Seat At My Table Podcast

talullahlake

This podcast gives you access to people across industries who have built success in their own way — often without following the traditional path. They are redefining what success looks like and who gets a seat at the table. Through honest conversations with inspiring people we explore the real journeys behind success: the setbacks, pivots, mindset shifts, and defining moments that shaped who they are today. The mission is simple: to help you reimagine what success can look like — and what you are capable of. New episodes feature voices from finance, tech, entrepreneurship, social impact, law, and beyond. For women building ambitious lives with dreams that sometimes feel too big.

  1. Sep 2

    Stop Trying to Fit In and Start Succeeding as Yourself | Betsy Lake (My Twin)

    What if the qualities you've spent your life trying to change are actually some of your greatest strengths? My twin, Betsy Lake, and I grew up in the same family, at exactly the same time — but experienced the world very differently. I became highly attuned to what other people thought of me. Betsy was direct, fiercely principled and far less willing to mould herself to make other people comfortable. For years, those differences shaped how other people saw us — and how we saw ourselves. Then, at 26, Betsy was diagnosed with autism. In this episode, we unpack what growing up as very different twins taught us about people-pleasing, confidence, self-advocacy and success — and why we've both had to learn from the qualities we once saw as strengths in the other. We also explore the barriers women are still expected to overcome to thrive. Betsy shares her experience fighting for an autism diagnosis, living and working with debilitating chronic pain, and spending years trying to get answers about what has since been diagnosed as endometriosis. In this episode: • Why fitting in and succeeding aren't the same thing • What growing up as twins taught us about comparison and identity • Being diagnosed with autism as a woman at 26 • The power, and difficulty, of advocating for yourself • Endometriosis, chronic pain and the systems still failing women • People-pleasing, perfectionism, ambition and money • Why success doesn't require one personality, path or type of woman This conversation is a reminder that there isn't one way to be ambitious, powerful or successful. Sometimes the thing that changes everything isn't becoming someone new. It's learning to lean into who you already are. RESOURCES Betsy extensively researched how to pursue an autism diagnosis as an adult woman. If you're considering seeking a diagnosis and would find her research and resources helpful, please reach out to Seat at My Table via Instagram (@seatatmy.table) - we're very happy to share them. We also discuss Sanju Pal's legal case against Accenture and her advocacy around endometriosis and disability discrimination in the workplace.   Where to find Seat at My Table: Subscribe on YouTube @SeatAtMyTable Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen Join the conversation on Instagram @seatatmy.table

  2. Aug 4

    How to Think Like a CEO Before You Become One (Without Losing Yourself) | Sacha Romanovitch

    What does it really take to become a CEO? Most people would tell you it's about working harder, gaining more experience or climbing the ladder faster. Sacha Romanovitch's story suggests something very different. Before becoming one of the first female CEOs of a major UK accounting firm, Sacha made an unexpected decision. She stepped away from her career, travelled for a year, spent 10 days in silent meditation and asked herself the questions so many of us never make time to ask: Who am I? What do I care about? What impact do I actually want to have? That decision shaped everything that came afterwards. In this episode, we explore how understanding yourself became the foundation of Sacha's leadership, why she believes leadership starts long before you're given the title, and how she went on to challenge traditional ideas of business by leading with the intention of creating meaningful change - not simply increasing profit. If you're ambitious but questioning your path, dreaming about a bigger career, or wondering whether leadership is really for someone like you, I hope this conversation gives you permission to think bigger. Because the women who change companies, industries and systems don't start by having all the answers. They start by getting clear on who they are and what they care about. If this episode resonates with you, share it with another woman who's ready to think bigger, and come and join our community at Seat at My Table. We're building a space for women who want a bigger life.   Find Sacha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sacharomanovitch/   References from this episode: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Creating Shared Value: Redefining Capitalism and the Role of the Corporation in Society by Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer Three Guineas by Virginia Wolf   Find Seat at My Table: Subscribe on YouTube @SeatAtMyTable Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen Join the conversation on Instagram @seatatmy.table

