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© Ana Merchant
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Step into 'At Work With...', where we uncover the real, unfiltered stories behind successful careers. Join us as industry leaders share their breakthrough moments, spectacular failures, and unconventional paths to the top. No corporate jargon or polished PR answers – just honest conversations about what it really takes to build a remarkable career.
Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, considering a career pivot, or building your own empire, join us as we decode success, one conversation at a time.
< New episodes drop every other Monday. Hosted by Ana Merchant >
Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, considering a career pivot, or building your own empire, join us as we decode success, one conversation at a time.
< New episodes drop every other Monday. Hosted by Ana Merchant >
22 Episodes
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In this video, Olympic gold medalist Morgan Bolding shares how growing up in care, being adopted by his grandparents, and entering rowing through a state school — not the private school pipeline — shaped an 18-year journey to winning gold at Paris 2024.He breaks down his three Ps framework for resilience, reveals the brutal politics of subjective team selection, and offers an unfiltered take on what it actually takes to build an Olympic career when the system wasn't built for you.🔗 CONNECT WITH MORGAN BOLDING💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-bolding📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganboldingTIMESTAMPS00:00 🌟 Meet Morgan Bolding01:19 🧒 Morgan's Formative Years01:54 🌍 From Bosnia to Leeds 03:00 👴 Finding Stability with His Grandparents04:28 🚣 Rowing Found Me 05:52 🔥 When Did Rowing Become Everything?07:57 🎓 Does British Rowing Have a Class Problem?10:12 🏛️ The Political Side of Selection 12:41 💪 The Discipline Question 13:56 ❤️ Purpose Over Gold 14:42 📅 Finally Selected, Then the Olympics Get Postponed18:03 🧠 The Three Ps 21:01 ☕ The Ritual That Kept Them Sane22:03 ⚖️ Why Rowing Selection Is So Subjective26:08 😤 The Darkest Years — 2019 to 202227:09 🔁 Inputs Don't Always Equal Outputs30:01 🏋️♂️ A Typical Training Day 32:50 🍕 What an Olympic Athlete Actually Eats36:08 📱 IWhy Perfection Is Dangerous Advice38:16 🏔️ Winning Gold, Then What39:45 😢 The Most Emotional Moment41:43 💬 What He'd Tell That Kid in Care43:17 🔄 Life After the Olympics45:31 ⚡ Rapid Fire Round#atworkwith #podcast #rowing #olympics #paris2024 #goldmedalist #resilience #mentalhealth
In this video, entrepreneur and best selling author Hasan Kubba shares how an unconventional, non-linear path — from dropping out of biomedical science to building a passive-income SEO business — led him to co-author a bestselling book on success that challenges hustle culture. He breaks down the MILES framework for identifying your unfair advantages, explains why disadvantages are often double-edged swords, and offers a grounded, honest take on what it actually takes to get a traditional publishing deal without a platform.🔗 CONNECT WITH HASAN KUBBA🌐 Website: https://www.hasankubba.com📚 The Unfair Advantage: https://www.theunfairacademy.