Ambition and Love | How to Succeed at Work and Protect Your Love Life

Alyssa Taylor | CEO at Zonda
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I don't have all the answers - that's why I'm asking. Hosted by Alyssa Taylor (CEO of Zonda), this show brings you the brutally honest conversations and intentional strategies I need, too. I interview high-performing professionals, along with relationship experts to find the long-term blueprint for navigating work demands, power struggles, and high-stakes negotiations. Ambition and Love protects your partnership while you succeed at work. A Zonda podcast.

Episodes

  1. Feb 27

    Kyle Hagge on the "Co-Founder" Marriage & The Science of Parenting | The Operations of a Partnership

    What happens when you apply the logic of a high-growth media company to your living room? Host Alyssa Taylor sits down with Kyle Hagge, Chief of Staff at Morning Brew, to explore the intersection of professional ambition and family life. From his early days in civic leadership to managing the "human engine" of a global brand, Kyle shares how he translates operational excellence into a thriving partnership and fatherhood. In this episode, we dive into: Relationship KPIs: The importance of clear communication and the "I love you because..." practice. The Commitment Paradox: Why "Satisficers" are often happier than "Maximizers" in love. Parenting for Variability: Why a successful child is one who discovers their own path, not one who follows yours. Check out the exclusive waitlist www.zonda.space to learn more about the app I'm building alongside couple's therapists. Guest Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehagge/ Company: https://www.morningbrew.com/ Music Credits: "Soulmates" by Dagored. Source: freetouse.com/music/dagored

    Kyle Hagge on the "Co-Founder" Marriage & The Science of Parenting | The Operations of a Partnership

  2. Feb 2

    Dr. Liz Wee on Attachment, Perfectionism, and Presence | Why High Achievers Struggle to be Needy

    Ambition & Love E4: In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the person who usually holds the space for everyone else. Host Alyssa Taylor sits down with Dr. Liz Wee, a PhD and LMFT specialising in attachment-focused therapy. Dr. Liz reveals the vulnerable reality of being a relationship expert who still has to navigate her own "avoidant attachment" tendencies at home. We explore why high achievers often struggle to show vulnerability, how to move from transactional "checking boxes" to true emotional presence, and how to stop letting professional perfectionism sabotage your personal connection. You Will Learn: The Therapist's Mirror: How she manages the transition from "Dr. Wee" to a partner who isn't afraid to show her own needs. The Perfectionism Trap: Why the same traits that make you successful at work can act as a poison in your partnership. Attachment at Work & Home: Why your professional drive might be a shield for "avoidant attachment" and how to recognise your role in the relationship. Service Details & Locations:Dr. Liz is currently based in London seeing clients virtually, but frequently returns to Los Angeles for in-person couples intensives and retreats. Her team of 6 associates offers in-person sessions in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County. Check out the exclusive waitlist www.zonda.space to learn more about the app I'm building alongside couple's therapists. Guest Links: Website: www.coupleshealingcenter.com Email: lizweetherapy@gmail.com Music Credits: "Soulmates" by Dagored. Source: freetouse.com/music/dagored

    Dr. Liz Wee on Attachment, Perfectionism, and Presence | Why High Achievers Struggle to be Needy

  3. Jan 13

    Erika Lehmann, Cofounder at Vidalytics | How to Run a Business with Your Ex and Find Love Outside Tech

    Ambition & Love E3: The Business of Breaking Up and Dating the "Non-Tech" World In this episode, we explore the unique dynamics of co-founding a company with an ex and the relief of dating someone outside the "SaaS bubble." Host Alyssa Taylor sits down with Erika Lehmann, co-founder of the video platform Vidalytics. This conversation dives into the "business of breaking up," the discipline required to keep a multi-million dollar startup thriving after a divorce, and how to maintain intimacy when you are a self-proclaimed workaholic. We discuss the power of the "three-second hug" and why dating a rope access technician provided the grounding Erika didn't know she needed. You Will Learn: The "Work-Only" Reset: How Erika and her co-founder/ex-husband navigated a year of strictly professional communication to save their company and their friendship. The Power of the Non-Tech Partner: Why dating someone in a physically demanding industry can be the ultimate antidote to founder burnout and "decision fatigue." Micro-Gestures for Macro Results: Practical tools like "How can I help you?" and the three-second hug for staying connected during intense work sprints. Check out the exclusive waitlist www.zonda.space to learn more about the app I'm building alongside couple's therapists. Guest Links: Erika Lehmann on LinkedIn | Vidalytics Music Credits: "Soulmates" by Dagored. Source: https://freetouse.com/music/dagored

    Erika Lehmann, Cofounder at Vidalytics | How to Run a Business with Your Ex and Find Love Outside Tech

  4. 12/18/2025

    Dan Bowyer on Trauma, Love and Naughty Fridays | Protecting Your Marriage While Changing the World

    Ambition & Love E2 In this episode, we tackle the "electric fizz" of balancing high-stakes ambition with deep personal connection. Host Alyssa Taylor sits down with Dan Bowyer, Partner at SuperSeed and former 90s boy band star. This conversation explores the 4x founder's approach to "loving the mess," surviving financial fragility, and why intentional intimacy is non-negotiable for parents and builders alike. We discuss the "ego death" of fatherhood and why a "Relationship War Chest" is your best defense against professional burnout. You Will Learn: The concept of the "Relationship War Chest" and how to protect your partnership during high-pressure growth seasons. Why scheduling intimacy (like "Naughty Fridays") is an essential tool for staying connected when you feel like "ships in the night." How childhood trauma and neurodivergence can shape an authentic, mask-free life as both a founder and a partner. Check out the exclusive waitlist www.zonda.space to learn more about the app I'm building alongside couple's therapists. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbowyer/ Music Credits: "Soulmates" by Dagored. Source: https://freetouse.com/music/dagored

    Dan Bowyer on Trauma, Love and Naughty Fridays | Protecting Your Marriage While Changing the World

  5. 12/09/2025

    2x Startup Founder Ollie Markham│How to Schedule Quality Time & Nurture Partner Independence

    Ambition & Love E1: The Founder's Methodology for Time and Growth In this inaugural episode, we dive into the brutal realities of balancing a demanding career with partnership. Host Alyssa Taylor interviews Ollie Markham, founder of Perch Peek and Unakin. This conversation provides the founder's methodology for navigating high workloads and the essential strategy of scheduling quality time. We discuss why partner independence is crucial for sustaining a founder's focus. You Will Learn: The absolute importance of conflict resolution and understanding independence in partnership. The crucial difference between being present and just being there during scheduled time. Why understanding each other's priorities is key to balancing career and partnership. Check out the exclusive waitlist www.zonda.space to learn more about the app I'm building alongside couple's therapists. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-markham-596705a5/ Music Credits: "Soulmates" by Dagored. Source: https://freetouse.com/music/dagored

    2x Startup Founder Ollie Markham│How to Schedule Quality Time & Nurture Partner Independence
  • 5 Episodes

About

I don't have all the answers - that's why I'm asking. Hosted by Alyssa Taylor (CEO of Zonda), this show brings you the brutally honest conversations and intentional strategies I need, too. I interview high-performing professionals, along with relationship experts to find the long-term blueprint for navigating work demands, power struggles, and high-stakes negotiations. Ambition and Love protects your partnership while you succeed at work. A Zonda podcast.

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