  3. Jul 6

    Underestimated and Mistaken for the PA: How Rosie Skuse Dropped Out of University and Built an International Music Company

    What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your experience—but the story you've been telling yourself about whether you're qualified enough? Rosie Skuse never studied business. She didn't have a traditional path into entrepreneurship. As a young woman in the room, she was often mistaken for the PA rather than the person leading the business. Today, she's the Founder and CEO of Molto Music Group—an international music company creating unforgettable live music experiences for some of the world's most prestigious hotels and luxury brands. But this isn't a conversation about music. It's a conversation about breaking stereotypes, backing yourself before anyone else does, and proving that you don't need to fit the mould of a CEO to build something extraordinary. Rosie shares the honest reality of leaving university to forge her own path, starting a business just months before COVID brought the hospitality industry to a standstill, rebuilding from scratch when opportunities disappeared overnight, and learning every lesson the hard way. We also talk about imposter syndrome, resilience, self-belief, and why confidence isn't something you have before you begin—it's something you build by continuing to show up. If you've ever thought: "I'm too young." "I'm not qualified enough." "I don't have the right experience." "Someone else could do this better." This conversation is for you.   In this episode, we discuss: Being underestimated as a young female founder The reality of building a business without a business background Why confidence comes from action—not certainty Starting a company just before COVID and surviving the uncertainty Landing The Dorchester as Molto Music Group's first client Navigating imposter syndrome as your business grows Building resilience when everything feels like it's working against you The mindset shifts that helped Rosie create opportunities instead of waiting for them At Seat at My Table, every conversation is designed to help ambitious women build the lives they want and show that extraordinary lives are built by ordinary people who choose to keep showing up. Find Rosie and Molto Music Group: @rosieskuse @moltomusicgroup https://www.moltomusicgroup.com/ Follow Seat at My Table: YouTube: @seatatmytable Instagram: @seatatmy.table TikTok: @talullahlake If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with another woman who needs this reminder today.

  4. Jun 1

    Taking Action Where Others Felt Powerless: Changing a system with Co-Founder of Enough | Katie White

    There is nothing more inspirational to me than someone who decides to take on the impossible, acts when others only talk, and create change when others feel helpless. Katie White is the co-founder of Enough, an organisation working to end rape and create real change through action, prevention and survivor-led solutions. In this conversation, Katie shares what it means to take on an issue many people feel powerless against—and why she refused to accept that it had to stay that way. We talk about building Enough from the ground up, listening to survivors first, the difference between awareness and prevention, navigating criticism, and the resilience it takes to keep going when you’re trying to change something bigger than yourself. This episode is about courage, action, opposition, and what happens when someone decides not just to care—but to act. One of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on the podcast. In this episode we talk about Calling out injustice The scale of rape and how Enough it trying to end it Reclaiming control and creating survivor-led solutions The difference between awareness and prevention  Reactions from the male sports teams How not to respond when someone opens up about their experience The criticism received and how to pick yourself up when facing pushback  The step-by-step process of founding Enough   Get involved and find out more:  Instagram: @enoughtoendrape Website: https://myenough.com/about   Follow the podcast: Instagram: @seatatmy.table TikTok: @talullahlake

  5. May 4

    From Charity to Impact Investing: The Trait That Matters Most When Building Your Dream | Jem Stein

    If you’ve ever felt like you need more experience before starting—this episode is for you. Because the truth is, most people who build something meaningful don’t start “ready.” They start because they care enough to try and are obsessed with their mission. In this episode, I’m joined by Jem Stein, founder of Daring Capital— a syndicate of impact investors providing capital to extraordinary under-represented founders creating profitable businesses which make the world a better place. But before that, Jem started The Bike Project—a charity supporting refugees across England—which he scaled to over £2.5M in revenue and grew into an award-winning organisation — not your typical route into investing. This is a conversation about what it *really* takes to build something from nothing—and why obsession, not experience, is often the defining factor. We also talk about challenging the status quo, backing overlooked founders, and how you can start pursuing your own version of a “big life.”   In this episode, we cover: * Building a charity that supports refugees across the UK * Resilience against challenges, including opposition from the far right * When to quick your day job * What “impact investing” really means * Why so many purpose-driven businesses struggle to get funding * What investors actually look for in founders * Why honesty helps you find the *right* opportunities and investors * The role of obsession in success * Staying focused when things get hard   If this resonates, subscribe for more conversations designed to help you take the leap and build your version of a big life.   Daring Capital - https://www.daringcapital.co.uk/ The Bike Project - https://thebikeproject.co.uk/mission/ Find Jem Stein on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jem-stein-8751959a/   Follow me: Instagram - @seatatmy.table TikTok - @talullahlake

  6. Apr 6

    Why You Keep Procrastinating (And How to Fix It) with Confidence Mentor Megan Nicola

    This episode feels like a conversation you didn’t know you needed. I’m joined by the incredible confidence mentor Megan Nicola, and we dive into what confidence actually means—and why so many of us struggle with it. We talk about the idea that confidence isn’t about discipline, motivation, or “fixing” yourself… but about feeling safe enough to be seen as you are. This conversation covers everything from procrastination and fear to rejection, self-doubt, and the pressure to have your life figured out in your twenties. It’s honest, emotional, and at times feels like a therapy session between friends. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re “not doing enough,” this episode will change how you see yourself. Topics discussed in this episode: Grief and the fear that comes with losing a parent Navigating shame and the s****y twenties Why procrastination is a safety issue, not a discipline problem The fear of being seen and how it holds us back The “dark side” of self-help and toxic positivity Starting something new and dealing with failure How to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding them Reframing rejection and building resilience Where to find Meg: Instagram & TikTok: @megannicola_ https://stan.store/Megannicola Where to find Seat at My Table: Instagram: @seatatmy.table TikTok: @talullahlake YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SeatAtMyTablePodcast

  7. 11/27/2025

    She built the community every girl needed: The story of the Lonely Girls Club with Holly Cooke

    Ever felt lonely and struggled to find your people? Turns out, you are not alone. In fact, you are the majority. In this episode, I sit down with Holly Cooke, the founder and driving force behind The Lonely Girls Club — one of the UK’s most powerful communities for women seeking connection, friendship, and support. Born from Holly’s own experience of loneliness after moving to London, what began as a small Facebook group has grown into a nationwide organisation with over 150,000 members and seven branches across the UK.  We dive deep into the mission behind the club, Holly’s personal journey, and how the Lonely Girls Club is changing what it means to find “your people.” Whether you’ve felt disconnected, shy about making new friends, or just want to surround yourself with a fun community of amazing women — this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about: The courage in admitting loneliness How LGC started - Five women, pancakes, and a few nerves The growth story - From a tiny Facebook group in 2018 to a national community Overcoming the trauma of bullying How LGC helped Holly heal and realise the power of female friendships The realities of starting a business - The overwhelm, self-doubt, the “why am I doing this?” moments Burnout and boundaries Money, sustainability & paying yourself for the first time Controversy around being a 'girls only' club Advice for anyone feeling isolated or starting over in a new city This chat feels like a warm hug from a big sister. By the end of our chat, I hope you feel less lonely, empowered to reach out, and inspired to create something amazing like The Lonely Girls Club Community. Find Holly and the Lonely Girls Club at: https://www.llgc.co.uk/ @lonely_girlsclub @holljc

About

This podcast gives you access to people across industries who have built success in their own way — often without following the traditional path. They are redefining what success looks like and who gets a seat at the table. Through honest conversations with inspiring people we explore the real journeys behind success: the setbacks, pivots, mindset shifts, and defining moments that shaped who they are today. The mission is simple: to help you reimagine what success can look like — and what you are capable of. New episodes feature voices from finance, tech, entrepreneurship, social impact, law, and beyond. For women building ambitious lives with dreams that sometimes feel too big.