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/startuphasan🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/StartupHasanTIMESTAMPS00:00 🌟 Meet Hasan Kubba00:18 💡 The Core Idea: It's Not Just Hard Work00:54 👋 Welcome to At Work With01:19 🧒 Growing Up Shy — Hasan's Formative Years02:12 🌍 From Iraq to the UK — Cultural Expectations of Success03:28 🎓 Economics Degree — And Why Banking Wasn't the Answer05:08 😰 The Fear, Perfectionism & Procrastination Nobody Talks About07:46 💼 Getting Jobs in Sales to Light the Fire08:30 🌴 Making It Work — Passive Income and Traveling Southeast Asia10:33 📖 How the Book Idea Was Born — Meeting Co-author Ash Ali12:07 🤔 Why "Just Work Hard" Is Dangerous Advice14:18 🏆 Introducing the MILES Framework15:01 💰 M — Money (Resources at Your Disposal)15:21 🧠 I — Intelligence and Insight16:27 📍 L — Location and Luck16:49 🎓 E — Education and Expertise17:56 👑 S — Status (The Most Powerful of All)19:05 🔄 How Disadvantages Can Become Advantages20:40 🪞 Self-Awareness Is Step One22:09 💪 Double Down on Your Strengths, Not Your Weaknesses22:16 📚 Getting a Book Deal Without a Following24:37 💡 The "Idea Worth Spreading" Test for Your Book27:08 🗺️ The Map Is Not the Territory31:20 🎬 Fight Club, Office Space, and Defining Success on Your Own Terms33:23 🧔 Hasan's Dad, the Pub, and Structural Barriers to Promotion37:09 🤖 Adaptability Is the Key Skill in the Age of AI38:21 ⚡ Rapid Fire Round41:38 👨👧👦 What Hasan Will Tell His Kids About Success#atworkwith #podcast #business #entrepreneurship #unfairadvantage #advantage #success
In this episode, Terry Seal shares her journey from moving 12 times as a child to becoming CEO of a celebrity chef's empire in New York, to founding 1n Labs, a nicotine brand challenging everything the industry thought it knew. We discuss what it really takes to build in a stigmatised space, why she designed her product for biohackers instead of the mainstream, and how every unexpected chapter of her career was quietly preparing her for this one.Check Out 1n Labs🌐 Website: https://www.1nlabs.com📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1nlabs💼 LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1n-labsConnect with Terry Seal💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrysealTimestamps:00:00 🎙️ Meet Terry Seal, Founder of 1n Labs01:21 🌍 Growing Up Moving 12 Times & Adapting05:58 🍷 From Corporate to CEO for a Celebrity Chef07:31 📉 The Reality of Running a Personality-Led Business10:31 🇩🇪 Moving to Berlin & The "Startup Weekend" Pivot12:13 💡 Discovering the Gap in the Nicotine Market15:27 😒 Dealing with Negative Reactions from Friends & Family18:31 👩💼 Being the Only Woman in the Room20:51 🍬 What is 1n Labs? (Intentional, Clean Nicotine)22:09 🧬 Biohacking Explained (It's Not Just for Billionaires)25:28 💡 The Pop-Up: Red Light Therapy & Brain Mapping30:45 🛡️ Staying True to the Vision vs. Investor Noise34:31 🗣️ Advice for Building "Controversial" Products35:55 🏗️ Realizing She Loves the "Zero to One" Build37:46 ⚡ Quick Fire Question#atworkwith #biohacking #1nlabs #podcast #nicotine #startup #startuplife
In this episode, Rayan Jawad shares his journey from growing up in a one-bedroom flat above a shop to co-founding Growth Studio, a company that has helped over 650 startups scale across 17 global markets. We discuss what success really means beyond the briefcase, the discipline of growth hacking, and how rejection is simply redirection. Rayan also opens up about surviving on Tesco meal deals in the early days, the importance of building genuine relationships with clients, and why doing good and making money don't have to be opposites.CONNECT WITH RAYAN JAWAD🌐 Growth Studio - https://growthstudio.com💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayanjawadTIMESTAMPS:00:00 🚀 Meet Rayan Jawad, Co-Founder of GrowthStudio00:52 🏠 Growing Up In A 1-Bedroom Flat Above A Shop02:26 💼 The "Briefcase" Definition Of Success (And How It Changed)06:59 🧠 The "Annoying Kid" Who Always Asked Why11:09 📉 Leaving The Corporate Ladder For The Startup World14:30 🛑 When Your Boss Rejects Your Resignation Letter15:30 ☕ Where "Growth Studio" Was Born18:24 🌍 Solving Real Problems With Tech20:19 🥪 Surviving On Tesco Meal Deals 23:44 ⚠️ The Danger Of Scaling Too Fast 25:34 🗣️ Don't Fall In Love With Your Idea27:52 🚫 "Rejection Is Just A New Direction"30:37 📱 The Power Of Authenticity34:20 🤷♂️ You Don't Need To Know Everything To Be An Expert35:12 ⚡ Rapid Fire Q&A39:57 🕯️ Rayan’s Legacy
