Passion Chats

"Inside 'Born to Buzz'" with Laura Best and Michelle Yu

What really happens when you decide to write a book? In this special edition of Passion Chats, host Laura Best sits in the guest seat as Michelle Yu — co-founder and CEO of Josie, TEDx speaker, and one of Laura’s favourite past guests — interviews her about the journey of creating Born to Buzz: How to Spark Your Passions (Without Quitting It All). Together, they dig into: * The surprising things Laura learned while writing her first book * How to overcome self-doubt when pursuing big creative goals * What the book-writing process really looks and feels like  * Why now is the time to start your own passion project — whatever it is Whether you’ve been “thinking about writing a book” for years, or you’re chasing another dream that keeps getting pushed aside, this conversation will give you an honest, inspiring look at what it takes to start — and keep going. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform! ----------------------------- Born to Buzz launches 9 September in hardcover and eBook on Amazon. Get your copy, write a review, and join the movement to do more of what you love in work and life. Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching, and Passion Perks — a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers. Sign up for our monthly newsletter The Passion Seeker at www.passioncollective.co/newsletter [http://www.passioncollective.co/newsletter] Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co [http://www.passioncollective.co] Learn more about Josie here: https://myjosie.com/about/ Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.  Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co

Defining Your "All" with Gelareh Chafin

What if bringing structure to chaos could be your unique passion and strength?  In this episode, Gelareh Chafin, chemical engineer and team leader at global organisation LyondellBasel, joins host Laura Best to explore how finding order in complexity can become a source of joy. Drawing from her journey from aspiring doctor to global turnaround specialist, Gelareh shares how she discovered her passion for creating clarity amidst ambiguity. You'll hear Gelareh's insights on: * Why structure creates freedom rather than rigidity * How to define "your all" in different seasons of life * The connection between confidence and problem-solving * Practical advice for leading teams through complex challenges Whether you're navigating career transitions, balancing multiple responsibilities, or trying to understand your unique strengths, this conversation offers wisdom on embracing your natural talents and defining success on your own terms. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching, and Passion Perks - a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers. Sign up for our monthly newsletter "The Passion Seeker" at www.passioncollective.co [http://www.passioncollective.co]/newsletter Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.  Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co

"7 Rules of Self Reliance" with communication expert Maha Abouelenein

What if self-reliance could help you do more of what you love?  In this episode, Maha Abouelenein, author and self-reliance advocate, joins host Laura Best to explore how trusting yourself leads to both professional success and personal fulfillment. Drawing from her experience moving to Egypt and turning setbacks into opportunities, Maha shares practical wisdom on building confidence through small, intentional steps. You'll hear Maha's insights on: * How self-reliance becomes a source of energy, not a drain on your resources * Why listening to your intuition shapes decisions that align with your goals * Practical strategies for making time for personal development, even when you're busy * The surprising connection between learning and building self-trust Whether you're feeling stretched too thin, exploring your next career move, or looking to reconnect with your strength, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on creating the opportunities you want. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching, and Passion Perks - a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers. Sign up for our monthly newsletter "The Passion Seeker" at www.passioncollective.co Learn more about Maha at: https://www.mahaabouelenein.com/ and order Maha's book here: https://bookshop.org/a/82083/9781401978662 Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.  Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co

"Helping Parents Rise" with Michelle Yu

What if returning to work after parental leave could feel less like starting over and more like stepping forward? How can workplaces better support parents while nurturing their career passions? In this episode, Michelle Yu, co-founder and CEO of Josie and advocate for working parents and workplace inclusivity, joins Laura Best for a candid conversation about navigating the intersection of parenthood and career ambitions. Drawing from her own journey as a mother and management consultant, Michelle shares insights on how becoming a parent reshaped her perspective on workplace culture and sparked her passion for change. You'll hear Michelle's take on: * Why supporting working parents is more than just a nice-to-have * How small changes in workplace culture can create big ripples of impact * The unexpected ways motherhood can spark entrepreneurial drive * Practical steps for organizations to retain talented parents Whether you're a parent juggling career aspirations, a leader looking to build a more inclusive workplace, or someone searching for ways to merge passion with your profession, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on finding joy and meaning in our work lives. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching, and Passion Perks - a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers. Sign up for our monthly newsletter "The Passion Seeker" at www.passioncollective.co [http://www.passioncollective.co] Learn more about Josie here: https://myjosie.com/ Josie's I Wish I Had This database can be found here [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qAThIcYEXkOGKLkKAN-Du1HYVIQMvLHciaBwE_aNg2w/edit?usp=sharing]. Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.  Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co

"Truth About Fear" with Dr. Tonya Jackman Hampton

Fear - it's something we all experience but rarely discuss openly. What if understanding our fears, rather than fighting them, could help us do more of what we love? In this powerful episode, Dr. Tonya Jackman Hampton, executive coach and business leader, joins Laura Best for an honest conversation about fear. Author of the new book "The Myth of the Fearless Leader: Exposing a New Path Beyond Fight, Flight, and Freeze," Dr. Tonya challenges the notion that we need to be fearless to pursue our passions, drawing from both professional expertise and personal wisdom passed down from her grandparents. You'll discover: * Dr. Tonya's Engage, Explore and Execute model for working with fear rather than against it * The lessons she learned from her grandparents' legacy of action and courage * Practical strategies for transforming fear from a barrier into a catalyst for growth Whether you're navigating corporate leadership or pursuing personal passions, this conversation offers a new perspective on embracing fear as a tool for change.  Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about Dr. Tonya here (and buy her book!): https://www.drtonyajackmanhampton.com/.  Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching, and Passion Perks - a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers. Sign up for our monthly newsletter "The Passion Seeker" at www.passioncollective.co [http://www.passioncollective.co] Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.  Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co