Successful AF Pod

Jessica West
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Successful AF is the podcast for high-achieving women who've checked all the boxes but still feel empty inside, exploring how to redefine success without sacrificing your sanity. Join host Jess West as she interviews women who've cracked the code on setting boundaries, ditching perfectionism, and building a life that's truly successful AF.

  1. 3D AGO

    Accessible Yoga for All Bodies: From Moving to London Alone to Building a Thriving Yoga Business - Maria Peace Yoga

    Maria Caballero moved to London in 2013 with a thousand euros in cash, one friend, and a vision. She walked down Regent Street handing out CVs to every shop until someone gave her a chance. Fast forward to 2025, and she's built one of the most vibrant yoga communities in London—retreats that sell out in days, students who laugh so hard they get stomach aches, and a teaching method centred entirely on accessible yoga for every body type. This episode of Successful AF is about what happens when you stop hiding who you are and start building the life you actually want to live. Host Jess West sits down with Maria for a conversation about body positive yoga, career transitions from fashion to teaching, and why making yoga available for all bodies—regardless of size, age, or ability—became her mission. As a former ballet dancer who never looked like anyone else in the room, Maria knows what it feels like to be the biggest, curviest person in a space that wasn't designed for you. Now she's rewriting the rules. Her inclusive yoga method works backwards from complicated poses to create pathways everyone can walk, not just modifications for people who "can't keep up." Maria's definition of success? Freedom. Freedom in your body, freedom in your relationships, freedom in your work. And the freedom to show up as your authentic self—purple Crocs and all. Perfect for listeners interested in yoga business, female entrepreneurship, career change stories, or anyone tired of fitness spaces that weren't built with them in mind. About Maria  Maria Caballero is the founder of Maria Peace Yoga and creator of an accessible yoga method that makes every pose available for all body types. Born in South America, raised in Spain, she moved to London in 2013 and built a career in fashion before transitioning to teaching yoga full-time during the pandemic. She runs sold-out retreats, teaches at East of Eden and More Yoga in London, and mentors new yoga teachers through her six-month Evolve programme. Maria's approach to yoga is rooted in her experience as a ballet dancer with curves in a room full of people who looked nothing like her—and her determination to create something different. Connect with Maria: Instagram: @mariapeaceyogaClasses: East of Eden (Walthamstow) & More Yoga Key Takeaways Accessibility over perfection - Working backwards from complicated poses to create pathways everyone can walkYour body is not the problem - Yoga spaces should adapt to bodies, not the other way roundIf you can see it, it will happen - Closing your eyes and truly visualising yourself doing something is the first step to making it realCreate the life you want to live - Give yourself permission to build something different, even if it means walking away from what looks good on paperAuthenticity builds community - Showing up as your rawest self is what makes people gravitate towards youConfidence comes from knowing yourself - You can't be truly confident whilst wearing a mask or pretending to be someone elseSuccess is freedom - The ability to be fully yourself across all areas of your life Reflection Questions What would change if the spaces you entered were designed with your body in mind?Are you building the life you want to live, or the life you think you should want?Who would you be if yoLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

    52 min

  2. 12/07/2025

    Career Burnout to Business Success: Building Sustainable Growth Without Sacrifice - Charlotte Brown

    Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

    47 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    Redefining Success: From Corporate Ladder to Life on Your Terms - Abi Schoenheimer

    What does success really mean when you've climbed the ladder but still feel unfulfilled? In this raw and honest conversation, Jess West sits down with her friend of 15 years, Abi Schoenheimer, to explore the messy reality of redefining success in midlife. Abi's career has been anything but linear—from Big Four consulting to investment banking, across continents from Sydney to London to South Africa. But her journey reveals a deeper truth: sometimes the hardest thing isn't moving forward, it's staying still and figuring things out. In this episode, we discuss: Why being the "outsider" became Abi's comfort zone across continents and careersThe two competing definitions of success and why letting go of conditioning is so hardHow your manager impacts your wellbeing as much as your therapistWhy Abi owns her failures but struggles to claim her winsThe "infinity fun loop" philosophy: having fun, taking a break, then returning to funWhy bath time with her daughter is her current success metric—and why that's not "naff"The difference between knowing you're successful and actually feeling itFirst thought is conditioning, second thought is choiceKey quote: "Success is being in the driver's seat of life's trade-offs—making sure what's important to you at any given stage is reflected in how you've set up your life." This episode is for anyone wrestling with imposter syndrome, struggling to own their achievements, or questioning whether the traditional definition of success is actually what they want. Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

    48 min

  4. 11/04/2025

    From Medical Doctor to Cacao Entrepreneur: Finding Success Through Self-Connection with Dr Ifey Ihonor of 8Within

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of suicide and self-harm. If you're struggling with these issues, please reach out to a trusted professional or contact a crisis support service in your area. In this episode, host Jess West sits down with Ifey Ihonor, founder of 8 Within, who walked away from one of the most coveted medical positions in the UK to embark on a fifteen-year journey of self-discovery. From four degrees to plant medicine work across India, Bali, and Costa Rica, Ifey's story is a masterclass in refusing to accept walking a path that doesn't feel true to you and trusting your inner knowing. They explore what it really means to be your own guru, why failure only exists when you give up, and how plants like cacao can help quiet the external noise enough to hear yourself think. Ifey shares a powerful "Australia analogy" about finding direction in life, why waiting is the secret sauce of life, and how she's turned "I'm magical" into a genuine philosophy. This conversation will challenge listeners to examine whose definition of success they're chasing, remind them that literally no one is thinking about them (which is liberating), and give them permission to do whatever the hell they want. If you're exhausted from proving yourself and ready to redefine success on your own terms, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Why knowing where you want to go matters more than how you'll get thereThe difference between self-exploration and "working on yourself"How to stop reacting to life and start directing itWhy you're fine exactly as you are (and who benefits from telling you otherwise)Connect with Ifey: Instagram: @8within Website: https://8within.com/ Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

    44 min

  5. 10/06/2025

    Overcoming Burnout: From Teacher Burnout to Psychology Career - Lyndsey Gormley

    What happens when you realise success isn't about climbing the ladder, but about aligning your life with your values?  In this Season 2 premiere, host Jess West sits down with Lyndsey Gormley, a therapist whose career transformation from burnt-out senior teacher to psychologist showcases resilience and professional reinvention. As a first-generation university student from Yorkshire, Lyndsey moved to Hong Kong at 23, eventually becoming head of department before experiencing burnout. Her story of earning two master's degrees whilst working full-time and ultimately leaving teaching for psychology is a masterclass in career courage. Perfect for listeners experiencing career burnout, seeking career change inspiration, or learning to prioritise mental health over external validation. About Lyndsey Gormley Lyndsey is a therapist at Mind n Life Psychology practice in Hong Kong, specialising in teenagers and families. Her journey from senior leadership to stepping down to pursue her calling demonstrates radical career change courage.  Key Episode Themes Teacher burnout whilst pursuing graduate education and advocating for yourself when exhaustedRedefining success from salary and titles to values-based goalsPsychological flexibility: Learning to bend without breaking through career setbacksWhy "good enough is good enough" and resilience comes from failing safelyNavigating imposter syndrome as a first-generation studentWorkshop Announcement Lyndsey and Jess are hosting a FREE workshop: Find Your Balance Blueprint October 23rd: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hong Kong TimeRegistration link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-your-balance-blueprint-tickets-1769636543539?aff=oddtdtcreatorConnect with Lyndsey Instagram: @lyndseygormleypsych Website: http://mindnlife.com/lyndsey-gormley/ Key Takeaways You cannot hate yourself into success. Lyndsey's journey from perfectionist burnout to embracing "good enough" shows that career fulfilment comes from aligning behaviours with values, not chasing validation. Career paths don't have to be linear - stepping down can be stepping forward. Values worksheet from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/files/2020/11/Core-Values-Exercise.pdf  https://youtu.be/cCCSpOtDPV0?si=7POZQRlK0NvjV3eR Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @kalicoaching.co Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk

    1h 5m

  6. 09/01/2025

    Courtrooms, Courage and Chasing Dreams - Charlotte de Wouters is Successful AF

    What does it really mean to walk away from everything you've worked for to chase a dream that others don't understand? In this episode, I'm joined by Charlotte de Wouters, who made the courageous leap from a high-stress legal career to becoming a full-time yoga teacher and breathwork facilitator in Indonesia. We met during our 300-hour yoga teacher training in India, and Charlotte's story perfectly embodies what it means to choose alignment over approval. For six years, Charlotte was trapped in the perfectionist cycle - working weekends and nights, constantly stressed, and despite helping others as a family lawyer, never feeling truly successful herself. The turning point came at 30 when she had what she calls a "complete freakout moment," realizing she could see exactly how her life would unfold if she stayed on that path. In this conversation, we explore: How Charlotte redefined success from climbing the corporate ladder to waking up excited every single dayThe fear of disappointing family and the beautiful moment when her dad finally understood her path after three yearsWhy energy management is more valuable than time managementThe difference between helping others through fighting versus helping them find peaceHow to tune in to your inner voice when the world is constantly offering external answersThe magic that happens when you trust and do something from your heartCharlotte's advice to her younger self? Trust. When you're aligned and doing something you love, things unfold almost magically. Her story is proof that sometimes the universe really does conspire to help you when you're living from your heart. If you've ever felt successful on paper but empty inside, or if you're wrestling with the courage to disappoint others in order to honor yourself, this episode is for you. Connect with Charlotte: Find her teaching yoga and breathwork in Lombok, Indonesia, or join her online sessions. All details are in her Instagram bio @chachadewou Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.com

