Wish I Knew

Most people think they’re bad with money. They’re not — they’ve just been taught wrong.This is a live recording of Wish I Knew from Advertising Week Europe, with Abigail Foster — one of the UK’s most trusted voices on money.In this conversation, we unpack why so many people feel behind financially — even when they’re doing everything “right”.From understanding your payslip to navigating debt, confidence, and career decisions, this episode goes beyond surface-level advice and into the behaviours that actually shape your financial life.We also explore why women need an “F*ck You Fund” — and how money, at its core, is less about wealth… and more about freedom.🔑 In this episode:• Why you’re not “bad with money” — you’ve just been taught wrong• The hidden behaviours shaping your financial decisions• How to build confidence and take control of your money• The truth behind the gender pay gap (and what it means for you)• Why financial independence = freedom🎙️ Wish I Knew is a podcast about building a career and life you actually want — through honest conversations with founders, creators and industry leaders.Subscribe for new episodes every week.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsI’ve been taking Heights Vitals to support focus, clarity and long-term brain health — especially when balancing work, content and everything in between.Get 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 at:www.heights.com/wishiknew#finances #personalfinance #moneysavingtips #personalfinancetips

WISH I KNEW × Izzy Utterson 🎙️“I didn’t look in the mirror for 2 years.”Before building a global audience around confidence, habits and “glow ups”, Izzy Utterson was struggling with something very different — a complete lack of self-confidence.Despite being confident on the outside, internally she felt disconnected, insecure and stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle that wasn’t sustainable.This episode breaks down what actually changed.Not the aesthetic version of a glow up — the real one.The one that starts in your mind, your habits, and the way you speak to yourself every single day.We talk about:✨ Why confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build🧠 The difference between confidence and self-confidence💭 How your self-talk is shaping your reality (and holding you back)🔁 Why most people fail to stick to habits — and what actually works instead📈 The “no zero days” mindset and why consistency beats perfection⚡ Why quick fixes don’t work — and what to focus on instead🎯 How to build confidence through small, repeatable daily actionsIzzy shares simple, practical tools you can start using immediately — from affirmations and habit stacking to reframing your mindset and building a self-concept that actually supports the life you want.If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or like you’re “doing everything right” but still don’t feel confident — this episode will change how you think about it.Because confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsI’ve been taking Heights Vitals to support focus, clarity and long-term brain health — especially when balancing work, content and everything in between.Get 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 at:www.heights.com/wishiknew#confidence #selfgrowth #habits #mindset #glowup #personaldevelopment

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career, unsure what to do next, or questioning whether it’s time for a change — this episode is for you.In this solo episode of Wish I Knew, I’m sharing a life update — from my first ever live podcast at Advertising Week Europe, to working with a coach, to why I’m making April my reset month.Then we get into a big career Q&A — answering the questions you’ve been sending in.From redundancy and going freelance, to negotiating your salary, getting visibility at work, navigating difficult managers, and knowing when it’s time to move on — this is a practical, honest breakdown of what to actually do next.If you’re heading into Q2 feeling stuck, this is your reset.We cover:✨ What to do if you’ve been made redundant and want to go freelance📈 How to get visible at work (even when your boss isn’t backing you)💡 Why you’re not “behind” — and how to reframe where you are🎯 How to negotiate your salary (and what to do if they say no)🤝 How to build a network when you don’t know where to start⚖️ When it’s time to stay, push… or leave💻 How to move into tech (even without experience)If this episode helped, comment below — what’s the ONE thing that stuck with you?And if there’s a dilemma you want me to answer in a future episode, drop it in the comments 💛💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsI’ve been taking their Vitals daily (15+ essential vitamins & minerals in 2 capsules), alongside their Biotic and Magnesium.You can get 20% off your first month using www.heights/pages/wishiknew and code WISHIKNEW20🎙️ This podcast was recorded at The Qube - a membership community for musicians, podcasters, DJs and more. Information on how to join here: https://www.theqube.com/membership/podcasterscareer advice, feeling stuck in career, salary negotiation, how to freelance, career change advice, personal brand, work advice, how to get promoted, quitting your job, career growth

WISH I KNEW × Nicola Gunby 🎙️Nicola Gunby built and sold her first company in her 20s - with no funding, no corporate background, and no clear roadmap.Now, she’s building her second business, Cliq - a social networking app tackling one of the biggest challenges of our generation: loneliness, and recently raised a 7 figure investment to scale her mission.In this episode, we go deeper than the highlight reel - into what it actually takes to start, build, and sell a company when you’re figuring it out as you go.We also talk about building a business with your partner, the pressure of always being “on,” and why personal brand can completely change your trajectory.We cover:✨ Why “delusion” can be more powerful than ambition✨ The moment you realise no one is coming to save you✨ Starting a business with no experience✨ Why most people never act on their ideas✨ The reality of raising investment (and hearing no)✨ How personal brand creates unexpected opportunities✨ Why we’re more connected than ever… but feel more aloneIf you’ve been sitting on an idea, questioning your next move, or waiting until you feel “ready” — this is your sign.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsGet 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 at heights.com/wishiknew🎙️ Recorded at The QubeExplore membership options: theqube.com/membership/podcastersCheck out Cliq: https://www.thecliq.app/#entrepreneurship #startupjourney #founderlife #femalefounders #personalbrand

