When I Grow Up
By Katie Philo
When I Grow Up is a podcast hosted by me, Katie Philo. Each episode, I interview a guest about the trials, tribulations and joys of growing up. Whether you want to be a writer, lawyer, actor, farmer or still have no idea… it’s always reassuring hearing about the twists and turns in other people’s paths. Dialling it back to those childhood dreams and subsequent journeys, we’ll discuss how they arrived at their current destination, what they’ve learned along the way, as well as their remaining hopes and dreams. I’ll also interview a number of career coaches to understand how to find your passion and way in life. I want to show people that it’s OK to be unsure. It’s OK to have moments of failure, indecision – and of course success. After all, we’re all still figuring it out and forever growing up.
When I Grow UpJun 20, 2018
00:00
01:10
Great Jones Co-founders Sierra Tishgart & Maddy Moelis: How They Decided to Become First-Time Entrepreneurs
My guests this episode are Great Jones co-founders Sierra Tishgart and Maddy Moelis.
Great Jones is a modern cookware company designed to make home cooking simple with beautiful high-performing cookware at an accessible price.
Sierra and Maddy started Great Jones because they believe in the power and pleasure of making food with your own hands. Not only business partners, they’re also childhood friends of 20 years who first met at summer camp, where they bonded over a love of Chipwich ice-cream sandwiches and pizza pockets.
Prior to starting Great Jones, Sierra worked as a Food Editor at New York Magazine and won a James Beard Award for her writing. She also hosted a show for CBS This Morning interviewing chefs. Maddy comes from the start-up world, where she managed consumer insights for Warby Parker and was a Product Manager at Zola. They embarked on the Great Jones adventure together as first-time entrepreneurs.
I visited their beautiful New York office to hear all about:
How they met at camp over 20 years ago and how their lives have intertwined since
The evening when Great Jones began and how the business grew from a single idea
Leaving established careers to become entrepreneurs
What life is like as a business owner and the challenges that come with it
It was so inspiring hearing how Sierra and Maddy got their business off the ground, and I really hope their story inspires anyone else who has an idea but doesn’t know what to do to take it to the next level. They’re also amazing examples of people taking leaps of faith into the unknown.
Find out more about Great Jones: greatjonesgoods.com (https://greatjonesgoods.com/) .
Great Jones is a modern cookware company designed to make home cooking simple with beautiful high-performing cookware at an accessible price.
Sierra and Maddy started Great Jones because they believe in the power and pleasure of making food with your own hands. Not only business partners, they’re also childhood friends of 20 years who first met at summer camp, where they bonded over a love of Chipwich ice-cream sandwiches and pizza pockets.
Prior to starting Great Jones, Sierra worked as a Food Editor at New York Magazine and won a James Beard Award for her writing. She also hosted a show for CBS This Morning interviewing chefs. Maddy comes from the start-up world, where she managed consumer insights for Warby Parker and was a Product Manager at Zola. They embarked on the Great Jones adventure together as first-time entrepreneurs.
I visited their beautiful New York office to hear all about:
How they met at camp over 20 years ago and how their lives have intertwined since
The evening when Great Jones began and how the business grew from a single idea
Leaving established careers to become entrepreneurs
What life is like as a business owner and the challenges that come with it
It was so inspiring hearing how Sierra and Maddy got their business off the ground, and I really hope their story inspires anyone else who has an idea but doesn’t know what to do to take it to the next level. They’re also amazing examples of people taking leaps of faith into the unknown.
Find out more about Great Jones: greatjonesgoods.com (https://greatjonesgoods.com/) .
Sep 17, 201943:28
Orchid Project CEO & Founder Julia Lalla-Maharajh: Leaving the Corporate World to Found A Charity
“I realised I had to change something quite seismically in life because what I was doing had no real congruence or value anymore for me... I quit that job and went into a phase of not having a job or business card or identity. It was really tough. I consider that year utterly formative in my life… I started to tune into what motivated me and what I wanted to do. I realised I wanted to see more of the world… I was starting to follow my instincts.”
My guest this episode is CEO and Founder of Orchid Project, Julia Lalla-Maharajh.
After spending 18 years in the corporate sector, Julia decided to leave her job in search of something else. She first volunteered in Ethiopia where she came to understand the devastating scale and impact of female genital cutting. In 2010, she won a YouTube competition to take an urgent human rights cause to Davos and lead a panel discussing how to end FGC. After which, she spent time in Senegal and The Gambia, visiting communities and seeing the incredible change at the grassroots level. In 2011, Julia founded Orchid Project, a UK-based NGO that is catalysing the global movement to end female genital cutting.
Julia has been recognised for her commitment to ending FGC in being named ‘Influencer of the Year’ by the Directory for Social Change in 2010, being honoured by the Queen as a ‘Woman Agent of Change’ on Commonwealth Day in 2011. In 2017 Julia was awarded an OBE.
Julia’s story is exactly the kind I set out to tell on this podcast. Hearing how Julia made the brave leap from a successful career in the corporate sector to founding a charity for a cause she truly believes in was, well, nothing short of inspirational. We talked all about:
Realising that a corporate career was incongruent to her core self and value-systems
Making the leap into the unknown and what it felt like
What FGC is and how Orchid Project, the charity she founded, is helping put an end to the practice
And how the inner-journey is just as important as the outer journey
It affects over 200 million women and girls around the world. It is a global issue. It’s estimated that around 68 million girls could be cut over the next decade. This is such an important issue. To find out more, you can visit orchidproject.org. And of course, listen to our conversation.
My guest this episode is CEO and Founder of Orchid Project, Julia Lalla-Maharajh.
After spending 18 years in the corporate sector, Julia decided to leave her job in search of something else. She first volunteered in Ethiopia where she came to understand the devastating scale and impact of female genital cutting. In 2010, she won a YouTube competition to take an urgent human rights cause to Davos and lead a panel discussing how to end FGC. After which, she spent time in Senegal and The Gambia, visiting communities and seeing the incredible change at the grassroots level. In 2011, Julia founded Orchid Project, a UK-based NGO that is catalysing the global movement to end female genital cutting.
Julia has been recognised for her commitment to ending FGC in being named ‘Influencer of the Year’ by the Directory for Social Change in 2010, being honoured by the Queen as a ‘Woman Agent of Change’ on Commonwealth Day in 2011. In 2017 Julia was awarded an OBE.
Julia’s story is exactly the kind I set out to tell on this podcast. Hearing how Julia made the brave leap from a successful career in the corporate sector to founding a charity for a cause she truly believes in was, well, nothing short of inspirational. We talked all about:
Realising that a corporate career was incongruent to her core self and value-systems
Making the leap into the unknown and what it felt like
What FGC is and how Orchid Project, the charity she founded, is helping put an end to the practice
And how the inner-journey is just as important as the outer journey
It affects over 200 million women and girls around the world. It is a global issue. It’s estimated that around 68 million girls could be cut over the next decade. This is such an important issue. To find out more, you can visit orchidproject.org. And of course, listen to our conversation.
Sep 03, 201946:35
The War On Drugs' Charlie Hall: Taking Your Passion Full Time & The Magic of Mentoring
“To have the opportunity to play music for people and spread some joy… I’ve been going to shows my whole life and felt feelings of euphoria and all those emotions that music can convey. To be a little part of that on the other side of things is an absolute privilege.”
My guest this episode is Charlie Hall, who is the drummer for the Grammy-Award winning band, The War on Drugs.
Growing up, music was always what Charlie loved most. He received his first drum kit aged four from his Grandma. Various instruments lay around his house and he taught himself how to play these without lessons.
At university in Virginia, Charlie brought together two interests, studying both Music and Psychology. After college, he moved to San Francisco with his now-wife, taking up various jobs in the service industry, before becoming a teacher at a high school similar to the one he attended. In the evenings, he continued pursuing his passion for music, playing in an array of bands. In 2003, he moved to Philadelphia to be closer to his family and took up a role at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He quickly became a part of the music scene in Philly where he met AdamGranduciel, who was putting together the band that would evolve into The War on Drugs.
After playing on and off with The War on Drugs, he became the band’s resident drummer in 2013 and has since toured the world, released two critically acclaimed albums, the second of which, A Deeper Understanding, won a Grammy in 2018 for Best Rock Album.
Today, he considers his role in life to be rooted in his family, as a mentor and as a musician.
I’ve loved the War on Drugs since I first heard Lost in the Dream. There is something so epic about their music. The soundscapes. It’s music designed for a stadium. I’ve never interviewed a musician on the podcast before, despite being an avid music fan. So this was an all-round dream in many ways. I travelled to Charlie’s lovely neighbourhood in Philadelphia and we talked about: growing up and how music first came into his life, the importance of mentors and teachers in his life, balancing full-time work alongside his passion for music, making the decision to make music full-time with The War on Drugs and the advice he wants his children to carry with him always.
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
www.katiephilo.com (https://katiephilo.com/) The War on Drugs:
www.thewarondrugs.net/
Listen to The War on Drugs on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/6g0mn3tzAds6aVeUYRsryU?si=UNxDZB2qSnekQzjFJcDVIw) (https://katiephilo.com/)
My guest this episode is Charlie Hall, who is the drummer for the Grammy-Award winning band, The War on Drugs.
Growing up, music was always what Charlie loved most. He received his first drum kit aged four from his Grandma. Various instruments lay around his house and he taught himself how to play these without lessons.
At university in Virginia, Charlie brought together two interests, studying both Music and Psychology. After college, he moved to San Francisco with his now-wife, taking up various jobs in the service industry, before becoming a teacher at a high school similar to the one he attended. In the evenings, he continued pursuing his passion for music, playing in an array of bands. In 2003, he moved to Philadelphia to be closer to his family and took up a role at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He quickly became a part of the music scene in Philly where he met AdamGranduciel, who was putting together the band that would evolve into The War on Drugs.
After playing on and off with The War on Drugs, he became the band’s resident drummer in 2013 and has since toured the world, released two critically acclaimed albums, the second of which, A Deeper Understanding, won a Grammy in 2018 for Best Rock Album.
