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. 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

    50 min
  2. 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

    49 min
  3. 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

    53 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

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.