WISH I KNEW × Naomi Walkland From starting her career in PR to becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Motorway, Naomi Walkland has built one of the most intentional and impressive careers in marketing today.Before joining Motorway, Naomi was Vice President of International Marketing at Bumble, helping scale the brand across more than 15 markets and leading up to the company’s IPO in 2021.But her journey hasn’t been linear.At one point in her career, Naomi quit a job without a real plan — a decision that felt terrifying at the time but ultimately led her to launch her own consultancy and eventually join Bumble, where her career accelerated rapidly.In this episode, Naomi shares the lessons she’s learned along the way — from ambition and leadership to mentorship, visibility and owning your career.We talk about: - Going from PR intern to CMO - Taking risks and quitting without a clear plan- Why “being so good your talent can’t be dismissed” became a career philosophy - The realities of leadership — and why it can sometimes feel lonely - Why hard work alone isn’t enough without visibility - How Naomi now defines success through impact, not titlesNaomi also shares practical advice for anyone building their career — including how to find mentors, negotiate your salary, and create a personal board of advisors.If you’re early in your career, stepping into leadership, or thinking about your next big move, this conversation is full of lessons that might just be the things you wish you knew sooner. Podcast Partner: HeightsI’ve been taking Heights Vitals to support focus, clarity and long-term brain health — especially when juggling work, life and everything in between.Get 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 at:www.heights.com/wishiknew This episode was recorded at The Qube.Explore membership options at:www.theqube.com/membership/podcasters#CareerGrowth #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #CMO #MarketingLeadership 

WISH I KNEW × Julia Baldet 🎙️From private equity to founder of one of London’s fastest-growing wellness brands.Julia Baldet began her career in investment banking and private equity - analysing consumer companies in beauty, luxury and wellness.But while working in the City, she realised something was missing: healthy, functional food that actually supported energy and performance.So she left finance… trained as a barista in secret… and launched Elevate Wellness.Today, Elevate’s first site at The Royal Exchange is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new wellness brands in London.In this episode we talk about:✨ Leaving private equity to start a consumer brand📱 The TikTok video her old colleagues were discussing at lunch🥤 Why functional nutrition is the future of wellness💭 Why clarity comes from action - not overthinking📉 The reality of building a business when only 2% of funding goes to female founders⚡ What wellbeing actually looks like when you’re running a companyJulia shares the mindset shift that helped her move from analysing businesses… to building one.If you’ve ever felt the pull to leave a “safe” career and build something of your own, this conversation will resonate.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsI’ve been taking Heights Vitals to support focus, clarity and long-term brain health — especially when juggling work, life and everything in between.Get 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 at www.heights.com/wishiknew.🎙️This episode was recorded at The Qube. Check out membership options at www.theqube.com. #Entrepreneurship #FemaleFounders #WellnessBusiness #StartupStory #FounderJourney

Welcome to my first ever solo episode of Wish I Knew.After a year of huge personal and professional shifts, I wanted to sit down and properly catch you up - honestly and openly.From getting engaged over Christmas, to stepping away from corporate life, starting my own business, going sober, and quietly rebuilding my confidence behind the scenes - it’s been a year of reinvention.This episode is about what changed, what I’ve learned, and how I’m approaching this next chapter with more clarity and conviction than ever before.In this episode, I share:* The engagement story - and how I knew I was ready* What leaving corporate taught me about identity* How I structure my goals and vision for the year ahead* Letting go of perfectionism* Trusting my own voice again* The biggest difference I’ve noticed since going soberIf you’re in a season of growth, transition or becoming more decisive in your life - this one’s for you.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsI’ve been taking Heights Vitals to support focus, clarity and long-term brain health - especially when juggling work, life and everything in between.Get 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 via www.heights.com/wishiknew🎙️ This podcast was recorded at The Qube - a membership community for musicians, podcasters, DJs and more. Information on how to join here: https://www.theqube.com/membership/podcasters#CareerPivot #BusinessPodcast #EngagementStory #GoalSetting #Sobriety

How do you know when it’s time to quit - and when it’s just a difficult season?This week on Wish I Knew, I’m joined by Nishma Patel Robb -former Brand Marketing Leader at Google, former President of WACL, and now founder of Glittersphere and co-founder of HERA.After more than a decade inside Big Tech, Nishma found herself facing a quiet but confronting question: when the role looks perfect on paper, but no longer feels aligned, what do you do?We talk about the identity shift that comes with leaving a big title, why high achievers often stay too long, and how to tell the difference between fear and intuition. Nishma shares what it really felt like to walk away from safety, status and certainty - and how she redefined success on her own terms.This isn’t just a conversation about quitting.It’s about outgrowing old versions of yourself.About choosing alignment over ego.And about backing yourself when no one else can make the decision for you.If you’re ambitious, capable, and quietly questioning what success really means in your life - this episode will resonate.—This episode is brought to you by Heights, the brain care company I take daily to support clarity and focus. You can get 20% off your first order using code WISHIKNEW20 on www.heights.com/wishiknew#CareerAdvice#WomenInBusiness#Leadership#Entrepreneurship#PersonalDevelopment

