Voted Least Likely

What does it really take to build a small business, especially when your brain doesn’t fit the traditional mold? In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I am sitting down with entrepreneur, marketer, and podcast host, Lauren Tilden for an honest conversation about the behind-the-scenes challenges of running a business, navigating late ADHD diagnosis, and learning how to work with your brain instead of against it. Lauren shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, how it reshaped the way she approaches her work, and the systems she’s put in place to support herself as a business owner. Together,  we dive into why clarity-- around the life you want and the business you’re building-- is one of the most important (and often overlooked) foundations of long-term success. This episode is a reminder that there’s no one “right” way to build a business—and that success looks different when you define it on your own terms. In This Episode, We Talk About: -The realities and growing pains of building a small business -Lauren’s ADHD diagnosis and how it changed her relationship with work -Why clarity around your desired lifestyle matters just as much as revenue goals -Designing a business that supports your energy, values, and season of life -Letting go of expectations and building sustainably If you've ever felt overwhelmed by entrepreneurship or wondered why traditional productivity advice doesn't seem to work, this episode is for you. Learn more about Lauren Tilden here: https://www.makinggoodpodcast.com Doing the Dang Thing Workshop: https://www.laurentilden.co/dtdt-workshop Follow Lauren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurentilden Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard  

What if the parts of your story that feel out of place are actually the reason you’re meant to do the work you’re doing? In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I share the parts of my life that don’t match the assumptions people make about me as a jewellery designer — and how learning to stop hiding them changed everything. For years, I believed I had to smooth out my story to be taken seriously. I felt embarrassed about my background, my lack of formal education, my mental health struggles, and the ways I didn’t “fit” the image of my industry. I thought these things disqualified me. They didn’t. They shaped me. This episode is an honest walk through the truths I used to keep quiet — and why embracing them has helped me build a brand, a community, and a life that actually feels like mine. In this episode, I talk about: Why you don’t need to fit into your industry to succeed Being an extreme introvert in a very public-facing business How protecting your energy isn’t selfish — it’s necessary Dropping out of junior high and building a career without formal education Letting go of shame around “unglamorous” career paths How years of entry-level jobs became one of my greatest educations What it’s like to build a brand without family support Choosing your life, even when others don’t understand it How community can grow out of loneliness Growing up on a lighthouse island — and how it shaped my creativity Feeling behind socially, emotionally, and professionally Mental health struggles at a young age and learning their impact later in life Why versatility, function, and intuition drive my design process Not traveling, making sacrifices, and trusting long-term timing Letting go of the need to fit in — and choosing to grow instead Key takeaways: You don’t need a polished or traditional story to be worthy of success Your differences are not liabilities — they’re connection points Confidence comes from acceptance, not approval It’s okay if your version of success doesn’t look like anyone else’s You’re allowed to build a life that makes sense to you This episode is for anyone who has ever felt out of place, behind, unqualified, or “too different” to belong — and wondered if that meant they were doing something wrong. You’re not. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop trying to fit in, and start becoming more yourself. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

One more episode about 2025 and then I'll move on... There's a lot of talk about success online, but we don’t spend nearly enough time talking about what didn’t work. In this episode, I’m doing an honest reflection on my failures from 2025. The missed goals. The wrong decisions. The moments that felt heavy, heartbreaking, and disappointing. This isn’t a highlight reel or a “failure turned success” story. It’s a real conversation about what happens when things don’t go according to plan. — and why those moments often shape us more than the wins ever could. I share what failed and what those experiences taught me about boundaries, expectations, resilience, and trusting myself. Some lessons were obvious in hindsight. Others took months to land. I'm also diving into some of the emotions I felt last year as I watched everyone celebrate their milestones on social media.  If you’ve had a year that didn’t unfold the way you hoped, this episode is for you. Failure doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you're brave enough to try. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

The start of a new year can feel full of pressure — new goals, new habits, new versions of ourselves we’re supposed to magically become overnight. In this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my annual planning session — not the polished version, but the honest one. I walk through the goals I set last year, what actually worked, what didn’t, and the expectations I had to let go of along the way. Some things surprised me. Some things stung. And some things only made sense once I slowed down enough to really look at them. This episode isn’t about hustle or rigid goal-setting. It’s about reflection, recalibration, and choosing a direction that actually feels aligned with the life you’re living — not the one you think you should be living. I also guide you step-by-step through a simple planning process you can do alongside me — whether you’re mapping out a business, a creative practice, or just trying to move into the new year with a bit more clarity and intention. If you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or quietly disappointed with how a year unfolded — this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Reviewing last year’s goals with honesty (not shame) What I achieved — and what I didn’t Why some goals quietly stop fitting Separating meaningful progress from performative productivity  Letting go of goals that no longer serve you How I approach planning in a way that feels sustainable A gentle framework you can use to plan your year Setting intentions that leave room for real life This episode is your permission slip to plan slowly, thoughtfully, and on your own terms. Take what resonates. Leave the rest. And remember — you’re allowed to evolve. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

Happy Holidays! Like many of you, this year was a rollercoaster. I experienced some of my best and worst days in the last 12 months. I will be taking the next two weeks to process everything we went through by focusing on the glimmers of joy, and finding the lessons in the chaos. As always, I want to thank YOU for tuning in to the Voted Least Likely podcast this year, leaving 5 star reviews, or recommending the show to a friend. It means more than you know.  Happy Holidays, talk soon in 2026✨ Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard Know someone who would make a great guest on the show? Find the application form here. 

