Successful AF Pod

What if you spent seven years knowing something was wrong with your body — and every doctor told you nothing was?Risa August is a two-time Ironman athlete, cyclist, author, and one of the most quietly compelling people I've ever spoken to. For seven years, her body was changing in ways she couldn't explain. She was dismissed, minimised, and told to drink more water — while completing Ironman triathlons. It was only when Risa demanded her own MRI that doctors discovered a large tumour on her pituitary gland and a rare condition called acromegaly that had been reshaping her body for years.What followed was brain surgery, radiation, lifelong medication — and six months later, Risa had signed up to cycle from Meixco to Canada, cycling 1,845 miles down the Pacific Coast Highway to Mexico. She had injections shipped to remote locations along the route. Because that's just who she is.But this isn't really a story about physical feats. It's about what happens to your identity when the version of yourself you've built everything around is no longer available to you — and who you find when you stop trying to get her back.In this episode, you'll discover:✨ How to advocate for your own health when medical professionals aren't listening (and why women are disproportionately dismissed) ✨ What identity collapse really feels like — and the surprising first step Risa took toward recovery (spoiler: it wasn't getting back on the bike) ✨ Why receiving help used to feel like weakness — and the mindset shift that changed everything ✨ How to find forward motion when you can barely get to the front door ✨ What success feels like when you stop measuring it in achievements and start measuring it in days that just flow This episode is for you if:You've been dismissed by doctors and are looking for validation that you know your own bodyYou're a high-achiever going through a health crisis, burnout, or major life disruptionYour identity is deeply tied to what you do — and that's starting to feel fragileYou're rebuilding after loss and wondering what the first step looks likeYou want to redefine success on your own terms, not someone else'sAbout Risa August:Risa August is an athlete, author, and speaker who has competed in two Ironman triathlons, completed a 1,845-mile Pacific Coast cycle six months after brain surgery, and channelled her experience of acromegaly and pituitary tumour diagnosis into her debut book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumour and a Bike. You can find Risa at risaaugust.com.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Marcella spent years feeling invisible—so she built a business where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.Marcella's story is one you'll want to listen to twice.She grew up speaking only Spanish after moving from Columbia to the UK at the age of 2, struggling to find her voice in a system that didn't see her. Picked on by classmates, dismissed by teachers who accused her of cheating when she excelled. Fast forward to motherhood—postnatal depression, isolation, mistaken for a nanny by other mums who wouldn't give her the time of day.But instead of staying small, Marcella taught herself to sew. And then she built On A Sew—a sewing school where adults and children don't just learn a craft, they find their voice, their confidence, and their community.In this episode, you'll discover:✨ How to build a business from lived experience (not credentials or formal education)✨ Why taking it slow actually accelerated Marcella's growth (she went from one class a week to a thriving school without burning out)✨ The real difference between teaching a skill and creating transformation✨ How Marcella uses her past pain to heal others—including apologising to children on behalf of adults who failed to listen✨ Why surrounding yourself with people who see you is non-negotiable for success✨ The non-negotiable boundary that protects her from burnout (and why saying no became her superpower)This conversation is for you if:You've built something meaningful, but still feel invisibleYou're starting a business without traditional qualifications and wonder if you're "enough"You've experienced loneliness, isolation, or postnatal depression and want to channel it into purposeYou're a creative entrepreneur looking to build community, not just customersYou want to see what sustainable, slow-but-steady business growth actually looks likeAbout Marcella:Marcella is the founder of On A Sew, a sewing school in London where she teaches adults and children the art of sewing—but more importantly, helps them find confidence, community, and creative expression. A self-taught sewist with no formal education past age 16, Marcella has built her thriving business purely from lived experience, patience, and an unshakeable belief that everyone deserves to be seen and heard.Connect with Marcella:Instagram: @on.a.sewWebsite: onasew.co.ukConnect with Jess:Instagram: @successfulafpodWebsite: kalicoaching.co.ukLove this episode?If Marcella's story resonated with you, screenshot your favourite moment and tag us on Instagram @successfulafpod and @on.a.sew. I'd love to hear what landed for you.And if you're ready to build something meaningful without burning out, subscribe to Successful AF so you never miss a conversation that might just change everything.How to build a business without a degreeCreative business ideasSelf-taught entrepreneur success storyPostnatal depression and entrepreneurshipBuilding community in businessLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Clara Ho crossed international borders with a passport every day just to get to school. Six hours round trip on the worst