In this video, Aliya Rajah shares her journey from feeling insecure to becoming one of the leading life coaches in the UAE. They discuss misconceptions about confidence, the pressures of cultural expectations, and the courage it takes to walk one's unique path. Aliya also offers practical insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of mindset, and how to build genuine self-confidence.CONNECT WITH ALIYA RAJAH🌐 Website: https://aliyarajah.com🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliyaRajahCC📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithaliya/💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aliya-rajah-0b72ba8aTIMESTAMPS:00:00 🎙️Meet Aliya Rajah, Confidence & Leadership Coach01:29 👶 Aliya's Early Life02:26 👧 "Be Good, Be Polite, Don't Take Up Space"05:27 🔄 Leaving a "Dream Job" for Coaching12:59 🛡️ Entrepreneurship Reality16:03 🇦🇪 Moving to Dubai20:38 🧠 The Confidence Gap in High Achievers21:32 📉 Success Doesn't Cure Self-Doubt21:52 🗣️ Technical Skills vs. Communication Confidence22:23 👩💼 Why High-Achieving Women Struggle with "Playing Small"25:22 🤥 Confidence vs. Bravado26:15 🧘♀️ Authentic Confidence Is an Inner Game29:38 🌅 The Morning Routine for Building Self-Trust32:20 ⚡ Rapid Fire Round36:03 💫 What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?
Stay tuned for the upcoming episode with Aliya Rajah, Executive Presence & Public Speaking Coach
What happens when success no longer feels meaningful?In this episode of At Work With…, I’m joined by Rich Hua — former founder of EPIC Leadership at Amazon and creator of EQ@Amazon — to talk about emotional intelligence, non-linear careers, and why compassion sits at the heart of true leadership.From immigrant beginnings to ministry, from Amazon to a bold new mission to bring EQ skills to a billion people, this conversation is thoughtful, human, and quietly powerful.00:00 – IntroWelcome to At Work With… + why this conversation matters02:10 – Leaving Amazon & What’s NextWhy Rich chose to step into a new chapter06:00 – Growing Up as an ImmigrantEarly identity, language barriers, and empathy10:30 – High IQ, Low EQWhat being “the smartest in the room” didn’t teach him14:40 – Ministry & Missionary WorkHow working with people shaped his emotional intelligence19:45 – Reinventing a Career at 40The Oracle story and betting on yourself25:30 – Building EQ@AmazonHow a side passion became a global movement30:50 – EPIC LeadershipEmpathy, Purpose, Inspiration & Connection explained35:40 – Compassion as LeadershipWhy EQ matters more than ever in an AI-driven world39:30 – EQ for a Billion PeopleRich’s vision for the future43:30 – Quick-Fire RoundPersonal, fun, and reflective questions47:30 – Closing ReflectionsWhat success really means now⏱️ Episode Chapters / TimestampsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richhua/Substack: https://substack.com/@richardhua
In this uplifting conversation, founder and tech-for-good innovator Kim Antoniou shares the remarkable journey behind Kafoodle and Fonetti — two companies born from deeply personal moments that changed the course of her life. From her husband’s near-fatal allergy to the spark she saw in her grandson Ollie, Kim reveals how real experiences inspired world-first technology that’s now helping thousands of children read with confidence. We talk resilience, reinvention, building impactful tech at scale, and why “you only regret the things you don’t do.” Kim’s warmth, honesty, and unstoppable passion shine through in every minute of this episode.