“There are real costs to not being yourself.” In this solo episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m talking about the quiet ways we learn to water ourselves down to fit in, and what starts to shift when we finally decide to stop. As I’ve moved into my late 30s, I’ve felt a deeper pull toward authenticity-- not the polished kind, but the messy, honest, uncomfortable kind that actually feels like freedom. I reflect on how much energy it takes to constantly edit who you are for the comfort of others. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve been performing a version of their life instead of living it. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to take up more space, speak more truthfully, or finally choose yourself, this one’s for you. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard Know someone who would make a great guest on the show? Find the application form here. 

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jenna Herbut — founder of the Make It Show, author of Make It Happen, and creator of The Conscious Lab. Jenna has spent years supporting makers and creative entrepreneurs, and her work has inspired thousands of people to pursue their ideas with courage, curiosity, and heart. This conversation goes far beyond business. Jenna opens up about why entrepreneurship is one of the most spiritual journeys you can choose, and how she’s learned to navigate uncertainty by leaning into her intuition. We explore: How Jenna uses intuitive nudges to guide her decisions Why building a business will shine a light on every part of yourself, the empowered parts and the messy middle Why slowing down, listening inward, and staying honest with yourself might be the real competitive advantage This is an honest, grounding conversation about the human side of entrepreneurship, the doubts, the revelations, and the moments of magic that appear when you trust yourself enough to keep going. Whether you’re a creative, a founder, or someone dreaming of starting something but unsure where to begin, Jenna’s wisdom will meet you exactly where you are. Want to join the magic? Get your tickets for the Make It Show here. Make It Show Instagram: makeitshow Learn more about Jenna: https://jennaherbut.com/ Conscious Lab: https://consciouslab.ca/ A huge thank-you to Jenna for hosting us at Conscious Lab for this in-person episode. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

In this episode of Voted Least Likely, we dive into a question that has kept me up at night: Do you need to be an optimist to succeed in business? This topic was sparked by a moment at a recent entrepreneur event — everyone in the room seemed effortlessly confident, “delusionally” optimistic, and absolutely certain their success was inevitable. Meanwhile, I was quietly wondering why I felt so out of place… until it hit me: I’m a pessimist. And in the entrepreneurial world, that can feel like a dirty word. In this episode, I unpack what it's like to build a business when your default setting is assuming the worst. I talk about: Why optimism is so heavily associated with entrepreneurship The unseen advantages of being a pessimist (yes, there are some!) How pessimism can sabotage your next steps — and how to work around it The myth that you need unwavering confidence to succeed My own early days building Leah Yard Designs, and why I genuinely thought I’d fail (but kept going anyways) Why not fitting the stereotype doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one who doubts yourself, prepares for the worst, or secretly thinks everyone else must know something you don’t, this episode is for you. We explore whether success actually requires optimism, or if there’s room in entrepreneurship for the rest of us: the over-thinkers, the realists, the cautious dreamers, and the “hope for the best, prepare for the absolute worst” types. Listen in to hear why your mindset — optimistic or pessimistic — might be exactly what your business needs. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

In this special episode, I'm sitting down with Iyeba Maclayton, the recipient of the 2025 Inspiration Award from Dress for Success Vancouver. Iyeba’s story is one of courage, transformation, and a deep belief in what is possible when you refuse to give up. She shares her journey from Nigeria to Canada and the challenges she faced while learning a new work culture and rebuilding her confidence. Iyeba speaks openly about the highs and lows of starting over, and how her faith grounded her through moments of uncertainty and fear. Her determination to grow, adapt, and honour her own potential is at the heart of this conversation. This episode also highlights the meaningful work of Dress for Success Vancouver. Their support played a key role in Iyeba’s transition, offering community, resources, and the encouragement she needed to move toward a new professional chapter. If you need a reminder of the power of resilience, belief in yourself, and support, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. Learn more about Iyeba here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyebamaclayton Learn more about Dress for Success Vancouver here: https://dfsvancouver.ca/ Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

