How To Become A...

Grace Stevens

You don’t have to be rich or famous to be successful and we’re here to prove it. ‘How To Become A…’ gives insights into everyday success stories. Each episode, Grace Stevens chats to real people about how they actually got to where they are today. From their first steps and “what am I doing?” moments, to big decisions and what’s next. It’s honest, unfiltered, and (hopefully) makes figuring out your own path feel a little less overwhelming. Follow us on Instagram (@howtobecomea__) and TikTok (@howtobecomea__) for more stories 🎙️ Want to be on the show? Email hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com

  1. 4d ago

    Multi Hyphenate Creative: I refused to pick just one career

    What if you don't want to choose just one career? In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to Lize about building a career as a multi-hyphenate creative, working across photography, writing, creative direction and more. Growing up in Lagos, Lize originally thought she'd become a doctor, scientist or psychologist. Creativity was always part of her life, but for years she saw it as a hobby rather than a realistic career. That changed when she took a chance on a writing job at university and realised people were willing to pay her for something she genuinely loved doing. She shares: How she discovered her creative career almost by accidentWhy you should follow your curiositiesBecoming a self-taught professional photographerFinding her niche in boudoir photographyUsing photography to help women build confidence and self-worthThe realities of marketing an intimate photography businessBuilding workshops and mentoring other photographers We also get into Liz's journey as an author, including how the idea for her novel The Returnees came to her and how she navigated the publishing world without an established writing career. Plus, Liz shares her advice for anyone with multiple passions: you don't have to put yourself in one box—but you do have to learn how you work best. If you're interested in: Creative careersPhotographyBecoming an authorBoudoir photographyCreative entrepreneurshipFinding your purposeTurning hobbies into a careerBuilding multiple income streams This episode is a brilliant reminder that your career doesn't have to follow one straight line—and sometimes the things you've treated as hobbies are exactly where your future is hiding. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. Aug 18

    Impact Campaigner: I reached out to Leonardo Dicaprio & Ricky Gervais, they answered

    How do you actually get people to care about the world's biggest problems? In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to Paul about his unconventional journey into impact campaigning and how creativity, entertainment and storytelling can be used to create real-world change. From starting his own company at just 16 to working across marketing, comedy, comics, TV and film, Paul eventually found a way to combine his creative skills with his passion for helping animals. He explains: What an impact campaigner actually doesWhy great campaigning is about making things simpler, not more complicatedHow marketing, comedy and storytelling can create social changeWhy listening to your audience matters more than shouting at them He also shares the incredible story behind The Most Important Comic Book on Earth, which brought together names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ricky Gervais, Jane Goodall and Ian McKellen and helped raise millions for conservation. Plus, we get into: Sending thousands of emails to make a huge idea happenUsing social media to reach audiences traditional campaigning couldn'tHelping campaigns that contributed to environmental changeCombining entertainment and charity through filmWhy curiosity and understanding people are essential skillsHis advice for anyone who wants to make a difference# At the heart of the episode is one brilliantly simple lesson: make it easy for people to help. If you're interested in: Charity and nonprofit careersEnvironmental campaigningAnimal conservationMarketing and advertisingCreative careersSocial impactStorytelling and filmmaking This is a fascinating look at how the skills you already have could be used to make a much bigger difference than you think. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. Aug 11

    Cosmetic Dentist: Buying a dental practice in Chelsea during lockdown

    What does it really take to become a dentist and what happens after you qualify? In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to cosmetic dentist, clinic owner and entrepreneur Dr Rhona, who shares her journey from dreaming of dentistry at just 12 years old to building her own award-winning clinic, launching a successful oral care brand and becoming one of the UK's leading voices in cosmetic dentistry. She explains: What it's really like to become a dentistThe university and training pathway into dentistryThe difference between NHS and private dentistryWhy cosmetic dentistry completely changed her career She also shares: Growing up inspired by healthcare professionalsWhy she chose dentistry over medicineBuying her own dental practice just before the Covid lockdownUsing social media and influencer marketing to grow her clinicAppearing on Dragon's Den with her oral care brand Plus, we discuss: The reality of running a dental businessFinancial independence and entrepreneurshipWhy prevention is the future of dentistryMental health within the professionBuilding a personal brand as a healthcare professional If you're interested in: DentistryCosmetic dentistryHealthcare careersEntrepreneurshipBuilding a personal brandWomen in businessPrivate practice This episode is an inspiring look at how clinical expertise, creativity and business can come together to build a truly fulfilling career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Aug 4

    Defence Lawyer: I had to start work at 14 to fund my education

    What does a defence lawyer actually do and what’s it really like defending people in court? In this episode of How To Become A..., Grace speaks to criminal defence solicitor and law firm founder Shazia, who shares the realities of working in criminal law, building her own legal practice, and dedicating her career to helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. From police stations and courtrooms to running a successful law firm, Shazia explains what it really takes to succeed in one of the most demanding professions. She explains: What a defence lawyer actually doesThe difference between defence and prosecutionHow criminal cases are prepared and arguedWhat really happens inside a courtroomThe ethics of representing clientsShe also shares: Starting work at just 14 years oldFunding her own education and law degreeApplying for over 140 legal jobs before landing her first roleBuilding her own law firm around family lifePlus, we discuss: Why resilience is one of the most important skills in lawHelping vulnerable clients beyond the courtroomRunning a business while raising childrenWhy success isn't about money—it's about making a differenceIf you're interested in: Criminal lawBecoming a solicitor or barristerDefence lawyer careersStarting a law firmCareers in justice and public service This episode offers an honest, inspiring look at a career built on determination, ethics and helping others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Jul 28

    Founder of a Sexual Wellness Platform: How can you get your business to 1.2m visitors per month?