In this conversation, Hilary Evans-Newton, CEO of Alzheimer's Research UK, shares her journey in the third sector, balancing leadership with motherhood, and the challenges faced in dementia research. She discusses the importance of lived experiences in shaping her mission, the recent advancements in Alzheimer's treatments, and the need for timely diagnoses. Hilary emphasizes the collaborative efforts required to accelerate progress in dementia care and the significance of the Dementia Unseen campaign. She reflects on her decade of leadership, the lessons learned, and her vision for the future of Alzheimer's research.
In this episode of At Work With, Craig Strachan — CEO of Novel and former global podcast lead at Amazon Music — shares his squiggly career journey from marketing phone lines to leading Europe’s largest independent podcast studio. He opens up about lessons learned along the way, the leap from Big Tech to an indie startup, and why trust, fun, and authenticity sit at the heart of his leadership. Craig also dives into the future of podcasting, from fandoms and live shows to cross-media storytelling, offering an inspiring and candid look at the industry and the people behind it.⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 | Intro & Beginnings – Childhood, early ambitions & first jobs07:30 | Career Journey – From BT & Sky to Amazon Music13:45 | Global Podcasting at Amazon – Strategy, launches & lessons learned29:00 | Leap to Novel – Moving from Big Tech to leading Europe’s largest indie studio36:40 | The Future of Podcasting – Storytelling, fandoms & industry shifts58:20 | Leadership & Legacy – Trust, inclusion & advice for the next generation
In this conversation, Stacey discusses her journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of change and adaptability. She reflects on her experiences in leadership roles, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the concept of 'lifeboats' in providing support. Stacey introduces her venture, Spark, aimed at helping new founders navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of AGI's transformative potential. The discussion also touches on the importance of empathy in leadership and the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI.
In this episode, Zertashia Awan, Amazon’s Director of Worldwide Customer Experience, shares how resilience and sensitivity have shaped her leadership journey. From childhood lessons and family stories of grit to navigating career highs, lows, and burnout, Zertashia reflects on why vulnerability and authenticity matter at work. She talks about cultural identity, finding balance in resilience, and the small daily rituals that keep her grounded. Beyond Amazon, she discusses founding a nonprofit school in Pakistan and mentoring startups, reminding us that true impact comes from focusing on people, purpose, and empathy.
In this conversation, Danny Harrison shares his journey from a young aspiring footballer to a professional athlete and now a mentor for young players. He reflects on the challenges of losing his father during a pivotal moment in his career, the sacrifices made for his passion, and the transition to a fulfilling role in education and coaching. Danny emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and the need for support systems for young athletes navigating their careers.TakeawaysDanny faced significant challenges during his transition from player to coach.The loss of his father deeply impacted his career and personal life.Childhood experiences shaped his love for football and sports.Danny's journey highlights the sacrifices made by young athletes.He emphasizes the importance of a strong support system.The mindset of a professional athlete evolves over time.Danny's first professional match was a pivotal moment in his life.He values education and coaching as a way to give back.Danny is passionate about helping young athletes find their paths.His legacy is rooted in supporting the next generation of players.Chapters00:00 Navigating Loss and Transition02:32 Childhood and Early Influences05:13 The Journey to Professional Football08:11 The Sacrifices of a Young Athlete10:48 First Professional Match Experience13:46 Evolving Mindset in Professional Football16:39 Transitioning to a New Career18:30 Education and Coaching Pathways21:09 Passion for Supporting Young Athletes24:00 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation26:53 Lessons for Young Players29:21 Legacy and Impact31:14 Rapid Fire Round and Final Thoughts
In this conversation, Sally shares her journey through the field of ophthalmology, discussing the challenges of medical training, the pressures of being a consultant, and the importance of work-life balance. She reflects on cultural influences, the dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the support systems that have helped her navigate her career and family life. The discussion also touches on the future of ophthalmology, particularly the impact of AI on medical training and patient care.
In this engaging conversation, Akhil Saxena shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in India to becoming a successful leader in major corporations like Amazon and Unilever. He reflects on the values instilled in him by his parents, the challenges he faced in his career, and the importance of mentorship and personal growth. Akhil discusses the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasizing the significance of compassion, hard work, and emotional intelligence in leadership. He also shares insights on self-discovery and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, concluding with a light-hearted rapid-fire round.You can connect with Akhil via LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilsaxena7/TakeawaysAkhil's upbringing instilled values of discipline and compassion.Hard work can lead to unexpected success.Leadership requires a balance between task orientation and people focus.Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.Emotional intelligence is key in navigating challenges.Self-awareness is essential for personal development.Akhil's experiences shaped his understanding of responsibility.Taking risks can lead to significant career advancements.Legacy is about positively impacting others' lives.Finding joy in simple activities helps recharge and refocus.
In this episode, Ana Merchant sits down with Mimi Swain, Chief Commercial Officer at Ring and Blink, to discuss her career journey, values, and leadership style. Mimi shares her experiences growing up in Kansas as a second-generation Vietnamese American, the influence of her immigrant parents, and how these factors shaped her work ethic and perspective on success. The conversation delves into her transition from journalism to the tech industry, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from diverse roles at companies like Dyson and Sonos. Mimi also addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome, the evolution of her leadership style, and the balance between personal and professional life. She offers advice to her younger self and reflects on the misconceptions surrounding leadership, emphasizing the importance of helping others and building resilience.
In this engaging conversation, Ana Merchant speaks with Ramona Hazan, the founder of a beloved hummus brand, about her remarkable journey from a computer engineer in South Africa to a successful entrepreneur in the UK food industry. Ramona shares her experiences of building a brand from scratch, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining quality. She emphasizes the significance of community, mentorship, and the personal sacrifices made along the way. The discussion also touches on her upcoming product launches and the values that drive her brand.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of gender-based violence.In this conversation, Ana Merchant interviews Beth Knight, a prominent leader in sustainability and social impact. They discuss Beth's early life in Cornwall, her career journey, and the influences that shaped her leadership style. Beth shares her experiences in public speaking, significant humanitarian projects, and her time in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of community values. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating a career in a fast-paced environment, the recognition she has received, and her thoughts on sustainability in corporate settings. Finally, Beth reflects on the advice she values and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, shares his unique journey from growing up in a small town in Georgia to leading one of the UK's most beloved charities. He discusses the challenges of cultural identity, the evolution of his career from film to charity, and the innovative changes he is implementing at Comic Relief. Samir emphasizes the importance of digital transformation and the need for charities to adapt to a rapidly changing world. He also offers valuable advice for those in the corporate sector considering a transition to the charity world, highlighting the significance of social impact and community support.
In this episode of 'At Work With', I interview Lucy Cleland, co-founder and editorial director of Country and Townhouse magazine. We discuss Lucy's journey into journalism, the evolution of luxury publishing, and the importance of sustainability in the industry. Lucy shares insights on the challenges faced in the transition from print to digital, the impact of AI on publishing, and her vision for the future of luxury experiences. The conversation also touches on the importance of finding one's voice in journalism and the need for reliable media in today's climate.Takeaways Lucy's journey is a testament to continuous reinvention. Sustainability is a core value in luxury publishing. A life in balance is essential for personal and professional growth. The magazine industry must adapt to changing consumer behaviour's. AI presents both challenges and opportunities in publishing. Luxury is increasingly defined by experiences rather than products. Finding a niche can set you apart in journalism. Learning from failures is crucial for growth. Engagement with audiences is key to successful publishing. The future of publishing will require a blend of digital and print.If this episode resonated with you, I'd love your support! Hit subscribe wherever you're listening and share it with someone who needs to hear this kind of real career talk. It helps the podcast reach more people and allows me to keep bringing you conversations with incredible industry leaders who are changing the game. 🎙️✨
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