Today, he considers his role in life to be rooted in his family, as a mentor and as a musician.
I’ve loved the War on Drugs since I first heard Lost in the Dream. There is something so epic about their music. The soundscapes. It’s music designed for a stadium. I’ve never interviewed a musician on the podcast before, despite being an avid music fan. So this was an all-round dream in many ways. I travelled to Charlie’s lovely neighbourhood in Philadelphia and we talked about: growing up and how music first came into his life, the importance of mentors and teachers in his life, balancing full-time work alongside his passion for music, making the decision to make music full-time with The War on Drugs and the advice he wants his children to carry with him always.
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
www.katiephilo.com (https://katiephilo.com/) The War on Drugs:
www.thewarondrugs.net/
Listen to The War on Drugs on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/6g0mn3tzAds6aVeUYRsryU?si=UNxDZB2qSnekQzjFJcDVIw) (https://katiephilo.com/)
Aug 20, 201940:13
Mindset Coach, Speaker & Writer Africa Brooke: Self-Discovery In Sobriety
“The very last time that I drank was not because anything spectacularly different happened. It was simply because I was exhausted. I knew that if I didn’t stop, I would end up losing everyone in my life. I also knew that I am destined for something much bigger. I’ve always been an entrepreneur and had so many ideas of things I want to do, but alcohol was a barrier to all of those things. I knew that I had to choose.”
My guest this episode is London-based Mindset Coach, Speaker and Writer, Africa Brooke.
In late 2016, Africa decided to get sober after nearly a decade of destructive drinking and many failed attempts of moderation. At this point, she made a personal commitment to a conscious journey of healing and self-discovery. This prompted her to begin openly sharing her struggles and eventual success story – on & offline – and over the course of 3 years, she’s inspired and built an ever-growing global community of over 20,000+ people.
In shifting her mindset, she’s transformed her own life, and is now on a mission to support other women to do the same through telling her story and Mindset Coaching.
Africa is also the Founder and Owner of The Cherry Revolution -- an Award Nominated Non-profit organisation that aims to break societal norms surrounding women, identity and sexuality by making shameless pleasure a priority) & Discovery Dive (Holistic personal and professional development company - where mindset meets strategy for women entrepreneurs).
This conversation really was an absolute joy. I really admire how open Africa is about her own experiences and how she is using her story to help others.
We talked all about:
What it was like moving from Zimbabwe aged 9 and how this impacted her self-identity
Why she decided to get sober and what this journey has looked like so far
How recovery has helped her reconnect with others, but also herself
Her Mindset coaching and how she helps others
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
www.katiephilo.com (https://katiephilo.com/)
Follow Africa:
Instagram: @africabrooke (https://www.instagram.com/africabrooke/) https://africabrooke.com/ (https://www.instagram.com/africabrooke/) (https://www.emmagannon.co.uk/)
Aug 06, 201949:35
Speech Tank Co-Founders Marisa Polanksy & Kristine Keller: The Power of Female Friendship
My guests (yes guests!) this episode are Speech Tank co-founders Marisa Polanksy and Kristine Keller. They’re both speech-writing experts, specializing in one-of-a-kind speeches for any occasion.
Marisa Polansky also heads up Brand Marketing for co-working space called Union, having spent many years in publishing as a book editor at a major publisher. She's also a published author of a series of children’s books, including Today I'm a Racecar Driver and Today I'm a Dancer.
Kristine Keller is currently Director of Brand Partnerships at The Wing, a network of work & community spaces designed for women. Prior to this, she was a writer covering fashion and wellness. She holds an M.A. in Psychology from New York University, where she worked as a trained fieldworker, mastering a method of questioning that helps people share their stories.
This is the first time I’ve interviewed two people on the podcast before and oh my god, it was so much fun. These two have such a wonderful friendship. They met in college and immediately hit off, then became roommates in New York ten years, as well as starting a business together.
I dropped by their apartment in Brooklyn for a chat and we talked all about how they met, the importance of having hype women in those moments of self-doubt, how they started their speech writing company Speech Tank, and balancing multiple jobs alongside each other. They had so much sage advice to offer and I honestly left beaming from ear to ear.
Word of warning: the sound is a little patchy in places. I’m still learning on the job, but at least I remembered to hit record. That’s a story for another time.
Find out more about Speech Tank:
www.speechtank.com (http://speechtank.com/)
Follow Me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com (https://www.katiephilo.com/)
Jul 23, 201949:10
Amandah Wood: How People Find Meaning in Their Work and Lives
“There has to be a separation. Work has always been an extension of my identity. If a project failed, then I had failed… it’s only in the last year that I’ve been able to find that separation, where I’m not my work. I’m still passionate and excited about the work that I do. But if something fails or doesn’t go the way I expected, it no longer impacts my self-esteem in the way that it used to.”
My guest this episode is Amandah Wood. She is extremely passionate and curious about the ways people find meaning in their work and lives. It was this curiosity that led her to found the website and podcast Ways We Work, an interview series that explores what people are putting work into and why. By day, she works in Diversity & Belonging Operations at Shopify, ensuring every employee feels included, valued and heard by guiding and informing Shopify toward designing and building better products and employee experiences. She is also a certified coach helping people get in touch with what is truly important to them and determining their own definition of success.
As someone with very similar interests and curiosity around how people find fulfilment through work, I first encountered Amandah through the brilliant Ways We Work. I messaged her on Instagram to tell her how much I loved reading her interviews and was then delighted to discover she was launching Ways We Work as a podcast and was lucky enough to be interviewed by her.
She’s so eloquent in the way she articulates ideas, and incredibly introspective. I loved talking to her about all the things that ruminate in my brain constantly, and she is the best thought partner on so many work-related and self-identity topics.
We talked all about how what works means to her has changed over time, how she balances her personal passions and multiple work identities, what she’s learned about fulfillment from interviewing people for Ways We Work and much more.
Follow Amandah:
Twitter: @AmandahWood (https://twitter.com/amandahwood)
Instagram: @AmandahWood (https://www.instagram.com/amandahwood/)
Ways We Work on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ways-we-work/id1459817739)
Ways We Work website (http://wayswework.io/)
Follow Me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com (https://www.katiephilo.com/)
Jul 09, 201946:37
Dr Carole Presern: Learning About Human Experience Beyond Borders
"When I met the great Desmond Tutu, he said 'always remember the face'. I've never forgotten that lesson. So when I am going a speaking engagement or in my daily work, everyone has frustrations at work... but when I'm in that moment, I always remember the face. Whether it's Cuthbert, one of our Guards in Zimbabwe who sadly died, or the woman who first died under my care as a midwife, which is a very traumatic experience for anyone. I will never forget the name or face of this Cambodian lady. There are many others. I always have that front centre because otherwise, it can become very abstract when you're talking millions. I always have to see it on an individual level."
My guest this episode is Global Health Professional, Dr Carole Presern. With a career in health and diplomacy spanning over three decades and three continents, Carole has dedicated her life to advocating for people who don’t have access to basic healthcare and support.
Growing up, Carole was captivated by tales of far-flung places. Her career began in London hospitals after training to be a midwife, but it wasn’t long before she ventured overseas to work on the Cambodia/Thailand border after the genocide under Pol Pot. She has since worked in Nepal, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and beyond.
Carole is currently the Head of Office of Board Affairs of the Global Fund - a 21st-century partnership organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. Prior to this, she held roles in Gavi, a global health partnership committed to increasing access to immunisation in poor countries. She has also served as Counsellor at the UK Mission in Geneva and worked for many years for the UK’s Department for International Development.
Carole has served on many boards, including the International HIV Alliance and the Orchid Project. She holds a doctorate in public health policy.
Carole is my good friend Julia’s mum. I used to ask her all the time about her Mum, what she did. I am full of admiration for what she’s done in her career, so I am really honoured to have finally had a chance to hear her story directly, and what a story it is.
We talked all about her early days in London hospitals, the stories of patients that have stayed with her throughout her career, what she has learned about the human experience from being at those intimate moments at the start and end of people’s lives, and what it’s like to have lived a life and career across borders.
Find out more about Carole's work:
The Global Fund (https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/) Orchid Project (https://www.orchidproject.org/)
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com (https://www.katiephilo.com/)
My guest this episode is Global Health Professional, Dr Carole Presern. With a career in health and diplomacy spanning over three decades and three continents, Carole has dedicated her life to advocating for people who don’t have access to basic healthcare and support.
Growing up, Carole was captivated by tales of far-flung places. Her career began in London hospitals after training to be a midwife, but it wasn’t long before she ventured overseas to work on the Cambodia/Thailand border after the genocide under Pol Pot. She has since worked in Nepal, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and beyond.
Carole is currently the Head of Office of Board Affairs of the Global Fund - a 21st-century partnership organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. Prior to this, she held roles in Gavi, a global health partnership committed to increasing access to immunisation in poor countries. She has also served as Counsellor at the UK Mission in Geneva and worked for many years for the UK’s Department for International Development.
Carole has served on many boards, including the International HIV Alliance and the Orchid Project. She holds a doctorate in public health policy.
Carole is my good friend Julia’s mum. I used to ask her all the time about her Mum, what she did. I am full of admiration for what she’s done in her career, so I am really honoured to have finally had a chance to hear her story directly, and what a story it is.
We talked all about her early days in London hospitals, the stories of patients that have stayed with her throughout her career, what she has learned about the human experience from being at those intimate moments at the start and end of people’s lives, and what it’s like to have lived a life and career across borders.
Find out more about Carole's work:
The Global Fund (https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/) Orchid Project (https://www.orchidproject.org/)
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com (https://www.katiephilo.com/)
Jun 25, 201946:05
The New York Times CEO Mark Thompson: Rising to the Top & Finding Fulfilment in Challenge
“I’m always on a mission. It doesn’t mean that the mission is necessarily entirely apparent to me... even now, I’m not quite clear what it is that creates that shape. Although I think there is something about storytelling and really understanding what’s happening in the world. A sense of investigation and trying to get to the bottom of what’s really going on is part of it.”
