Behind The Face of Success

Welcome to a special mini-edition of "Behind the Face of Success." I'm your host, Visha Kudhail, and for this PodShort, I’m joined by the one and only Ed Watson, an extraordinary ballet dancer who also happened to be my very first guest when this podcast launched. As I reflect on the journey of this podcast, especially as we delve into this shorter, more introspective episode, Ed was the first person I wanted to bring back to reflect on our experiences over the past year.When I started "Behind the Face of Success," my goal was simple: to highlight the brilliance of my guests and inspire listeners by sharing their stories. But along the way, I realised that these conversations were teaching me just as much as they were inspiring others. I remember specific quotes and moments from my guests that have stayed with me, particularly during difficult times.So settle down with a cup of tea or pour yourself a glass of wine, as you hear two friends speak openly about vulnerability and growth. Thanks for listening and supporting this show. ♥️Supporting partners: Creative Brief & The River Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, I sit down with former professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq to dig deeper into the impactful moments following his brave decision to expose the racism he experienced. We discuss the profound changes he faced in his career and personal life as a result of his whistleblowing.Azeem, now an author with his new book, "It's Not Banter, It’s Racism," shares an intimate look at his life—from growing up in Pakistan to his tenure with Yorkshire County Cricket Club."One person’s banter is another person’s demise," he says, highlighting the crucial need for self-awareness in today’s society to ensure everyone feels welcome.This podcast tells all about Azeem’s emotional journey, showcasing his resilience and the positive changes he has made for himself and his family. We explore his work in campaigning for change, his transition into a podcaster, author, and speaker, and his efforts to inspire the younger generation to strive for better.  Azeem's story is incredibly inspiring. Tune in to hear the highs and lows of his career, and gain valuable lessons in how to never give up.More about AzeemAzeem is a former cricketer who played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, eventually becoming the first Asian player to captain Yorkshire in a senior game. Azeem’s story is a particularly tough one to tell on this podcast because of how the thing that he loved the most - which is being a cricketer, has led to a lot of trauma in his life. After experiencing bullying and racism which he spoke up about - and an independent report finding it to be true, it led on to a major media story breaking which ultimately has negatively affected his life. What I particularly appreciate and admire about Azeem is that despite all this, he is STILL campaigning for positive change in the sporting world. He’s recently written a book to raise more awareness and he’s made changes in his career to be a keynote speaker and podcaster to bring his passion for cricket into the wider community. It’s a true story of resilience and strength to change the face of cricket forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we are joined by an inspiring guest - fashion brand owner, Irene Agbontaen. A woman that epitomizes what this podcast is about - real and honest talk. Irene is the founder of her own fashion brand - TTYA (Taller than your average) which was the first inclusive label in sold in Selfridges and she sold out in ASOS, she’s also a podcaster herself hosting TTYA Talks with some incredible guests to help inspire more women in the creative industries, and beyond fashion and podcasting she has also forged iconic collaborations with artists like Burna Boy and Central Cee bringing her passion for creativity, music and fashion together. As a cultural influencer, she also takes that responsibility very seriously by actively speaking up about inclusivity and here’s something surprising about Irene… She loves a bit of DIY and renovated her own home by herself. This episode speaks to how hard work gets you to the places you want to be. It teaches you about knowing your value and knowing what a good business partnership should look like. You’ll learn about the highs and lows of starting a business and how purpose drives growth - personally and professionally. A big thank you to Soho House for supporting us by offering space to record this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick off the new season, I am joined by the brilliant Actress and Entrepreneur - Harriet Thorpe. Harriet has played a number of roles in Theatre, Film and TV and is best known for her telly work in productions like Absolutely Fabulous, The Brittas Empire, French and Saunders and now - further down in her career is playing the character Elaine, the powerhouse landlady of the Queen Vic in BBC’s Eastenders. Which happens to be one of the most iconic roles in British soap dramas. She’s also an entrepreneur who owns her own business with her sister, Actress Matilda Thorpe, called Doctor Theatre, helping men and women find their voice and stage presence. This episode will teach you how to deal with different dynamics in life, how to build your armour, how to focus on your creativity and to always remember to go where you are wanted. We also learn how to reclaim your voice and much more.It's an episode for anyone that wants to improve their confidence, learn what what their value is and ultimately feel good.With thanks to production partner -The River Group and Media Partner - Creative Brief for supporting this podcast.Please rate and review this podcast and follow us on instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm launching a brand-new season of Behind The Face of Success with some exciting new guests that you'll definitely want to hear from. For this season I'll be joined by some friends who are supporting the podcast. A huge thank you to production partner - The River Group and media partner - Creative Brief. Together we are excited to bring you all some real talk. Please follow the podcast, share your thoughts and review. We hope you enjoy this series and appreciate you tuning in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 20 minute podshort, we’ll dive deep into one of the strongest themes that came through from the full episodes in S1 - the complexities of mental health. This isn’t just in relation to the workplace  but in all aspects of life. Mental health isn't about the negative aspects of our well-being; it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellness. It’s about nurturing a positive state of mind that is essential for our overall health and quality of life. The importance of mental health has been a big topic of conversation for some time now but was highlighted by statistics shared by the NHS, which reported a 21.5% increase in people seeking talking therapies for conditions like anxiety and depression from 2021 to 2022 - this was the time of the pandemic. Throughout this series, I’ve been lucky to speak with remarkable individuals—from Photographer Rankin to tech founder Pip Jamieson and Peloton Instructor Hannah Frankson—who've shared their insights on navigating the challenges of mental health in their respective fields. Themes of burnout, feelings of failure, and anxiety have emerged time and again, prompting us to explore strategies for self-care and resilience.This 20 min PodShort will give you some simple and effective strategies for a positive mental health shared by Rankin, Pip Jamieson and Hannah Frankson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌟 Celebrate International Women's Day with these impactful killer soundbites straight from the voices of remarkable women. Each soundbite is a gem, offering unique perspectives and valuable advice. Get ready to be inspired by:Author - Poorna Bell, addressing the pressing issue of diversity in senior management and navigating toxic workplace environments.CEO - Rania Robinson, sharing her thoughts on female leadership styles and effective decision-making.Casting Director - Selma Nicholls, advocating for authenticity and the importance of staying true to oneself in the industry.Founder - Pip Jamieson, shedding light on the challenges of being a businesswoman and managing burnout.CEO - Leanne Elliott Young, offering insights on balancing the demands of motherhood with a thriving career.Tune in and empower yourself with wisdom from these incredible women!Enjoy the podshort and pop by the full episodes to listen to their stories.Follow: LinkedIn and InstagramPlease do take a moment to rate and review this series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this series finale, we gain insights from the remarkable Poorna Bell, a multi-faceted individual - an author, journalist, motivational speaker, and diversity advocate. Poorna's path to success is truly inspiring. She delves into the importance of resilience in a fiercely competitive industry, offering guidance on developing resilience by embracing rejection, cultivating thicker skin, and taking ownership of feedback. Poorna also shines a spotlight on the pressing need for increased diversity within newsrooms, stressing the importance of accurately mirroring real-world events and society's composition. This powerful episode is a must listen!More about Poorna BellPoorna is an award-winning journalist, charismatic motivational speaker, published author and influencer. She works extensively across several areas including women's journalism, women in business, fitness and strength, body image, wellness, mental health and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion. She was the  former UK Executive Editor and Global Lifestyle Head for HuffPost, and now works as a freelance journalist and editor for titles including The Guardian, Red magazine, Stylist, Grazia, Women's Health and the Daily Telegraph. She has become a popular public speaker and event facilitator. Poorna also received Stylist magazine's Rising Star Award at their inaugural Remarkable Women Awards 2019. She’s a published author (you'll find the links to her books below) and she’s a positive influence on body positivity, mental health and using her social platform for good.Her published books include: Chase the Rainbow, In Search of Silence, Stronger, In Case of Emergency. Follow ‘Behind the face of success’ on instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special edition episode recorded live at Soho House. In this podcast, I am joined by a leading figure in the advertising industry and CEO of Quiet Storm - Rania Robinson, to speak about the lessons we’ve learned in leadership and the highs and lows that have come with that. Being an honest and authentic leader when making tough business decisions can be hard to do but in this podcast both Rania and I share a balanced mix of personal experiences, industry insights and practical advice on what types of leadership styles thrive as workplace environments change over the years and the impact it has on people.More about Rania Rania Robinson came to the UK from Egypt at the age of three and started school not speaking a word of English. Her early experiences sparked a life-long passion for forming connections and meaningful communication. Having spent most of her career in non-traditional agencies in both account leadership and strategic roles, she has worked with some of the world’s best-known brands, including: Haribo, Mercedes, Virgin, Google and Coca Cola.Since joining Quiet Storm eleven years ago, she has brought a 360° perspective and new energy to the agency, helping extend its service offer and broaden its sector experience. A passionate exponent of empowering women in the workplace, she is President of WACL (an organisation whose purpose is to accelerate gender equality in the advertising and communication industry). Quiet Storm currently work with the Women’s Equality Party pro bono. Rania is a diversity champion and in 2020 relaunched Create Not Hate, Quiet Storms initiative to get under-represented young people into the creative industries by unlocking their creative potential. Rania is an active participant in D&I initiatives across the industry and a regular commentator on BBC Radio. She features in the IPA’s 2022 iList of the most influential industry role models, was listed in Campaign’s Top 3 Trailblazers of 2021 and their 40 over 40 list of 2022, was on AdAge’s Leading Women list of 2021 and is one of Wearethecity’s 50 trailblazers of 2023.More about Visha Formerly Director of Business Marketing, EMEA at Pinterest, Visha led marketing Pinterest for business audiences across Europe, driving its positioning and awareness across the region over the past 3 years. Prior to Pinterest she worked across YouTube Ads marketing at Google, going on to lead industry brand and reputation for both Google and YouTube in the UK. Before that, she spent twelve years at Thinkbox - the marketing body for commercial TV, leading TV campaigns, large scale events and initiatives with leading industry bodies in the UK. Visha is a 2013 WACL Future Leaders Award winner, and in 2015 co-founded the FUTURES Network to bring all winners together to support and inspire each other as they continue to develop into even stronger female leaders. Visha champions diversity and in 2020 she launched Pinterest’s EMEA chapter of Women@ and then became the Exec Sponsor for the global group. She is a huge supporter of industry initiatives that recognise and celebrate diverse communities. Visha is also an Advisory Board member for OK Mentor, a Committee Board member for Soho House, was awarded 2021 BIMA 100’s Champion for Change and recently was awarded Best Marketing Leader at the 2022 Global Women In Marketing Awards. Visha is also the host and founder of the “Behind the face of success’ podcast series.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Frankson, an Essex-born Peloton instructor, had a strong sense of community growing up, which was influenced by regularly attending church with her family. This sense of community and her desire to help people became central to her journey towards becoming a Peloton instructor and personal trainer in the fitness industry. In this podcast, Hannah tells an honest story of her life growing up and what challenges she met along the way. In fact, in her early years, Hannah aspired to be an athlete, but she experienced what she calls "active and passive fails" that guided her path towards becoming a fitness instructor. Active fails likely refer to specific instances where she tried and didn't succeed in her athletic pursuits. On the other hand, passive fails might refer to missed opportunities or situations where she didn't take action to achieve her goals.Throughout her journey, Hannah has learned valuable lessons from these experiences that made her the success she is today and in this episode she shares what they are and her top tips in making it in the industry. As a Peloton instructor and personal trainer, Hannah plays a vital role in motivating and empowering her audiences. She not only helps them get fit physically but also fosters a positive mindset, encouraging them to believe in themselves, their abilities, and be brave by trying new stuff…solo.  A must listen episode. More about HannahHannah is a Peloton Cycling Instructor and teaches from Peloton Studios London. Prior to Peloton, Hannah was a former competitive triple jumper, who trained alongside Olympic level athletes for seven years. After she finished competing, Hannah discovered indoor cycling, combining her passion for fitness with music and making exercise fun. Hannah is also an experienced Personal Trainer and Fitness Model. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Yu is founder and CEO of YUYU, a wellness brand. In this episode Richard speaks about how his varied cultural background gave him first look at how small businesses worked hard to be successful. Coming  from a media sales background, Richard knows how to be fearless about getting in touch with people to make deals happen. By finding an opportunity to revive a well known (and tired)  product - the hot water bottle, led Richard to bring innovation into the wellness market. In this podcast, we hear more about what it takes to build a business from the ground up and how to maintain motivation via the entrepreneurial spirit especially in challenging economic times. He also shares more about how to combat  loneliness when playing the role of being the sole owner, leader and executor of your own business by focusing on the idea and its purpose. Top tips shared: Be prepared to do the hard work. You’ll be on your own. It’s 5% joy and the rest is success Ask yourself simple things like what do I want to do and where am I going? Be patient with yourselfMore about Richard Born in Sri Lanka, Richard Yu is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of YUYU, a leading brand specializing in innovative wellness products. With a passion for designing products that enhance well-being, Richard has introduced groundbreaking solutions to the market, including the world's first long hot water bottle and the revolutionary YUYU ICE Recovery Bottle.Driven by a commitment to providing practical and effective solutions, Richard's products have gained global recognition and are trusted by customers worldwide, including athletes and royal households. Through his strategic vision and relentless pursuit of innovation, he has positioned YUYU as a frontrunner in the wellness industry, catering to the needs of athletes, individuals seeking relaxation, and those in need of therapeutic support.With a strong background in business development and a deep understanding of consumer preferences, Richard continues to lead YUYU's growth and expansion. His expertise in product design, marketing, and customer experience has been instrumental in establishing YUYU as a trusted brand that provides people with the tools they need to live healthier, more comfortable lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Krystal Roxx, is a London based DJ, In this episode Krystal speaks about her experiences first hand of the challenges faced by DJs during the COVID-19 pandemic when live events came to a halt. In response to it, she took it upon herself to diversify her skills and push her boundaries. She embraced the opportunity to stretch herself and explore new avenues in her career. One of the key insights Krystal shares is the importance of slowing down and learning. By taking the time to learn and improve her craft, she discovered that it actually made her more efficient in the long run. This understanding of the art of slowing down helped her become more effective and ultimately enhanced her DJing skills.Top tips shared: Anything that robs your peace of mind must go Try to not attach to the art. Don’t do it for fame. Do it for authenticity Don’t forget to sleepMore about KrystalKrystal Roxx is a London based DJ and producer. She recently released a new track called authenticate which she’s released with international dance powerhouse  - ultra labels. Krystal’s love for dance and the energy she brings has seen her perform at festivals all over the world and alongside the likes of Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx and Craig David and many more. Her music is also played on the biggest radio stations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pip Jamieson is the Founder and CEO of The Dots, a diverse and inclusive community platform for professional networking. Pip had a really interesting start to her career starting out working for the British Government to then moving to more creative roles, finally ending up starting up a tech business that has a deeper purpose. With very few tech female founders out there that have a computer science degree, Pip worked out very quickly that all you need to be a tech founder is have a great idea and a brilliant team around you. This  podcast episode provides a candid and insightful exploration of Pip Jamieson's journey as a business woman, addressing work-life balance, personal sacrifices, and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.Top tips shared: Perseverance - putting one foot in front of the other and keep going Kindness - being a nice person that is helpful. The power of reciprocity is critical.Just do it and you’ll be proud that you have given it a shot More about Pip Pip Jamieson is the Founder and CEO of The Dots, a community platform described by Apple as “Networking for the modern world” with 1 million members worldwide. The Dots licenses its software as a White Label solution to select businesses to help them to grow, engage and monetise their communities. Partners include Apple (EMEA), Soho House (global); University of the Arts London (UK), 180 Strand (global), Frieze (global) and Dazed Media (global).Pip was named by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 100 Disruptive Entrepreneurs innovating in their respective fields, by Founders Forum as one of the Inspiring 50 Women in Technology, and by Adweek as one of the top trailblazing leaders having a positive impact on the world.Being a dyslexic sole female tech founder, Pip has put inclusivity at The Dots’ core. The Dots’ algorithm is based on positivity and kindness and is recognised as a welcome alternative to existing community networking platforms.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rankin is an iconic photographer, publisher, film director and founder of his own creative agency. In this hour episode we hear about his life growing up and how picking up a camera saved him from a life as an accountant to becoming one of the most recognised and respected  photographers in the world. Rankin shares some brilliant tips and insight on how to get into photography and how aspiring photographers can start their own journey with the help of today’s emerging apps. But Rankin's story doesn't end with photography alone. As his expertise grew, he fearlessly embraced new challenges and took on various roles in the creative industry, which allowed him to be open to new opportunities and not being known for one thing.  He also emphasizes the importance of self-development, therapy and the power of sleep. This episode is a must listen! More about RankinRankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director. Alongside being head of the eponymous agency RANKIN Creative, which hosts an 80+ strong team that puts strategy, creative and production all under one roof. Through RANKIN Creative, he is best known for work that is on the cultural cusp and leading future trends: producing rule-breaking campaigns for brands such as Unilever, L’Oreal and Samsonite; creating wide reaching projects for charities including Women’s Aid and Macmillan; and shooting music videos for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Rita Ora and Kelis. As a photographer Rankin’s portfolio ranges from portraiture to documentary. He has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and the late Queen to name only a few. As a publisher, Rankin co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1991, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the biannual fashion and culture print and digital platform, Hunger. His photography has been published everywhere from his own publications to Elle, Vogue, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, and Wonderland, and exhibited in galleries globally, including MoMA, New York, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Rankin lives in London with his wife Tuuli and their dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Selma Nicholls is the Founder and Casting Director of Looks Like Me. In this  episode, Selma shares her motivation behind starting her casting company and the hard work she’s put into building her business through perseverance and persistence. For the first time, Selma opens up about the sacrifices she has made personally to reach where she is today.As a mother, Selma understands the importance of her role in creating change  extends beyond her own aspirations but also for her young daughter. She emphasises the bigger picture and raises awareness about the responsibilities she holds in making a lasting impact. Selma's dedication to diversity and inclusion is not just about her own success, but about making a positive change in the world as a whole.  Get ready to be inspired. More about Selma:Casting company Looks Like Me, was founded by Casting Director Selma Nicholls, who raises the profile of underrepresented people in mainstream content.Motivated by her daughter Riley-Ann, who questioned her own identity (at three years old) due to the limited visibility of children that looked like her within advertising content during 2015. Selma decided to create the change she wanted children and the world to see, setting up Looks Like Me with a commitment to provide diverse and inclusive castings and content creation. Selma is an award-winning casting director and has worked with businesses as diverse as LEGO, Disney, Tesco, George Asda, Dove, Google, Grammy award Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.