If you’ve ever felt held back by old patterns or self-doubt, and wondered why your life is not how you imagined, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I dive into the incredible power of identity and the stories we tell ourselves. I unpack how subconscious beliefs shape who we become and how the simple yet transformative “I Am” exercise can help you redefine your sense of self. Through my own personal experiences, psychology, and practical examples, I explored how to rewrite my inner narrative, anchor empowering emotions, and step into the version of myself I wanted to be. So, of course, I had to share the outcome and method with you all. This is a reminder that your words — and your beliefs — hold the power to change everything.

What does it mean to be truly mission-driven, and how can changing someone’s environment transform the course of their life? Today’s guest, Sharla-Jaye Duncan, is a social entrepreneur and fierce advocate for educational and career equity. Growing up in South London surrounded by more people who were going to jail than finishing school, Sharla-Jaye could not see a future for herself — until a pivotal friendship showed her the power of support, perspective, and opportunity.  That moment set her on a path to founding Team Up, Journi, and Day One — organisations that have helped thousands of young people from underrepresented communities unlock opportunity and redefine what’s possible. In this episode, Sharla-Jaye shares her story with remarkable honesty and wisdom. From confronting racism and sexism, to navigating cycles of fear and hope in the global economy, to advice on actionable steps when starting a business — she reveals how we can all challenge the odds stacked against us, find the right people to lift us higher, and step into the rooms where change happens. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are more powerful than we think we are.   In this episode, we discuss: Growing up without role models and discovering possibility through others The difference between knowing what’s right and dedicating yourself to it The impact of changing environments on human potential Why people from lower socio-economic backgrounds often don’t stay in high-paying jobs How to change minds by first understanding them The importance of driven friends who keep you accountable Anger, power, and choosing hope What success really means — and how to deal with jealousy Actionable advice for starting your own business   Find Sharla-Jaye Duncan: Instagram: @sharlajayeduncan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-jaye-duncan-inclusion-founder/ Journi: https://www.ourjourni.com  Team Up: https://teamup.org.uk

Why, as adults, do we become so serious, stop playing, and forget to make time for joy? Imagine how different the world would look if we spent more time laughing, and less time being so hard on ourselves. Today’s guest, Em Stroud, is on a mission to bring back joy, laughter and play into adult lives. In this episode Em opens up about the challenging times in her childhood that left little room for joy and forced her to grow up too quickly. Luckily for us, this experience led her on a journey to become the incredible comedian she is today, fighting to bring more happiness into adulthood.  From comedy shows, podcast, and books, to executive coaching, retreats, and speaking, Em really is one of the most multifaceted people I have ever met, while being driven by her inspiring purpose. This conversation left me inspired, uplifted and reminding myself that this life ‘is not a rehearsal’.   In this episode, we discuss: Embracing your oddness and getting to know your own voice Reprogramming negative beliefs  Growing up too quickly and reconnecting with joy Finding happiness in the little things Using play and laughter to get through difficult moments Balancing a multifaceted life with the rainbow diary method Mastering your craft Prioritising things that make us feel better Overcoming failure   Get tickets to see Em’s show ‘Tales from a Little Laughing Lesbian’ - https://emstroud.com/tour/ Find out about everything that Em does - https://emstroud.com/ The Comic Coach Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YalzRBYpB8mZ6M5FAAuTj?si=e31ecb7b7d314500 Instagram - @emrstroud

What does building wealth look like when you are on the wrong side of Capitalism? Is there hope to decrease inequality and thrive in the current economic system?    In this conversation, Rachel Laryea shares her journey. From watching her mum work around the clock and instilling the same work ethic into her children, to becoming a successful author and entrepreneur.   In this insightful conversation, we discuss the complexities of navigating identity, being surrounded by privilege without the safety net, the reality of being black on Wall Street, and the mission for financial security. Rachel emphasises the dual nature of capitalism, highlighting both its exploitative aspects and the potential for empowerment within it. She advocates for a Black Capitalist framework that prioritises community and purpose in business, while also reflecting on the importance of self-care in her personal and professional life.    Having succeeded in Wall Street, Academia, Entrepreneurship, and now Authorship with her incredible book Black Capitalist, there could not be a better role model to bring to Seat at My Table.    In this conversation we talk about: Growing up in spaces where you felt different  Navigating identity The pressure to achieve academic excellence to survive  Reality of working on Wall Street Racism in the workplace and beyond Facing judgement for pursuing financial security  Navigating the dilemma of being Black and participating in a system that historically and currently exploits Black people Hope and belief that you can empower yourself and others within capitalism  Strategies to create financial freedom Entrepreneurship and balancing many roles Voting with your actions and economic decisions Learning to celebrate yourself and letting go of guilt Most importantly, please go and read Rachel’s Incredible (!!) book Black Capitalists: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746827/black-capitalists-by-rachel-laryea-phd/   Find Rachel here: https://rachellaryea.com   Visit Kelewele’s website: https://www.kelewelenyc.com   Instagram: @drlaryea @kelewelenyc @black.capitalism

