Welcome to Successville

Sophie Williams

0.0 (0)
Society & Culture
Updated Weekly

Welcome to Successville is a podcast where each week your friend and host, Sophie Williams, has a conversation with a different Successful Guest to ask - what is success, how do you know when you've got it, and is it really all it's cracked up to be?

04/08/2025

Emma Slade Edmondson Contains Multitudes

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Emma Slade Edmondson, to discuss the complexities of identity, self-perception, and the journey of navigating success. Emma shares her transition from a corporate career in advertising to pursuing her creative passions, including writing a book that addresses race and identity. Useful links: Emma on Instagram Emma’s book - The Half of It Emma's new venture - Good Form Emma’s website The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Success and Emma's Journey 06:02 - Navigating Multiple Identities and Skills 08:10 - Early Touchpoints with Success 12:46 - Learning to Fail and Embracing Imperfection 15:07 - University Experience and Personal Growth 27:35 - Navigating Workplace Stress and Emotional Well-being 31:14 - Success in Corporate Environments: Happiness vs. Achievement 34:44 - Taking the Leap: Freelancing and Financial Preparedness 39:14 - Sustainable Fashion: Bridging Knowledge and Community 40:38 - The Pressure of Defining One's Career Path 41:39 - Discussing Race and Identity in Public Spaces 45:57 - The Journey to Authorship: From Dreams to Reality 54:00 - Building Community and Support 58:54 - Moments of Success Amidst Challenges 01:02:05 - Defining Success in a Changing Landscape
04/02/2025

Anne Ravanona is doing a power pose

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Anne Ravanona shares her journey from burnout and perfectionism to speaking in front of world leaders and creating a funding platform for women. Useful links: Global InvestHer The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Success and Guest Anne Ravanona 05:46 - Early Life and Academic Success 14:29 - Burnout and the Pressure of Perfectionism 19:28 - Career Beginnings and Transitioning Roles 29:11 - Building a Career in Consulting 33:47 - Recognizing the Gender Funding Gap 39:51 - Privilege and Intersectionality 41:04 - Defining Success and Setting Goals 48:30 - Redefining Success: Impact Over Personal Achievement
03/26/2025

Tasha Bailey loves (some of) the things she thought she hated

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Tasha Bailey, AKA Real Talk Therapist, to talk about her journey from childhood as a Golden Child, to becoming a therapist. Useful links: Tasha on Instagram Tasha’s book The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Yearly Compass Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Tasha Bailey and Her Work 03:08 - Young relationship to success 10:16 - The Pressure of Being the Golden Child 12:58 - Learning to Embrace Failure 15:49 - Before becoming a therapist 16:57 - Defining Success in Retail Management 20:29 - Navigating Psychotherapy Training Challenges 23:29 - Taking Therapy outside of the therapy room 23:51 - The Evolution of Therapy Practices 25:33 - The Changing Perception of Therapy in Society 27:43 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Mental Health 29:34 - Transitioning to Public Engagement in Therapy 32:21 - Defining Success in the Digital Age 34:27 - Envy and external perceptions 36:24 - Goal Setting 39:28 - Silencing the Inner Critic 45:39 - Navigating Ambition and Success 50:50 - Setting Boundaries in Professional Spaces 56:46 - Redefining Success on Personal Terms
03/19/2025

Erika Ehler chose comedy over the army

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest and comedian Erika Ehler explore succession the world of comedy. They discuss early influences, the challenges of navigating the comedy scene, the importance of representation, and the evolving definitions of success in a creative career. Useful links: See Erika Live at the Soho Theatre May'25Erika on InstagramThe Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Getting Into Comedy 04:43 - Early Life and Education 09:07 - Parental Influence on Success 11:44 - Reflections on Turning 27 14:29 - Career Path in Comedy 19:04 - Choosing Non-Traditional Career Paths 22:31 - The Journey of Stand-Up Comedy 25:23 - The Pressure of Success and Expectations 27:57 - Representation in Comedy 32:00 - Support and Community Among Female Comedians 35:57 - The Evolving Landscape of Comedy and TV 36:19 - The Current State of Television Writing 39:22 - Turning Life Experiences into Comedy 42:14 - Audience Reactions and Success in Stand-Up 44:42 - Balancing Writing and Performing 47:04 - Defining Success in a Creative Career 52:26 - Quickfire round
03/12/2025

Rupal Patel has gone from CIA to CEO

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Rupal Patel to explore Rupal's unique journey into the CIA. They discuss the challenges faced by women and people of color in corporate environments, the importance of team dynamics, and the challenges of working in individualistic societies. Rupal shares her journey from a successful academic background to the challenges of entrepreneurship and the loneliness and self-doubt that often accompany starting a business. Useful links: Rupal on Instagram Rupal’s website Rupal’s book - CIA to CEO The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:35 - Reflections on Success and Identity 12:44 - Early Life and Academic Success 16:40 - UK vs US Perspectives on Success 20:19 - Working at the CIA: An Insider's View 27:46 - Defining Success in Unique Environments 30:28 - Working as a Sports Team, not a Family 32:58 - Leaving the CIA and returning to Studying 34:59 - The Challenge of Lost Personal Identity when Starting Anew 42:57 - The Pursuit vs. The Result 45:35 - Letting Go of Results: Finding Peace in the Process 46:45 - Absolute vs. Relative Success: Defining Personal Happiness 48:21 - The Importance of Community in Defining Success 50:19 - Contentment vs. Complacency: Balancing Ambition and Satisfaction 52:14 - Redefining Success in a Changing World 54:48 - The Interconnectedness of Success and Community 57:26 - Challenging Traditional Notions of Success 01:02:26 - Wrapping up and quickfire questions
03/05/2025

Annabel Rivkin has BCE (Big Crone Energy)

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Annabel Rivkin, to explore the intricate relationship between work and creativity, the personal journey of defining success, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult ambitions. Annabel and Sophie explore the importance of building meaningful relationships, the power of collaboration, and the unique perspective on midlife that Annabel and her co-founder Emily have developed through their work with The Midults. They discuss the journey of writing a book, the impact of friendship during challenging times, and the complexities of navigating success and expectations in a fast-paced world. Useful links: Midults on Instagram Annabel on Instagram The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:33 - Childhood Influences on Success 09:10 - Reflections on Age and Success 22:46 - The Illusion of Success 24:01 - The Journey into Journalism 25:24 - The Reality of Celebrity Interviews 28:32 - The Beauty Editor Experience 31:24 - Transitioning to Freelance and Consulting 34:47 - The Importance of Relationships in Success 35:51 - The Birth of The Midults 39:56 - The Romance of Friendship 44:03 - The Power of Being Seen 45:23 - The Journey of Writing a Book 47:06 - The Thrill of Creating 48:57 - Success and Its Fleeting Nature 50:56 - Redefining Success 52:34 - Navigating Advice and Vulnerability 54:11 - Giving advice professionally 56:52 - Self-Reflection and Comparison 59:07 - Embracing Who You Are 01:03:26 - Finding Joy in Success
02/26/2025

Selina Flavius wants to talk about money

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Selina Flavius to discuss creating Black Girl Finance, a platform aimed at empowering Black women in financial literacy and independence. She reflects on her upbringing, the challenges of being a young parent, and the importance of representation in finance. Selina shares her experiences transitioning from a stable career to entrepreneurship, the significance of addressing pay gaps, and the need for safe spaces in financial discussions. She also talks about her journey as an author and the impact of her work on her clients' lives Useful links: Selinas book - Black Girl Finance Black Girl Finance Black Girl Finance on Instagram The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Success and Selena Flavius 06:48 - Defining Success: Early Influences 19:05 - Transitioning from Stability to Entrepreneurship 23:02 - The Impact of Ambition and Motherhood 24:13 - The race and gender pay gaps 28:37 - The Birth of Black Girl Finance 33:48 - Access and Financial Resilience 35:40 - The Importance of Race and Gender in Finance 42:24- The Journey to Authorship 45:55 - Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Confidence in Writing 48:07 - The Unique Journey of Publishing a Book 50:21 - Seeking Help and Mentorship in Publishing 51:57 - The Importance of Community and Support 53:20 - Defining Success and Personal Growth 56:03 - Reflections on Loss and New Beginnings 59:33 - Embracing Opportunities and Future Aspirations
02/19/2025

Lauren Currie is embracing being a tall poppy

Your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by Successful Guest Lauren Currie to explore success, the importance of community, and the challenges women face in defining their identities. Lauren shares the story of receiving an OBE, her entrepreneurial spirit, and framing the idea of success as a parent. Useful links: Lauren’s Instagram Upfront’s Instagram The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns. Sophie’s Personal Instagram Sophie’s Social Action Instagram TED Talk about multi-potentialites - Emilie Wapnick Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Success and Confidence Building 06:41 - Childhood Experiences and the Concept of Success 10:16 - Understanding Tall Poppy Syndrome 13:38 - Parenting and framing Success 19:59 - Being awarded an OBE 27:37 - Navigating Entrepreneurship: From Side Hustles to Success 38:02 - Collaboration Over Competition 38:47 - Struggles with Confidence Across Demographics 39:51 - The Fear of Visibility and Judgment 41:28 - Gendered Expectations in the Workplace 43:27 - Embracing Plurality in Identity 46:52 - The Pressure to Choose One Path 50:25 - Redefining Success Beyond Capitalism 51:29 - Celebrating Small Successes 54:04 - Quickfire Round

Trailer

Introducing: Welcome to Successville - S1 Trailer

Welcome to Successville, coming soon. Transcript: Hello, lovely listeners. It's me, your friend and host, Sophie Williams. And this is Welcome to Successville, a podcast where I have conversations with some of the most successful people I know to try to find out what is success? How do you know when you've got it? And is it really all it's cracked up to be? As a little background, over the last four years, I've been really busy. I've written and had published three books with major publishers. I've done a TED talk. I've been part of the UK delegation to the United Nations twice. I've seen my words printed in major magazines and newspapers more times than I can count. I've become an accidental influencer with over a hundred thousand followers and I've been a global leader at your favourite streaming company. And I bought a flat in London. But despite this creds list, I still didn't and don't feel successful. Or at least I don't feel how I imagined success would feel. In fact, the question I kept asking myself over and over again was, if this is success, why does it feel so bad? And so to find out if I'm broken or if it's my idea of success that needs to change, I've gathered together some of the best and brightest people I know, to ask them about their successes, how they feel, and if the things they've achieved are really worth the effort. So, lovely listeners, welcome to Successful. I hope you enjoy your stay.

Welcome to Successville is a podcast where each week your friend and host, Sophie Williams, has a conversation with a different Successful Guest to ask - what is success, how do you know when you've got it, and is it really all it's cracked up to be?

Creator

Sophie Williams
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

22
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Sophie Williams
Show Website

Welcome to Successville