Your Next Step with Mahdieh Rassafiani

Sophie Sin Yu Auyeung is the founder of MYRRAR your AI-powered beauty bestie, the app helping every woman understand her skin, her undertone, and what actually works for her own unique face. But here's the thing... she's not technical. She pitched this idea in a room full of 70 tech bros. And she's had managing directors look her dead in the face and tell her Myrrar "isn't a real business."And instead of letting any of that break her... she used it. Every single NO became fuel.We got into the stuff I think we don't talk about enough: what rejection actually does to you, why failing isn't the end (she's walked away from two businesses before this one), what it means to build something in public when you have no idea what you're doing yet, and why she's not building a product... she's building a movement.This one's for anyone who's ever felt like they don't fit the mold. Sophie's proof you can just go build your own.WHAT WE COVERThe shower thought during COVID that became MYRRAR (and why it took 5 years to feel right).The real problem with beauty... it's not the makeup, it's who gets left out.Why AI can do what influencers and sales assistants never could.How she handles doubt when the people doubting her run accelerators.Why building publicly on TikTok was one of her smartest moves.How to know when to quit something vs. when to keep pushing.What school gets so wrong about failure and fitting in.The mindset shift that changed everything: done is better than perfect.TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Sophie introduces herself: funny, sassy, strong, and "borderline stubborn"02:07 — The origin of MYRRAR: from a shower thought during COVID to pitching in front of 70 tech bros07:11 — The real problem in the beauty industry (and why it is bigger than you think)14:30 — Facing doubt: when investors and managing directors tell you to your face it is not a real business20:43 — Why Sophie chose to build Mirror publicly from day one25:11 — What entrepreneurship actually means: impact, identity, and building something that is all yours31:25 — Knowing when to quit: why exiting is sometimes the smarter, braver move35:10 — What the education system gets wrong about failure, uniqueness, and preparing people for real life47:56 — What success really looks like for Mirror (it is a movement, not just an app)49:13 — Advice for anyone who has an idea sitting in their notes app right nowCONNECT WITH SOPHIELINKEDIN — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-sin-yu-auyeung-aba898186/ INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/_myrrar/TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@sophie_myrrar?lang=en DETAILS ABOUT MYRRARWEBSITE — https://www.myrrar.com/ INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/_myrrar/ TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@_myrrar?lang=en CONNECT WITH MAHDIEHINSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCASTINSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod YOUTUBE — https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast

Most people spend their whole lives running from the dark. Andrew ran toward it.A poet, storyteller, and farm kid from Canada, Andrew has walked through grief, darkness, and seasons of life that would break most people. And instead of rushing past them, he learned to sit in them. Trust them. Let them change him.In this episode, he shares a philosophy rooted in nature, ancestry, and a radical refusal to live with a closed heart. The kind of conversation that makes you want to slow down, breathe, and actually feel your life again.This one's going to stay with you.WHAT WE COVERThe muddy river on a Canadian farm that shaped everything Andrew believes about being aliveWhy feeling empty despite having everything traces back to one thing: our relationship with deathWhy connection isn't something to create. It's something to return toWhat nature actually teaches us about rest, grief, and trusting the dark seasons of our livesThe tidal river moment that redefined faith and resilience for AndrewSimple practices to come back to yourself when the darkness feels like it won't liftWhy Andrew is finally ready to tell his own story and the one line that called him out: "Stop being willfully blind to your own truth"TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Andrew and Mahdieh open: green energy, farm life, and who Andrew really is01:19 — “A soul so in love with the sacred opportunity to be alive”03:14 — Why staying soul-connected matters: ancestors, war, and peace as a birthright06:01 — The root cause of modern disconnection: our relationship with death and control09:23 — How consumer culture invented the self and sold us safety10:03 — Connection is something to return to, not create (the leaf analogy)11:32 — Why Andrew looks to nature: trees, rivers, and what’s stood the test of time13:45 — The leaf that’s always red and orange — what nature teaches us about hope15:08 — Rest as the missing piece of becoming: learning to honour the winter16:26 — The tidal river: trusting that the ocean will come to you20:21 — How a decade of telling others the world is friendly was actually Andrew convincing himself25:03 — What to do when you want to heal but don’t know where to start27:44 — Breathwork, nature walks, and the five-things practice29:21 — Stop colonising your own emotions — meet your feelings with curiosity34:00 — When you face the mirror, magic starts: synchronicities, the stranger named Peter37:39 — Beyond overcoming: what’s possible when you stop defining yourself by your trauma41:06 — What season Andrew is in now and why spring is finally arriving44:19 — “Stop willfully blind to your own truth”: the moment he chose storytelling over another agency46:28 — “I don’t want to die with my song unsung”CONNECT WITH ANDREW RIISLINKEDIN — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpriis/ INSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/andrew.riis/CONNECT WITH MAHDIEHINSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCASTINSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE — https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast

This one's personal.This week I sat down with the most requested guest amongst my friends - my mum (Behnaz). She grew up in a small town in Iran, lived through the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War, became a doctor, raised two kids, and then immigrated to Australia with no job, limited English, and no family around her. She did it once. Then she went back to Iran and did it all over again.It took her eight years to get her fellowship as a GP in Australia. She started from scratch twice, at an age when most people are thinking about slowing down.This conversation covers resilience, identity, what it means to be authentic, and why she believes life is far simpler than we make it.One of the most honest, emotional episodes I've recorded. I hope it stays with you.KEY TAKEAWAYSYour why has to be bigger than the goal. Title and status won't carry you through hard seasons. Purpose will.Failure only exists when you're attached to one outcome. Reframe the setback as part of the path.Support systems are everything. Accepting help is a strength, not a weakness.You can start over at any age. She began her Australian registration when her peers back home were retiring.Authenticity is about values, not status. She never wanted the car or the clothes. She'd rather give the money away.Help without expecting anything back. The thing she's most proud of is help no one even knew she gave.Don't judge your past self by your present wisdom. You did the best you could with what you had.Life is simple. Be a good person. Do your best. That's enough.TIME STAMPS:00:00 - Introduction02:52 - Growing up through the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War05:33 - Leaving Iran, studying medicine, and immigrating to Australia09:41 - Starting over, a master's degree without knowing how to use a computer17:05 - What people misunderstand about her21:26 - The season of life that almost broke her25:28 - Her relationship with failure and why she reframed everything33:06 - Was there a time you were worried about me but said nothing?40:41 - Her advice for anyone who feels lost right now43:37 - Where she sees her future goingCONNECT WITH MAHDIEHINSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCASTINSTAGRAM — https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK — https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod YOUTUBE — https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast

Everyone says "be authentic." Very few actually show you what that looks like.In this episode I sit down with Braith who has built across startups, content, and music and one thing stands out - he doesn't wait. He follows curiosity, takes action, and isn't afraid to look a little "weird" doing it.This isn't about having it figured out. It's about trusting the process while you do.This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out. It’s about trusting the process. If things don't fully make sense yet this one's for you.WHAT WE COVER:Why curiosity is your biggest unfair advantageStanding out with zero experience or social proofUsing AI without sounding like everyone elseWhy giving value for free early changes everythingBuilding a personal brand that converts, not just gets viewsLetting go of advice that no longer serves youRejection as redirectionTIME STAMPS:02:10 - Curiosity as a growth engine 04:45 - Why giving value early in your career pays off 07:15 - Outreach strategies and building social proof 10:05 - Overcoming age and experience doubts in startups13:30 - AI: automation vs. authenticity 17:00 - How social media levels the playing field for young founders 20:40 - Getting started with personal brand and content 24:05 - Why consistency beats motivation 27:30 - Using AI ethically without losing your voice 31:00 - Music as therapy and brand extension 34:10 - Owning your "weirdness" as a differentiator 37:20 - Unlearning outdated advice 40:15 - Handling skepticism about youth and credibility 43:30 - What's next: Kinso, personal brand, and music 47:20 - Rejection as a filter, not a failure 50:00 - Identity, perseverance, and staying true to yourselfCONNECT WITH BRAITH:LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/braith-leung/INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/braith.mp4/TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@br.ai.thFOLLOW EX-VICARIOUS WEBSITE: https://ex-vicarious.com/FOLLOW EX-VICARIOUS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ex-vicarious/FOLLOW KINSO ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kinso.app/JOIN KINSO WAITING LIST: https://www.kinso.ai/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZDMKnHvF45_2dfXwTDm_d6eiHOf52s8fFxsRF5h2LU4P9Wl1Nzh-yNVWe88_aem_zY8EOUBpV15akD_g0brlmgCONNECT WITH MAHDIEH ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast

In this episode, I sit down with May Ku, founder of Reev, a dating app built to bring depth and real conversation back into modern dating.We talk about her journey growing up in a highly competitive environment in Korea, struggling with identity, and how that shaped the woman and founder she is today. What I loved about this conversation is that it’s not just about building a tech product, it’s about understanding human connection.We dive into the realities of modern dating - rejection, ghosting, technology fatigue, toxic dynamics -  and why so many of us feel disconnected despite being more “connected” than ever.May shares why she believes dating apps shouldn’t just be about swiping… but about conversation, curiosity, and emotional intelligence. We also unpack the mindset shifts required to build something meaningful, both in love and in business.This episode is for anyone navigating dating in this generation, building something from scratch, or learning how to separate rejection from identity.Whether it’s relationships or entrepreneurship, growth requires resilience.KEY TAKEAWAYSGrowing up in a competitive culture and struggling with identityThe real story behind launching ReevWhy modern dating feels harder than everRejection and how to stop taking it personallyThe role technology plays in connection (and disconnection)Lessons from love that translate into businessWhy cheating is more complex than we thinkRecognising and stepping away from toxic relationshipsFeminine and masculine energy in today’s dating landscapeThe future of dating appsCHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction & Mae’s Background 03:06 – From Competitive Culture to Founder 06:10 – Why Modern Dating Feels Broken 09:00 – Rejection & Emotional Resilience 11:43 – Technology’s Impact on Relationships 15:02 – Mindset Shifts in Entrepreneurship 17:52 – Lessons from Love & Business 20:39 – Understanding Cheating 23:57 – Toxic Relationship Patterns 26:40 – Feminine & Masculine Energy 29:54 – The Vision Behind Reev 32:48 – The Future of Dating 35:37 – Final AdviceCONNECT WITH MAYLINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhyunjiku/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/maytheku/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@may.the.ku DOWNLOAD REEV ANDROID - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reev.app&hl=en APPLE COMING SOONCONNECT WITH MAHDIEH ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Vithyaa Thavapalan to unpack the thinking and discipline behind her journey as an entrepreneur, fire investigator, community builder, and mother.We talk about leadership under pressure, building confidence when the stakes are high, and why boundaries are essential for sustainable growth. Vithyaa shares how motherhood reshaped her priorities and leadership style, forcing greater clarity around time, energy, and alignment.We also explore community, real influence beyond visibility, and what it takes to build a life and business that actually lasts.KEY TAKEAWAYSCommunity accelerates growth, resilience, and perspective in entrepreneurship.Confidence is a leadership skill that helps you move through self-doubt.Clear boundaries protect energy, focus, and long-term performance.Strong leadership is about empowering others, not controlling outcomes.Sustainable success requires self-care, especially in high-pressure roles.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:58 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Building06:04 The Forensics Industry and Emotional Impact09:02 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence12:09 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries14:54 The Role of Social Media in Connection18:08 Self-Care and Balancing Motherhood21:10 Leadership and Empowering Others23:46 Reflections on Life Changes and Growth27:05 Future Aspirations and Community Events29:55 Final Thoughts and Lessons LearnedCONNECT WITH VITHYAALINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vithyaa-thavapalan-6453a3108/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/vithyaathavapalan BROWN BOSS BABES INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/brownbossbabesau/ WHAT THE FIRE PODCAST - https://www.instagram.com/whatthefireau/ FOLLOW MAHDIEH ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.pod YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcast LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/ 