My guest this episode is New York Times CEO, Mark Thompson. Born in London, he grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. After graduating from Oxford University with a First Class Honors in English, he joined the BBC as a Trainee, quickly working his way up through the ranks, launching shows such as ‘Watchdog’ and ‘Breakfast Time’, before various stints as Editor on flagship news shows such as Newsnight, the Nine O’Clock News and Panorama. He became controller for BBC Two and was then appointed Director of Television, before leaving the BBC in 2002 to become CEO of Channel 4.
In 2004, he returned to take up the role of Director General at the BBC, during which time he reshaped the organization to meet the challenge of the digital age, with the launch of services such as the BBC iPlayer. On November 12th, 2012, he became President and CEO of the New York Times, making him responsible for leading the company’s strategy, operations and business units. Mark has been instrumental in accelerating the pace of The Times’s digital transformation. Under his leadership, The Times became the first news organization in the world to pass the one million digital-only subscription mark.
Having served at the helm of world-class media companies during the course of a career spanning over four decades, I was fascinated to hear more about what purpose and fulfilment mean to Mark. We talked all about: how he navigated the BBC in his early career, and how he eventually came to lead an organisation in which he started as a trainee. We also touched on moving to New York, the challenges he faces as the CEO of the New York Times, as well as his future ambitions.
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com (https://www.katiephilo.com/)
My guest this episode is New York Times CEO, Mark Thompson. Born in London, he grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. After graduating from Oxford University with a First Class Honors in English, he joined the BBC as a Trainee, quickly working his way up through the ranks, launching shows such as ‘Watchdog’ and ‘Breakfast Time’, before various stints as Editor on flagship news shows such as Newsnight, the Nine O’Clock News and Panorama. He became controller for BBC Two and was then appointed Director of Television, before leaving the BBC in 2002 to become CEO of Channel 4.
In 2004, he returned to take up the role of Director General at the BBC, during which time he reshaped the organization to meet the challenge of the digital age, with the launch of services such as the BBC iPlayer. On November 12th, 2012, he became President and CEO of the New York Times, making him responsible for leading the company’s strategy, operations and business units. Mark has been instrumental in accelerating the pace of The Times’s digital transformation. Under his leadership, The Times became the first news organization in the world to pass the one million digital-only subscription mark.
Having served at the helm of world-class media companies during the course of a career spanning over four decades, I was fascinated to hear more about what purpose and fulfilment mean to Mark. We talked all about: how he navigated the BBC in his early career, and how he eventually came to lead an organisation in which he started as a trainee. We also touched on moving to New York, the challenges he faces as the CEO of the New York Times, as well as his future ambitions.
Follow me:
Twitter: @katiephilo (http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: @katiephilo (https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com (https://www.katiephilo.com/)
Jun 11, 201957:24
Girl Vs. Cancer Lauren Mahon: How Cancer At 31 Changes Your Life
"Cancer has made my life richer. I've used the fear as a tailwind to live bigger. It's taken away the fear of doing what I want to do. It's made me just want to live my life the best I can. Rather than just sitting there and having an idea, I now have the idea and send the email or I send the text or I investigate. I don't sit on it, I work out how to make it happen. Since being diagnosed with cancer, I know there is no point waiting until tomorrow."
My guest this episode is Blogger, Podcaster and Breast Cancer Survivor, Lauren Mahon.
Born and bred in London, Lauren says she was the ”bossy one” growing up. After developing an interest in media at college, Lauren went on to study Fashion Marketing at London College of Fashion.
After graduating, she spent almost a decade forging a successful career in Fashion Digital Marketing, working for brands such as Radley, Warehouse and BHS – all the while flexing her creative muscles writing her blog Girl Stole London.
In August 2016, Lauren’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31\. The day after her diagnosis all the threads of her career came together as she created a range of t-shirts designed to not only raise awareness but also provide a source of income throughout her treatment.
Determined to give cancer the middle finger, Lauren started giving voice to her experience using the hashtag GirlVSCancer, creating a community for, in her words, “badass woman making cancer their bitch.” Lauren was given the all-clear two years later, during which time she started co-hosting the award-winning BBC 5 Live podcast ‘You, Me and the Big C’.
While cancer is something she wishes never has to experience, Lauren says she has found her ‘purpose’ and can’t wait to keep growing Girl Vs. Cancer.
Lauren's story is nothing short of inspirational.
We talked all about growing up, the indecision she felt around university and job-hopping in her twenties, what it was like being diagnosed with breast cancer aged 31 - and how this experience has changed the trajectory of her life.
Give this episode a listen and I can guarantee you will not only be offered a fresh perspective on life, but you'll also want to be best mates with this legend.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Lauren: **
Twitter: [@girlstolelondon](https://twitter.com/GIRLSTOLELONDON)
Instagram:
[@girlstolelondon](https://www.instagram.com/girlstolelondon/)
[@girlvscancer](https://www.instagram.com/girlvscancer/)
[www.girlvscancer.co.uk](https://girlvscancer.co.uk)
My guest this episode is Blogger, Podcaster and Breast Cancer Survivor, Lauren Mahon.
Born and bred in London, Lauren says she was the ”bossy one” growing up. After developing an interest in media at college, Lauren went on to study Fashion Marketing at London College of Fashion.
After graduating, she spent almost a decade forging a successful career in Fashion Digital Marketing, working for brands such as Radley, Warehouse and BHS – all the while flexing her creative muscles writing her blog Girl Stole London.
In August 2016, Lauren’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31\. The day after her diagnosis all the threads of her career came together as she created a range of t-shirts designed to not only raise awareness but also provide a source of income throughout her treatment.
Determined to give cancer the middle finger, Lauren started giving voice to her experience using the hashtag GirlVSCancer, creating a community for, in her words, “badass woman making cancer their bitch.” Lauren was given the all-clear two years later, during which time she started co-hosting the award-winning BBC 5 Live podcast ‘You, Me and the Big C’.
While cancer is something she wishes never has to experience, Lauren says she has found her ‘purpose’ and can’t wait to keep growing Girl Vs. Cancer.
Lauren's story is nothing short of inspirational.
We talked all about growing up, the indecision she felt around university and job-hopping in her twenties, what it was like being diagnosed with breast cancer aged 31 - and how this experience has changed the trajectory of her life.
Give this episode a listen and I can guarantee you will not only be offered a fresh perspective on life, but you'll also want to be best mates with this legend.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Lauren: **
Twitter: [@girlstolelondon](https://twitter.com/GIRLSTOLELONDON)
Instagram:
[@girlstolelondon](https://www.instagram.com/girlstolelondon/)
[@girlvscancer](https://www.instagram.com/girlvscancer/)
[www.girlvscancer.co.uk](https://girlvscancer.co.uk)
Dec 11, 201801:03:27
Ctrl Alt Delete's Emma Gannon: In Defence of Millennials & The Art of The Hustle
My guest this episode is Author, Broadcaster and Podcast Host, Emma Gannon.
Growing up in Devon, England, Emma always loved to write, so it was perhaps inevitable that she went to study English at the University of Southampton. Upon graduating, she embarked on a successful career in journalism, working at Publications such as The Debrief and Glamour.
Emma’s affinity with the Internet led her to create her blog Girl Lost in the City in 2009\. Over time, her side hustle gathered momentum and passion for writing prompted her departure from Conde Nast to build Ctrl Alt Delete – a book about growing up online, which she later parlayed into a podcast by the same name. The Ctrl Alt Delete podcast has now had over 2 million unique listeners since it launched in 2016 – and featured guests from Lena Dunham, Gillian Anderson, Matt Haig and more.
In 2018, Emma published her second book entitled The Multi-Hyphen Method, an essential new business book for the digital age, in which Emma dispels the stigma of being a jack-of-all-trades, and highlights how having more strings to your bow is vital to getting ahead in the modern working world.
A true Multi-Hyphenate, Emma is also a columnist for business magazine COURIER, lectures at the Condé Nast College and is an ambassador of The Princes Trust.
From the moment I started this podcast, I knew I wanted to interview Emma. I've been following her work since her Girl Lost In The City and Conde Nast days. I've watched her career explode in all directions - podcast, book, columns, lectures, another book, Woman's Hour appearances, travel, the list goes on and on…
As I figure out what I want to be when I grow up, one of the biggest clues has been looking closely at the people I admire. Emma is one of those people. So much so, that I put her on my '2018 mood board'. Yes, I'm one of those dickheads who makes mood boards and talks about manifesting, blah blah blah (seriously, though, try it). Anyway, the long and short of it is, Emma is doing some seriously great work. She's one of the biggest and best hustlers out there. We could all do with taking a page out of Emma's Book (or, as I like to call it, The Canon of the Gannon).
I feel incredibly honoured to have been able to turn the tables and interview HER all about her career so far, what motivates her, and what the future looks like. We talked all about her childhood in Devon, all the hustlin' during her twenties, diving into freelancing, publishing her books and how she continues to grow her career and brand.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Emma: **
Twitter: [@emmagannon](https://twitter.com/emmagannon)
Instagram: [@emmagannonuk](https://www.instagram.com/emmagannonuk/)
[https://www.emmagannon.co.uk/](https://www.emmagannon.co.uk/)
**Order Emma's Books:**
[The Multi-Hyphen Method](https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Hyphen-Method-create-design-career/dp/1473680115/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542843556&sr=8-1&keywords=emma+gannon)
[Ctrl Alt Delete: How I Grew Up Online](https://www.amazon.com/Ctrl-Alt-Delete-Stayed-Online/dp/1785032720/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542843556&sr=8-2&keywords=emma+gannon)
Nov 27, 201853:19
Emma Rosen: Lessons From Trying 25 Jobs In One Year
My guest this episode is Writer and Speaker, Emma Rosen. A high achiever academically, Emma progressed through school and university with the necessary grades and experience to land her dream role on the Civil Service’s prestigious Graduate Scheme.
Within two weeks she knew it wasn’t for her. After a year, something had to change so she wrote a list of all the jobs she’d dreamed of doing growing up. Just before her 24th birthday, she quit her job to embark on – what she called – a radical sabbatical. Her aim: to try 25 careers before she turned 25, through shadowing, work experience and ‘just giving things a go’.
