Pretty Tough with Maria Sharapova

Vox Media
  • 4.4 (65)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova brings her trademark intensity and drive to a weekly podcast that challenges how female ambition is defined and discussed. In each episode of Pretty Tough, Sharapova sits down with high-achieving women across industries for candid, wide-ranging conversations about their pursuit of excellence without apology. Inspired by Sharapova’s own journey as a world-class athlete and entrepreneur, the show serves as a space where discussions about peak performance, career strategy, wellness, and leadership aren't diluted by gender-specific expectations and where being gritty and being female aren't seen as contradictory states of being. New episodes drop Wednesdays. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

  1. Jul 15

    Delphine Bellini on Reviving A Sleeping Beauty Into Fashion's Hottest Brand

    How do you bring a legendary brand back from the dead? When Delphine Bellini joined Schiaparelli in 2014, the fashion house had been dormant for over 60 years. There were no customers, no modern business, and no blueprint for success—just the legacy of one of fashion's most visionary founders. A decade later, Schiaparelli has become one of the most influential and talked-about brands in luxury fashion. In this conversation, Delphine shares with Maria what it actually took to pull off that transformation: convincing people to believe in a vision before the results existed, partnering with creative director Daniel Roseberry to redefine the house for a new generation, and resisting the pressure for quick wins in favor of building something exceptional. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠⁠⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack⁠⁠⁠ 00:00:00 Intro: The unexpected journey to leadership 00:01:48 Dressing superstars: The experience behind the Golden Globes 00:03:00 Balancing legacy and the future of Schiaparelli 00:05:13 Elsa Schiaparelli’s avant-garde history and influence 00:06:23 Defining the brand identity without traditional logos 00:08:08 The collaborative design process: Creating "selfish details" 00:10:35 Building a dormant brand: The conviction to take time 00:13:28 Applying lessons from luxury cruises to haute couture 00:15:20 Performance, struggle, and the athlete-creative connection 00:16:33 Leading young talent through passion 00:17:35 The leader as a facilitator: Navigating collective roles 00:19:10 Discovering Daniel Roseberry’s creative vision 00:20:45 Aligning creative magic with business needs 00:22:27 The psychology of the showroom experience 00:23:55 Why Schiaparelli shows are deeply emotional 00:25:00 The CEO's role behind the scenes of a runway show 00:26:27 Managing controversy: The lion head show and beyond 00:28:35 Future expansion: Ready-to-wear, fragrance, and exclusivity 00:32:38 Maintaining personal balance, discipline, and routines 00:35:10 Lightning Round: Unlearning, perfectionism, and confidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Delphine Bellini on Reviving A Sleeping Beauty Into Fashion's Hottest Brand

  2. Jul 8

    How Susie Wolff Took F1 Academy from Empty Tracks to Global Partnerships

    As the Managing Director of F1 Academy, Susie Wolff is helping reshape the future of motorsport. Susie joins Maria to discuss navigating the high-stakes negotiations, the pressure of maximizing growth while F1 Racing is having its moment, and what its like holding her ground in rooms where she's often the only woman at the table. Susie opens up about racing through injury, the power of saying no, and getting tough love from her husband, racing legend Toto Wolff. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack⁠⁠ 00:00 Introduction: Resilience in Business and Sports 02:00 Defining Calculated Risks 04:55 Childhood Influence: Equal Opportunity and Drive 06:50 The Reality of Racing: Noise, Gender, and Performance 10:07 Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable 12:20 Navigating Career Setbacks and Injury 18:15 The Intuition Behind Career Pivots 21:30 Ambition, Motherhood, and Identity 24:25 The Power of Saying "No" 27:00 Life After Retirement: Self-Discovery 32:00 Challenging Perceptions: Femininity and the "Pink Car" 35:30 The Future of Women in F1 38:30 Taking the Helm at F1 Academy 43:10 The Strength in Asking for Help 46:30 Breaking Barriers in the Workplace 49:25 Working with Toto: Directness, Honesty, and Partnership 54:30 Raising a Son in the Motorsport World 57:20 What’s Next for Susie Wolff 58:15 Pretty Tough Tips: Resilience 1:01:15 Rapid Fire: Unlearning Selfishness and Finding Confidence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How Susie Wolff Took F1 Academy from Empty Tracks to Global Partnerships

