Seat At My Table Podcast

talullahlake

In this podcast series, Talullah brings extraordinary people from all different backgrounds to her table to highlight their incredible stories. Her aim is to bring you a range of examples of success, provide endless inspiration, and create a catalog of role models that you can resonate with to help you expand what you believe is possible for your self. All this while spotlighting amazing people and their missions in the process. Talullah wants to give you access to these people so that you can come away from each episode feeling empowered having learnt from their unique experiences.

  1. 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

    1h 5m
  2. 09/17/2025

    Start small, think big, act fast: Building a business with purpose with Sharla-Jaye Duncan

    What does it mean to be truly mission-driven, and how can changing someone’s environment transform the course of their life? Today’s guest, Sharla-Jaye Duncan, is a social entrepreneur and fierce advocate for educational and career equity. Growing up in South London surrounded by more people who were going to jail than finishing school, Sharla-Jaye could not see a future for herself — until a pivotal friendship showed her the power of support, perspective, and opportunity.  That moment set her on a path to founding Team Up, Journi, and Day One — organisations that have helped thousands of young people from underrepresented communities unlock opportunity and redefine what’s possible. In this episode, Sharla-Jaye shares her story with remarkable honesty and wisdom. From confronting racism and sexism, to navigating cycles of fear and hope in the global economy, to advice on actionable steps when starting a business — she reveals how we can all challenge the odds stacked against us, find the right people to lift us higher, and step into the rooms where change happens. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are more powerful than we think we are.   In this episode, we discuss: Growing up without role models and discovering possibility through others The difference between knowing what’s right and dedicating yourself to it The impact of changing environments on human potential Why people from lower socio-economic backgrounds often don’t stay in high-paying jobs How to change minds by first understanding them The importance of driven friends who keep you accountable Anger, power, and choosing hope What success really means — and how to deal with jealousy Actionable advice for starting your own business   Find Sharla-Jaye Duncan: Instagram: @sharlajayeduncan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharla-jaye-duncan-inclusion-founder/ Journi: https://www.ourjourni.com  Team Up: https://teamup.org.uk

    53 min
  3. 08/17/2025

    Rediscovering Joy and Being Kinder to Yourself with Em Stroud

    Why, as adults, do we become so serious, stop playing, and forget to make time for joy? Imagine how different the world would look if we spent more time laughing, and less time being so hard on ourselves. Today’s guest, Em Stroud, is on a mission to bring back joy, laughter and play into adult lives. In this episode Em opens up about the challenging times in her childhood that left little room for joy and forced her to grow up too quickly. Luckily for us, this experience led her on a journey to become the incredible comedian she is today, fighting to bring more happiness into adulthood.  From comedy shows, podcast, and books, to executive coaching, retreats, and speaking, Em really is one of the most multifaceted people I have ever met, while being driven by her inspiring purpose. This conversation left me inspired, uplifted and reminding myself that this life ‘is not a rehearsal’.   In this episode, we discuss: Embracing your oddness and getting to know your own voice Reprogramming negative beliefs  Growing up too quickly and reconnecting with joy Finding happiness in the little things Using play and laughter to get through difficult moments Balancing a multifaceted life with the rainbow diary method Mastering your craft Prioritising things that make us feel better Overcoming failure   Get tickets to see Em’s show ‘Tales from a Little Laughing Lesbian’ - https://emstroud.com/tour/ Find out about everything that Em does - https://emstroud.com/ The Comic Coach Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YalzRBYpB8mZ6M5FAAuTj?si=e31ecb7b7d314500 Instagram - @emrstroud

    1h 1m
  4. 07/20/2025

    Wealth, Race, and Wall Street; How to get on the right side of Capitalism with Dr Rachel Laryea

    What does building wealth look like when you are on the wrong side of Capitalism? Is there hope to decrease inequality and thrive in the current economic system?    In this conversation, Rachel Laryea shares her journey. From watching her mum work around the clock and instilling the same work ethic into her children, to becoming a successful author and entrepreneur.   In this insightful conversation, we discuss the complexities of navigating identity, being surrounded by privilege without the safety net, the reality of being black on Wall Street, and the mission for financial security. Rachel emphasises the dual nature of capitalism, highlighting both its exploitative aspects and the potential for empowerment within it. She advocates for a Black Capitalist framework that prioritises community and purpose in business, while also reflecting on the importance of self-care in her personal and professional life.    Having succeeded in Wall Street, Academia, Entrepreneurship, and now Authorship with her incredible book Black Capitalist, there could not be a better role model to bring to Seat at My Table.    In this conversation we talk about: Growing up in spaces where you felt different  Navigating identity The pressure to achieve academic excellence to survive  Reality of working on Wall Street Racism in the workplace and beyond Facing judgement for pursuing financial security  Navigating the dilemma of being Black and participating in a system that historically and currently exploits Black people Hope and belief that you can empower yourself and others within capitalism  Strategies to create financial freedom Entrepreneurship and balancing many roles Voting with your actions and economic decisions Learning to celebrate yourself and letting go of guilt Most importantly, please go and read Rachel’s Incredible (!!) book Black Capitalists: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746827/black-capitalists-by-rachel-laryea-phd/   Find Rachel here: https://rachellaryea.com   Visit Kelewele’s website: https://www.kelewelenyc.com   Instagram: @drlaryea @kelewelenyc @black.capitalism

    1h 18m
  5. 06/09/2025

    Authentic Leadership: from the yoga mat to the boardroom with Tingting Peng

    What if true leadership looked less like boys clubs and bravado — and more like mindfulness, motherhood, and meaningful relationships? Today’s guest, Tingting Peng, redefines what it means to be in the C-Suite and provides a role model of leadership that we are all seeking but struggle to find.  Tingting is the Chief Transformation Officer at Moove, a global mobility fintech reimagining access to vehicle ownership that closed a $100 million Series B round in March 2024. She’s also an angel investor, advisor to startups, international yoga teacher, and mother. Recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Fintech and a Top 25 Women Leader in Financial Technology, Tingting’s journey spans Wall Street boardrooms to yoga studios — and everything in between. In this conversation, we go deep into the beginning of Tingting’s career, the reality of being an Investment Banking Analyst, and where her determination to prove people wrong began. We delve into how a period of personal crisis became the catalyst to change and a yoga qualification that saved her life and continues to be the key to her corporate success. We explore the power of curiosity, leadership through authenticity, and why the courage to be a student again might just be the key to your next breakthrough.   In this conversation we cover: The desire to prove people wrong and exceed expectations Tough reality and expectations as an Investment Banking Analyst How yoga saved her and continues to unlock success in all aspects of her life How burnout, a breakup, and forced career break catalysed her career change Realising everyone is the star of their own movie Success starts with doing the work Leading with authenticity Why having the courage to be a beginner again is so important The power of bringing motherhood into the boardroom and beyond Why play, creativity, and communication matter in corporate life Creating deals where everyone wins   Book discussed in this conversation: The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, By Eckhart Tolle   Find Tingting:  Website: https://www.tingtingpeng.com/about Instagram: @superfitnessgirl

    1h 13m

About

In this podcast series, Talullah brings extraordinary people from all different backgrounds to her table to highlight their incredible stories. Her aim is to bring you a range of examples of success, provide endless inspiration, and create a catalog of role models that you can resonate with to help you expand what you believe is possible for your self. All this while spotlighting amazing people and their missions in the process. Talullah wants to give you access to these people so that you can come away from each episode feeling empowered having learnt from their unique experiences.