    *Explicit Content* What does it take to build a successful business in one of the world's most misunderstood industries? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks with Anna, founder of FrolicMe, an award-winning erotic platform dedicated to female pleasure, healthy sexuality and beautifully produced erotic content. Leaving behind a successful career in branding and marketing, Anna spotted a huge gap in the market: women weren't being catered for in the world of erotic entertainment. So she decided to change it. She explains: Why she founded FrolicMeThe difference between pornography and female-focused eroticaHow she built an independent subscription business from scratchWhy creating a trusted brand in the adult industry was her biggest challenge Anna also shares: Her background in marketing and advertisingFunding the business herself to maintain complete creative controlGrowing FrolicMe into a global platform with millions of visitorsLicensing content to Playboy while staying true to her original vision Plus, we discuss: Female pleasure and why it's still overlookedBreaking down stigma around sex and intimacyCensorship, payment restrictions and the challenges of running an adult businessWhy communication and understanding your own pleasure are key to healthy relationshipsHow entrepreneurship can be driven by purpose as much as profit If you're interested in: EntrepreneurshipFemale foundersSexual wellnessBranding and marketingBuilding an online subscription businessWomen's health and intimacyStart-up journeysBusiness innovation This episode is an honest and eye-opening conversation about building a business that challenges outdated ideas, empowers women, and encourages healthier conversations around sex. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. Jul 21

    Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Expert: Why no two explosive devices are ever the same

    What does it really take to become a Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Expert? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Matt, Head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Unit, to uncover one of the most specialised and high-pressure careers in the UK. From World War II munitions to suspected terrorist devices, Matt explains what his team really does, how they prepare for the unimaginable, and why teamwork, discipline and humility are far more important than Hollywood would have you believe. We discuss: What a Counter Terrorism Bomb Disposal Expert actually doesThe difference between military and police bomb disposalHow London's specialist unit operates 24/7The training, skills and mindset required for the role Matt also shares: Why he originally wanted to join the ArmyNearly avoiding bomb disposal altogether before discovering he loved itThe intensive training required to qualifyHis experiences serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and AfghanistanThe journey from military bomb disposal officer to leading London's specialist police unit Plus, we explore: Why no to explosive devices are ever the sameThe importance of remaining calm under pressureHow teams prepare for major incidents and public eventsSupporting mental wellbeing in one of the world's most demanding professionsWhy asking for help is a strength, not a weakness If you're interested in: Counter terrorismBomb disposalMilitary careersPolice careersLeadershipEmergency servicesPublic serviceHigh-pressure decision making This episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into a profession most of us never see—but one that quietly helps keep millions of people safe every day. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. Jul 14

    Life Design Coach: Burnout caused my hairloss

    What is a life design coach and how do you redesign your life from the inside out? In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Michelle about combining two completely different worlds: interior design and holistic health coaching. After spending 17 years in the high-pressure world of workplace design, working on huge projects including Spotify’s London headquarters, Michelle experienced severe burnout during COVID, working 100-hour weeks until her body began physically shutting down. That moment changed everything. Michelle shares how she rebuilt her health, retrained as a health coach, and created Interior Self, a unique framework helping women redesign their lives through wellness, nervous system regulation, creativity, and intentional living. She explains: What a life design coach actually doesHow our environments impact our nervous systemsWhy burnout often starts with ignoring the body’s warning signsThe connection between stress, self-worth, and physical symptoms She also shares: Growing up struggling with cystic acne and self-imageWorking in high-end workplace design in Australia and LondonDesigning Spotify’s London HQHow she rebuilt her health after losing her hair during burnout Plus, we get into: Creating a “framework for living”The five pillars of Interior SelfEmbodiment practices, dance, and nervous system healingWhy slowing down can completely change your lifeIf you’re interested in:Burnout recoveryHealth & wellness coachingPersonal developmentInterior design & wellbeingWomen’s healthNervous system regulationCareer pivots & reinvention This episode is a powerful conversation about self-worth, creativity, healing, and building a life that actually feels good to live. @interior.self 🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨ 🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path 📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Life Design Coach: Burnout caused my hairloss

About

You don’t have to be rich or famous to be successful and we’re here to prove it. ‘How To Become A…’ gives insights into everyday success stories. Each episode, Grace Stevens chats to real people about how they actually got to where they are today. From their first steps and “what am I doing?” moments, to big decisions and what’s next. It’s honest, unfiltered, and (hopefully) makes figuring out your own path feel a little less overwhelming. Follow us on Instagram (@howtobecomea__) and TikTok (@howtobecomea__) for more stories 🎙️ Want to be on the show? Email hello.howtobecomea@gmail.com