From archaeology in Transylvania, tour guiding amid violent protests in Venezuela to being an extra in a major movie, Emma gained invaluable insight into both herself and the modern workplace. Emma now works as a writer and speaker, focusing on millennials in the workforce. She specialises in promoting portfolio careers and alternative ways of working; advocating for more diverse careers education for young people, with a far greater emphasis on work experience.
Emma is a girl after my own heart. It's not often I meet someone else who has tried as many careers as I have. I love the fact that she wears it as a badge of honour, and not something to be ashamed of. As Emma says, it's not often we marry the first person we date, so why do we so often stick in a long monogamous relationship with the first career we try out too?
We talk all about Emma's childhood dreams and how her early choices were defined by experimentation and keeping her interests as broad as possible - something that she now celebrates in her current career. She explains how what she thought to be her 'dream job' at the Civil Service quickly turned into quite the opposite, and how she set about having a 'radical sabbatical' to try and work out what she really wanted. Emma tells me all about this year and the 25 jobs she did in one year, before she turned 25\. She also dishes out plenty of fantastic advice for Millennials in the workplace.
**Follow me:**
**Twitter:** [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
**Instagram:** [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Emma: **
**Twitter:** [@25before25](https://twitter.com/25before25)
**Instagram:** @[25before25](https://www.instagram.com/25before25/)
[www.25before25.co.uk](https://www.25before25.co.uk/)
Order Emma's Book: [The Radical Sabbatical: The Millennial Handbook to the Quarter Life Crisis](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Radical-Sabbatical-Millennial-Handbook-Quarter/dp/191138273X)
Within two weeks she knew it wasn’t for her. After a year, something had to change so she wrote a list of all the jobs she’d dreamed of doing growing up. Just before her 24th birthday, she quit her job to embark on – what she called – a radical sabbatical. Her aim: to try 25 careers before she turned 25, through shadowing, work experience and ‘just giving things a go’.
From archaeology in Transylvania, tour guiding amid violent protests in Venezuela to being an extra in a major movie, Emma gained invaluable insight into both herself and the modern workplace. Emma now works as a writer and speaker, focusing on millennials in the workforce. She specialises in promoting portfolio careers and alternative ways of working; advocating for more diverse careers education for young people, with a far greater emphasis on work experience.
Emma is a girl after my own heart. It's not often I meet someone else who has tried as many careers as I have. I love the fact that she wears it as a badge of honour, and not something to be ashamed of. As Emma says, it's not often we marry the first person we date, so why do we so often stick in a long monogamous relationship with the first career we try out too?
We talk all about Emma's childhood dreams and how her early choices were defined by experimentation and keeping her interests as broad as possible - something that she now celebrates in her current career. She explains how what she thought to be her 'dream job' at the Civil Service quickly turned into quite the opposite, and how she set about having a 'radical sabbatical' to try and work out what she really wanted. Emma tells me all about this year and the 25 jobs she did in one year, before she turned 25\. She also dishes out plenty of fantastic advice for Millennials in the workplace.
**Follow me:**
**Twitter:** [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
**Instagram:** [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Emma: **
**Twitter:** [@25before25](https://twitter.com/25before25)
**Instagram:** @[25before25](https://www.instagram.com/25before25/)
[www.25before25.co.uk](https://www.25before25.co.uk/)
Order Emma's Book: [The Radical Sabbatical: The Millennial Handbook to the Quarter Life Crisis](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Radical-Sabbatical-Millennial-Handbook-Quarter/dp/191138273X)
Nov 13, 201850:23
Author, Actress & Speaker Mel Wells: Finding Purpose After An Eating Disorder
"Follow the breadcrumbs. Just follow those little nudges, whispers, signs and clues of what you enjoy and what your soul really enjoys. be really honest about that. If you want to change your life, start by doing more things that you love. Surround yourself by people that inspire you rather than drain you. Have more friendships with people who are doing things that they’re really excited about."
My guest this episode is Certified Health Coach, International Speaker, Bestselling Author and Actress, Mel Wells.
At the age of 18, Mel landed her dream job as an actress on popular UK soap Hollyoaks. On the surface, she had it all. But beyond the magazine covers and showbiz parties, Mel was suffering from an Eating Disorder that ruled her life, leaving her feeling empty and unhappy.
In 2012, Mel’s life changed forever when her Dad died from cancer. Combating her struggles with food became more urgent and purposeful, and Mel trained in nutrition to become a health coach. Over time, Mel healed her relationship with herself and food, and embarked on a second career, launching a coaching business. Her passion, she says, is “helping women establish a brand new relationship with food” and for the past five years she’s been doing just that. She is Hay House’s Youngest author has been featured in Forbes Under 30, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and more as a leading women’s expert in her field.
In early 2018, Mel made the brave decision to return back to where it all began, almost a decade later, to pursue a career in acting once again. She said: “It’s never too late to return to that inner child inside of you - that little girl full of dreams - and make her come alive again.”
In this episode, Mel and I talk all about her childhood ambition to become an actress and how she manifested this. She opens up about how issues with body image and food took complete hold of her life for six years. Mel speaks candidly about what this was like, but also how a new path opened up as a result of this very struggle.
As an author of two bestselling books, Mel shares plenty of fantastic advice for people craving what she calls a "full up" life. She explains how she helps other women and how you can help yourself too. And finally, she also speaks about the future and how she is returning to what her inner-child desired (while doing everything else). Mel really is a true multi-tracked, multi-talented, multi-hyphenate.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Mel:**
Twitter: [@IAmMelWells](https://twitter.com/IAmMelWells)
Instagram: [@iammelwells](https://www.instagram.com/iammelwells/)
[http://www.melwells.com/](http://www.melwells.com/)
My guest this episode is Certified Health Coach, International Speaker, Bestselling Author and Actress, Mel Wells.
At the age of 18, Mel landed her dream job as an actress on popular UK soap Hollyoaks. On the surface, she had it all. But beyond the magazine covers and showbiz parties, Mel was suffering from an Eating Disorder that ruled her life, leaving her feeling empty and unhappy.
In 2012, Mel’s life changed forever when her Dad died from cancer. Combating her struggles with food became more urgent and purposeful, and Mel trained in nutrition to become a health coach. Over time, Mel healed her relationship with herself and food, and embarked on a second career, launching a coaching business. Her passion, she says, is “helping women establish a brand new relationship with food” and for the past five years she’s been doing just that. She is Hay House’s Youngest author has been featured in Forbes Under 30, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and more as a leading women’s expert in her field.
In early 2018, Mel made the brave decision to return back to where it all began, almost a decade later, to pursue a career in acting once again. She said: “It’s never too late to return to that inner child inside of you - that little girl full of dreams - and make her come alive again.”
In this episode, Mel and I talk all about her childhood ambition to become an actress and how she manifested this. She opens up about how issues with body image and food took complete hold of her life for six years. Mel speaks candidly about what this was like, but also how a new path opened up as a result of this very struggle.
As an author of two bestselling books, Mel shares plenty of fantastic advice for people craving what she calls a "full up" life. She explains how she helps other women and how you can help yourself too. And finally, she also speaks about the future and how she is returning to what her inner-child desired (while doing everything else). Mel really is a true multi-tracked, multi-talented, multi-hyphenate.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Mel:**
Twitter: [@IAmMelWells](https://twitter.com/IAmMelWells)
Instagram: [@iammelwells](https://www.instagram.com/iammelwells/)
[http://www.melwells.com/](http://www.melwells.com/)
Oct 30, 201846:26
Man Repeller's Haley Nahman: On the Fiction of the Dream Job & Dealing With Scary "What-Ifs"
"What are you not willing to not find out about? I think that’s something everyone could examine. Whether we want to or not, we are all going to wonder about some stuff. We don’t all get to know what it feels like to be an Olympic athlete or a movie star. There are just things we don’t get to experience as just one person, in one lifetime. We do get to choose to some extent what we choose as a fantasy and what we try out.
For me, I could have been OK in my other situation. I just wasn’t willing to not find out what it was like to live in New York, pursue a creative career and try being with someone else or on my own. When I came to that conclusion, it was so urgent."
My guest this episode is Man Repeller's Deputy Editor, Haley Nahman. A 2011 business graduate, Haley started her career as an Office Manager in Silicon Valley, before forging a successful path in Human Resources at a Design Firm. While her life in San Francisco was rather rosy, she couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like in New York City pursuing her dream of being a writer.
After hearing that one of her favourite websites Man Repeller was hiring, she sent founder Leandra some writing samples from the blog she wrote outside of work. Much to her astonishment, she was offered a junior writer position. This was one ‘what if’ that she couldn’t leave unanswered, and she boarded a plane to the Big Apple where she has now lived for almost three years and risen to the role of Deputy Editor.
If you've read Haley's work on Man Repeller, you'll know it's infused with honesty, making it wholeheartedly relatable. For me, this conversation did precisely what her writing does. She beautifully articulated the human experience - and unease so many feel around their work and identity - in the most soothing and reassuring way.
We talked all about her early career in HR and how her former life in San Francisco could easily have been equal to her current New York experience. She explained the driving forces behind her decision to leave a career, relationship and city that was perfectly fine in favour of the unknown. We also discussed how she landed her role at Man Repeller and some of the pitfalls of doing what you love for a living.
While Haley is pretty much doing her dream job, she acknowledges that this is not always possible for some people and offered invaluable advice to people lacking fulfilment day-to-day. We also touched upon some of her writing, friendship, and much more… You can tell Haley used to work in HR because she has a talent for understanding people.