days. She was raised on the "Singapore Dream"—five C's that defined success: cash, credit card, condo, country club, and car.This episode of Successful AF is about what happens when you stop asking for permission.Host Jess West sits down with Clara, now a strategy consultant at Roland Berger in Dubai, for a conversation about breaking cultural expectations and career transitions. From selling Louis Vuitton whilst studying pre-law, to becoming head of operations in Bangkok at 27, to taking a career sabbatical in Cambodia and Central America that horrified her grandmother—Clara's journey is about doing the hard things.Clara's unflinching honesty about toxic conditioning hits hard. Being taught to suppress every feeling. The favouritism towards boys. The narrow success markers that left no room for being human. But she also shares how she unlearned it all through solo backpacking, therapy, and building the muscle of being different.She redefined success entirely: breaking through self-imposed limitations whilst maintaining integrity. No permission needed.Perfect for listeners navigating career pivots, cultural expectations, or anyone tired of asking permission to live their own life.About Clara HoClara Ho is a strategy consultant at Roland Berger in Dubai. Born in Malaysia, raised between Malaysia and Singapore, she studied law in Wales before pivoting into education and eventually strategy consulting. She spent a transformative year teaching at the Harpswell Foundation in Cambodia and learning Spanish in Central America before her career change into consulting, whilst her family questioned why she wasn't earning money.Key TakeawaysYour body is wiser than your brain - Listen to every signal you've been taught to suppressSuccess needs two pillars - Breaking self-imposed limitations AND doing it with integrityYou don't need permission - If you feel you do, ask whose voice is in your headDo hard things constantly - Comfort breeds complacency; discomfort drives successFace your fear gremlins daily - Even small, uncomfortable things countBeing different is a muscle - You build tolerance for being the odd one outReflection QuestionsWhose voice is in your head when you think you need permission?What cultural expectations are you carrying that don't belong to you?Are you honouring how far you've come, or only measuring where you think you should be?Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Maria Caballero moved to London in 2013 with a thousand euros in cash, one friend, and a vision. She walked down Regent Street handing out CVs to every shop until someone gave her a chance. Fast forward to 2025, and she's built one of the most vibrant yoga communities in London—retreats that sell out in days, students who laugh so hard they get stomach aches, and a teaching method centred entirely on accessible yoga for every body type.This episode of Successful AF is about what happens when you stop hiding who you are and start building the life you actually want to live. Host Jess West sits down with Maria for a conversation about body positive yoga, career transitions from fashion to teaching, and why making yoga available for all bodies—regardless of size, age, or ability—became her mission.As a former ballet dancer who never looked like anyone else in the room, Maria knows what it feels like to be the biggest, curviest person in a space that wasn't designed for you. Now she's rewriting the rules. Her inclusive yoga method works backwards from complicated poses to create pathways everyone can walk, not just modifications for people who "can't keep up."Maria's definition of success? Freedom. Freedom in your body, freedom in your relationships, freedom in your work. And the freedom to show up as your authentic self—purple Crocs and all.Perfect for listeners interested in yoga business, female entrepreneurship, career change stories, or anyone tired of fitness spaces that weren't built with them in mind.About Maria Maria Caballero is the founder of Maria Peace Yoga and creator of an accessible yoga method that makes every pose available for all body types. Born in South America, raised in Spain, she moved to London in 2013 and built a career in fashion before transitioning to teaching yoga full-time during the pandemic. She runs sold-out retreats, teaches at East of Eden and More Yoga in London, and mentors new yoga teachers through her six-month Evolve programme. Maria's approach to yoga is rooted in her experience as a ballet dancer with curves in a room full of people who looked nothing like her—and her determination to create something different.Connect with Maria:Instagram: @mariapeaceyogaClasses: East of Eden (Walthamstow) & More YogaKey TakeawaysAccessibility over perfection - Working backwards from complicated poses to create pathways everyone can walkYour body is not the problem - Yoga spaces should adapt to bodies, not the other way roundIf you can see it, it will happen - Closing your eyes and truly visualising yourself doing something is the first step to making it realCreate the life you want to live - Give yourself permission to build something different, even if it means walking away from what looks good on paperAuthenticity builds community - Showing up as your rawest self is what makes people gravitate towards youConfidence comes from knowing yourself - You can't be truly confident whilst wearing a mask or pretending to be someone elseSuccess is freedom - The ability to be fully yourself across all areas of your lifeReflection QuestionsWhat would change if the spaces you entered were designed with your body in mind?Are you building the life you want to live, or the life you think you should want?Who would you be if yoLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