Working 2 jobs while pursuing her passion as an R&B singer-songwriter, Samantha Toms, a.k.a Mantha, opens up about the reality of working towards her dream. This episode is an open and honest conversation about Mantha’s journey that brought her to the London R&B scene, the set backs along the way, and exciting unknown yet to come. Lucky enough to say that she is an old friend I have watched grow and shine, I was so to excited to have her on the podcast to share her incredible mindset, manifestation tips, and a peak behind the scenes of the music industry. In this episode we talk about: Re-evaluating your goals after setbacks Learning to love the grind while pursuing your dreams Being vulnerable and embracing your sexuality as an artist Manifesting, journaling and mindset The love hate relationship with social media as a creative Criticism faced by public figures and female artists in particular Learning to love yourself Importance of gratitude Leaping into the unknown   Listen to new song ‘The Man' - https://ditto.fm/the-man-mantha   Follow Mantha: Instagram - https://instagram.com/mantha/ TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@itsmantha  Youtube - www.youtube.com/@manthasworld

What if true leadership looked less like boys clubs and bravado — and more like mindfulness, motherhood, and meaningful relationships? Today’s guest, Tingting Peng, redefines what it means to be in the C-Suite and provides a role model of leadership that we are all seeking but struggle to find.  Tingting is the Chief Transformation Officer at Moove, a global mobility fintech reimagining access to vehicle ownership that closed a $100 million Series B round in March 2024. She’s also an angel investor, advisor to startups, international yoga teacher, and mother. Recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Fintech and a Top 25 Women Leader in Financial Technology, Tingting’s journey spans Wall Street boardrooms to yoga studios — and everything in between. In this conversation, we go deep into the beginning of Tingting’s career, the reality of being an Investment Banking Analyst, and where her determination to prove people wrong began. We delve into how a period of personal crisis became the catalyst to change and a yoga qualification that saved her life and continues to be the key to her corporate success. We explore the power of curiosity, leadership through authenticity, and why the courage to be a student again might just be the key to your next breakthrough.   In this conversation we cover: The desire to prove people wrong and exceed expectations Tough reality and expectations as an Investment Banking Analyst How yoga saved her and continues to unlock success in all aspects of her life How burnout, a breakup, and forced career break catalysed her career change Realising everyone is the star of their own movie Success starts with doing the work Leading with authenticity Why having the courage to be a beginner again is so important The power of bringing motherhood into the boardroom and beyond Why play, creativity, and communication matter in corporate life Creating deals where everyone wins   Book discussed in this conversation: The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, By Eckhart Tolle   Find Tingting:  Website: https://www.tingtingpeng.com/about Instagram: @superfitnessgirl

The Compound Effect, the idea that small, consistent actions over time lead to big results. It is the difference between the top 1% and everyone else, it is what helps people become stupidly rich, or the reason that the existence of one person can echo throughout history.  For the 10th episode of the Seat at My Table Podcast, I wanted to do something a bit different, and share my first solo episode. I provide some exciting updates on the podcast and my life, but most importantly, I dive into a concept that I have recently become fascinated by. The Compound Effect. The more I looked into it, the more convinced I became that we could all leverage it to completely up-level our lives. We just need to understand the simply formula: consistency + time = unbelievable results. So of course, I had to share this with you all, just like I have to share the wisdom from my usual guests. I use a range of examples from the Ice Age and The Magic Penny Scenario, to Greta Thunberg and her Global Movement at the age of 15.   Sources and media mentioned in this episode is below: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness New Synopsis and Analysis by Morgan Housel Live to Lead (Netflix Series)  