Sometimes life forces you to slow down—whether you planned to or not. In this episode, I'm sharing what’s been happening behind the scenes: my partner Kyle’s surgery, the unexpected challenges that came with it, and what it really looks like to take a forced step away from work and surrender to life’s timing. This is a candid chat about letting go of control, accepting help, and the clarity that comes with a health scare. If this episode resonates with you, let's connect🫶 DM me on Instagram [@leahyard].  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard I also want to highlight my friend Jenn Wint’s inspiring event, Back to Business — a space for entrepreneurs to reconnect, refocus, and recharge as they tackle the remainder of this year and prepare for 2026. Learn more here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/back-to-business-tickets-1721735680769?aff=ebdsoporgprofile  

In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m opening up about a season of change I didn’t see coming. It started with an unsettled feeling, like something in my life was out of alignment. I questioned everything: my business, my relationship, my style, even the city I live in. Was it hormones? Burnout? Or just… growth? Instead of running from the discomfort, I tried to lean into it. In this episode, I share: The unsettling (and scary) thoughts that come with questioning your life choices Why change naturally feels threatening, and how to shift your mindset around it The small, tangible ways I experimented with change (from food to fashion) without blowing up my whole life (even though I was tempted to) The big questions I forced myself to ask, even when the answers weren’t clear If you’ve ever felt restless, uncertain, or like you’re on the edge of something new (but don’t know what), this one’s for you. Because change doesn’t always mean losing yourself, it can mean finding a braver, freer version of who you already are. If this episode resonates with you, let's connect! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard].  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard  

In this week's episode, I sit down with Cecilia Morgan, the founder of Girl Squad, to talk about what it really takes to create a welcoming community for female professionals. From hosting markets and events to building authentic relationships, Ceci shares how vulnerability and openness can transform casual connections into deep, lasting support systems. Key Takeaways: The fears (and growth) that come with showing up on social media Why asking for help is a powerful step in both business and life Honest reflections on success, money, and how relationships impact both personal wellbeing and entrepreneurial growth Whether you’re a business owner, a community builder, or someone craving more meaningful connections, this episode offers a refreshing look at how to blend heart and strategy in creating spaces where women thrive together. If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey.  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

There’s a joke in the podcasting world: everyone has a podcast. And honestly, it feels true the moment you start one. I launched this show back in 2022 with zero experience, determined to do it solo and convinced interviews were out of my league. Fast forward, and while I’ve *somewhat* improved my interview skills, there are still plenty of ways I’m failing at podcasting. In this episode, I’m sharing the three biggest ways I’ve been dropping the ball as a podcaster: Inconsistency – Missing publish deadlines I set for myself and slipping on my schedule. Psyching myself out – Letting nerves and bad experiences shake my confidence. Promotion (or lack thereof) – Posting a little here and there, but rarely sharing the podcast in ways that could actually grow it. This isn’t an episode about quitting (I love this show and I’m not stopping anytime soon). It’s about being honest about the challenges, the cringey moments, and why so many people give up on podcasting-- or anything, when it gets hard. If you're in the thick of something right now, this one's for you. It's a reminder to just keep going. Some times just getting something done is better than getting it perfect. If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey.  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

This week I am re-airing the conversation I had with Donna Bishop: an accomplished interviewer/ moderator, dedicated producer of engaging content, and passionate advocate for Canadian fashion. Her background spans the fashion, beauty, lifestyle and media industries. Donna supports entrepreneurs and brand leaders with moderated, live streamed events that elevate their story and messaging with an engaging interview that always soars beyond anything a google search provides. She can be heard regularly on CBC radio discussing fashion. As the host and founder of the popular podcast FashionTalks, Donna holds meaningful conversations with leaders in the fashion and related industries on the personal and social impact of fashion. She is also the Director of Programming for CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards), is a former board member of the Toronto Chapter of Fashion Group International, and is a mentor for the Toronto Fashion Incubator. In 2009 she founded Green Beauty, Canada’s first online boutique dedicated to skincare and cosmetics that were made with natural ingredients yet had the performance of professional products, which she moved on from in 2015. She has been featured as an expert in beauty or entrepreneurship in numerous media outlets including: The Marilyn Denis Show, E! Canada, Best Health Magazine, NOW Magazine, Green Heroes (TVO), Coming Clean (Smithsonian Channel), Cosmo TV, The Globe and Mail, InStyle Magazine, The MomShift (Random House) and numerous blogs. In this week's episode we talk about the power of pivoting in business, the myth of "finding balance", and the impact fashion has on our lives. Tune in to hear one of my favourite voices in the podcasting world:) Connect with Donna: Website: https://thisisdonnab.ca/ On IG: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/ FashionTalks Podcast: https://fashiontalks.ca/ Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