What does success really mean when you've climbed the ladder but still feel unfulfilled? In this raw and honest conversation, Jess West sits down with her friend of 15 years, Abi Schoenheimer, to explore the messy reality of redefining success in midlife.Abi's career has been anything but linear—from Big Four consulting to investment banking, across continents from Sydney to London to South Africa. But her journey reveals a deeper truth: sometimes the hardest thing isn't moving forward, it's staying still and figuring things out.In this episode, we discuss:Why being the "outsider" became Abi's comfort zone across continents and careersThe two competing definitions of success and why letting go of conditioning is so hardHow your manager impacts your wellbeing as much as your therapistWhy Abi owns her failures but struggles to claim her winsThe "infinity fun loop" philosophy: having fun, taking a break, then returning to funWhy bath time with her daughter is her current success metric—and why that's not "naff"The difference between knowing you're successful and actually feeling itFirst thought is conditioning, second thought is choiceKey quote: "Success is being in the driver's seat of life's trade-offs—making sure what's important to you at any given stage is reflected in how you've set up your life."This episode is for anyone wrestling with imposter syndrome, struggling to own their achievements, or questioning whether the traditional definition of success is actually what they want.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of suicide and self-harm. If you're struggling with these issues, please reach out to a trusted professional or contact a crisis support service in your area.In this episode, host Jess West sits down with Ifey Ihonor, founder of 8 Within, who walked away from one of the most coveted medical positions in the UK to embark on a fifteen-year journey of self-discovery. From four degrees to plant medicine work across India, Bali, and Costa Rica, Ifey's story is a masterclass in refusing to accept walking a path that doesn't feel true to you and trusting your inner knowing.They explore what it really means to be your own guru, why failure only exists when you give up, and how plants like cacao can help quiet the external noise enough to hear yourself think. Ifey shares a powerful "Australia analogy" about finding direction in life, why waiting is the secret sauce of life, and how she's turned "I'm magical" into a genuine philosophy.This conversation will challenge listeners to examine whose definition of success they're chasing, remind them that literally no one is thinking about them (which is liberating), and give them permission to do whatever the hell they want. If you're exhausted from proving yourself and ready to redefine success on your own terms, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:Why knowing where you want to go matters more than how you'll get thereThe difference between self-exploration and "working on yourself"How to stop reacting to life and start directing itWhy you're fine exactly as you are (and who benefits from telling you otherwise)Connect with Ifey: Instagram: @8within Website: https://8within.com/Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

What happens when you realise success isn't about climbing the ladder, but about aligning your life with your values? In this Season 2 premiere, host Jess West sits down with Lyndsey Gormley, a therapist whose career transformation from burnt-out senior teacher to psychologist showcases resilience and professional reinvention.As a first-generation university student from Yorkshire, Lyndsey moved to Hong Kong at 23, eventually becoming head of department before experiencing burnout. Her story of earning two master's degrees whilst working full-time and ultimately leaving teaching for psychology is a masterclass in career courage.Perfect for listeners experiencing career burnout, seeking career change inspiration, or learning to prioritise mental health over external validation.About Lyndsey GormleyLyndsey is a therapist at Mind n Life Psychology practice in Hong Kong, specialising in teenagers and families. Her journey from senior leadership to stepping down to pursue her calling demonstrates radical career change courage. Key Episode ThemesTeacher burnout whilst pursuing graduate education and advocating for yourself when exhaustedRedefining success from salary and titles to values-based goalsPsychological flexibility: Learning to bend without breaking through career setbacksWhy "good enough is good enough" and resilience comes from failing safelyNavigating imposter syndrome as a first-generation studentWorkshop AnnouncementLyndsey and Jess are hosting a FREE workshop: Find Your Balance BlueprintOctober 23rd: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hong Kong TimeRegistration link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-your-balance-blueprint-tickets-1769636543539?aff=oddtdtcreatorConnect with LyndseyInstagram: @lyndseygormleypsych Website: http://mindnlife.com/lyndsey-gormley/Key TakeawaysYou cannot hate yourself into success. Lyndsey's journey from perfectionist burnout to embracing "good enough" shows that career fulfilment comes from aligning behaviours with values, not chasing validation. Career paths don't have to be linear - stepping down can be stepping forward.Values worksheet from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/files/2020/11/Core-Values-Exercise.pdf https://youtu.be/cCCSpOtDPV0?si=7POZQRlK0NvjV3eRLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