    56 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Finding Calm in Chaos - from Rock Bottom to Radical Self-Responsibility - Katrina Burke is Successful AF

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicidal ideation, chronic illness, and sexual assault. Please take care of yourself while listening. What happens when you've climbed all the ladders, ticked all the boxes, and still feel like success is miles away? This week, we dive deep with coach and hypnotherapist Katrina Burke, whose non-linear journey from heartbreak to healing offers profound insights into what success really means. After leaving a long-term relationship at 24, expecting her "happily ever after," Katrina found herself in what we now call a situationship for nearly a decade, developing chronic health conditions that left doctors baffled, and eventually hitting rock bottom with suicidal ideation. But rather than staying stuck, she turned her pain into purpose. In This Episode, We Explore: The myth of the "forever point" - why waiting for everything to be perfect is keeping you from happiness nowFinding stability in chaos - Katrina's approach to creating calm without eliminating life's inevitable stormsThe pendulum swing between masculine survival mode and feminine flow, and how to find centerWhy "heal yourself first" advice might not be as helpful as we thinkRadical personal responsibility - the uncomfortable but transformative practice of examining your role in every situationRedefining wealth as well-being rather than just financial accumulationThe power of specificity in defining what success actually means to youKatrina's story is a masterclass in resilience, showing us how to transform chaos into wisdom while still having fun along the way. Her refreshingly honest take on healing, business building, and the current state of dating offers hope for anyone feeling stuck between where they are and where they want to be. Connect with Katrina: Instagram: @katrinaburke__Facebook: Katrina BurkeIf this episode resonated with you, we'd love to hear about it! Email us at successfulAFpod@gmail.com and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.com

    56 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    Jazz Hands, Being A Generalist and Almost Married at First Sight - Lauren Brighton is Successful AF

    In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West interviews Lauren Brighton, a London-born change manager whose career journey has been refreshingly non-linear. From creating legacy films to navigating the male-dominated property world, Lauren has embraced being a generalist over a specialist with infectious enthusiasm. Lauren's story is one of evolution - from prioritising appearance over intellect in early corporate environments to showing up authentically confident in trainers and minimal makeup. She redefines success as "perma happiness" - a bubbling groove where family, friends, career, and wellbeing exist in harmony. With candid honesty, she discusses self-doubt, the challenges of working in unsupportive environments, and the importance of making space for fun in adult life. And yes, we get the delightful story of how she almost ended up on Married at First Sight after a casual office email led to full psychometric testing and studio recordings. About Lauren Brighton Lauren started her career at Bucket List Film, creating short documentary films about people's legacies, before moving through various roles in marketing, communications, and property. She's passionate about women's networks in corporate environments and brings her creative background to everything she does - including change management where she applies her "jazz hands" approach to transformation projects. Based in London, she's someone who genuinely knows how to prioritise relationships, wellbeing, and joy alongside professional growth. Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brighton-49a00257/ Instagram: @llbrighton Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you doubting yourself unnecessarily?How do you define success beyond traditional markers like salary or job title?What would it look like to prioritise fun as consciously as you prioritise work?How can you embrace being a generalist in a world that often rewards specialisation? Lauren's story reminds us that career paths don't have to be linear, that success is individually defined, and that sometimes the most authentic version of ourselves emerges when we stop trying to fit into someone else's definition of professional success. Her journey from self-doubt to self-advocacy shows that confidence isn't about having all the answers - it's about trusting yourself enough to lean into opportunities with passion and commitment. Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature. Connect with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.com

    42 min
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About

Successful AF is the podcast for high-achieving women who've checked all the boxes but still feel empty inside, exploring how to redefine success without sacrificing your sanity. Join host Jess West as she interviews women who've cracked the code on setting boundaries, ditching perfectionism, and building a life that's truly successful AF.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica West
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Successful AF Pod
  • Show Website
    Successful AF Pod