Imagine a world where there are no barriers to innovation, everyone has the ability to bring their ideas to life, and the world in which we live looks completely different as a result.  Today’s guest, Cecil Adjalo, is working towards this vision as the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Foundervine which was recently recognised as one of Europe’s leading start up hubs.  Cecil is on a mission. His wisdom as a founder as well as a leader who is shaping the start-up ecosystem is boundless. His passion, determination and discipline, has always inspired me and so I had to bring him on and share it with you. Giving you a peak behind the curtain of what it is like to be the COO of a growing startup from someone who was listed by the Financial Times as one of the top 100 most influential BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) Leaders in the UK Tech sector.  In this conversation we cover: Work-life integration vs work-life balance Strict parents instilling discipline and rejecting average How Cecil founded Foundervine while starting up a tech company Importance of having thick skin and not being afraid to look stupid Sky to ground thinking and the role of a COO Importance of mentorship and advisory Balancing delusion and humility as a founder Leadership mentality in the face of challenges Managing family life as a COO and founder The DEI landscape Confronting racism with curiosity Find Cecil here - linkedin.com/in/adjalo Learn more about Foundervine - https://www.foundervine.com/# The book recommendation - Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss

How hard can it be?  A question that serial founder, Ex-Investment Banker, and all round superstar, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, consistently asks himself to push limits and find immense success.  Dawid Started his career training as a lawyer, followed by working as an investment banking, before becoming a serial entrepreneur.  He co-founded Redington an award winning independent investment consultantancy on a mission to make 100 million people financially secure. Followed by Mallowstreet, a collaboration platform for the asset management industry. And, as if this wasn’t enough, he co-founded 10,000 interns, a foundation that provides internships across 20 industries for undergraduates of black heritage, or with a disability, that Is changing lives in the process. Now Dawid is on a mission to empower people with the ability to tell their story through his company Spellbound.  He was named Black British Business Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018, and awarded a CBE in the 2023 New Year Honours List.  Despite this impressive list of accolades, for me, the most astounding things about are his ability to connect with people and his infinite compassion and will to help others.  In this conversation, we discuss How he went from flunking his A levels to being a successful investment banker that founded multiple companies Feeling like an outsider and learning how to harness these experiences Facing racism and how 10,000 interns is changing bias from the top The power of the questions, ‘what if?’, and ‘how hard can it be?’ Challenges from setting up a company and taking on huge competitors The need for emotional intelligence in good leadership Lessons from failure The importance of storytelling and how to tell yours Changing your narrative and why the stories we tell ourselves are so influential   Find out more: Learn about Spellbound - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seQNdPMOFAE Discover 10,000 Interns - https://10000internsfoundation.com/ Dawid's LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dawid1   I hope you enjoy and feel inspired.  If you do like this episode please don’t forget to follow and rate for more amazing guests.  

Money, the root of all evil or a powerful force for good? Join me in this insightful conversation with Dama Sathianathan who is setting an incredible example of the positive change that can be achieved by writing cheques in the world of venture capital. Dama is a Senior Partner at Bethnal Green Ventures, Europe’s leading early-stage tech for good Venture Capital Firm that backs ambitious founders using tech to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges. She is also a committee member for Venture ESG, a community-based non-profit organisation focused on the meaningful integration of ESG and responsible investing in venture capital. I was extremely excited to introduce you to Dama for several reasons. The first is to spotlight an extremely successful female role model in the male dominated investment landscape. If you are close to me, then you know I am obsessed with getting more women into investing and getting more money invested into women. The other reason is the fact that Dama’s journey is not the usual route we see into venture capital. She started in the not-for-profit industry before going into venture capital and she has continued to commit to high-impact investing, focusing on tackling important issues. Topics covered include: What is venture capital  Differences between the charity sector and ‘for-profit’ sector Attitudes towards money when you haven’t grown up with an abundance of it The power of money and why we need diversity amongst the cheque writers Advice on entering the venture capital industry What Bethnal Green Ventures look for when scouting for their next startups The importance of recuperating and enjoying the rewards of your hard work Having conversations about your career progression Dama’s book recommendation: Blockchain Chicken Farm by Xiaowei Wang.