What does it really mean to walk away from everything you've worked for to chase a dream that others don't understand?In this episode, Jess is joined by Charlotte de Wouters, who made the courageous career transition from a high-stress legal career to becoming a full-time yoga teacher and breathwork facilitator in Indonesia. Charlotte's story perfectly embodies what it means to choose alignment over approval and redefine career success.For six years, Charlotte was trapped in perfectionist burnout - working weekends and nights, constantly stressed, and despite helping others as a family lawyer, never feeling truly successful. The turning point came at 30 during a "complete freakout moment," realizing she could see exactly how her life would unfold if she stayed on that path.Perfect for listeners experiencing career burnout, seeking career change inspiration, considering a wellness career, or learning to prioritize authentic living over external expectations.About Charlotte de WoutersCharlotte is a yoga and breathwork teacher based in Lombok, Indonesia, who transformed from stressed-out lawyer to aligned wellness entrepreneur. Her journey represents career courage and the power of choosing work-life alignment over traditional success markers. She now helps others find peace through yoga and breathwork, embodying the change she wished to create.In This Conversation, We ExploreCareer TransformationHow Charlotte redefined success from climbing the corporate ladder to waking up excited every dayOvercoming career burnout in a demanding legal professionThe courage to make a career pivot at 30Authentic Living and Family DynamicsThe fear of disappointing family and the moment her dad understood after three yearsChoosing personal fulfillment over external approvalWork-life alignment versus work-life balanceWellness Career InsightsWhy energy management is more valuable than time managementThe difference between helping through fighting versus helping find peaceTrusting your intuition when the world offers external answersFollowing Your HeartThe magic that happens when you trust yourself and follow your passionHow career alignment creates unexpected opportunitiesLiving authentically despite others' expectationsKey TakeawaysCharlotte's advice? Trust. When you're aligned and doing something you love, things unfold almost magically. Her story proves that sometimes the universe conspires to help you when you're living from your heart.If you've ever felt successful on paper but empty inside, or if you're wrestling with the courage to disappoint others to honor yourself, this episode offers career change courage and authentic success inspiration.Connect with CharlotteTeaching yoga and breathwork in Lombok, Indonesia, with online sessions available. Instagram: @chachadewouLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicidal ideation, chronic illness, and sexual assault. Please take care of yourself while listening.What happens when you've climbed all the ladders, ticked all the boxes, and still feel like success is miles away? This week, we dive deep with life coach and hypnotherapist Katrina Burke, whose mental health recovery journey from heartbreak to healing offers profound insights into redefining success.After leaving a long-term relationship at 24, Katrina found herself in a situationship for nearly a decade, developing chronic illness that left doctors baffled, and eventually hitting rock bottom with suicidal ideation. Rather than staying stuck, she turned her pain into purpose through personal transformation and healing work.Perfect for listeners seeking mental health recovery strategies, chronic illness management, life coaching inspiration, and guidance on healing from trauma.About Katrina BurkeKatrina is a coach and hypnotherapist specializing in helping people transform chaos into wisdom. Her personal development journey from rock bottom to thriving demonstrates resilience strategies and the power of radical personal responsibility. She combines coaching with hypnotherapy to help clients move from survival mode to authentic living.In This Episode, We ExploreMental Wellness and SuccessThe myth of perfectionism - why waiting for everything to be perfect prevents happiness nowFinding emotional stability - creating calm without eliminating life's inevitable stormsWork-life balance between masculine survival mode and feminine flowHealing and Personal GrowthWhy "heal yourself first" advice might not be as helpful as we thinkRadical personal responsibility - examining your role in every situation for personal transformationRedefining wealth as wellbeing rather than just financial accumulationSuccess RedefinedThe power of specificity in defining what authentic success actually means to youCareer fulfillment through turning pain into purposeBuilding a coaching business while prioritizing mental healthKey TakeawaysKatrina's story is a masterclass in resilience and mental health recovery, showing us how to transform chaos into wisdom while still having fun. Her honest take on healing, business building, and modern dating offers hope for anyone feeling stuck between where they are and where they want to be. Her journey proves that overcoming mental health challenges can lead to profound personal growth and meaningful work.Connect with KatrinaInstagram: @katrinaburke__ Facebook: Katrina BurkeLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! Nominate someone redefining success at [email protected] with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.ukLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West interviews Lauren Brighton, a London-based change manager whose non-linear career journey embraces being a generalist over a specialist. From