**You can read Haley's Man Repeller Stories we discussed here:**
[10 Things I've Learned Since Moving to New York](https://www.manrepeller.com/2016/08/things-ive-learned-since-moving-to-nyc.html)
[Unpopular Opinion: Internships Are Overrated](https://www.manrepeller.com/2017/01/internships-are-overrated.html)
[Changing My Life Didn't Change Me As Much As I Thought It Would](https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/08/finding-happiness.html)
[Does Everyone Have A Friendship Complex Or Just Me?](https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/02/making-friends-as-an-adult.html)
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Haley:**
Twitter: [@halemur](https://twitter.com/halemur)
Instagram: [@halemur](https://www.instagram.com/halemur/)
Bug's Instagram: [@bug.tv](https://www.instagram.com/bug.tv/)
[Read Haley's stories on Man Repeller](https://www.manrepeller.com/author/haley-nahman)
Image credit: [Edith Young](https://www.instagram.com/edithwyoung)
For me, I could have been OK in my other situation. I just wasn’t willing to not find out what it was like to live in New York, pursue a creative career and try being with someone else or on my own. When I came to that conclusion, it was so urgent."
My guest this episode is Man Repeller's Deputy Editor, Haley Nahman. A 2011 business graduate, Haley started her career as an Office Manager in Silicon Valley, before forging a successful path in Human Resources at a Design Firm. While her life in San Francisco was rather rosy, she couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like in New York City pursuing her dream of being a writer.
After hearing that one of her favourite websites Man Repeller was hiring, she sent founder Leandra some writing samples from the blog she wrote outside of work. Much to her astonishment, she was offered a junior writer position. This was one ‘what if’ that she couldn’t leave unanswered, and she boarded a plane to the Big Apple where she has now lived for almost three years and risen to the role of Deputy Editor.
If you've read Haley's work on Man Repeller, you'll know it's infused with honesty, making it wholeheartedly relatable. For me, this conversation did precisely what her writing does. She beautifully articulated the human experience - and unease so many feel around their work and identity - in the most soothing and reassuring way.
We talked all about her early career in HR and how her former life in San Francisco could easily have been equal to her current New York experience. She explained the driving forces behind her decision to leave a career, relationship and city that was perfectly fine in favour of the unknown. We also discussed how she landed her role at Man Repeller and some of the pitfalls of doing what you love for a living.
While Haley is pretty much doing her dream job, she acknowledges that this is not always possible for some people and offered invaluable advice to people lacking fulfilment day-to-day. We also touched upon some of her writing, friendship, and much more… You can tell Haley used to work in HR because she has a talent for understanding people.
**You can read Haley's Man Repeller Stories we discussed here:**
[10 Things I've Learned Since Moving to New York](https://www.manrepeller.com/2016/08/things-ive-learned-since-moving-to-nyc.html)
[Unpopular Opinion: Internships Are Overrated](https://www.manrepeller.com/2017/01/internships-are-overrated.html)
[Changing My Life Didn't Change Me As Much As I Thought It Would](https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/08/finding-happiness.html)
[Does Everyone Have A Friendship Complex Or Just Me?](https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/02/making-friends-as-an-adult.html)
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Haley:**
Twitter: [@halemur](https://twitter.com/halemur)
Instagram: [@halemur](https://www.instagram.com/halemur/)
Bug's Instagram: [@bug.tv](https://www.instagram.com/bug.tv/)
[Read Haley's stories on Man Repeller](https://www.manrepeller.com/author/haley-nahman)
Image credit: [Edith Young](https://www.instagram.com/edithwyoung)
Oct 16, 201801:01:02
Podcaster & Coach Alex Manzi: Becoming Your Best Self & Daring to Dream
"I didn't know what I wanted to and not until very recently did I discover that. I've had lots of different career paths but I still managed to get myself into some really good positions in terms of work. It's not the end of the world if you don't know what you want to do until you're 30, 35, 40 or whatever. That's just part of life. You've just got to roll with it."
My guest this episode is Podcaster, Coach and Social Media Producer Alex Manzi. Born and bred in London, Alex says he “never got on with” with school and found greater purpose working at his Uncle’s delicatessen at the weekends.
It wasn’t a surprise, then, that Alex decided to forgo University in favour of hitting the ground running in the workplace. From working in a pasta factory to delivery driving, he spent his first year as a jack-of-all-trades before working at a factory for almost three years.
While he considers this a dark and directionless time, it was also when he created his Music Blog 'We Are SME' and Club Night called Wanderlust. By day, he was stretching canvases onto their frames and by night he was furiously writing about his favourite new musicians. Eventually, he landed his first job in Media at an Events and Marketing firm, before embarking on a career in Advertising.
In 2014, he became BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Social Media Producer, where he spent four and a half years tweeting and Instagramming about music. At a point, however, he couldn’t help but feel something was missing. He stooped back into that familiar dark place, finding solace in motivational podcasts and books. This motivated him to create his very own podcast ‘Dreamer’s Disease’ - a podcast dedicated to telling the inspirational stories of others, in a bid to inspire himself and his audience.
Almost 80,000 plays later and after four years at 1Xtra, Alex has now taken a leap to pursue his passion full-time, to see where Dreamer’s Disease can take him.
I had the pleasure of working with Alex at the BBC and was so impressed when he started his own podcast on the side. Seeing him go ahead and pursue his dreams stoked a fire inside me, and served as an inspiration to get my podcast off the ground. I absolutely love how honest and candid Alex is when talking about some of life's more difficult subjects.
In this relatable chat, Alex talks about how he felt lost for most of his twenties, unsure of what he really wanted to do. He explains how his decision to reject the usual path of university in favour of working has served him in the long run, and how feeling directionless has been the cause of some of his darkest moments. Alex also explains how he found purpose and re-discovered himself, to now be in a position to help others do the same with his Podcast Dreamer's Disease and new Coaching Business.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[](https://katiephilo.com/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
[](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Alex: **
**Twitter:** [@IAmAlexManzi](https://twitter.com/IAmAlexManzi)
**Instagram:** [@iamalexmanzi](https://www.instagram.com/iamalexmanzi/)
**Facebook:** [@iamalexmanzi](https://www.facebook.com/iamalexmanzi/)
**Follow Dreamer's Disease**
**Twitter: **[@DreamersPod](https://twitter.com/DreamersPod)
**Instagram: **[@the_dreamersdisease](https://www.instagram.com/the_dreamersdisease/)
My guest this episode is Podcaster, Coach and Social Media Producer Alex Manzi. Born and bred in London, Alex says he “never got on with” with school and found greater purpose working at his Uncle’s delicatessen at the weekends.
It wasn’t a surprise, then, that Alex decided to forgo University in favour of hitting the ground running in the workplace. From working in a pasta factory to delivery driving, he spent his first year as a jack-of-all-trades before working at a factory for almost three years.
While he considers this a dark and directionless time, it was also when he created his Music Blog 'We Are SME' and Club Night called Wanderlust. By day, he was stretching canvases onto their frames and by night he was furiously writing about his favourite new musicians. Eventually, he landed his first job in Media at an Events and Marketing firm, before embarking on a career in Advertising.
In 2014, he became BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Social Media Producer, where he spent four and a half years tweeting and Instagramming about music. At a point, however, he couldn’t help but feel something was missing. He stooped back into that familiar dark place, finding solace in motivational podcasts and books. This motivated him to create his very own podcast ‘Dreamer’s Disease’ - a podcast dedicated to telling the inspirational stories of others, in a bid to inspire himself and his audience.
Almost 80,000 plays later and after four years at 1Xtra, Alex has now taken a leap to pursue his passion full-time, to see where Dreamer’s Disease can take him.
I had the pleasure of working with Alex at the BBC and was so impressed when he started his own podcast on the side. Seeing him go ahead and pursue his dreams stoked a fire inside me, and served as an inspiration to get my podcast off the ground. I absolutely love how honest and candid Alex is when talking about some of life's more difficult subjects.
In this relatable chat, Alex talks about how he felt lost for most of his twenties, unsure of what he really wanted to do. He explains how his decision to reject the usual path of university in favour of working has served him in the long run, and how feeling directionless has been the cause of some of his darkest moments. Alex also explains how he found purpose and re-discovered himself, to now be in a position to help others do the same with his Podcast Dreamer's Disease and new Coaching Business.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](https://twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](https://www.instagram.com/katiephilo/)
[](https://katiephilo.com/)
[www.katiephilo.com](https://katiephilo.com/)
[](https://katiephilo.com/)
**Follow Alex: **
**Twitter:** [@IAmAlexManzi](https://twitter.com/IAmAlexManzi)
**Instagram:** [@iamalexmanzi](https://www.instagram.com/iamalexmanzi/)
**Facebook:** [@iamalexmanzi](https://www.facebook.com/iamalexmanzi/)
**Follow Dreamer's Disease**
**Twitter: **[@DreamersPod](https://twitter.com/DreamersPod)
**Instagram: **[@the_dreamersdisease](https://www.instagram.com/the_dreamersdisease/)
Sep 18, 201841:43
Dr Gwen Adshead: Why Dealing With Difficulty Is Important & How We Grow Up
“Life is difficult sometimes. The fact that something is difficult, hard or boring doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the wrong thing for you. It may be important to work out why it’s so difficult, hard and boring and try and go a bit deeper… You don’t have to like every situation you’re in. Life is full of suffering and we need to develop resilience."
My guest this week is Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr Gwen Adshead. She is a leader in a very specialist field, in which she seeks to understand and treat the behaviour of some of the most vilified and socially rejected members of society.
Currently working at Ravenswood House in Hampshire and a women’s prison in Surrey, she previously worked at Broadmoor Hospital for more than a decade, an institution home to more than 200 men convicted and accused of the most heinous of crimes.
With over 20 years of practice in the NHS, Gwen qualified in medicine in 1983\. Since then, she has become a contributing member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She also works with young offenders, supports crime victims and has written over 100 academic papers in addition to co-editing textbooks about Psychotherapy and Forensic Psychiatry.
Gwen is a regular guest on radio and television, where she has discussed the nature of evil, criminality and the state of the Health Service is the UK. Her “Desert Island Discs” is also an absolute must-listen. Having known she wanted to be a doctor from the age of 7, Gwen says she still can’t think of anything more interesting than being a Psychiatrist.
I discovered Gwen when I listened to her Desert Island Discs, first broadcast in 2010 (and an absolute must-listen if you haven’t heard it). I was fascinated to hear her talk about her path in life, but also the nature and origin of evil and what happens to trigger someone to commit a serious offence. In this episode, we talk all about how Gwen found her calling, how she dealt with difficult decisions and navigated her career, the power of being open-minded, reflections on her time at Broadmoor and working with people for whom everything went wrong. We also talked about what it means to grow up from a psychological standpoint and how important learning to deal with difficulty is - a perspective we don't hear enough.
**F****ollow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
Listen to [**Gwen's Desert Island Discs**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00syzlf)
My guest this week is Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr Gwen Adshead. She is a leader in a very specialist field, in which she seeks to understand and treat the behaviour of some of the most vilified and socially rejected members of society.
Currently working at Ravenswood House in Hampshire and a women’s prison in Surrey, she previously worked at Broadmoor Hospital for more than a decade, an institution home to more than 200 men convicted and accused of the most heinous of crimes.
With over 20 years of practice in the NHS, Gwen qualified in medicine in 1983\. Since then, she has become a contributing member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She also works with young offenders, supports crime victims and has written over 100 academic papers in addition to co-editing textbooks about Psychotherapy and Forensic Psychiatry.
Gwen is a regular guest on radio and television, where she has discussed the nature of evil, criminality and the state of the Health Service is the UK. Her “Desert Island Discs” is also an absolute must-listen. Having known she wanted to be a doctor from the age of 7, Gwen says she still can’t think of anything more interesting than being a Psychiatrist.
I discovered Gwen when I listened to her Desert Island Discs, first broadcast in 2010 (and an absolute must-listen if you haven’t heard it). I was fascinated to hear her talk about her path in life, but also the nature and origin of evil and what happens to trigger someone to commit a serious offence. In this episode, we talk all about how Gwen found her calling, how she dealt with difficult decisions and navigated her career, the power of being open-minded, reflections on her time at Broadmoor and working with people for whom everything went wrong. We also talked about what it means to grow up from a psychological standpoint and how important learning to deal with difficulty is - a perspective we don't hear enough.
**F****ollow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
Listen to [**Gwen's Desert Island Discs**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00syzlf)
Aug 28, 201841:33
Zanna Van Dijk: Magic Begins Outside The Comfort Zone (Even If It's Scary AF)
"I'm still in this mindset of I have no idea where I'm going to be in the next five years. It messes with my head. It's very exciting because there are so many opportunities and you can go in whichever direction you want, but as someone who is very goal-oriented, it's very bizarre to not really know where the industry is going to be. It's not all in my control."
My guest this week is Personal Trainer and Fitness Blogger, Zanna Van Dijk. Her website bio states that she finds it “hard to define her job”. But why define it when you have your finger in an impressive number of pies? These pies include but are not limited to, being: a Trainer, Adidas Global Ambassador, BBC Podcast Host, Author, Blogger, Vlogger, and co-founder of The Girl Gains.
A 2014 graduate of the University of Sheffield, Zanna studied Speech Sciences. It wasn’t until her second year at university, when she discovered her passion for fitness, that her idea for her future started to change. After graduating, she set off around the world backpacking. It was this journey of self-discovery that confirmed Zanna’s commitment to a career in fitness. Upon returning to the UK, Zanna moved to London to complete a six-week Personal Training course – and hasn’t looked back since.
Over the past few years, Zanna has juggled personal training alongside a whole host of projects to become a famous face in the fitness world and has published her first book called ‘Strong’. Beyond smoothies and squats, Zanna is passionate about sustainability and the environment. An Explorer and Ocean Lover, Zanna recently launched a sustainable swimwear brand called Stay Wild and wants to make caring about the environment cool.
When offering advice on starting a business, Zanna says “find your passion, embrace the challenge and you’ll work harder than you ever thought you could.” And work hard is precisely what Zanna has done to get so far aged just 25 years old.
Zanna was literally a DREAM to talk to. Having never had a traditional 9-5 job, she's been forging a truly modern career. We talked all about growing up and how bullying shaped her, how she discovered her passion for fitness, deciding not to pursue a career in Speech Science (even if her Mum was a bit disappointed!), the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone... and SO much more.
**Follow me:**
**Twitter:** @[katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
**Instagram:** @[katiephilo](http://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com
**Follow Zanna: **
**Twitter:** [@zannavandijk](https://twitter.com/zannavandijk)
**Instagram:** [@zannavandijk](https://www.instagram.com/zannavandijk/)
**Facebook:** [@zannavandijk](https://www.facebook.com/zannavandijk/)
[http://www.zannavandijk.co.uk](http://www.zannavandijk.co.uk)
My guest this week is Personal Trainer and Fitness Blogger, Zanna Van Dijk. Her website bio states that she finds it “hard to define her job”. But why define it when you have your finger in an impressive number of pies? These pies include but are not limited to, being: a Trainer, Adidas Global Ambassador, BBC Podcast Host, Author, Blogger, Vlogger, and co-founder of The Girl Gains.
A 2014 graduate of the University of Sheffield, Zanna studied Speech Sciences. It wasn’t until her second year at university, when she discovered her passion for fitness, that her idea for her future started to change. After graduating, she set off around the world backpacking. It was this journey of self-discovery that confirmed Zanna’s commitment to a career in fitness. Upon returning to the UK, Zanna moved to London to complete a six-week Personal Training course – and hasn’t looked back since.
Over the past few years, Zanna has juggled personal training alongside a whole host of projects to become a famous face in the fitness world and has published her first book called ‘Strong’. Beyond smoothies and squats, Zanna is passionate about sustainability and the environment. An Explorer and Ocean Lover, Zanna recently launched a sustainable swimwear brand called Stay Wild and wants to make caring about the environment cool.
When offering advice on starting a business, Zanna says “find your passion, embrace the challenge and you’ll work harder than you ever thought you could.” And work hard is precisely what Zanna has done to get so far aged just 25 years old.
Zanna was literally a DREAM to talk to. Having never had a traditional 9-5 job, she's been forging a truly modern career. We talked all about growing up and how bullying shaped her, how she discovered her passion for fitness, deciding not to pursue a career in Speech Science (even if her Mum was a bit disappointed!), the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone... and SO much more.
**Follow me:**
**Twitter:** @[katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
**Instagram:** @[katiephilo](http://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
www.katiephilo.com
**Follow Zanna: **
**Twitter:** [@zannavandijk](https://twitter.com/zannavandijk)
**Instagram:** [@zannavandijk](https://www.instagram.com/zannavandijk/)
**Facebook:** [@zannavandijk](https://www.facebook.com/zannavandijk/)
[http://www.zannavandijk.co.uk](http://www.zannavandijk.co.uk)
Aug 14, 201857:20
Lauren Kay: Should You Quit Your Job and Move To Bali?
"The quickest way to tell my story is 'Oh, I quit my job!' But of course, I didn't just quit like that. There were months of turmoil beforehand, saving, making a plan. There are lots of things that go on in the background to ensure that I could leap and feel comfortable. This meant I could make changes not based on fear."
My guest this week is Career Coach, Lauren Kay. Born and bred in the North of England, she followed her childhood ambitions to become a lawyer. Following some study and a dose of inspiration from Ally McBeal, she wound up in London in her dream job. Fast-forward six years in a corporate legal office with many professional accolades under her belt, she soon found herself feeling empty. The sheen had worn off her shiny London life – and indeed herself. Trapped, overworked and undervalued, she set off on a mission for fulfilment. Cue packing up her London life and setting off an adventure around the world. She peeled away, layer by layer, in search of the most authentic version of herself, which she has found since living a, what she calls, ‘Freedom based lifestyle’ in Bali for the last two years. Committed to helping others do the same, Lauren says her biggest desire is “for all humans to be their happiest and most successful – so that they can shine their brightest in the world.”
I first met Lauren when I was contemplating moving to Bali. I'd seen her Instagram and thought that working on the beach with a coconut in hand looked far preferable than being slouched in an office chair in a gloomy London. After grabbing coffee with her on one of her quick visits home, however, I realised that this idea of the Digital Nomad lifestyle perpetuated by Instagram is dangerous, and often inaccurate. Of course, it's paradise, but it's also life too.
Lauren's decision to quit a career in Law in favour of something more aligned with her values, though, really inspired me. She talks so passionately about this and I love how she is helping others really tap into what they care about. In this episode, we talk all about how she came to the realisation that a career in Law wasn't for her, redefining success in a meaningful way, the realities of the Digital Nomad lifestyle that Instagram doesn't show, the power of intention setting... and much more!
If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me:**
**Twitter:** [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
**Instagram:** [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Lauren Kay:**
**Facebook:** [@laurenkaycoaching](https://www.facebook.com/laurenkaycoaching/)
**Instagram:** @[lauren_kay_o](https://www.instagram.com/lauren_kay_o/)
[www.lauren-kay.com](https://www.lauren-kay.com/)
My guest this week is Career Coach, Lauren Kay. Born and bred in the North of England, she followed her childhood ambitions to become a lawyer. Following some study and a dose of inspiration from Ally McBeal, she wound up in London in her dream job. Fast-forward six years in a corporate legal office with many professional accolades under her belt, she soon found herself feeling empty. The sheen had worn off her shiny London life – and indeed herself. Trapped, overworked and undervalued, she set off on a mission for fulfilment. Cue packing up her London life and setting off an adventure around the world. She peeled away, layer by layer, in search of the most authentic version of herself, which she has found since living a, what she calls, ‘Freedom based lifestyle’ in Bali for the last two years. Committed to helping others do the same, Lauren says her biggest desire is “for all humans to be their happiest and most successful – so that they can shine their brightest in the world.”
I first met Lauren when I was contemplating moving to Bali. I'd seen her Instagram and thought that working on the beach with a coconut in hand looked far preferable than being slouched in an office chair in a gloomy London. After grabbing coffee with her on one of her quick visits home, however, I realised that this idea of the Digital Nomad lifestyle perpetuated by Instagram is dangerous, and often inaccurate. Of course, it's paradise, but it's also life too.