WISH I KNEW × Riyadh Khalaf From hiding who he was as a teenager in Dublin… to interviewing global icons like Bill Gates.Riyadh’s story is one of courage, identity and self-worth. In this episode, we talk about growing up bullied, performing drag in secret, losing work for “sounding too gay”, and the moment he decided he would never contort himself to fit again.We explore: - Coming out in a mixed Catholic–Muslim household - The duck egg that unexpectedly changed his life - Drag, confidence and reclaiming self-expression - Rebuilding his relationship with his dad after coming out - Why choosing one authentic version of yourself changes everythingThis conversation is honest, funny, emotional - and a reminder that confidence doesn’t come from being chosen. It comes from choosing yourself.If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink, mould or perform to belong - this episode will resonate.Podcast Partner: Heights I’ve been taking Heights Vitals to support focus, clarity and long-term brain health - especially when juggling work, life and everything in between.Get 20% off your first month using code WISHIKNEW20 via link: #SelfWorth #ComingOut #LGBTQStories #Confidence #PersonalGrowth

Jo Good is a broadcaster, former actress, and one of the most recognisable voices in British media - with a career spanning decades across radio, television, and now YouTube, where she’s built a loyal following as @middleagedminx in her 70s.What began in traditional media has evolved into a new chapter on social platforms, where Jo brings the same warmth, confidence, and curiosity to a new generation — once describing it as “doing Zoella, but for an older generation.”In this episode of Wish I Knew, Jo shares what it really takes to stay relevant, visible, and creatively fulfilled over a long career. We talk about reinvention later in life, moving from broadcast to social media, and why confidence, ambition, and curiosity don’t have an expiry date.We also explore independence, choosing not to have children, living alone by choice, navigating public setbacks, and why defining success on your own terms is the key to long-term fulfilment.This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for anyone questioning whether it’s too late to change direction, start again, or live life differently.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsThis episode is supported by Heights – science-backed supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and focus.Get 20% off your first month:🔗 www.heights.com/wishiknewCode: WISHIKNEW20

Aimee Connolly is the founder of Sculpted by Aimee, one of the fastest-growing and most respected beauty brands in the UK and Ireland.What started on beauty counters at 16 became a global brand built on self-belief, education, and an obsessive focus on community.In this episode of Wish I Knew, Aimee shares the real story behind building Sculpted – from backing herself at 23, to navigating doubt, growth, leadership, and the pressure of scaling a business without external investment.We talk about trusting your gut, building loyal communities, balancing creativity with commercial reality, and what it actually feels like to grow from a one-woman operation to a team of 100+.This is an honest, practical conversation for anyone building a brand, leading a business, or considering taking the leap.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:10 Starting on beauty counters at 1607:00 Sales, confidence & resilience11:00 Why she backed herself at 2315:00 The early turning points in Sculpted19:00 Cutting through noise & outside opinions24:00 Bootstrapping & scaling without investment31:00 Community-led growth & brand loyalty38:00 Leadership, pressure & personal resilience46:00 Balancing CEO life & founder visibility53:00 Highs, lows & redefining success59:00 Advice for aspiring founders💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsThis episode is supported by Heights – science-backed supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and focus.Get 20% off your first month:🔗 www.heights.com/wishiknewCode: WISHIKNEW20#AimeeConnolly #SculptedByAimee #BeautyFounder #BuildingABrand #FemaleEntrepreneur #FounderPodcast #WishIKnew

Caspar Lee was one of the first creators to rise to global fame on YouTube, building a 7 million subscriber audience in his early twenties before making the decision to step away from the platform and build something new.In this episode of Wish I Knew, Caspar reflects on early success, comparison, and the pressure of growing up publicly online. We talk about knowing when to walk away, transitioning from creator to entrepreneur, and how his definition of success has changed over time.We also explore the realities of the creator economy today - from payments and professionalism to building long-term businesses beyond content - alongside a more personal conversation about anxiety, identity, public judgment, and relationships in the spotlight.This is a thoughtful conversation about ambition, evolution, and building a career that lasts - beyond the highlight reel.💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsThis episode is supported by Heights - science-backed supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and focus.You can get 20% off your first month using the link and code below:🔗 www.heights.com/wishiknewCode: WISHIKNEW20

Emily Trenouth has built her career by doing things differently - navigating modern business, the creator economy and leadership on her own terms. Now, she brings that same perspective to Wish I Knew, a podcast where ambition meets honesty.Each week, Emily sits down with founders, creators and cultural leaders shaping business and modern work, diving into the real moments behind their success. From career pivots and mindset shifts to self-belief and personal growth, these are honest conversations about what it actually takes to build a life and career you love.Expect practical insight, thoughtful perspective and the motivation to keep moving forward - even when the path isn’t linear.Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Wish I Knew.