This week on the Voted Least Likely podcast I am re-airing my conversation with Community Builder, Shannon Lorenz. Shannon runs Bespoke Market, an event designed to bring together creatives, designers, and local businesses. If you've been to one of Shannon's events, you know just how important community is to her. She's been a cheerleader for local brands for years, and I am thrilled to share her wisdom on the Voted Least Likely Podcast. In this episode we cover: What it means to be"Ready for the Party", how adopting this mindset can dramatically shift your outlook if you're in a down season How to leverage each opportunity and make the most out of events How to push through when you'e suffering from Imposter Syndrome and lean into your intuition Plus: what's next for Bespoke (psst: Shannon's got big plans for Vancouver!) Find Bespoke Market on Instagram  Learn more about Bespoke Market here: https://www.bespokemarket.ca/ Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard  

Let’s be real, building success isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it’s awkward, uncomfortable, and a little (or a lot) embarrassing. In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m sharing the five cringe-worthy things I do to grow my business (and why I keep doing them anyway). These moves might make my stomach flip, but they also bring results. Putting yourself out there (even when it’s uncomfortable) can actually be your business’s secret weapon. If you’ve been holding back because you don’t want to look silly, grab your earbuds, this is your permission to embrace the cringe. If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey.  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

In this episode of the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I'm joined by Vanessa Bucceri, founder of Vanessa Bucceri Creative, who shares how she used her data skills to map out a thoughtful exit strategy from her corporate job and step confidently into entrepreneurship. We talk about what it really takes to trust yourself in business, how intuition and strategy go hand in hand, and the reality of making a creative pivot in your career. Vanessa opens up about the early days of building her brand and web design studio, the lessons she’s learned working with over 90 clients around the world, and how she helps style-forward entrepreneurs show up with confidence online. If you've ever felt stuck in a role that no longer fits, or you're craving a creative leap, this one’s for you. Mentioned in this episode: - How Vanessa blended her background in tech and design - How she used missing out on a $90,000 buyout from her corporate job as fuel to kickstart her business - Why trusting your own voice is key when stepping out on your own - The balance between structure and self-belief when making a major pivot Connect with Vanessa: vanessabucceri.com @vanessabuccericreative on Instagram If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey. Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

This week’s episode is a re-air that couldn’t come at a better time. As we mark 12 years in business, we’re revisiting a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what “overnight success” really looks like. RE-AIR: We’ve all heard the stories of “overnight success”—but let’s be real, that’s rarely how it actually happens. In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey and breaking down some of the key milestones I’ve reached in business… and how long they actually took. Spoiler: it wasn’t overnight. From taking six years to become profitable, eight years to gain earned media, and the countless small wins (and setbacks) along the way, I’m sharing the truth about what it really takes to build something sustainable. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “behind” in your business, this episode is for you. Tune in for: ✨ A breakdown of my business milestones and the REAL timelines behind them (I have a feeling I might regret sharing these later) ✨ Why the idea of overnight success is misleading (and damaging) ✨ A reminder that slow growth is still growth—and often the most sustainable kind If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey. Let’s break the myth of overnight success together. Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard  

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Peters, founder of the successful night-nannying business Cuddles and Care based in Vancouver. Jessica's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and surprising pivots. She originally set out to become a doctor, but after facing serious health challenges, she was forced to change course. What followed was an unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, one she never imagined for herself. We talk about: - How a major life detour led her to discover her true calling - The importance to being open to pivots - Why she spent the first two years of business "waiting for the other shoe to drop" - The impact of having ONE person believe in you Jessica’s perspective is raw, refreshing, and deeply inspiring, especially for anyone navigating a big life shift or doubting their place in the entrepreneurial world. Links & Resources: Follow Cuddles and Care on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuddlesandcareagency Learn more about Cuddles and Care: https://cuddlesandcare.ca Thoughts on today's episode? DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

RE-AIR: As embarrassing as this is to admit, when I launched my brand (Leah Yard Designs), I thought the next step was to WAIT until I got noticed by a big publication (hello, Vogue!) It's taken many years to fumble my way through the PR landscape and finally land some exciting features. Needless to say, I really wish I met today's guest 10 years ago! This week I sat down with Jenn Wint of Wint Communications. Not only is Jenn a PR Pro, her approach to getting small businesses noticed is incredibly inspiring since she's driven by authentic connections. I believe Jenn's superpower is celebrating small brands doing big things. Tune in to learn all about the dos and don'ts of PR, plus how you can start pitching yourself NOW. About Jenn: Jenn Wint (she/her) is a writer and public relations specialist passionate about sharing stories that connect people, communities, and local businesses. Jenn is the author of ‘Josie’s Busy Calendar,’ a self-care story for kids and a contributor to MomBabes: A Motherhood Anthology. She lives in East Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter who support her quest to find her neighbourhood's best chocolate chip cookie. Website: https://www.wintcommunications.com/ Follow Jenn on Instagram @jenn_wint  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard