Ever hit every milestone you thought would make you happy… and still felt that quiet “so what?”

This week, we’re joined by Selena — born in Italy, lived in 7 countries, and now working in sales at Amazon — to unpack the moment she realised that a perfectly planned life still wasn’t a fulfilling one.

Together, we break down the difference between having a plan and having a purpose — and why chasing timelines won’t satisfy you if they’re not aligned with who you are at your core.

We get into the messy middle of it all: mental breakdowns, therapy, vulnerability, and the wake-up calls that force you to finally stop running on autopilot.

💭 TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Why a perfect plan won’t make you happy if it lacks purpose

• What it feels like to be out of alignment (and how to recognise it)

• How self-awareness can rebuild your sense of direction

• Letting go of timelines and choosing what actually matters

• How purpose fuels motivation more sustainably than hustle ever could

If you’ve been chasing achievement without asking why — this one’s for you.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more: 

TikTok → ⁠@notonmycvpod⁠ 

Instagram → ⁠@notonmycvpod

Ever wondered what it really takes to go freelance, build a brand from scratch, and grow online without burning out? 

This week, Maya and Olivia sit down with Leonora Gomes — founder, content creator, and creative all-rounder — to talk about the highs, lows, and learnings behind starting a business and running a social media agency.

From working with dream clients like Molton Brown and CocoMelt to managing burnout and learning how to work with family, this one’s packed with honest truths and great advice for anyone trying to make their mark online. 

TOP TAKEAWAYS

• How to go freelance and find your first clients 
• Building a brand and community that actually connects 
• Staying creative (and sane) when social media is your job 
• Going all in on yourself and realising your true calling
• Lessons from starting a business and pivoting to a digital agency 
• Social media tips that actually work in 2025

If you’re figuring out your next move, growing a business, or just obsessed with social media strategy — this one’s for you. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

 Follow us for more:
 TikTok → @notonmycvpod
 Instagram → @notonmycvpod

Ever looked at someone doing what you dream of — and felt that sting of envy?

This week’s guest, Anushi, knows that feeling all too well. A full-time lawyer and podcast host, she shares how she turned that envy into action — and what it really takes to build something from scratch while juggling a demanding career. 

TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Why perfectionism keeps us from starting the things we love
• How to turn envy into motivation instead of comparison
• The realities of running a side hustle while working full-time
• Staying committed when motivation fades
• Finding fulfilment in passion projects (not just productivity)

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, waiting for the “right time” — this one’s your sign to just start. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out Anushi's podcast, @every_muse_, to hear the stories of magical women!

Follow us for more:

TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Instagram → @notonmycvpod

This week we’re joined by Imogen Leslie — a community builder, creative all-rounder, and straight-talker who’s just entered her very own Eat Pray Love era.

After building thick skin starting her career in tech recruitment, Immy transitioned into sales at a retail tech company, and most recently worked across all functions at Dream Factory — a creative studio for scaling brands. She also runs a Supper Club on the side (because of course she does) and has just quit her job to travel around Australia. 

This one’s for anyone who’s navigating tough times at work, figuring out their next career move or wanting to take that first small step towards their dream.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• How sales teaches you resilience 
• Character-building from joining a startup (even the non-sexy ones) 
• Finding the common thread across all your career chapters 
• Taking imperfect leaps and trusting your gut 

 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more:

 Instagram → @notonmycvpod
 TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Maya and Olivia kick off Season 2 with a chaotic, unfiltered catch-up on their very non-hot-girl summers. From unexpected life changes to health drama (and a dash of hypochondria), they share the highs, lows, and messy middles of keeping it together when life feels anything but polished.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Reassurance that it’s okay not to be okay
• Why high-functioning depression isn’t always visible
• Fresh perspective on navigating career shifts and life transitions
• Reframing setbacks as part of growth
• Why acceptance is sometimes the most productive move

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for more:

TikTok → @notonmycvpod

Instagram → @notonmycvpod

Maya and Olivia wrap up Season 1 with an honest, lighthearted reflection on their podcasting journey and the inspiring conversations they've had so far. Covering all the chaos of getting started to the lessons, laughs, and unexpected moments along the way.

They revisit the biggest takeaways from their incredible guests — covering everything from navigating early career moves to staying true to yourself — and share the behind-the-scenes reality of launching a podcast, rom-com moments and all.

A funny, unfiltered, and useful recap to celebrate Season 1 and all the growth that came with it :)

Maya and Olivia sit down with Siena, the founder of the FIGS community, to discuss the intricacies of building a successful community, the importance of meaningful connections (and how to build them), and what it takes to be your own boss.

Siena shares her journey from struggling with dating apps to creating a thriving Queer community and offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of making your side hustle your main hustle.

Tune in for a conversation filled with hilarious anecdotes, practical advice, and a focus on pursuing your passion.

00:00 Intro

07:43 Introducing Siena

09:46 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

16:03 Themes & Deep Discussions

16:23 Meeting New People and Making Connections

27:00  Launching over Endlessly Ideating (& Building a Community 0 to 1!)

32:42 Community Building - The Day Job

34:34 Pivoting & Finding Product-Market-Fit

41:12 Turning your Side Hustle into your Main Hustle

48:46 Signs you should Be Your Own Boss

Maya and Olivia are joined by Cat, product manager and community builder, to discuss the role of curiosity in shaping careers and personal growth.

Cat talks about her journey from data analysis in a bank to finding her passion in product management, and how her fascination with different activities—from pottery to Bollywood dance—has enriched her life.

The conversation touches on key aspects of PM life, the importance of community for individuals & businesses, and the value of having a complementary co-founder.

Expect a deep dive into embracing new experiences, fostering meaningful connections, and balancing professional and personal development. 

00:00 Intro

05:55 Introducing Cat

08:04 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

16:37 Themes & Deep Discussion

17:03 Trying New Things

20:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Hobbies

27:10 Curiosity and Career Exploration

32:40 The Role of a Product Manager

42:57 Building a Community Agency

51:19 Finding the Right Co-Founder

54:30 Navigating Challenges in Partnerships

In this episode of Not On My CV, Maya and Olivia dive into the messy middle of early career growth—where ambition meets reality. They unpack the classic trade-off between learning and earning, share honest takes on receiving feedback, and talk through the nerve-wracking act of asking for a pay rise.

They also reflect on the emotional weight of a career quarter-life crisis: Am I doing enough? Am I falling behind? Through real stories and candid advice, they explore how to navigate the tension between self-worth, professional growth, and the pressure to have it all figured out.

Expect real talk, a rollercoaster of emotions, and the kind of relatable chaos that reminds you—you’re definitely not alone

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

5:30 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

10:11 Themes & Deep Discussions

10:16 The Meaning of Career Progression

15:16 Feedback is Bittersweet

23:40 Learning vs Earning

31:41 Pay Rise: How & When to Ask

40:26 Early Career Advice

Maya and Olivia welcome Richard, a visionary two-time startup founder, active community builder and tech expert. In this compelling episode, Richard reveals his unconventional path from classroom teacher to tech entrepreneur, offering candid insights about embracing risk and learning from failures.

Discover the power of effective storytelling, leveraging AI tools to boost productivity, and skillfully navigating workplace politics and team dynamics.

Richard shares battle-tested strategies for decision-making under pressure, building authentic relationships across organisations, and finding the optimal balance between technology and human interaction. Whether you're launching a startup, changing careers, or looking to advance in your current role, this episode provides actionable advice to help you thrive.

00:00 Intro

05:05 Introducing Richard

10:36 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

16:25 Themes & Deep Discussions

16:38 Power of Storytelling

24:15 Art of Decision-Making

27:12 Iterative Approach

35:50 Tech Reluctance to Tech Reliance

39:56 Embracing AI Tools

52:56 Navigating Office Politics

01:03:04 Creative a Positive Company Culture

Join Maya and Olivia as they welcome Symron, a Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant currently working in strategy at Aesop while launching her own Food & Beverage business.

This candid conversation explores the realities of corporate culture, the true value of experience beyond prestigious names on your resume, and the raw challenges of entrepreneurship.

Expect thought-provoking debates, honest revelations about founder self-doubt, and practical insights on staying authentic while navigating professional environments.

A refreshingly real discussion filled with both humor and hard truths for anyone contemplating their career path.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

04:05 Introducing Symron

06:29 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

08:36 Themes & Deep Discussions

10:40 Insights into Consulting (& Realities of Corporate Culture)

17:32 Experience vs Brand Name

25:40 Choosing to be a Founder

30:42 Qualities (and Struggles) of a Founder

42:07 Process of Starting a Business

48:52 Having Confidence in Your Choices

Join Maya and Olivia as they sit down with Kirsten to discuss the realities of career switching (including the how and why!), managing emotions at work, setting yourself up for success in a new job and the importance of loving what you do.

Expect engaging anecdotes, practical advice, and a lot of energy and humor throughout this lively discussion.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

07:32 Introducing Kirsten

10:35 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

14:10 Themes & Deep Discussions

14:18 Navigating Career Changes

21:05 Dealing with Emotions at Work

26:55 Being New to a Role: Initial Challenges & Expectations

31:00 Intro to Venture Capital

35:55 Hobbies and Setting Boundaries

Join Maya and Olivia as they chat with their first guest speaker, Tuanni, who shares the unfiltered highs and lows of being a digital nomad, building a life in London and transitioning from a startup to a corporate environment.

Expect engaging stories, practical advice, and a peek behind the scenes of a content creator's life!

CHAPTERS

0:00 Podcast intro

3:00 Introducing Tuanni

7:00 'This or That' quick-fire round

9:43 Themes & deep discussions

10:02 The digital nomad experience

19:41 Corporate vs startup - navigating career transitions

30:55 BTS - life as a content creator

Join Maya & Olivia in their debut episode, as they discuss their early-career journeys and the inspiration behind starting 'Not On My CV', as well as feeling the pressure to make the 'right' choices and how to find confidence without years of experience.

From personal anecdotes and professional insights to relatable struggles and key learnings, this episode sets the stage for a podcast that explores the highs and lows of building early careers.

Expect engaging conversations, practical advice, and a sense of community as they invite guests to share their stories in future episodes.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro to the podcast & hosts

06:51 'This or That' quick-fire round

17:20 Themes of choice & ambition

43:16 Final thoughts & reflections

👉 https://www.instagram.com/notonmycvpod/

Welcome to Not On My CV, the podcast for all the go-getters still building their careers 💪

Join Maya & Olivia, two London gals navigating the highs and lows of career progression, quarter-life curveballs, and everything in between. From candid chats with ambitious guests, to real-talk host-to-host, we’re figuring out our paths (and hopefully yours too!) one episode at a time.

Home to the realities of being a work-in-progress, and having fun in the process! No filters. Tune in and join the conversation - what’s not on your CV?

👉New episode every other Thursday

👉 More content @notonmycvpod