  3. Jun 24

    Misty Copeland Never Wanted to Stand Out. Then She Changed Ballet Forever

    Legendary ballerina Misty Copeland pulls back the curtain on the most pivotal moments of her career. From performing on the Oscars stage alongside the cast of Sinners—and addressing Timothée Chalamet’s infamous comments—to the unique experience of collaborating with icons like Prince and Taylor Swift, Misty shares it all. Misty and Maria also dive into the reality of performing through injury: the physical toll, the mental resilience required to keep going, and what these challenges taught her about her body and its limits. Misty Copeland is the true embodiment of Pretty Tough. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on X⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack⁠ 00:00:00 – Intro: The Evolving Athlete 00:02:15 – Finding Her Voice: Overcoming "Little Mouse" 00:07:30 – Survival Mode to Artistic Passion 00:09:30 – The First Ballet Class: From Basketball Court to Prodigy 00:13:45 – The Studio as a Sanctuary 00:14:15 – Stage Presence vs. Public Speaking Nerves 00:19:30 – The Power of Consistency in Performance 00:22:00 – Dancing Through Pain: The 2012 Firebird Season 00:27:15 – A Career-Ending Injury and the Road to Recovery 00:29:45 – Redefining the Relationship to Pain 00:32:00 – Lifelong Learning: Evolving Technique Post-Principal 00:33:45 – Art vs. Sport: Why Ballet is Subjective 00:36:00 – Breaking the Curtain: The Role of Social Media 00:39:00 – The Farewell Performance: A Thank You to the Journey 00:42:30 – The Prince Connection: Lessons in Identity and Excellence 00:47:00 – Returning to the Stage: The Oscars and Sinners 00:51:30 – Collaborating with Taylor Swift 00:53:00 – Addressing the Timothée Chalamet Comments 00:56:45 – Future of Dance: Production and Storytelling 00:59:45 – Closing the Financial Gap in Arts Education 01:01:15 – The Misty Copeland Foundation’s Mission 01:03:30 – Parenting and Letting Go of Control 01:09:15 – Strategic Partnerships and Protecting the Brand 01:14:00 – Life After Ballet: Defining a New Identity 01:15:30 – Rapid Fire: Unlearning Pain and Defining Toughness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Misty Copeland Never Wanted to Stand Out. Then She Changed Ballet Forever

  4. Jun 17

    Christine Dorfler: From Army Captain to the NFL’s CFO

    What does it take to manage the finances of the world’s most powerful sports league? In this episode, Maria sits down with Christine Dorfler, the CFO of the NFL, for an unfiltered look at the business behind the game. From her journey as an Army Captain to navigating the complex financial landscape of the NFL, Christine shares the leadership lessons and high-stakes decision-making that keep the league growing. We dive into the "Billion-Dollar" choices that impact everything from international expansion to the game-day experience. And of course ‘The Taylor Swift Effect.’ All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠⁠⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Maria on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack 00:00:00 – The Power of Confidence and Humility 00:02:00 – Learning to Lose: Lessons from Sports 00:03:45 – Leadership Lessons from the Army 00:06:00 – Taking a Big Promotion During Maternity Leave 00:09:40 – The Art of Saying "No" in Finance 00:10:45 – Moving into the Sports Industry 00:12:30 – Advice for Young, Ambitious Professionals 00:14:30 – Transitioning to the NFL 00:15:30 – Roger Goodell’s Leadership Style 00:18:00 – The "Taylor Swift Effect" on NFL Viewership 00:20:45 – Growing Girls’ Flag Football 00:22:45 – Mastering the Art of Negotiation 00:24:45 – Reflecting on the NFL-ESPN Media Deal 00:29:45 – Sports Betting and Protecting Game Integrity 00:33:45 – Global Expansion and New International Markets 00:38:15 – Evolving Fan Consumption Habits 00:41:00 – Lightning Round: Routine, Perfection, and Resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Christine Dorfler: From Army Captain to the NFL’s CFO

  5. Jun 10

    Amy Astley on Working Alongside Anna Wintour and Building Brands

    This week on the show, editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest Amy Astley reflects on her path from aspiring ballerina to journalist to leading some of the most influential publications in fashion and design, including Architectural Digest and Teen Vogue. She opens up working alongside Anna Wintour, navigating high-pressure creative environments, learning to trust her instincts, and her thoughts on what it truly means to be a “taste maker.” Together, Maria and Amy talk about perfectionism, ambition, mentorship, self-doubt, and the pressure women often feel to prove themselves in leadership roles. They also discuss taste, storytelling, social media, creative risk-taking, and why curiosity may be the most important skill of all. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Maria on X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack 00:00:00 Intro: Redefining Taste in a Borderless World 00:02:18 The "Dutiful Daughter" Archetype in Business 00:04:00 Ballet Beginnings: Learning Discipline and Letting Go 00:08:24 Career Lessons from Anna Wintour 00:10:04 The Power of Saying "Yes" and Taking Opportunities 00:12:44 Transforming Architectural Digest 00:14:14 The Mission Behind Teen Vogue 00:17:15 The Strategy Behind Magazine Covers 00:23:18 The Digital Evolution of Legacy Media 00:28:48 Pretty Tough Tips: Visualization for Success 00:33:55 The "Open Door" Series: Connecting Through Content 00:43:24 Facing the Future: AI in Publishing 00:51:57 Moving Beyond the "Tastemaker" Label 00:55:00 Integrating Personal Life and Professional Practice 01:00:17 NYC Design Recommendations 01:04:12 Pretty Tough Questions: Lessons, Routines, and Perfectionism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Amy Astley on Working Alongside Anna Wintour and Building Brands