creating legacy films to navigating the male-dominated property world, Lauren's story showcases career confidence building and authentic leadership.Lauren's career evolution transformed from prioritising appearance over intellect in early corporate environments to showing up authentically confident. She redefines success as "perma happiness" - where family, friends, career fulfilment, and work-life balance exist in harmony. With candid honesty, she discusses overcoming self-doubt, working in unsupportive environments, and making space for fun in adult life.Perfect for listeners seeking career change inspiration, professional confidence strategies, and guidance on building a portfolio career outside traditional paths.About Lauren BrightonLauren started her career at Bucket List Film, creating documentary films about people's legacies, before moving through various roles in marketing, communications, and property. She's passionate about women's networks in corporate environments and brings her creative background to change management, applying her "jazz hands" approach to transformation projects. Based in London, she prioritises relationships, wellbeing, and joy alongside professional growth.Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brighton-49a00257/ Instagram: @llbrightonKey Episode ThemesCareer Confidence and Self-AdvocacyMoving from self-doubt to authentic professional confidenceAuthentic leadership in male-dominated industriesBuilding career self-advocacy skillsNon-Linear Career SuccessEmbracing a generalist career path over specializationCareer pivots from creative fields to corporate rolesThe value of diverse career experienceRedefining Professional SuccessWork-life harmony as the ultimate success metricCareer happiness beyond salary and job titlesCreating sustainable career success with joy and relationshipsReflection QuestionsWhere are you experiencing unnecessary career self-doubt?How do you define success beyond traditional markers?What would it look like to prioritize fun alongside professional development?How can you embrace being a career generalist in a specialist-focused world?Key TakeawaysLauren's story reminds us that career paths don't have to be linear, and success is individually defined. Her journey from self-doubt to self-advocacy shows that professional confidence isn't about having all the answers - it's about trusting yourself to lean into opportunities with passion and commitment. Sometimes the most authentic version of ourselves emerges when we stop fitting into others' definitions of career success.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! Nominate someone redefining success at [email protected] with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.comLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West sits down with Dr. Sonia Tsukagoshi, a London GP and holistic health coach practising sustainable wellness. Born in the UK to Japanese parents, Sonia has lived an incredibly international life - from surgical training to working in Uganda, Paris, and teaching resilience strategies to young people in Japan.What makes this conversation refreshing is Sonia's revolutionary approach to preventive health in a world obsessed with biohacking trends. Sonia cuts through wellness myths and helps people trust their body's wisdom. Her philosophy? Health optimisation shouldn't be punishing, and success isn't about external validation - it's about living meaningfully and staying aligned with your values.Perfect for listeners seeking evidence-based wellness, sustainable health practices, and holistic health advice without the wellness industry hype.About Dr Sonia TsukagoshiSonia has headed committees for internationally-minded GPs, represented UK doctors on European boards, and splits her time between London practice and annual teaching trips to Japan, where she helps high-achieving teenagers understand that failure is okay. She's launching a health optimisation practice focusing on longevity through ethical, sustainable, and natural approaches.When she's not debunking wellness trends or helping patients trust their bodies, you'll find Sonia on her yoga mat (she's a qualified teacher), travelling the world, or asking herself: "What's going to give me the bigger life?"Connect with SoniaInstagram: @_drsonia_t Substack: The Midlife Health CoachKey TakeawaysTrust your body signals - Your body tells you what it needs if you listenJoyful health practices - Add joy and connection rather than restricting everythingInternal success metrics - True success means living meaningfully and aligned with valuesQuestion wellness trends - Not every supplement or biohack is necessaryReflection QuestionsWhere are you seeking external validation instead of trusting your body wisdom?How can you add more joy, friendship, and movement rather than restricting?What wellness trends are you following that might not serve you?Episode InsightThis conversation is a masterclass in pragmatic wellness and authentic success. Sonia reminds us that the most revolutionary thing we can do is trust ourselves - whether that's trusting our body signals, gut instincts, or our own definition of success.