Don't F*ck This Up

In this conversation, Lauren hosts Dr. Akilah Cadet for a heartwarming chat about the importance of embracing one's intersectionality and finding confidence in yourself. They go all in on talking through topics such as codeswitching, imposter syndrome, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in corporate environments. Dr. Cadet pulls from her personal experiences as a Black, disabled woman and offers advice on how to overcome self-doubt -- and seek validation from within. Lauren and Akilah dive into the meaning of autonomy over one's own domain, the freedom and limitless opportunities that come with starting you own company and even give some helpful pointers on dealing with termination. ;)  There are some hilarious - and relatable - stories on everything from dating to retail jobs, and themes of staying true, setting boundaries, and the power of clothes as a superpower. Lead with kindness – and buy Dr. Cadet’s book! “I am limitless, and that’s the thing I love the most.” - Dr. Akilah CadetFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Dr. Akilah Cadet on IG (and slide in those DMs): @changecadetBuy Dr. Cadet’s book, “White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World.” here.Email the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

In this conversation, Lauren Alvarez interviews Chris Grdovic, Chief Partnerships Officer at Goldbelly. They discuss Chris's career journey, including her time at Food and Wine and her experience on the very first season of reality TV show, Top Chef. They also talk about the importance of collaboration, trust, and caring in building successful teams. Chris shares her insights on creating a fun and approachable environment in the food industry and highlights the significance of assuming the best in others, and they dive deep on her experiences working in the publishing industry, her transition to consulting, and why she chose to go back to full-time. Chris and Lauren emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a strong network, as well as the value of planning and setting goals. Tune in for some favorite eats, some highly recommended reads, and why assuming the best in others fosters positive and productive teams. "Respecting the parameters of the person you're reaching out to, acknowledging their professional pursuit, and then asking for the favor, man, that's going to get you so much further." - Chris GrdovicFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Chris on IG: @grdovicRecommended books in this episode include: 'Setting the Table' by Danny Meyer'Unreasonable Hospitality' by Will Gadara‘Your Network Is Your Net Worth’ by Porter Gale'Fast Forward' by Lisa McCarthyEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

In this episode, Lauren hosts fashion’s favorite spiritual stylist and the founder of AuraWear, Susanna Merrick. Susanna discusses her work as an aura reader and stylist, and how color can influence our energy and style choices. She shares her personal journey of discovering her gift of seeing auras and explains their connection to our energy and emotions, the power of color, and how it can be used as a tool for intentional dressing and self-expression. With an emphasis on the importance of self-care and self-validation, Susanna’s work takes on a mission: to help people feel seen and understood. Lauren and Susanna discuss the impact of leveraging style as an anchor and support when feeling disconnected or going through transitions and Susanna answers listener questions on what to wear in various scenarios - from a ‘dont fuck this up’ job interview, to seeing an ex at a wedding! With over 5000 auras read, Susanna is all about challenging societal beliefs about fashion and dressing in a way that showcases your confidence and authenticity. “You don't come to me because you don't know what to wear. You come to me because you're afraid of what you want to wear.” - Susanna MerrickFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Susana on IG: @aurawearnycBook a reading or styling session with Susanna: https://aurawearnyc.com/Email the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

It's time for season 2, and on this all-new episode of DFTU, Lauren welcomes Lisa Conn, CEO and Co-Founder of Gatheround, to share her insights on leadership, virtual spaces, and work-life balance. Lisa discusses the natural roles people play in challenging situations, the impact of virtual environments on behavior, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. She defines success, explores the motivation behind her ambition, and highlights the power of delegation in leadership. Lisa and Lauren go deep on the value of self-questioning, making virtual meetings more inclusive, how parenthood has influenced their leadership approach, and that one time Lisa decided to read the comments section.“Anchor yourself in how you feel today. Paint a picture of what you want to feel like in a year and then start to imagine what that looks like and work backwards.” - Lisa ConnFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Lisa on IG: @lisapisapieJoin a Gatheround Event: https://gatheround.com/community-eventsLearn more about Gatheround, a new kind of video meeting: www.gatheround.comEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

On today’s episode of Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren welcomes stand-up comic and writer, Tamara Shevon. Tamara opens up about her spontaneous post-graduation move to Beijing - and how living in China led to her trying her hand at stand up comedy. We talk about the importance of putting in the work, having respect for the craft, and why you can’t cut corners in comedy, as well as distinguishing between overly critical comments and constructive feedback. Ever considered giving stand up a try? Tamara will tell you exactly like it is in this episode - and have you laughing out loud the entire way through. “You can’t write it out verbatim. You can’t have a perfect script.” - Tamara ShevonFollow Tamara on IG: @teemairBuy Tamara’s albums on Bandcamp: https://tamarashevon.bandcamp.com/Listen to Tamara co-host her pod: Pretty Bitchy Follow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfuckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

This week on Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren hosts a conversation with the Founder and Star Baker of Totally Sweet Baking, Brooksie Edmondson. Brooksie shares what it took to go from retail store manager with a vegan baking side hustle to full-time vegan baking company owner with a burgeoning list of wholesale clients. We discuss taking risks and having the right support systems in place, why growing your company is not always linear, and what it actually takes to make your passion into your full-time gig. Brooksie breaks down the true cost of your favorite treats, why she refuses to write on cakes, and finally spills the sprinkles on her favorite flavor of her famous pop tarts. Considering quitting your job? We’ve got a checklist for that, too. Listen in for the realities of small business ownership, stay for the excellent friendship vibes.  “I’m friends with all of my competitors.” - Brooksie EdmondsonFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfuckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Brooksie on IG: @totallysnaxFollow Totally Sweet on IG: @totally_sweet_bakingOrder Totally Sweet Baking: www.totallysweetbaking.comEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

This week on Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren hosts the CEO, Founder, and Inventor of Shhhowercap, Jacquelyn De Jesu Center. The multi-million dollar patent portfolio holder takes us through creating her wildly successful product and what it takes to build a brand that pulses and lives. We talk about some important things: being intuitive, rising above the imitators, and the tension between being a ball-buster and being vulnerable. Plus, Jacquelyn divulges the types of people she surrounds herself with to be effective in the C-suite.  “People call it authenticity, but that’s such a played-out word.” - Jacquelyn De Jesu CenterFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfuckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Jacquelyn on IG: @deejayzooFollow Shhhowercap on IG: @shhhowercapBuy Shhhowercap: www.shhhowercap.comEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

In this week’s episode, Lauren hosts Jazerai Allen-Lord, sneaker icon and Founder of True to Size. Jazerai opens up about turning her passion for community, culture, and sneakers into a career and we discuss finding community in the early internet days. Jaz shares how she gained confidence through other’s beliefs in her abilities, and the pivotal coaching she received when starting her own agency.We also get personal, and the ‘Comeback Kid’ talks about the value of keeping some things private, why sentimental gifts matter so much to her, and the joy in giving her kids a front row seat to what it looks like to chase a dream. “I firmly believe that if I’m in the position, I’m going to go balls-to-the-wall and just see what happens.” - Jazerai Allen-LordFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Jazerai on IG: @nerdlikejazzyFollow Jazerai on X: @jazzyraeFollow True To Size on IG: @tts.agencyWork with True To Size: www.truetosize.comEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

This week, Lauren sits down with Karen Karch, the Founder, Creative Director, Designer, and Owner of Karen Karch Jewelry. Karen is all about defying convention: from being the subject of her own internship at Parsons and pioneering the “Dangerous Jewelry” movement, to her innovative approach to fine jewelry design and the evolution of her iconic bridal line. We discuss the importance of learning the hard way, the challenge of setting trends, and the need to create one’s own creative bubble. Karen shares insights on knowing when it’s time for a change: whether it’s a neighborhood, a killer rebrand or shifting from brick-and-mortar to online retail.    “I had a strong sense of conviction that I was just doing it, and nothing was going to stop me.” - Karen KarchFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Karen Karch on IG: @KarenKarchNYCCheck out Karen Karch Jewelry: www.karenkarch.comEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

This week, Lauren sits down with marketing executive, confidence coach, tarot practitioner, and the founder of The Girl Mob, Yari Blanco. Yari reflects on lessons learned during her year-long sabbatical, from navigating friend breakups and confronting her people-pleasing tendencies, to relinquishing the idea of control and changing her relationship with money. We discuss being the hero - or the victim - in your own story, how to avoid self-sabotage, and the importance of risk-taking and having a toolkit. Yari lays out a legitimate guidebook to approaching a career pivot, and shares details on her recently launched confidence coaching practice.“Being a beginner is really f*cking hard, and it’s going to trigger the sh*t out of you.” - Yari BlancoFollow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcastFollow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarezFollow Yari Blanco on IG: @TheYariBlancoLearn about Yari’s offerings hereCheck out Yari’s writing hereEmail the show at [email protected] for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!