Welcome to Successville

Emma Slade Edmondson Contains Multitudes

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Emma Slade Edmondson, to  discuss the complexities of identity, self-perception, and the journey of navigating success. Emma shares her transition from a corporate career in advertising to pursuing her creative passions, including writing a book that addresses race and identity.  Useful links: Emma on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emsladedmondson/?hl=en] Emma’s book - The Half of It [https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-half-of-it-emma-slade-edmondson/5789335?ean=9780008481674&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhr6_BhD4ARIsAH1YdjAYMb1lflKW87AmBROidydryaV-XAjYPh7gcIBA12xHlevYmpcJIJ0aAhfXEALw_wcB] Emma's new venture - Good Form [https://www.ongoodform.com/] Emma’s website [https://www.emmasladeedmondson.com/] The Intersection [https://open.substack.com/pub/millennialblack/p/john-wick-is-so-tired?r=8lmlx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sophiewilliamsofficial/] Sophie’s Social Action Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialmillennialblack/] Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Success and Emma's Journey 06:02 - Navigating Multiple Identities and Skills 08:10 - Early Touchpoints with Success 12:46 - Learning to Fail and Embracing Imperfection 15:07 - University Experience and Personal Growth 27:35 - Navigating Workplace Stress and Emotional Well-being 31:14 - Success in Corporate Environments: Happiness vs. Achievement 34:44 - Taking the Leap: Freelancing and Financial Preparedness 39:14 - Sustainable Fashion: Bridging Knowledge and Community 40:38 - The Pressure of Defining One's Career Path 41:39 - Discussing Race and Identity in Public Spaces 45:57 - The Journey to Authorship: From Dreams to Reality 54:00 - Building Community and Support 58:54 - Moments of Success Amidst Challenges 01:02:05 - Defining Success in a Changing Landscape

Anne Ravanona is doing a power pose

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Anne Ravanona shares her journey from burnout and perfectionism to speaking in front of world leaders and creating a funding platform for women. Useful links: * Global InvestHer [https://www.globalinvesther.com/] * The Intersection [https://open.substack.com/pub/millennialblack/p/john-wick-is-so-tired?r=8lmlx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. * Sophie’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sophiewilliamsofficial/] * Sophie’s Social Action Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialmillennialblack/] Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Success and Guest Anne Ravanona 05:46 - Early Life and Academic Success 14:29 - Burnout and the Pressure of Perfectionism  19:28 - Career Beginnings and Transitioning Roles 29:11 - Building a Career in Consulting 33:47 - Recognizing the Gender Funding Gap 39:51 - Privilege and Intersectionality  41:04 - Defining Success and Setting Goals 48:30 - Redefining Success: Impact Over Personal Achievement

Tasha Bailey loves (some of) the things she thought she hated

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Tasha Bailey, AKA Real Talk Therapist, to talk about her journey from childhood as a Golden Child, to becoming a therapist. Useful links: * Tasha on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/realtalk.therapist/] * Tasha’s book [https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/real-talk-lessons-from-therapy-for-healing-living-tasha-bailey/7311186?ean=9781804190913] * The Intersection [https://open.substack.com/pub/millennialblack/p/john-wick-is-so-tired?r=8lmlx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. * Sophie’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sophiewilliamsofficial/] * Sophie’s Social Action Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialmillennialblack/] * Yearly Compass [https://yearcompass.com/] Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Tasha Bailey and Her Work 03:08 - Young relationship to success 10:16 - The Pressure of Being the Golden Child 12:58 - Learning to Embrace Failure 15:49 - Before becoming a therapist 16:57 - Defining Success in Retail Management 20:29 - Navigating Psychotherapy Training Challenges 23:29 - Taking Therapy outside of the therapy room 23:51 - The Evolution of Therapy Practices 25:33 - The Changing Perception of Therapy in Society 27:43 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Mental Health 29:34 - Transitioning to Public Engagement in Therapy 32:21 - Defining Success in the Digital Age 34:27 - Envy and external perceptions 36:24 - Goal Setting 39:28 - Silencing the Inner Critic 45:39 - Navigating Ambition and Success 50:50 - Setting Boundaries in Professional Spaces 56:46 - Redefining Success on Personal Terms

Erika Ehler chose comedy over the army

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest and comedian Erika Ehler explore succession the world of comedy. They discuss early influences, the challenges of navigating the comedy scene, the importance of representation, and the evolving definitions of success in a creative career.   Useful links: * See Erika Live at the Soho Theatre May'25 [https://sohotheatre.com/events/erika-ehler-i-got-some-dope-ass-memories-with-people-that-ill-never-fck-with-again/] * Erika on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/erikaehler/] * The Intersection [https://open.substack.com/pub/millennialblack/p/john-wick-is-so-tired?r=8lmlx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. * Sophie’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sophiewilliamsofficial/] * Sophie’s Social Action Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialmillennialblack/] Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Getting Into Comedy 04:43 - Early Life and Education 09:07 - Parental Influence on Success 11:44 - Reflections on Turning 27 14:29 -  Career Path in Comedy 19:04 - Choosing Non-Traditional Career Paths 22:31 - The Journey of Stand-Up Comedy 25:23 - The Pressure of Success and Expectations 27:57 -  Representation in Comedy 32:00 - Support and Community Among Female Comedians 35:57 - The Evolving Landscape of Comedy and TV 36:19 - The Current State of Television Writing 39:22 - Turning Life Experiences into Comedy 42:14 - Audience Reactions and Success in Stand-Up 44:42 - Balancing Writing and Performing 47:04 - Defining Success in a Creative Career 52:26 - Quickfire round

Rupal Patel has gone from CIA to CEO

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Rupal Patel to explore Rupal's unique journey into the CIA. They discuss the challenges faced by women and people of color in corporate environments, the importance of team dynamics, and the challenges of working in individualistic societies. Rupal shares her journey from a successful academic background to the challenges of entrepreneurship and the loneliness and self-doubt that often accompany starting a business. Useful links: * Rupal on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rupalypatel/] * Rupal’s website [https://www.entreprenora.co/] * Rupal’s book - CIA to CEO [https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/from-cia-to-ceo-unconventional-life-lessons-for-thinking-bigger-leading-better-and-being-bolder-rupal-patel/6786702?ean=9781788706742] * The Intersection [https://open.substack.com/pub/millennialblack/p/john-wick-is-so-tired?r=8lmlx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. * Sophie’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sophiewilliamsofficial/] * Sophie’s Social Action Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialmillennialblack/] Chapters 00:00 -  Intro 01:35 - Reflections on Success and Identity 12:44 - Early Life and Academic Success 16:40 - UK vs US Perspectives on Success 20:19 - Working at the CIA: An Insider's View 27:46 - Defining Success in Unique Environments 30:28 - Working as a Sports Team, not a Family 32:58 - Leaving the CIA and returning to Studying 34:59 - The Challenge of Lost Personal Identity when Starting Anew 42:57 - The Pursuit vs. The Result 45:35 - Letting Go of Results: Finding Peace in the Process 46:45 - Absolute vs. Relative Success: Defining Personal Happiness 48:21 - The Importance of Community in Defining Success 50:19 - Contentment vs. Complacency: Balancing Ambition and Satisfaction 52:14 - Redefining Success in a Changing World 54:48 - The Interconnectedness of Success and Community 57:26 - Challenging Traditional Notions of Success 01:02:26 - Wrapping up and quickfire questions