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! Nominate someone redefining success at [email protected] with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.comLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West reconnects with Lidia Teasca, an architect whose story of career resilience and starting over will leave you speechless. When corruption in Romania left Lidia working seven days a week for little reward, and her best friend literally emptied their shared office while she was at a meeting, Lidia made a radical choice: pack 19 kilograms into a suitcase, buy a one-way ticket to London (a city she'd never visited), and rebuild her entire life from scratch.This powerful conversation explores Lidia's remarkable career transformation from survival mode to choosing joy, the courage it takes to keep saying "I'm not dead yet" when life keeps knocking you down, and why she keeps a colour-coded Excel spreadsheet of her dreams. Lidia shares how she learned that true career success isn't about conforming to society's expectations—it's about listening to your inner voice and prioritising daily joy over external validation.Perfect for listeners seeking career change inspiration, relocation success stories, resilience strategies, and motivation for life reinvention.About Lidia TeascaLidia is an architect and entrepreneur who embodies career resilience and the power of starting over abroad. After experiencing workplace corruption and betrayal in Romania, she made the courageous decision to relocate to London with just 19 kilograms and zero connections. Her journey from survival mode to thriving showcases resilience, professional reinvention, and the courage to redefine success on her own terms.Today, Lidia is building her life and career in London, proving that career recovery and life transformation are possible at any stage when you bet on yourself and refuse to give up.Connecting with LidiaInstagram: @lidiasviews, @hotgritandgrace, @hellbluebellReflection Questions for Career TransformationWhat would change if you stopped conforming to society's definition of career success and listened to your own voice?How can you transition from "survival mode" to actively choosing joy in your daily life?What dreams are you keeping as wishes instead of turning into actionable plans?Where in your life do you need to say "I'm not dead yet" and choose career reinvention over resignation?Key TakeawaysLidia's story reminds us that no matter how many times life knocks us down, we have the resilience to rebuild—and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is pack a suitcase and bet on yourself. True career success isn't about ticking society's boxes; it's about having the courage to define and pursue your own version of a joyful life. Her journey proves that starting over can be the beginning of your greatest chapter.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature.Connect with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.comLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West interviews Clare Muncey, a former Metropolitan Police officer who made a dramatic career transition from the Riot Squad to becoming a yoga teacher and social entrepreneur.Clare's career transformation journey from a high-stress police career to finding peace and purpose through yoga business is profoundly inspiring. She shares intimate stories of overcoming burnout, navigating dark moments, and discovering the healing power of yoga practice. Clare emphasises the importance of authentic self-care, consistent practice, and creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can heal, connect, and reignite their inner flame.Perfect for listeners seeking career change inspiration, wellness career paths, stress management strategies, and entrepreneurship motivation for building a purpose-driven business.About Clare MunceyClare spent 17 years as a Metropolitan Police officer, working in demanding roles including domestic violence and the riot squad. She first stepped onto a yoga mat seeking stress relief from her consuming police career, though her practice remained inconsistent for years. What began as a tiny, barely watered seed slowly grew and flourished as Clare pursued yoga teacher training in Greece and India, evolving into a winding, life-changing career pivot.Today, Clare runs "I am the Storm Yoga" from a beautiful watermill in North Norfolk, UK, where she facilitates heartfelt, intuitive classes as a yoga entrepreneur. She believes accessible yoga is for everyone, regardless of mental or physical starting points, and that it can bring joy, passion, connection, and the chance to trust and love who we really are. As a social entrepreneur, Clare supports various charities, including domestic violence organisations and dog rescue charities, embodying purpose-driven business principles.Connect with Clare:Instagram: @Iamthestormyoga Website: https://www.iamthestormyoga.comReflection Questions for Career ChangeWhat would it look like to redefine success as an "inward journey"?How can you create more space in your life for authentic connections and self-care practices?What wellness practices help you navigate the "duality of life"?Where in your life are you chasing rather than attracting career fulfillment?Key TakeawaysThis conversation reminds us that no matter where we're starting from, we have the power to completely reimagine our lives through career transformation. Clare's story is proof that our greatest challenges often become our greatest teachers, and that healing through career change - while not easy - is always possible. Her journey from police officer to yoga entrepreneur shows that authentic career success comes from alignment with your true purpose.