Lauren's decision to quit a career in Law in favour of something more aligned with her values, though, really inspired me. She talks so passionately about this and I love how she is helping others really tap into what they care about. In this episode, we talk all about how she came to the realisation that a career in Law wasn't for her, redefining success in a meaningful way, the realities of the Digital Nomad lifestyle that Instagram doesn't show, the power of intention setting... and much more!
If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me:**
**Twitter:** [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
**Instagram:** [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Lauren Kay:**
**Facebook:** [@laurenkaycoaching](https://www.facebook.com/laurenkaycoaching/)
**Instagram:** @[lauren_kay_o](https://www.instagram.com/lauren_kay_o/)
[www.lauren-kay.com](https://www.lauren-kay.com/)
Aug 07, 201831:38
The New York Public Library’s Tony Ageh: Pioneering Change in the Face of Resistance
“I always felt this strange sense of otherness as a child, just because of the colour of my skin. I am sure there are many people who have versions of that, whether you have afflictions that others think disable you, that don't in any way disable you. I knew full well, because of the environment I grew up in, the pigmentation of my skin made literally no difference to my ability to do anything. So I've always looked at the world from that perspective, that this must apply to everyone. Everybody must have something inside them that others judge will reduce their capacity for anything - whether it's for learning, love, creative output or self-actualization. It is completely nonsensical. Of all the things as a child that I carry with me. It's completely determined the path I've taken through life.”
My guest this week is the New York Public Library’s Chief Digital Officer, Tony Ageh. He is the visionary behind innovations such as The Guide at The Guardian and Wired UK, and also one of the founding fathers of BBC iPlayer – the BBC’s pioneering streaming and catch-up service. An early disrupter and proponent of change in the 80s and 90s, Tony began his career in publishing, and even helped launch Richard Branson’s London listings magazine, Event. Tony’s reputation for leading change earned him an invitation to join The Guardian Media Group, and by the mid-1990s, he was Head of Product Development.
From The Guardian he re-joined Branson to work on the launch of virgin.net, before spending 12 years at the BBC, where he rose to the much-coveted positions of Controller of Internet and Controller of BBC Archive Development. In 2016, Tony ventured across the pond to become Chief Digital Officer of the NYPL, where he is currently unleashing big ideas to digitally transform the institution. Tony was recognised for his work at the BBC when awarded an OBE for his services to digital media in 2015\. On future-proofing ideas, especially through large organisations at the BBC, Tony has said: “I am good at making ideas survive that process, which means they survive the outside world.”
Tony is one fascinating man, with a tale or two (or twenty!) to tell. Change has been such a huge part of Tony’s career and throughout his career he has sat on the cusp of it, in the best possible way. Tony told me all about how he has navigated and executed change throughout his career, often in the face of great resistance. The story of BBC iPlayer is a case in point and a story you simply have to hear. I’m not going to give any spoilers, but it started with a visit to the pub and well over 84 meetings. We also touched upon his big decision to leave the BBC and venture to a new city and new job at the New York Public Library.
If you enjoy this episode of the When I Grow Up Podcast, I would love it if you could rate or review, as it really helps to spread the word.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](http://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Tony:**
**Twitter:** [@TonyAgeh](www.twitter.com/TonyAgeh)
My guest this week is the New York Public Library’s Chief Digital Officer, Tony Ageh. He is the visionary behind innovations such as The Guide at The Guardian and Wired UK, and also one of the founding fathers of BBC iPlayer – the BBC’s pioneering streaming and catch-up service. An early disrupter and proponent of change in the 80s and 90s, Tony began his career in publishing, and even helped launch Richard Branson’s London listings magazine, Event. Tony’s reputation for leading change earned him an invitation to join The Guardian Media Group, and by the mid-1990s, he was Head of Product Development.
From The Guardian he re-joined Branson to work on the launch of virgin.net, before spending 12 years at the BBC, where he rose to the much-coveted positions of Controller of Internet and Controller of BBC Archive Development. In 2016, Tony ventured across the pond to become Chief Digital Officer of the NYPL, where he is currently unleashing big ideas to digitally transform the institution. Tony was recognised for his work at the BBC when awarded an OBE for his services to digital media in 2015\. On future-proofing ideas, especially through large organisations at the BBC, Tony has said: “I am good at making ideas survive that process, which means they survive the outside world.”
Tony is one fascinating man, with a tale or two (or twenty!) to tell. Change has been such a huge part of Tony’s career and throughout his career he has sat on the cusp of it, in the best possible way. Tony told me all about how he has navigated and executed change throughout his career, often in the face of great resistance. The story of BBC iPlayer is a case in point and a story you simply have to hear. I’m not going to give any spoilers, but it started with a visit to the pub and well over 84 meetings. We also touched upon his big decision to leave the BBC and venture to a new city and new job at the New York Public Library.
If you enjoy this episode of the When I Grow Up Podcast, I would love it if you could rate or review, as it really helps to spread the word.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](http://www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](http://www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Tony:**
**Twitter:** [@TonyAgeh](www.twitter.com/TonyAgeh)
Jul 31, 201837:25
Temi Hollist: The Truth Behind Big Career Changes & Making Leaps into the Unknown
"I really thought about it. I sought the counsel of people I trusted. I spent time feeling settled about it and I still arrived at the decision that I want to go. The only person I could blame was myself and in that moment I trusted myself to know it was the right decision for me."
My guest this week is the storyteller Temi Hollist. Hailing from Northampton, she’s a seasoned creative with truly global experience – having laid her hat in London, New York and most recently, Berlin. Starting her career at BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios) in London, she climbed the ladder all the way to the glittering city lights of the Big Apple to become Director of Creative Strategy at the BBC, before moving to do the same at global news giant, The Guardian.
Temi then made the courageous decision to leave New York to pursue her passion. She packed her bags to study music production in Berlin, where she’s lived for the past two years. In this time, she’s earned a Diploma in Music Production, released her debut EP, produced experiential events, and a whole host of films and pilots.
When I started this podcast, I always knew I wanted to interview Temi. The universe put us in touch with each other and although I’ve never met her in person (she’s now in Berlin and I’m in New York), we’ve had so many inspiring and real conversations via Skype along the way. So much so, that she feels like a great friend now. I always feel so pumped for life after talking to her and know that other people will feel the same after listening to her.
She’s one of those amazing people who has taken a ‘leap’ towards what she wants and I admire her so much for it. Temi and I talked about: How she made a leap from a high-powered corporate job in New York to the unknown in Berlin, how these ‘leaps’ aren’t as binary or dramatic as they may initially seem, as well as practical tips on doing the same — if you’ve ever entertained the idea!
If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Temi Hollist:**
Instagram: [@temisphere](https://www.instagram.com/temisphere/)
[www.everystory.me](www.everystory.me)
[](https://vimeo.com/user81318757)
My guest this week is the storyteller Temi Hollist. Hailing from Northampton, she’s a seasoned creative with truly global experience – having laid her hat in London, New York and most recently, Berlin. Starting her career at BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios) in London, she climbed the ladder all the way to the glittering city lights of the Big Apple to become Director of Creative Strategy at the BBC, before moving to do the same at global news giant, The Guardian.
Temi then made the courageous decision to leave New York to pursue her passion. She packed her bags to study music production in Berlin, where she’s lived for the past two years. In this time, she’s earned a Diploma in Music Production, released her debut EP, produced experiential events, and a whole host of films and pilots.
When I started this podcast, I always knew I wanted to interview Temi. The universe put us in touch with each other and although I’ve never met her in person (she’s now in Berlin and I’m in New York), we’ve had so many inspiring and real conversations via Skype along the way. So much so, that she feels like a great friend now. I always feel so pumped for life after talking to her and know that other people will feel the same after listening to her.
She’s one of those amazing people who has taken a ‘leap’ towards what she wants and I admire her so much for it. Temi and I talked about: How she made a leap from a high-powered corporate job in New York to the unknown in Berlin, how these ‘leaps’ aren’t as binary or dramatic as they may initially seem, as well as practical tips on doing the same — if you’ve ever entertained the idea!
If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me:**
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Temi Hollist:**
Instagram: [@temisphere](https://www.instagram.com/temisphere/)
[www.everystory.me](www.everystory.me)
[](https://vimeo.com/user81318757)
Jul 24, 201856:46
Career Coach Ciara Davies: How to Find A Job You Really Love
"A lot of people underestimate their 'superpower' or 'Zone of Genius'. Everyone has something that they really enjoy or are really good at - and probably better at it than most people. At first glance, it might not look like the type of skill that is job-orientated. It's the kind of task that doesn't bore you. It's probably something you do when you're not thinking. It could also be something that gives you energy after you do it."
My guest this week is Career Coach and Business Strategist Ciara Davies. After working in education, the arts, HR, and international trade negotiations, she scored her dream job as an attaché at a British embassy overseas. It wasn’t long, however, before she missed the satisfaction of making a positive difference to people’s lives on a personal level. This is when serendipity intervened in the form of an opportunity to train as an internal coach to other staff in the Foreign Service.
Fast-forward a few years, and now she’s a full-time Career Coach, helping people identify their unique talents and define their own version of success in work and life. Nothing gives her more satisfaction than working with clients to realise their ambitions. A graduate of Cambridge University, she’s one smart cookie who’s brought about her own career evolution and is now on a mission to help others do the same.
Ciara Davies is a very special guest because not only is she someone who has made a significant career change herself, but she also coaches other people to do the same. Double whammy. Naturally, Ciara had plenty of fantastic advice to share. We talked all about: How following your curiosity can help you find your so-called ‘zone of genius', why people are unhappy in their jobs and what they can do about it, as well as how you can get clear on what you REALLY desire. We also chatted sharks and hula hooping. Intrigued? You’ll have to listen.
Ciara also very kindly offered you guys a FREE Career Ignition Session valued at 197 Euros. Head over to [http://ciaradavies.com/podcastoffer/](http://ciaradavies.com/podcastoffer/) to sign-up!
**Follow me: **
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Ciara Davies:**
Instagram: [@ciaradaviesonline](https://www.instagram.com/ciaradaviesonline/)
Facebook: [@CiaraDavies.Coaching](https://www.facebook.com/CiaraDavies.Coaching/)
[http://ciaradavies.com/](http://ciaradavies.com/)
My guest this week is Career Coach and Business Strategist Ciara Davies. After working in education, the arts, HR, and international trade negotiations, she scored her dream job as an attaché at a British embassy overseas. It wasn’t long, however, before she missed the satisfaction of making a positive difference to people’s lives on a personal level. This is when serendipity intervened in the form of an opportunity to train as an internal coach to other staff in the Foreign Service.
Fast-forward a few years, and now she’s a full-time Career Coach, helping people identify their unique talents and define their own version of success in work and life. Nothing gives her more satisfaction than working with clients to realise their ambitions. A graduate of Cambridge University, she’s one smart cookie who’s brought about her own career evolution and is now on a mission to help others do the same.
Ciara Davies is a very special guest because not only is she someone who has made a significant career change herself, but she also coaches other people to do the same. Double whammy. Naturally, Ciara had plenty of fantastic advice to share. We talked all about: How following your curiosity can help you find your so-called ‘zone of genius', why people are unhappy in their jobs and what they can do about it, as well as how you can get clear on what you REALLY desire. We also chatted sharks and hula hooping. Intrigued? You’ll have to listen.
Ciara also very kindly offered you guys a FREE Career Ignition Session valued at 197 Euros. Head over to [http://ciaradavies.com/podcastoffer/](http://ciaradavies.com/podcastoffer/) to sign-up!
**Follow me: **
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Ciara Davies:**
Instagram: [@ciaradaviesonline](https://www.instagram.com/ciaradaviesonline/)
Facebook: [@CiaraDavies.Coaching](https://www.facebook.com/CiaraDavies.Coaching/)
[http://ciaradavies.com/](http://ciaradavies.com/)
Jul 17, 201841:36
Refinery 29's Lucie Fink: Creating the Perfect Job & Swapping Neuroscience for Media
"A lot of my friends seemed to be in that boat where everything was sort of linear and I was just weaving. I definitely was stressed but if I have a takeaway from it, it's that the stress didn't help me figure it out at all."
My guest this week is Video Producer, Lifestyle Host and Stop Motion Artist Extraordinaire, Lucie Fink. With a career that reads like a modern-day Millennial fairy-tale, Lucie wrote up her dream job description and the role was created for her at the digital media company Refinery 29\. Such magic, however, does not happen without one hell of a lot of hard work, undeniable talent and ambition. Driven by a relentless curiosity and enthusiasm for connecting with others, Lucie breathes colour into everything she creates.
For almost three years, she’s filled Refinery 29’s YouTube and social media channels, with a string of astoundingly successful series such as ‘Try Living with Lucie’, where she takes on social experiments for five days at a time. Whether it’s 5 days of eating nothing but pizza or 5 days of wearing the same outfit, Lucie throws herself in hook, line and sinker.
In this episode, Lucie talks all about how she found her calling and the life-changing decisions she's made along the way. From switching from neuroscience to creative writing, taking the plunge to join a company she not yet heard of, and introducing new challenges to her life on a regular basis in her YouTube series 'Try Living with Lucie'. She also shared invaluable advice to anyone wanting to see where their creativity could take them. She may only be 25 years old, but Lucie has buckets full of wisdom to share.
If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me: **
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Lucie Fink:**
Twitter: [@luciebfink](https://twitter.com/luciebfink)
Instagram: [@LucieBFink](www.instagram.com/luciebfink)
Facebook: [@luciebfink](https://www.facebook.com/luciebfink/)
[https://luciefink.com](https://luciefink.com)
My guest this week is Video Producer, Lifestyle Host and Stop Motion Artist Extraordinaire, Lucie Fink. With a career that reads like a modern-day Millennial fairy-tale, Lucie wrote up her dream job description and the role was created for her at the digital media company Refinery 29\. Such magic, however, does not happen without one hell of a lot of hard work, undeniable talent and ambition. Driven by a relentless curiosity and enthusiasm for connecting with others, Lucie breathes colour into everything she creates.
For almost three years, she’s filled Refinery 29’s YouTube and social media channels, with a string of astoundingly successful series such as ‘Try Living with Lucie’, where she takes on social experiments for five days at a time. Whether it’s 5 days of eating nothing but pizza or 5 days of wearing the same outfit, Lucie throws herself in hook, line and sinker.
In this episode, Lucie talks all about how she found her calling and the life-changing decisions she's made along the way. From switching from neuroscience to creative writing, taking the plunge to join a company she not yet heard of, and introducing new challenges to her life on a regular basis in her YouTube series 'Try Living with Lucie'. She also shared invaluable advice to anyone wanting to see where their creativity could take them. She may only be 25 years old, but Lucie has buckets full of wisdom to share.
If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me: **
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Lucie Fink:**
Twitter: [@luciebfink](https://twitter.com/luciebfink)
Instagram: [@LucieBFink](www.instagram.com/luciebfink)
Facebook: [@luciebfink](https://www.facebook.com/luciebfink/)
[https://luciefink.com](https://luciefink.com)
Jul 10, 201851:27
Jeremy Vine: Over 30 years in Broadcasting & The Importance of Time
"We're here for fun, mainly. Therefore, if we come first doing what we enjoy, that's great. But if not, let's at least work hard at it and do our best." - Jeremy Vine.
My guest this week is Presenter, Broadcaster and Journalist, Jeremy Vine. From a young age, Jeremy always knew he wanted to be a journalist, but he could never have predicted how his career would unfold.
Since joining the BBC as a News Trainee in 1987, he has spent more than three decades informing, educating and entertaining the great British public. Jeremy has graced our screens in a whole host of flagship programmes such as Newsnight, Panorama, Crimewatch, Points of View, Strictly Come Dancing and more. In June 2018, it was announced Jeremy would take over the popular Wright Stuff slot on Channel 5.
Jeremy is more than a familiar face on the telly. Since 2003, he has presented the most listened to radio current affairs programme in the UK on Radio 2\. He’s also published two books: his autobiography ‘It’s All News to Me’ tells the vivid story of a quarter-of-a-century in journalism, while his most recent book ‘What I Learnt’ is a hilarious memoir of lessons learnt from his Radio 2 listeners.
In this episode, Jeremy seamlessly traverses his career - and indeed life - so far. From growing up in Cheam in a 'family of show-offs', to his formative years as a trainee reporter in Coventry, to his incredible 30+ year career in broadcasting. A born storyteller, Jeremy shares plenty of brilliant stories and imparts pearls of wisdom to the next generation. He also shares his biggest aspiration for the future.
If you enjoy the first ever episode of When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me: **
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Jeremy Vine:**
**Twitter:** @[TheJeremyVine](www.twitter.com/TheJeremyVine)
**Instagram:** [@TheJeremyVine](www.instagram.com/TheJeremyVine)
**Facebook:** [@TheJeremyVine](www.facebook.com/TheJeremyVine)
[www.jeremyvine.tv](http://jeremyvine.tv)
My guest this week is Presenter, Broadcaster and Journalist, Jeremy Vine. From a young age, Jeremy always knew he wanted to be a journalist, but he could never have predicted how his career would unfold.
Since joining the BBC as a News Trainee in 1987, he has spent more than three decades informing, educating and entertaining the great British public. Jeremy has graced our screens in a whole host of flagship programmes such as Newsnight, Panorama, Crimewatch, Points of View, Strictly Come Dancing and more. In June 2018, it was announced Jeremy would take over the popular Wright Stuff slot on Channel 5.
Jeremy is more than a familiar face on the telly. Since 2003, he has presented the most listened to radio current affairs programme in the UK on Radio 2\. He’s also published two books: his autobiography ‘It’s All News to Me’ tells the vivid story of a quarter-of-a-century in journalism, while his most recent book ‘What I Learnt’ is a hilarious memoir of lessons learnt from his Radio 2 listeners.
In this episode, Jeremy seamlessly traverses his career - and indeed life - so far. From growing up in Cheam in a 'family of show-offs', to his formative years as a trainee reporter in Coventry, to his incredible 30+ year career in broadcasting. A born storyteller, Jeremy shares plenty of brilliant stories and imparts pearls of wisdom to the next generation. He also shares his biggest aspiration for the future.
If you enjoy the first ever episode of When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.
**Follow me: **
Twitter: [@katiephilo](www.twitter.com/katiephilo)
Instagram: [@katiephilo](www.instagram.com/katiephilo)
[www.katiephilo.com](www.katiephilo.com)
**Follow Jeremy Vine:**
**Twitter:** @[TheJeremyVine](www.twitter.com/TheJeremyVine)
**Instagram:** [@TheJeremyVine](www.instagram.com/TheJeremyVine)
**Facebook:** [@TheJeremyVine](www.facebook.com/TheJeremyVine)
[www.jeremyvine.tv](http://jeremyvine.tv)
Jul 03, 201850:34
When I Grow Up: Trailer
What do you want to be when you grow up? Hands up if you remember being asked this when you were younger. And hands up if you never knew the answer. Keep your hand up if you still don't know the answer. Don't worry, neither do I.
When I Grow Up is a podcast hosted by me, Katie Philo, all about the trials, tribulations and joys of growing up. Each episode will focus on the journey of one individual. Dialing it back to those childhood dreams and subsequent journeys, we’ll discuss the choices they've made, the times they've laughed, cried (and both) at life's twists and turns – as well as exploring what it means to grow up. I’ll also interview a number of career coaches to understand how to find your passion and way in life. I want to show people that it’s OK to be unsure. It’s OK to have moments of failure, indecision – and of course success. After all, we're forever growing up.
When I Grow Up is a podcast hosted by me, Katie Philo, all about the trials, tribulations and joys of growing up. Each episode will focus on the journey of one individual. Dialing it back to those childhood dreams and subsequent journeys, we’ll discuss the choices they've made, the times they've laughed, cried (and both) at life's twists and turns – as well as exploring what it means to grow up. I’ll also interview a number of career coaches to understand how to find your passion and way in life. I want to show people that it’s OK to be unsure. It’s OK to have moments of failure, indecision – and of course success. After all, we're forever growing up.
Jun 20, 201801:10