How I Get Everything Done as a Type B Founder

This is your reminder that learning a language doesn't have to be difficult. These are the things I wish I'd known before I started learning Spanish. If I had to learn Spanish from scratch today, this is exactly how I'd go from zero to fluent: setting low-stakes goals, picking one dialect, starting with the words you'll actually use, speaking early without the fear, finding your people, making it fun, and using AI to build a plan that fits you.I also share my own language learning journey and how learning a language has changed my life.If you've always wanted to learn Spanish (or any language) but it's felt too hard to start, this one's for you.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro: My love for learning languages1:30 Step 1: Set clear, low-stakes goals and milestones3:50 Step 2: Understand how your native language works4:28 Step 3: Pick a specific dialect to start with6:11 Step 4: Sequence your learning with high-frequency words6:59 The power of balancing input and output7:37 How to practise speaking early (without fear)10:49 Why writing and journaling matter11:53 Make it social: Finding partners and community14:10 Build the language into your real life14:31 Why making it fun beats discipline and dread15:51 Discover your learning style (auditory, visual, kinaesthetic)17:02 Using AI strategically to build your custom plan19:04 Recap: The ultimate language learning blueprint21:23 How learning a language changes your life (and my story)23:41 Closing thoughts and what's next for 2027BOSSY AND BROWN MAGAZINEStories from South Asian female founders, builders and creatives:https://www.bossyandbrown.comFOLLOW THE PODCAST / CONNECT WITH MEPodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBossy Behind the Scenes on Substack: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...CREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] this episode gave you helpful tips on how to balance everything at university, send it a friend too :)

What if manifesting the life you want is actually easier than you think? In this episode, I’m joined by Spanish manifestation expert and creator Gara Real to talk about the methods, mindset shifts and beliefs that can help you create a life you love.We talk about why what you focus on grows, how your reality can act as a mirror, letting go of resistance, becoming magnetic in love and relationships, and why the energy behind your actions matters. Gara also shares practical examples of how manifestation has shown up in her own life and how changing the way you think, feel and speak to yourself can change what you experience.If you’re ready to stop putting conditions on your happiness and start becoming the version of you who already feels worthy of what you want, this episode is for you.CONNECT WITH GARAYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gararealInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/garareal_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realgaraTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Intro0:40 - Introduction & Reintroducing Gara3:17 - Manifesting: What You Focus on Grows6:06 - Why Reality Is a Perfect Mirror7:05 - Finding Happiness Beyond Your Circumstances9:32 - What You Resist, Persists12:25 - The Secret to Genuine Self-Love14:42 - Pick a Feeling to Carry for the Rest of Your Life19:15 - The True Value of the Things We Desire20:36 - Be Your Own Number One Cheerleader21:21 - How to Stop Disrespecting Yourself22:56 - True Authenticity Is Accepting Everything24:03 - Going Against Your Negative Thoughts26:29 - Becoming Magnetic by Letting Go29:16 - Why the Energy Behind Your Actions Matters30:22 - Stop Putting Conditions on Your Success31:29 - Identifying the Voices in Your Head32:08 - Better Thoughts Create a Better Life40:23 - Becoming Magnetic in Relationships & Love44:50 - You Are Bigger Than Anything You Want45:04 - Give Yourself What You Are Seeking45:42 - What It Means to Be “Bossy” & Final ThoughtsBOSSY BEHIND THE SCENES ON SUBSTACKEssays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life:https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes…BINGO GRID TEMPLATEhttps://trusted-note-ecc.notion.site/Vision-Board-Bingo-Template-2c7b7f85b0028084952dd4e2d2ff4325?pvs=74FOLLOW THE PODCAST / CONNECT WITH MEPodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBOSSY AND BROWN MAGAZINEStories from South Asian female founders, builders and creatives:https://www.bossyandbrown.comCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together:Founders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] you found this episode interesting, send it to a friend  and comment below what you are manifesting for the next season of your life:))

This episode is for anyone having a bad day, feeling stuck, in a funk or struggling as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter.I’ve gone through periods in my life where I really struggled with my mental health, and one of the biggest gifts I’ve given myself is learning the art of the upward spiral: how to feel what I’m feeling without letting a bad day become a bad week.In this episode, I’m sharing the simple things that help me shift my energy, from getting out of my head and into my body to leaning on community and finding your own “happy triggers”. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro: Navigating seasonal blues & finding positivity01:27 Happiness is a skill (and why it's hard right now)02:53 Step 1: Feel the feeling & release internal garbage05:28 Step 2: Stop intellectualizing your feelings08:02 Step 3: Get in your body & reclaim your agency11:12 Step 4: Lean on community (Stop isolating)16:16 Step 5: Discover & deploy your "happy triggers"21:10 Authentic positivity vs. false positivity22:07 Outro, community updates, & final wordsFOLLOW THE PODCAST / CONNECT WITH MEPodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBOSSY AND BROWN MAGAZINEStories from South Asian female founders, builders and creatives:https://www.bossyandbrown.comCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] you liked this episode, send it to someone who you love to give them extra positive energy :)

This episode is for my Type B girls with big dreams, 200 tabs open in their brains and absolutely no desire to become a 5am, colour-coded-calendar productivity robot. I’m ambitious, but I’m naturally chaotic. Over the years, I’ve had to build systems that help me run a business, release a podcast every week, pursue approximately 100 side quests at once and still actually have a life.In this episode, I’m breaking down my Life Operating System: how I organise my life around health, wealth, relationships, growth and happiness, plan in 12-week seasons, structure flexible weeks, schedule deep work and buffer time, and use tools like Notion, my calendar and To do List without letting productivity take over my life.Because you don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro: Ambitious but Chaotic? Watch This1:00 - How I Manage Chaos & My "Side Quests"2:04 - Step 1: Finding Your Values & Priorities4:20 - Step 2: Where Should Your System Live? (Notion, etc.)5:08 - Setting "Bare Minimums" for Your Life Categories6:33 - The "Menu of Options" & Lego Block Scheduling8:22 - Why You Must Schedule Buffer Time9:16 - The Ultimate Time Rule: Pay Yourself First11:34 - Stop Using To-Do Lists (Use Your Calendar Instead)14:08 - How to Actually Do Fun Things: "The 10 List"15:37 - Why You Should Plan in 12-Week Seasons16:44 - The 3x3 Vision Board Bingo Grid18:26 - The Arrival Fallacy & The Meaning of "Devotion"20:07 - Final Thoughts & CommunityBossy Behind the Scenes on Substack: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bingo Grid template: https://trusted-note-ecc.notion.site/Vision-Board-Bingo-Template-2c7b7f85b0028084952dd4e2d2ff4325?pvs=74FOLLOW THE PODCAST / CONNECT WITH MEPodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBOSSY AND BROWN MAGAZINEStories from South Asian female founders, builders and creatives:https://www.bossyandbrown.comCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] you found this episode interesting, send it to a friend :))

This week, I’m joined by Sharika Chauhan, who went from a 17-year career in finance to becoming a founder and children’s author, building Maya’s Worldly Wonders, a children’s brand centred around a bold British Indian girl exploring the world.We talk about what it really takes to reinvent your career without feeling like you’re starting again, how to know when to follow your gut, and why the skills you build in one chapter of your life can become the foundation for something completely different.Sharika also takes us behind the scenes of building Maya’s Worldly Wonders from an idea into books, education, merchandise and animation in development. We get into self-publishing, building creative IP, marketing something from zero, fundraising, representation and the tension between building something purpose-led and wanting it to become a seriously big business.Plus, we talk solo travel, visiting more than 40 countries, doing things outside the blueprint and what an all-female sailing expedition from Reykjavík towards the Faroe Islands taught her about courage, resilience and doing things before you feel ready.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction, or worried that choosing one path means being stuck with it forever, this conversation is for you.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction & Meet Srika Chauhan0:45 - From 17 Years in Finance to Building a Universe1:53 - Backpacking in 2005 & Catching the Travel Bug4:44 - The Borneo Jungle Epiphany (Birth of Maya's Worldly Wonders)7:25 - Breaking Cultural Stigmas & Empowering Young Girls8:48 - How Travel Crisis Skills Translate to Business & Startups12:43 - The Reality of Self-Publishing (Marketing, Tech & Hurdles)18:01 - Expanding the Vision: Books, Merchandise, & Animation22:22 - Sailing the Atlantic: Reykjavik to the Faroe Islands25:56 - Surviving 8-Meter Waves & Sea Sickness28:12 - Creating an Authentic, Relatable Character30:17 - Designing Maya: Fighting Stereotypes & "Princess Jasmine" Clichés33:27 - Taking Maya to the Screen (Animation & World Discovery Centers)35:45 - Advice for Creatives: Balancing Art with a Business Plan38:35 - Why You Need an Exit Strategy, Structuring & IP41:59 - Reclaiming the Word "Bossy" & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome44:50 - Where to Find Maya's Worldly Wonders & What’s Next for 2027Connect With Sharika Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharika-chauhan-3a9017b/Instagram: sharika_chauhanMaya’s Worldly Wonders: https://www.instagram.com/mayas.worldly.wonders/https://www.mayasworldlywonders.comBossy Behind the Scenes on Substack: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW THE PODCAST / CONNECT WITH MEPodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBOSSY AND BROWN MAGAZINEStories from South Asian female founders, builders and creatives:https://www.bossyandbrown.comCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] you found this episode interesting, send it to a friend :))

Today’s episode is your reminder that it is possible to get good grades and have fun at university. I  graduated from UCL not only with a First but also top of my class, made the Dean’s List and had my dissertation nominated for a national prize. But I also had the best time at university. I met some of my best friends, learned to salsa dance, did a fashion show, volunteered, interned for a DJ, started a podcast, built a business and spent a year living abroad.I’m sharing the simple systems that helped me balance everything, from understanding exactly what you’re being marked on and knowing which readings you can skip, to making your essays stand out, building a feedback loop and using time constraints to get more done in less time.Because getting a First doesn’t have to mean spending your entire university experience in the library. Your degree can be important without becoming your entire identity.If you’re at university and want to get good grades, have fun, try new things and make the most of these years, this episode is for you.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro: Balancing sleep, social life, and getting good grades at university02:34 The marking criteria: Why you need to understand exactly what you’re being graded on05:31 Adding personality: How to make your essays stand out to professors07:26 Skip the readings: Prioritising your coursework and saving time10:39 Building systems: Using Notion to document your research and streamline writing13:00 The feedback loop: Why you should ask for professor and peer reviews15:12 Time management: Using Parkinson’s law and scheduling your social life first17:51 Protecting your yes: Experimenting with hobbies and cutting out rehearsed obligations21:10 Redefining success: Detaching your self-worth from academic achievements and gradesBOSSY AND BROWN MAGAZINEStories from South Asian female founders, builders and creatives:https://www.bossyandbrown.comFOLLOW THE PODCAST / CONNECT WITH MEPodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBossy Behind the Scenes on Substack: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] this episode gave you helpful tips on how to balance everything at university, send it a friend too :)

What does it actually take to make it as an artist?This week, I’m joined by South London R&B and soul artist Lottie Jade to talk about what it really takes to build a career in music, from developing your skills and finding your sound to having the confidence to actually put your work out into the world.Lottie began attracting industry attention as a teenager, and at 18 was highlighted by BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Ace as an R&B artist to watch after “Oh Well” gained close to half a million listens on SoundCloud. She has since worked with artists including S1, IQ, Zion Foster and Donae’O and says her music has generated more than four million streams across platforms.Lottie started building her music career as a teenager and has now generated more than four million streams across platforms. We talk about her journey from BRIT School to becoming an independent artist, getting over the “cringe” of promoting yourself, dealing with negative comments, finding your identity as an artist and staying consistent with your craft.We also get practical about how to actually become a better singer: training your voice like a muscle, taking care of it properly, understanding your natural range and why being a great artist isn’t necessarily about having the “best” voice. If you’re a musician, singer or creative trying to turn your talent into a career, this episode is for you.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro: Meet Lottie Jade and her musical roots in South London01:30 The origin story: Growing up around music, attending BRIT School and building an audience online04:42 Music industry myths: Why you don’t need to start young or have expensive equipment to start creating09:03 Getting over the cringe: How to build the confidence to share your work and create your own opportunities10:43 Dealing with hate: Why you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and how to stop fearing negative comments12:54 Training your voice: Vocal health, avoiding strain and the cold water and dairy myths17:20 Finding your sound: Working with your natural voice instead of trying to sound like someone else22:51 Musician vs artist: Finding your identity and building an authentic creative persona26:31 Bringing the music to life: Music videos, cutting through the noise and the power of creative communitySubstack mentioned: Bossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life. : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW LOTTIEInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/isthatlottie/?hl=enTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@isthatlottieYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@IsthatlottieeSoundCloud:https://soundcloud.com/lottie-jadeCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re building a career in creative industry and want mentorship, support to guidance lets work together ! Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] the next personal branding sprint : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBossy and Brown magazine ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bossyandbrown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you enjoyed this episode, send it to someone who’s trying to build a career in the creative industries, develop their craft or finally find the confidence to put their work out into the world.

If you’re trying to build a career in the creative industries, this episode is  your playbook.How do you actually find the right opportunities? How do you read a job description like a recruiter? How do you build a network when you hate networking? And how do you talk about everything you do without saying, “I’m just a…”?This week, I’m joined by Isabel Sachs, founder of I LIKE NETWORKING, to talk about everything from building a job search matrix and knowing what NOT to apply for, to pitching yourself, networking without being transactional, navigating a multi-hyphenate career and going from expert to earner.If you’re a creative, founder, freelancer or someone trying to work out what on earth you’re doing with your career, this one is for you.Timestamps00:00 Intro: Welcome to Reclaiming Bossy and introducing Isabel and her work with I Like Networking02:17 The non-linear path: Why creative careers are hard and why you shouldn't be afraid to jump through a window05:12 The reality of London's talent pool: Why resourcefulness and entrepreneurial hunger matter more than a standard CV09:38 The job search matrix: How to stop applying blindly and choose opportunities aligned with your lifestyle values16:38 Redefining networking: Moving away from corporate transactional culture to build genuine community and support24:59 Networking red flags: Why spamming and monopolizing conversations don't work in the creative industries30:40 The multi-hyphenate struggle: How to talk about yourself, own your achievements, and avoid the "I'm just a..." trap35:05 From expert to earner: Monetizing your creative expertise through direct products and community leads40:24 Promoting yourself without social media: Building a reputation and finding your audience without burning out46:11 Key takeaways: Advocating for yourself, staying authentic, and creating your own opportunities51:14 Reclaiming Bossy: What it means to be the boss of your own life and design a career that supports your choicesCONNECT WITH ISABEL + I LIKE NETWORKINGI LIKE NETWORKING Substack:https://ilikenetworking.substack.comI LIKE NETWORKING:https://ilikenetworking.ukDon’t Pick My Brain:https://dontpickmybrain.substack.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/ilikenetworking/?hl=enI LIKE NETWORKING on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-like-networking/posts/?feedView=allIsabel on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelsachs/CREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re building a career in creative industry and want mentorship, support to guidance lets work together ! Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] the next personal branding sprint : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life. : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bossy and Brown magazine ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bossyandbrown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have a friend who is applying for 100 jobs, hates networking or is trying to work out how to build a creative career that actually fits their life, send them this episode.And tell me in the comments: what’s one opportunity you’re going to put yourself forward for this week?

If you’re ambitious, love making plans and have a million things you want to do with your life, but you’re also not the kind of person who wants to wake up at 5am, cold plunge and follow the exact same routine every single day, this episode is for you. I’ve spent years trying to make myself more disciplined, more optimised and more consistent, and this year I realised I actually want to build my life around something else: devotion. Less forcing myself into someone else’s version of success, more creating a life I love enough that I want to keep showing up for it. In this solo episode, I’m talking about why I’m choosing devotion over discipline, what my grandmother taught me about building rituals around the things you care about, and how I’ve learned to be ambitious without making struggle the price of success. We talk about defining your own version of a successful life, trophies versus treasures, following your random desires, building joy into your routines and why the real secret to consistency might be learning how to fall in love with what you’re creating again and again and again.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro: Welcome to Reclaiming Bossy and why this is the year of devotion, not discipline02:16 Who am I?: Mahika's background and proof that you can be ambitious without burning out04:22 The optimization trap: Why trying to perfectly optimize your life often leads to anxiety06:23 A lesson in devotion: What a 70-year-old grandmother teaches us about intentional living08:29 Finding presence: Shifting focus from abundance to presence and enjoying daily rituals10:57 Follow your desires: Why your random interests act as a North Star for authentic success11:53 Define your own success: Stop dictating your worth with someone else's measuring stick13:31 Treasures vs. Trophies: The difference between building a life inwards out versus outwards in14:38 Rituals over habits: How to stay structured and consistent by bringing joy into the process17:35 The success formula: Why planning, consistency, and fun are the real keys to achieving goals19:59 Rethinking deadlines: Why you should extend your timelines instead of giving up on big dreams21:54 Outro: A challenge to choose devotion over discipline and a call for community feedbackCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen but are struggling with consistency, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] the next personal branding sprint : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life. : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bossy and Brown magazine ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bossyandbrown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If this episode made you rethink your relationship with discipline, send it to your ambitious but inconsistent friend who needs to hear it too. And tell me in the comments: what would change if you stopped trying to discipline yourself into your dream life and started becoming devoted to it instead?

A quick note before we start: this episode is a little different from our usual studio conversations. Frankie and I spontaneously decided to record this podcast in a pub toilet during the House of Ideas, so the production quality is a little lower than usual. You can check out our other episodes for the full Reclaiming Bossy studio experience, but I hope you enjoy this slightly more chaotic conversation just as much.This week, I’m joined by Frankie James, founder of Ideas Fest and the Ideas Community, to talk about what it actually takes to turn an idea into something people want to be part of. We talk about building a community from scratch, networking without being transactional, landing speaking opportunities, finding aligned sponsors and creating events that people actually want to attend.Timestamps 00:00 Intro: Meeting Frankie and the story behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards01:40 What makes a good entrepreneur: Why curiosity and disruption matter more than the balance sheet02:38 Rethinking corporate events: How to make ceremonies creative and special on a budget04:19 Ideas vs. execution: Why great ideas are worthless without passion and action05:06 The birth of Ideas Fest: Pivoting from pandemic Zoom fatigue to an outdoor festival06:59 Designing event magic: Fostering human connection instead of relying on expensive production08:47 Attracting top-tier talent: How to get amazing speakers and why successful founders want to give back11:00 Pitching yourself for the stage: The importance of community engagement before asking to speak12:29 Building a standout community: Adopting an abundance mindset and collaborating with competitors14:31 The death of traditional sponsorship: How to secure funding by building bespoke, value-driven partnerships16:52 Authentic networking: Dropping the transactional mindset and learning to give before you take19:16 The House of Ideas: Creating win-win opportunities for venues, sponsors, and attendees22:42 Protecting your social battery: Managing founder burnout, FOMO, and the power of saying no26:29 The reality of personal branding: Balancing authenticity with the pressure to perform on social media28:25 Outro: The long game of business and the 14-year substance behind hosting shiny eventsFRANKIE JAMESConnect with Frankie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frangbea/Ideas Fest: https://ideasfest.uk/whats-onIdeas Community: https://www.ideasforums.comGreat British Entrepreneur Awards: https://greatbritishentrepreneurawards.comCREATIVE / FOUNDER OFFICE HOURSIf you’re a founder, creative or visionary with a big idea you want to actually make happen, bring me whatever you’re working on. Whether you’re building your personal brand, launching a podcast, growing a community, creating a new project or trying to work out your next move, you can book an Office Hours session and we’ll turn your ideas into an actionable plan together: https://calendly.com/maahika/mentorin...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WORK WITH MEFounders + brands: Work with me on personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discover...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Collaborations + enquiries: [email protected] the next personal branding sprint : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life. : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthes...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bossy and Brown magazine ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bossyandbrown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you enjoyed this episode, send it to someone with a big idea they need to bring to life, and let us know in the comments: what opportunity is currently on your radar?