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature.Connect with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.comLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Episode SummaryWhat if everything you've been told about business success is wrong?This week, host Jess West sits down with her longtime friend Santina Philips, female entrepreneur and founder of URSUS Fitness in Hong Kong, for a raw conversation about redefining success, building fitness business community, and the grit it takes to thrive as a woman in business in a male-dominated industry.Perfect for fitness entrepreneurs, female business owners, and anyone seeking entrepreneurship motivation and business resilience strategies.About Santina PhilipsFemale fitness entrepreneur and Founder & Director of URSUS Fitness in Hong Kong, Santina has spent the last 10 years building a fitness community around strength, grit, and growth. A passionate fitness business owner, personal trainer, and programming expert, she's dedicated to helping others fall in love with training and themselves.A champion of women's fitness, Santina has led a women's strength & conditioning program for over 4 years, advocating for education, empowerment, and fitness confidence. From strongman athlete to successful business owner, her entrepreneurship journey is raw, real, and packed with lessons in business resilience, leadership, and showing up with purpose.Episode Highlights🎯 Career Pivot Success: From Languages to LiftingHow Santina transitioned from studying Russian and German (and nearly dying from peritonitis in Siberia!) to founding one of Hong Kong's most beloved fitness businessesCareer change inspiration: Why she stepped away from translation to follow her passion for strength training businessThe early days of driving 5-ton trucks around Hong Kong, dragging 300kg tires for functional fitness classes💪 Female Athlete Entrepreneur: Competing at World's Strongest ManWhat drove her to become a strongman athlete and compete on the world stageHow proving herself physically helped establish business credibility in a male-dominated industryThe moment she pulled a truck on camera (that wasn't even meant for her!)🏋️‍♀️ Women in Business: Breaking Barriers as a Female Gym OwnerNavigating the fitness industry as a young female entrepreneur in a male-dominated spaceFemale leadership challenges: Why she felt she had to work twice as hard to earn respectBusiness confidence strategies for being taken seriously🌪️ Business Resilience: Weathering the Entrepreneurial StormsThe breaking point: sitting in hotel quarantine, watching sewage flood her fitness businessHow the pandemic and health scares (including developing celiac disease from stress) forced her to redefine business successEntrepreneurship resilience: Why she almost walked away—and what kept her going🔄 Sustainable Business Growth: Redefining SuccessHer evolution from chasing revenue and expansion to prioritizing sustainable business practicesBusiness strategy pivot: Why she closed a second location and chose depth over breadthEntrepreneurship intuition: How she learned to trust her gut instincts in business decisions👥 Fitness Community Building: From Competition to ConnectionThe transformation from "scLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Episode SummaryWhat if the promotion you didn't get was actually the universe's way of setting you free?In this deeply moving episode, Jess sits down with her dear friend Toto Lambert, who went from Team Secretary to one of the youngest female partners at a leading global real estate agency in just seven years.Toto's career transformation story is one of courage, vulnerability, and the radical act of prioritising work-life balance. She's navigated complex health challenges whilst climbing the corporate ladder, all while learning to shed the armour of perfectionism and embrace authentic leadership.Perfect for listeners experiencing career burnout, seeking professional fulfilment, or looking for career change inspiration to align work with personal values.In this conversation, we explore:Career burnout recovery: The moment Toto realised her health was more important than her job titleResilience after rejection: Why getting rejected for her "dream" promotion became the catalyst for transformationCareer sabbatical benefits: Her six-month "soulbattical" that changed everythingFemale leadership development: How she's learned to integrate strength with grace, and masculine drive with feminine softnessRedefining career success beyond job titles and salaries in corporate cultureAbout Toto: Toto is a female business leader and Partner at The Buying Solution, a leading property buying agency, where she helps individuals and families acquire homes in central and southwest London. Alongside her work in real estate leadership, Toto is a yoga teacher and qualified nutritional therapist. This portfolio career represents professional reinvention and shows how work-life integration can create both success and fulfilment in a traditionally male-dominated industry.Toto's swift rise from Team Secretary to youngest female partner in just over seven years left her "successful" but experiencing career burnout. In 2023, after a decade at the company, Toto embarked on a six-month career sabbatical to India, Sri Lanka and the Balearics. Those transformative months helped her discover authentic success and professional wellness.You can find Toto teaching yoga in SW London studios, many of which stream their classes online for those further afield. Outside of real estate and off the yoga mat, Toto enjoys tennis, running and swimming - embodying true work-life balance.Connect with Toto: Instagram: @toto.lambert Website: www.totolambert.comKey Takeaways for Career Success:This episode is a masterclass in trusting your intuition and career pivot strategies, even when it's terrifying. Toto's professional development journey reminds us that sometimes the biggest disappointments are actually redirections towards our authentic career path. Her story of overcoming perfectionism whilst maintaining business success shows us that we don't have to choose between authenticity and achievement - sustainable career success means having both.Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Episode SummaryThis week, Jess sits down with someone truly special - her sister Lily West, a creative entrepreneur and freelance photographer who's built her dream creative business through determination and creative confidence. From struggling with dyslexia in school to shooting single covers displayed on Times Square billboards, Lily's creative career journey is a masterclass in creative resilience and never giving up on your artistic vision.Perfect for creative professionals seeking freelance business tips, creative career advice, and entrepreneurship motivation.What We CoverThe Creative Entrepreneur JourneyHow Lily transitioned from hating academia to building a successful creative businessThe reality of freelance photography: years of financial struggle, knockbacks, and self-doubtWhy technical skills matter less than creative confidence (spoiler: you can hire an assistant!)Creative Business ResilienceLily's incredible creative resilience through years of unpaid work and rejectionsHow she manifested her creative career by literally writing "I'm gonna get paid from my art" in her diaryThe importance of having support when building your creative businessRedefining Creative SuccessWhy traditional education doesn't predict creative entrepreneur successHow learning differences became strengths in her creative careerThe breakthrough moment: from iPhone videos to Times Square billboardsMental Health for CreativesManaging creative professional anxiety and maintaining mental wellnessThe life-changing power of morning journaling for creativesWhy creative self-care and self-awareness are crucial for sustainable successCreative Confidence & AuthenticityUniversity alter ego "Ducky the Diva" and terrible Whitney Houston coversThe legendary pickled pigeon bingo nightWhy embracing your uniqueness is actually your creative superpowerKey Takeaways for Creative SuccessTransform challenges into strengths - Learning differences can lead to unique creative perspectivesCreative persistence pays off - Sometimes you need to show up for years before the breakthrough happensCollaboration over competition - Partner with people whose strengths complement your creative business needsMaintain creative playfulness - The most successful creative entrepreneurs never lose their sense of wonderPrioritise creative wellness - Creative career success means nothing without mental healthResources MentionedThe Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - The creativity bible for creative professionals --> https://dauntbooks.co.uk/shop/books/the-artists-way/Morning Pages - Three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing for creative confidenceMegan Rose Lane - Manifestation workshop for creative entrepreneursYou can find Lily on Instagram @lilz_w or check out her business account @squish.agencyLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

What if everything you've been told about career success is completely wrong?In this inaugural episode of Successful AF, host Jess West sits down with arts professional Chloe Hodge for a raw conversation about career change confidence, ditching the prestige trap, and finding fulfilling work that aligns with your values.Chloe's career transition from struggling on £8.55/hour at the Royal Academy to running international arts projects in Ukraine showcases female entrepreneurship in creative fields. She shares honest insights about creative career advice, why she chose passion over high-paying graduate schemes, and how trusting your instincts can lead to professional fulfillment.Perfect for listeners seeking confidence tips for major life decisions and career motivation to pursue meaningful work.Guest Name: Chloe HodgeBio: Program Director running artist projects and architectural heritage restorations in Ukraine during the full-scale invasion. Creative industry professional with experience across prestigious London institutions including the Royal Academy of Arts. Holds a Master's in Curating from the Royal College of Art.Episode OutlineBuilding Career Confidence: The £8.55 Decision That Changed EverythingWhy Chloe chose purposeful work over lucrative graduate schemesConfidence tips for following your instincts over financial securityCreative Industry Reality Check: From Prestige to BreakdownWhat it's really like working at "dream" institutionsRecognizing when success on paper doesn't equal personal fulfillmentThe danger of seeking external validation in creative careersFemale Entrepreneurship: Redefining Success on Your Own TermsHow Chloe redefined success throughout her career journeyProfessional development through meaningful relationships and projectsCareer Transition Breakthrough: From Breakdown to New BeginningsThe conversation that gave her permission to make a career changeOvercoming financial barriers in creative industriesConfidence building strategies for naturally introverted professionalsPurpose-Driven Work: Leading Projects in a War ZoneFemale leadership in international creative projectsHow crisis brings out the best in workplace cultureWork-life balance lessons from a broken ankleKey Takeaways for Career SuccessTrust your intuition - even when it doesn't make logical sensePrestige doesn't equal happiness or professional fulfilmentSometimes you need the "wrong" job to appreciate meaningful workCareer success means integrity, supportive relationships, and purposeFinancial barriers in creative industries are real but not insurmountableAuthenticity beats trying to fit into the wrong environmentLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk