome to Successville season 2, your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by successful Ana Kirova, CEO of dating app Feeld, who discusses her journey through successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of community and collective achievements. Ana reflects on her personal identity and how it intertwines with her professional life as the CEO of Feeld, a dating app that promotes open-mindedness and self-discovery, and her journey from a creative early life, to becoming the lead of a tech business. Ana shares her insights on leadership, particularly as a woman in a male dominated industry, and the impact of media recognition and the importance of celebrating personal successes.

Useful links:

Feeld

Feeld’s Instagram

Ana’s Instagram 

The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

Sophie’s Personal Instagram

Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Episode Transcript

Chapters

00:00 -  Introduction to Success and Anna Korova

03:17 - The Awkwardness of Recognition

05:51 - The Journey Behind Achievements

07:51 - The Integration of Personal and Professional Life

10:21-  Early Life and Relationship with Success - growing up in post-Soviet Bulgaria

12:45 - The Shift from Academic Success to Creative Expression

17:02 - The Work Involved In Creative Practice

19:16 - Moving to the UK and Embracing Change

23:19 - Becoming the CEO of Feeld

26:00 - The Origins of Field and Open Relationships

29:48 - Ana's Journey to CEO

33:07 - The Importance of Community Feedback

34:35 - Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Space

44:42 - Recognition and Its Impact

47:39 - The Power of Teamwork and Collaboration

49:03 - Celebrating Success and Personal Reflection

51:16 - Defining Success on Your Own Terms

55:15 - Quickfire Questions