Ep 147 - Ashley James: Positivity, authenticity and opportunity.

Authenticity is key to long term success. A DJ, TV presenter and radio host who found fame on the BAFTA award-winning Made In Chelsea, Ashley James is a regular face in the British media. An articulate social commentator, activist and empowerment coach, she's using her platform for good, campaigning for body positivity, mental health and honesty on social media. This is a lesson in how to stay true to yourself, no matter what others think. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version – https://youtu.be/n-PdgfT-bz8   Ashley James always wanted to be a presenter but didn't realise it was an option for years. Her first mini break can after hustling for a radio job, doing teas and coffees for her local station when she was 16. She went to university and did a graduate scheme with Abercrombie and Fitch. After moving to London and working various jobs, Ashley struggled with money but got her break with her first reality TV appearance on Made In Chelsea in 2012. She also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. Ashley had been swept up in the world of a celebrity, but soon realised that it wasn't fame that would make her happy. She's since been working hard to follow her passions and show authenticity throughout her personal and professional life. A campaigner for mental health, body positivity and social media honesty, Ashley has appeared on both BBC News and Sky News to discuss topical issues and draw on her own past battles with self-harm, bullying and body dysmorphia. She's DJ'd internationally in Cannes, Ibiza, Marbella, Dubai and Thailand and at the Reading, Isle of Wight, Wireless, Citadel and Mighty Hoopla festivals in the UK. She's even shared the decks with Groove Armada! For more information visit ashleylouisejames.com   Episode highlights - Why you shouldn't take negative feedback to heart, but continue to pursue your dreams and passions while taking constructive criticism on board. How changes in opinions surrounding lockdown affected social media activity for influencers and personalities that may have had fear of posting about certain topics. What the beauty is in owning your mistakes and why putting your hands up to something you don't fully understand is often the best way to overcome getting caught out. How to navigate clickbait online, and how to cope when clickbait articles are written about you or your business. Why you need to unfollow and mute people on social media, even if you like them in real life. How to deal with the challenges around body positivity and mindset, and what lifestyle changes will shift old habits or cyclical behaviour. Why it's important to be authentic online, especially when posting images, and why editing photos in certain ways only furthers the damage that our culture of snapshot social media can cause.   Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Ashley Louise James…