First Black male Student Union President at LSE, the youngest ever board member of the Barbican, Europe’s largest Multi-arts Centre, Managing Director of TC & Friends at the age of 26, AND he made the 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 list. It’s hard to believe that the guest in this episode, Zulum Elumogo, achieved all this by the time he was 28 years old. So, of course, we had to have Zulum on Seat at My Table to wrack his brain and understand the secret to his success. In this conversation we talk about the importance of visual communication, how we are shaped by the images we are surrounded by and Zulum’s role within TC & Friends, an international design agency helping brands convey their message. We also discuss why he has managed to break the mould and consistently be the first in several positions, where his fearlessness comes from and leading with purpose, how being a second-generation migrant has shaped his journey and what he believes has enabled him to achieve so much so young. Topics covered include: The power of images and how they shape who we are Using storytelling to convey a message Attention to detail and why it is important Leading with authenticity to win business and build relationships Being fearless and leading the way Changing your perception on aging Having fun and living without regrets Forging your own path as a second-generation migrant Using money as tool to unlock potential and empower others Zulum’s inspiration recommendation, the Book of Proverbs, https://dailyaudiobible.com/ Find Zulum on Instagram @zulum_elumogo and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulum-elumogo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app     

Imagine going through your emails at work when suddenly you get a call from a distressed mother whose son has been held by Syrian Authorities and likely tortured for receiving money from a foreign bank account. His mum’s bank account. Who is currently a refugee in the UK. This is what a normal day can look like for Colette, Founder and CEO of Conversation Over Borders. An organisation that works to connect forcibly displaced people with the wider community to cut through isolation and ensure everyone has equal voice, rights and opportunities. Colette started Conversation Over Borders (COB) at the age of 23 in 2020 by helping connect refugees with English teaches. In this episode, Colette goes back to the beginning, sharing the origin of COB and how it has grown and expanded - having recently reached 20,000 hours of English lessons! We dive into what it was like being a CEO at such a young and how she navigated the space without an existing network. As well as the importance of staying close to the community you are serving so you are always responding to their needs. Topics covered include: Founding an organisation at age 23 Learning to accept help from others Setting boundaries and the emotional impact of working in the charity sector Fake it till you make it and learning on the job The power in hearing someone’s story to break down barriers and prejudice Responding to the needs of those you are serving The current refugee crisis and danger of the narrative in the media The film discussed at the end of the episode is ‘The Swimmers’. Hear members of the COB community share their story and watch ‘Prisoner of Hope’ here - https://www.conversationoverborders.org/our-voices   Find more information about COB here where there are a number of ways to get involved - https://www.conversationoverborders.org

Freeing a man wrongfully committed of murder after he has already served 5 years in prison, confronted with continuous rape, murder, child abuse cases, navigating the male dominated career of a barrister experiencing sexism and imposter syndrome along the way - these are only a few of the topics covered with this episode’s guest, Tana Adkin KC. A highly respected criminal barrister appointed to the King’s Counsel in 2017, Deputy Head of Chambers at 15NBS Barristers Chambers, and former chair of the Criminal Bar Association. Tana is an inspiration to all, recognised for her contributions to the legal field and exemplary skills in persuasion, cross-examination, and negotiation.  So, join Talullah for this insightful conversation with Tana as they discuss the reality of being a criminal barrister, and the challenges faced and skills needed to uphold integrity in the justice system. Having recently attended the Global Women’s Forum and joined the Batonnières du Monde, a group of female international Bar leaders who are working together to address gender inequality, Tana also delves into the current global landscape for women, the need to address gender inequality and importance of women taking up leadership roles. Topics covered include: Coping with a role in which you are continuously faced with traumatic and high-pressure cases Navigating imposter syndrome and sexism throughout your career The reality of representing someone who is guilty The power of language and overcoming fear of public speaking Negotiating with people who don’t want to negotiate Becoming a feminist after never having previously considered it The need for quotas when merit alone isn’t enough Women stepping into leadership and getting a seat at the table The book discussed at the end of the episode is ‘Women All on Fire’ by Alison Plowden. You can find out more about Tana here - https://15nbs.com/portfolio/tana-adkin-kc/  

<p>Imagine putting your blood, sweat, and tears into your start-up and then having a contractor try to take ownership of your App, or being taken to a champagne bar to be told someone wants to buy your product and if you say no, they will take the idea anyway and steal your market audience. </p> <p>This is only a few of the challenges Nazia Anwar has faced, founder of Social Blox, a platform for small non-profits and community groups to help them connect, grow, and generate revenue.</p> <p>Join Talullah for this incredible conversation with Nazia as they peak behind the curtain of what it is like to be a female founder, discuss how Social Blox first began, and the highs and lows along the way. </p> <p>As an absolutely relentless founder, oozing passion, and pushing down any barrier standing in her way, while juggling being a single mum and experiencing countless experiences of sexism, Talullah wanted to bring you this conversation to share in Nazia's wisdom and courage. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>Topics covered include:</p> <ul> <li>Accidentally starting a business to solve a problem</li> <li>Trusting your gut when something feels wrong</li> <li>Dealing with investors who don’t align with your vision</li> <li>Leadership styles and why we need diversity in the C-Suite </li> <li>How to get out of a slump and back to yourself</li> <li>Managing being a single mum as a founder</li> <li>Publishing your first book</li> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p>Find Nazia’s book and more here – <a href="https://www.naziaanwar.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.naziaanwar.com/ </a></p> <p>Learn more about Social Blox here - <a href="https://www.socialblox.uk/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.socialblox.uk/ </a></p>

<p>Work. We all do it. Most of us will be working for at least 50 years. So why do so many of us stay in a role that gives us the Sunday Scaries, fearing the week ahead? Why are so many of us petrified to stray from the career path we chose at the age of 18, when we have time for 10 or more different careers?</p> <p>Join Talullah in this open conversation with the amazingly talented and multidimensional Eliza Lawrence. Someone who champions the importance of decreasing the gap between work and life, vowing never to have the Sunday scaries. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>In this episode they discuss:</p> <ul> <li>Eliza's array of experiences as an actress, love and sex coach, writer and publisher, creative director, and now teacher</li> <li>The importance of using your 20s to experiment</li> <li> Developing your 'intangible assets' before worrying about the promotions and house buying</li> <li>The fine line between being a therapist and a friend </li> <li>How being a sex coach began to affect Eliza on a personal level</li> <li>Fearlessness in the face of taboo topics and vulnerability</li> <li>Re-branding after a breakup</li> <li>Reclaiming the feminine ego </li> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p>Press play and enjoy this therapeutic conversation that feels like you are getting advice from your wiser, big sis. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>To find out more about Eliza, visit her website - <a href="https://elizalawrence.squarespace.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://elizalawrence.squarespace.com/</a></p> <p><br /></p> <p>The piece of art discussed at the end of the episode is called 'Wanderer above the Sea of Fog' - <a href="https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-unraveling-mysteries-caspar-david-friedrichs-wanderer" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-unraveling-mysteries-caspar-david-friedrichs-wanderer</a></p>

<p>Rejection. What an ugly word and even more awful feeling. Well, not anymore. </p> <p>Shona Bland, the founder of Art Friend, is changing this while simultaneously revolutionising the Art industry by making it more fun, accessible, and welcoming. </p> <p>Join Shona and Talullah as they discuss her journey from drama, to hospitality, to founding a company. </p> <p>In this episode they talk about</p> <ul> <li>The art of blagging to open new doors</li> <li>Having friends who believe in your dreams more than you do</li> <li>Learning to let go and getting out of your comfort zone</li> <li>Finding beauty in grief</li> <li>Reframing and celebrating rejection</li> </ul> <p>To learn about the incredible exhibitions Art Friend has, or to find beautiful art work, visit Art Friend's website -https://artfriend.co.uk/ </p> <p>P.S. the film neither of them could remember the name of was Poor Things with Emma Stone. </p>

<p>Seat at my Table is hosted by Talullah Lake who aims to bring you a catalogue of role models to inspire you and expand what you believe you are capable of. </p> <p>Playing on the phrase 'more women need a seat at the table', Talullah aims to spotlight amazing people across different industries, with different experiences, so that we can all find a role model that resonates with us while creating space for voices we don't always get to hear. </p> <p>This is a short intro episode so that you can understand what this podcast is all about. </p> <p><br /></p>