Reclaiming Bossy

Maahika Singh

Originally called Empower Sounds, the podcast has evolved and turned into Reclaiming Bossy! I’ve been called “bossy” many times in my life, often in a negative way. But through conversations with leaders, founders, and creators, I realised that so many of us share this “bossy” spark. I love the idea of reclaiming this word that’s been used to put people down and turn it into something empowering. Reclaiming bossy is a space to celebrate ambition, leadership, creativity, and the bold voices making things happen New episodes every monday 3

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How To Build A Global Remote Business And Real Life Community As A Digital Nomad

    What does it really look like to build a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and community at the same time? In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Laura Smyth, founder of Butterfly English Education and Found Her Madrid, to talk about how she built a fully remote language learning academy with a team of 20+ teachers whilst  also creating an in person community for women in Madrid. We talk about the reality of scaling an online business, building systems that allow you to work remotely without burning out, and why community still matters so much in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. This is a conversation about creating a business and lifestyle that actually feels aligned, whether that means working across time zones, running events in a new city, or building a team you trust. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, remote work, online business, community building, digital nomad life, or creating more freedom in your career, this episode will give you both practical advice and a lot of reassurance. We also explore hiring, leadership, SOPs, AI tools for scaling a business, how to get people to show up to your first event, and the lessons Laura learnt from growing two businesses at the same time. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the episode 00:23 - Laura’s background and introducing her two businesses 00:56 - The burnout that inspired her to start a language academy 01:31 - First steps to starting a business and getting fully booked 03:01 - Why you should hire before you’re ready 03:39 - How to choose the right team and the “hire slowly, fire quickly” rule 04:49 - Navigating difficult conversations and letting go of a friend 05:50 - Scaling to a team of 20 using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 06:51 - Using AI to build out your business structures and systems 07:24 - Running a remote company with zero daily meetings 08:34 - Trusting your team and avoiding micromanagement 09:28 - Managing a global team across multiple time zones 10:17 - Time management and structuring a schedule to run two businesses 10:53 - Why Laura built the “Found Her” community in Madrid 11:31 - How to get people to show up to your very first event 12:26 - Creating an English-speaking community in a Spanish-speaking city 14:10 - Applying lessons from your first business to your second 14:55 - What Laura wishes she did differently when starting out 15:24 - Where to find Laura and the Found Her community online 15:42 - Final advice on building a life and business you love 16:09 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” 16:33 - Actionable homework for starting a local community 17:07 - Actionable homework for launching an online business 17:36 - Conclusion and outro Follow Laura / Butterfly English / Found Her Madrid Laura’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasmyth/ Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.inmadrid/ Found Her Madrid: https://www.instagram.com/foundhermadrid/ Butterfly English Education: https://butterflyenglisheducation.com Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    18 min
  2. 6 MAY

    Before You Book Your Flight to Madrid, Listen to This Episode (The Ultimate Madrid Guide)

    What if Emily in Paris was actually set in Madrid and was culturally accurate? In the first episode of the Reclaiming Bossy Madrid season, I sit down with Maddy, the creator behind Maddy in Madrid, to talk about what building a real life abroad actually looks like beyond the romanticised TikToks and Netflix versions. We talk about the reality of moving to Madrid, learning Spanish as an adult, making friends when you know nobody, navigating culture shock, understanding the unspoken social rules in Spain, and creating a life that feels exciting and authentic. This episode is part Madrid city guide, part deep dive into identity, reinvention, and what happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and actually move abroad. We also get into the cafés worth working from, the rooftop bars and picnic spots locals actually go to, how to find community in Madrid, and why embracing the culture instead of recreating your old life abroad changes everything. If you’ve been dreaming about moving abroad, taking a solo trip, becoming a digital nomad, or building a slower and more intentional life overseas, this episode will either make you book the flight or finally give you the honest guide to doing it properly. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and moving to Madrid 00:50 - Maddy’s background and learning Spanish 01:54 - Embracing a new culture vs. Emily in Paris 03:12 - Why English speakers struggle with learning languages 05:16 - Advice on making friends in a new country 07:12 - Biggest culture shocks in Spain 08:27 - Best coffee shops for working, dates, and relaxing 11:26 - Finding Madrid’s authentic hidden gems 12:41 - Cultural norms and respecting the Spanish way of life 15:21 - Representing Spain online and navigating expat stereotypes 17:15 - Dealing with reverse culture shock and homesickness 19:07 - Advice for taking the leap and moving abroad 20:03 - What people get wrong about Spain and Americans 21:16 - Best bars, rooftops, and picnic spots in Madrid 23:58 - Communities to join to make friends 26:15 - What’s next for Maddy 26:51 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” Connect with  Maddy Website: https://maddyinmadrid.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyinmadrid_/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maddyinmadrid Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    28 min
  3. 29 APR

    If You Still Don’t Understand Blockchain, You Need To Listen To This Conversation.

    Have you ever wondered what the hell blockchain actually is and why it’s useful? If so, this episode is for you… In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by  Marieke De Ruyter De Wildt founder of Open food Chain, to break down how blockchain technology is transforming global food systems. With over 25 years of experience in agri-tech and having worked across more than 50 countries, Marieke is building the infrastructure for a more transparent, sustainable, and resilient food system using Web3 and blockchain.   We talk about what blockchain actually means (in simple terms), why traceability in food supply chains matters, and how technology can create trust between farmers, businesses, and consumers. This is a conversation about building in complex industries, navigating global systems, and what it really looks like to be a woman in tech, agriculture, and innovation. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, emerging tech, or building something impactful across industries and borders, this episode will completely shift how you think about both technology and the future of food. We also explore the challenges of scaling blockchain in real-world industries, working across cultures, and why the next generation of founders needs to understand both storytelling and systems. Timestamps 00:00:00 - introduction 00:01:32 - explaining blockchain and food traceability jargon 00:03:22 - the reality of food safety and immutable data 00:04:20 - supply chain transparency and new regulations 00:05:11 - why not all data is good data 00:06:32 - balancing data transparency with privacy 00:08:15 - overcoming the intimidation of tech as a founder 00:09:40 - finding tech communities and the power of meetups 00:10:47 - leaving your bubble to hire the right people 00:12:17 - the difference between a corporate job and entrepreneurship 00:13:35 - busting the romanticized myth of startup culture 00:15:05 - building confidence and finding mentors 00:17:10 - timeboxing to balance founder life and personal life 00:19:05 - making fun a core part of business culture 00:19:40 - how living in 50 countries shifts your perspective 00:21:22 - the future of tech, AI, and food regulations 00:23:40 - the truth about fair trade and premium food certificates 00:25:31 - simple diet advice for overwhelmed consumers 00:26:03 - where to connect with marike online 00:26:27 - reclaiming the word bossy and taking up space 00:27:39 - homework for leaving your comfort zone 00:28:44 - summary and final thoughts Follow Marieke / Open Food Chain https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt/ https://www.openfoodchain.com Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    30 min
  4. 22 APR

    How to Shoot Your Shot and Actually Get a Yes (The Exact Strategy I Used to Build a Global Podcast)

    In this episode of Reclaiming Bossy, we’re breaking down the art of shooting your shot and how to reach out, build genuine connections, and get people to actually say yes to you. This episode is part of the Amsterdam season, where I take you behind the scenes of how I created an international podcast series from scratch. No huge budget, no established network in the city, no perfect plan, just an idea, a vision, and the willingness to go for it. We’re talking about how I reached out to founders in Amsterdam, built relationships from nothing, and turned that into a full podcast season, but more importantly the mindset and strategy behind creating your own opportunities. If you’re trying to grow your network, build something meaningful, or stop waiting and start doing, this episode will give you both the confidence and the tools to start. Timestamps 00:00:00 - introduction 00:01:06 - the fear of asking and getting rejected 00:01:49 - reaching out to amsterdam founders 00:03:55 - advice for cold outreach online 00:04:45 - humanizing your approach 00:05:37 - bringing value and joy to collaborations 00:06:58 - the importance of knowing what you want 00:07:40 - doing a weekly energy audit 00:08:45 - making vision board bingo grids 00:10:06 - rewiring limiting beliefs 00:11:08 - creating an opportunity radar 00:12:49 - homework for the episode 00:13:17 - reframing rejection as data 00:14:50 - summary and final advice Key takeaways You don’t need permission to create opportunities. People are more open than you think if you approach them right. Rejection is data, not a reflection of your worth Humanise your approach If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to shoot their shot this week. Connect with me/ the podcast  Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingbossy My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maahika.s Podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reclaimingbossy My TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maahika.s For collaborations and enquiries team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    16 min
  5. 15 APR

    What Is Jamu? How a 1,300-Year-Old Wellness Practice Became a Global Brand

    What is Jamu? How do you turn a 1,300-year-old wellness practice into a global brand? In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Anna Uspessij, founder of Good Jamu, to break down how she built a wellness business rooted in culture, identity, and authenticity. We talk about how Anna transformed a traditional Indonesian healing ritual into a fast-growing European brand, without diluting its meaning for Western markets. This is a conversation about building something real in a world full of trends. If you are interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, personal branding, or how to build a brand from scratch, this episode will give you both the mindset and the strategy to start. We also explore the difference between ritual and routine, cultural appreciation vs appropriation, and what it actually takes to scale a business while staying aligned with your values. Timestamps 00:00:25 - introduction 00:00:40 - introducing anna and good jamu 00:01:17 - what is jamu 00:02:23 - the meaning and history of jamu 00:03:37 - jamu as a community ritual 00:05:01 - the inspiration behind goed jammel 00:06:34 - advice on starting a business 00:08:55 - cultivating resilience as a founder 00:10:53 - finding founder communities 00:12:03 - introducing cultural heritage to a new market 00:15:37 - storytelling and explaining a new product 00:17:16 - building confidence as an entrepreneur 00:19:47 - designing a business around your values 00:22:25 - deciding on flavors and scaling 00:26:01 - international expansion 00:27:47 - marketing and building a community 00:29:15 - what's next for good jamu 00:30:03 - final advice for entrepreneurs Follow Anna/ good jam Good Jamu: goodjamu https://goodjamu.com/en?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnJigniDe_KzLA_EAtdphd-oT5q8Y45hW-mxGd6UrQJDFwfgWisszV0O0HzOM_aem_xvW_llJqZf_fYDAlMH1TGA Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    33 min
  6. 8 APR

    How I Created an International Podcast Season With No Money, No Network & No Sponsors

    In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I share how I created an international podcast season in Amsterdam from scratch, without funding, connections, or a clear plan. This is a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to turn an idea into something real, and why overthinking is often the only thing holding you back.This episode is for anyone who has been putting off a passion project, waiting until the timing feels right, or believing they need more resources before they start. If you have an idea that will not leave you alone, this is your sign to take action.We also explore the concept of “just doing things,” and how shifting from overthinking to action can completely change your trajectory. I share practical ways to break out of perfectionism, build momentum, and start creating before you feel ready.In this episode, we cover how to start a podcast with no money, how to build something internationally without a network, and how to take action even when you feel unprepared. If you are interested in podcast growth, personal branding, entrepreneurship, or building something from scratch, this episode will give you both the mindset and the strategy to begin.This Amsterdam season features conversations with some of the most exciting female founders and creatives across the city so stay tuned and subscribe.Timestamps00:03:45 - my mission00:05:30 - why are we here?00:08:30 - producer reveal00:12:55 - getting creative00:16:00 - getting going and getting goodThings MentionedErifili: one of the bossy gals and previous podcast guests, here is her episode: https://youtu.be/Nu2L24RkXQQ?si=MiL2favl4ljiqKoRHer essay “literally Just Do Things” :https://erifili.substack.com/p/literally-just-do-thingsThe Musician who made this podcast’s music : @elizabethgounariMy Lovely Co producer for this season: @plamenkalinikovConnect with the Pod/ MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy TikTok: @maahika.sFor collaborations & enquiries:team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    26 min
  7. 30 MAR

    The Post Uni Hangover Cure for Anyone Who Feels Lost in Their Twenties

    Feeling lost after university?  Yes me too, you are not alone… In this episode, we’re talking about the post uni hangover, that weird, deflating, confusing period after finishing university where you have no idea what is next for you. If you’re navigating uncertainty, comparing yourself to everyone around you, or questioning what’s next, this episode is for you. I share my own experience of finishing uni, feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsure of my path, and how I moved through it to start building my life and career. This is your reminder that you’re not behind, you’re just getting started :)  Timestamps  00:02:30 - feeling deflated 00:05:30 - comparison is the thief of joy 00:09:00 - burn-out 00:10:30 - life audit 00:14:00 - year recap What we cover: • Why you might feel deflated after finishing university • Comparison and the pressure of everyone else’s timelines • Burnout after years of constant output • How to do a simple life audit to reset your direction • Reflecting on your year and what you actually want next • Why your career doesn’t have to be linear (kaleidoscope careers) • Small, practical ways to move forward without spiralling Things mentioned in the episode: Recommendations of a cool kaleiscope careers: The assistant director to Netflix’s top boy, also a writer and actor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP_TpZEeSTw Think day :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO0bvT_smdM Erifili’s book and episode to design your life and career:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu2L24RkXQQ Connect with the Pod/ Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    16 min
  8. 23 MAR

    Are Women Actually Funny? The Truth No One Talks About With Lynne Parker

    How do you build confidence, find your voice, and stop shrinking yourself in rooms you’re meant to lead? In this episode of The Reclaiming Bossy Podcast, we’re talking about confidence, self expression, women in comedy, and overcoming self-doubt with Lynne Parker, founder of Funny Women. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, fear of judgement, or felt like you were “too much” or “not enough,” this episode will change how you see your voice, your humour, and your power. Lynne Parker is the founder of Funny Women, a platform that supports and empowers women in comedy through workshops, competitions, and community. She has helped thousands of women build confidence, step into visibility, and take up space unapologetically. In this conversation, we explore how comedy can be a tool for confidence, communication, and identity, and why humour is one of the most underrated skills for personal and professional growth. timestamps  00:01:00 - what is Funny Women? 00:07:00 - what does it mean to be funny? 00:08:30 - why did you start 00:22:00 - which venues are doing a good job 00:31:00 - how do you build a portfolio? 00:34:30 - what if you don’t like social media? 00:45:00 - how do you show up for yourself? 00:54:00 - being shamed for being loud Connect with Lynne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynneparker/ Funny Women: https://funnywomen.com Connect with me / The Podcast Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s My TikTok: @maahika.s

    1hr 4min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Originally called Empower Sounds, the podcast has evolved and turned into Reclaiming Bossy! I’ve been called “bossy” many times in my life, often in a negative way. But through conversations with leaders, founders, and creators, I realised that so many of us share this “bossy” spark. I love the idea of reclaiming this word that’s been used to put people down and turn it into something empowering. Reclaiming bossy is a space to celebrate ambition, leadership, creativity, and the bold voices making things happen New episodes every monday 3