In this conversation, I sit down with Parth Galati, co-founder of Gather Wealth, to unpack the journey, mindset, and decisions that shaped his path from India to Australia. We explore what long-term success really looks like - beyond revenue and titles - and how relationships, creative thinking, and multidisciplinary experience become a founder’s unfair advantage. Parth breaks down the thinking behind Gather Wealth and his mission to simplify financial management for families while keeping the human element intact. We also talk about fear, choosing execution over hesitation, and why clarity, conviction, and strong relationships are the real compounding forces behind building something that lasts, in business and in life.KEY TAKEAWAYSWealth is a byproduct, not the goal. Relationships and trust define real success.Range creates leverage. Multidisciplinary thinking is a strategic edge for founders.Simplicity wins. The best systems reduce friction and keep the human element intact.Fear is handled through action. Confidence is built by starting small and moving forward.Relationships compound. Human connection outperforms capital in the long run.CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction and Background00:03:00 Entrepreneurial Journey00:09:00 Multidisciplinary Experiences and Creativity00:15:00 Overcoming Fear and Building Resilience00:21:00 The Importance of Relationships00:27:00 Gather Wealth: Mission and Vision00:33:00 Defining Success and Future GoalsCONNECT WITH PARTH & GATHER WEALTHPARTH’S LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parthgulati/ GATHER WEALTH WEBSITE - https://gatherwealth.com.au/about GATHER WEALTH LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatherwealth/posts/?feedView=all GATHER WEALTH INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/gatherwealth.au/ DOWNLOAD GATHER WEALTH $$iOS  - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/gather-wealth-money-manager/id6737944089 FOLLOW MAHDIEH - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcastLINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Martin for a real conversation about the parts of growth and entrepreneurship that rarely get spoken about.We talk about how her upbringing shaped a relentless work ethic, the pressure that came with it, and what happens when ambition starts to override emotional and physical health. Jessica shares her journey from a pre-med path into marketing, the financial challenges that forced her to ask for help, and what it actually takes to build a business when you’re learning everything in real time.This conversation goes beyond career pivots and business milestones. We unpack self-worth, vulnerability, health, and the mindset shifts required to build something sustainable. It’s a reminder that success without alignment is empty and that real leadership starts when you stop tying your value to how much you produce.KEY TAKEAWAYSJessica’s upbringing shaped her strong work ethic and resilience.She transitioned from a pre-med program to a career in marketing.Financial struggles led her to seek help from family.Building a business requires overcoming significant challenges.Health issues prompted her to focus on wellness and self-care.Vulnerability is essential for personal growth and connection.Self-worth should not be tied to productivity or achievements.Surrounding oneself with positive influences fosters an abundant mindset.Aligning with one's purpose can reignite passion and motivation.Everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams by uncovering their true selves.CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction & guest background 03:00 – Life challenges & personal growth 05:55 – Career pivot & discovering passion 08:50 – Financial struggles & asking for help 11:48 – Building a business & overcoming obstacles 15:13 – Health, wellness & burnout 18:07 – Vulnerability & emotional awareness 20:59 – Mindset & redefining self-worth 24:04 – Aligning with purpose & values 27:04 – Future aspirations & impact 30:06 – Final reflections & key takeawaysCONNECT WITH JESSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/byjessicamartin/ LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-martin-708515138/ FOLLOW MAHDIEH - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcastLINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/

SummaryIn this reflective bonus episode, I share my thoughts on turning 28, the importance of self-reflection, and the life-changing decision I made two years ago to stop drinking. I talk about how choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle has transformed my mental health, social life, and personal growth, and I reflect on the wisdom from friends that has shaped me along the way. As I step into my next chapter, I’m moving with positivity, gratitude, trust, delusion, and unwavering execution.TakeawaysSelf-reflection shaped the way I’m stepping into 28 with more clarity and intention.Choosing to stop drinking became one of the most transformative decisions of my life.Living alcohol-free has elevated my mental health, confidence, and creativity.The wisdom from the people around me continues to shift my mindset in the best ways.I’m entering this next chapter with gratitude, trust, healthy delusion, and execution.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on Birthdays and Personal Growth03:00 The Decision to Stop Drinking05:51 The Impact of Sobriety on Life09:09 Sharing Wisdom from Friends12:01 Embracing the Future with PositivityFOLLOW MAHDIEH - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcastLINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/

In this conversation, Stephanie and I dive deep into the messy, magical journey of growth, both personal and professional. Stephanie talks about what it really feels like to back yourself, to step away from the safety of a corporate job, and to build something that feels true to who you are.We explore the courage it takes to choose authenticity over expectation, the fear that comes with being seen, and the power of having the right people in your corner. We unpack what it means to trust your downloads, move through judgment, and work with a coach who can activate parts of you that you didn’t even know were waiting to come alive.At its core, this episode is a reminder that emotional connection fuels success, and every single experience - even the uncomfortable ones - is shaping you for what’s next.TakeawaysStephanie quitting her full-time job was one of the scariest, yet most aligned  decisions she’s ever made.If you get a download, it’s not random. You got it for a reason.Your path is unique. Do what works for you, not what works for everyone else.Never let someone’s limited perception stop you from taking your next step.Mindset isn’t optional, it’s the foundation.Conviction starts within. You have to believe in yourself first.Everything is happening for you, even when it doesn’t feel like it.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Support03:02 Activating Potential and Challenging Limits05:54 The Leap into Entrepreneurship08:49 Navigating the Transition from Corporate to Business11:42 Exploring the Path to Fulfillment14:36 Overcoming Fear of Judgment17:45 The Journey of Self-Discovery20:48 Lessons from Adversity and Growth27:10 Empowerment Through Self-Development28:28 The Power of Mindset29:50 Evolving Environments and Relationships33:11 Planting Seeds of Change36:31 Unlearning the Pressure of Achievement42:02 Operating from Abundance49:01 Emotional Connection in Coaching52:02 Every Experience MattersCONNECT WITH STEPHANIE: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/stephanienguyenofficial/LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanienguyenofficial/FOLLOW MAHDIEH - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcastLINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/

In this debut episode of Your Next Step, Mahdieh Rassafiani opens up with honesty, vulnerability, and intention. She shares the story behind the podcast - a space built for founders, dreamers, and anyone navigating the messy middle of their journey.Mahdieh reflects on her upbringing in Iran, migrating to Australia, the cultural and educational challenges she overcame, and how each chapter shaped her identity and purpose. This episode lays the foundation for what Your Next Step will become: a platform dedicated to amplifying raw stories of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of community.This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a shared journey. One that invites listeners to grow, reflect, and step into the next chapter of their own lives with courage.TAKEAWAYSPersonal stories hold the power to transform us.Every journey is unique and worth telling.Resilience is built in the moments no one sees.Community is a catalyst for growth.Imperfection is where authenticity lives.Reflection unlocks gratitude and clarity.Entrepreneurship is a blend of risk, reinvention, and courage.CHAPTERS00:00 - Welcome: Why This Podcast Exists 02:48 - The Power of Personal Storytelling 06:09 - From Iran to Australia: Cultural Transitions 09:01 - Education, Adversity & Resilience 11:55 - Lessons That Shaped My Identity 14:47 - A Look Ahead: Community, Connection & What’s NextFOLLOW MAHDIEH - https://www.instagram.com/mahdieh.rassafiani/ FOLLOW YOUR NEXT STEP PODCAST SOCIALSINSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/yournextstep.pod/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@yournextstep.podYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextStepPodcastLINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-next-step-podcast/