  6. Jun 3

    Ashley Graham: How AI, Plastic Surgery, and GLP-1s Are Changing Beauty Standards

    This week on the show, model and entrepreneur Ashley Graham joins Maria for a conversation about confidence, body image, ambition, and self-worth. Ashley opens up about navigating criticism in the fashion industry and impossible standards placed on women — especially in industries built around image.  Together, Maria and Ashley talk about perfectionism, motherhood, changing bodies, identity, resilience, and how to spot a good business opportunity. It all adds up to an inspiring conversation around how to live unapologetically. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. ⁠Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠ ⁠Follow Maria on Instagram ⁠ ⁠Follow Maria on X⁠ ⁠Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:45 Being Unapologetic: Identity & Career Longevity 00:03:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a CEO 00:04:45 Early Scrutiny: Dealing with Body Standards from Age 12 00:06:20 The Defining Moment: How Her Mother’s Advice Saved Her Career 00:07:45 The Evolution of the Body: Life After Three Kids 00:10:00 The "Banned" Lane Bryant Ad & Dealing with Public Scrutiny 00:12:35 Handling Negative Comments & Mental Toughness 00:15:15 The Historic 2016 Sports Illustrated Cover 00:18:00 The Power of the Platform: Changing Lives Through Authenticity 00:20:00 Tony Robbins & The Importance of Celebrating Wins 00:21:40 Impact of GLP-1s & Modern Body Image Trends 00:24:00 The Future of Modeling & AI 00:26:00 Postpartum Realities & Balancing Motherhood 00:28:15 Managing Mental Drainage: Routines, Boundaries, & Parenting 00:31:00 Broadway Debut: Making It Happen Through Grit 00:34:00 Debunking the Myth of "Overnight Success" 00:36:00 From Model to Founder: Building Her Wine Company, Luce 00:43:00 Strategic Planning & The Value of Intergenerational Friendships 00:44:45 Pretty Tough Q&A: Unlearning Hard Habits & Finding Power Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ashley Graham: How AI, Plastic Surgery, and GLP-1s Are Changing Beauty Standards

  7. May 27

    Dr. Becky: Raising Resilient Kids in an Overwhelming World

    Clinical psychologist Becky Kennedy — better known as Dr. Becky — joins Maria for a conversation about parenting, resilience, confidence, and emotional growth. Dr. Becky shares why she believes struggle is an essential part of development, how parents can stay grounded during emotional moments, and why perfectionism often starts much earlier than we think. Together, she and Maria talk about self-worth, boundaries, anxiety, shame, and the pressure parents feel to “get everything right.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dr. Becky: Raising Resilient Kids in an Overwhelming World

  8. May 20

    Chelsea Handler: Unfiltered, Independent, and Always Evolving

    Comedian and best-selling author Chelsea Handler has built a career on saying exactly what she thinks, regardless of the consequences. From stand-up comedy and bestselling books to hit television shows, she’s never played by anyone else’s rules. Maria and Chelsea first connected at the 2012 Olympics and have been friends ever since.  Maria explores what drives Chelsea’s independence across every chapter of her life and how she continues to evolve through therapy, travel, and psychedelics. They discuss reinvention, freedom, and what it really means to live life on your own terms. Maria also asks the question she’s been curious about for years: after all the success, what keeps Chelsea pushing forward? The result is a conversation that is funny, honest, and unexpectedly thoughtful, everything you’d expect when Chelsea Handler is in the room. All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough. Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA. Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform Follow Maria on Instagram  Follow Maria on X Follow Pretty Tough on Instagram Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Chelsea Handler: Unfiltered, Independent, and Always Evolving
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4.4
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

Five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova brings her trademark intensity and drive to a weekly podcast that challenges how female ambition is defined and discussed. In each episode of Pretty Tough, Sharapova sits down with high-achieving women across industries for candid, wide-ranging conversations about their pursuit of excellence without apology. Inspired by Sharapova’s own journey as a world-class athlete and entrepreneur, the show serves as a space where discussions about peak performance, career strategy, wellness, and leadership aren't diluted by gender-specific expectations and where being gritty and being female aren't seen as contradictory states of being. New episodes drop Wednesdays. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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