Reclaiming Bossy

Maahika Singh

Originally called Empower Sounds, the podcast has evolved and turned into Reclaiming Bossy! I’ve been called “bossy” many times in my life, often in a negative way. But through conversations with leaders, founders, and creators, I realised that so many of us share this “bossy” spark. I love the idea of reclaiming this word that’s been used to put people down and turn it into something empowering. Reclaiming bossy is a space to celebrate ambition, leadership, creativity, and the bold voices making things happen New episodes every monday 3

  1. 6d ago

    How To Build Self Trust Again After A Flop Era

    This episode is for you if you are going through a “Flop Era’ In this episode of Reclaiming Bossy Madrid Season, I’m joined by Tatiana, founder of Deep Chats, for an honest conversation about self-trust, moving abroad, navigating uncertainty in your twenties, and finding your people when life doesn’t go to plan. After experiencing redundancy and navigating a season of uncertainty, Tatiana rebuilt her life in Madrid and created Deep Chats, a community focused on meaningful conversations and genuine connection. We talk about trusting yourself before you have all the answers, embracing awkwardness, creating authentic community, and why some of your most confusing seasons can actually become the beginning of something better. If you’re navigating change, feeling behind, trying to rebuild trust in yourself, or questioning whether you’re on the right path, this episode is for you. We talk about: ● Building self-trust through trial and error ● Moving abroad and navigating uncertainty in your twenties ● Coming out of a “flop era” and sitting with difficult emotions ● Learning to trust life’s timing ● Finding your people and building authentic community ● Journaling, affirmations and practical mental health tools ● The power of silence and meaningful conversations ● Breaking social scripts and asking better questions ● Learning how to talk about yourself more positively ● Starting something before feeling fully ready TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Tatiana 00:44 - Tatiana’s background, moving to Madrid, and starting Deep Chats 01:39 - Navigating your twenties and the uncertainty of moving abroad 03:49 - Tangible ways to build self-trust through trial and error 05:48 - Trusting life’s timing and adopting a spiritual perspective 07:45 - Filtering through the wrong crowds to find your true community 09:06 - Dealing with a “flop era” and sitting with difficult feelings 11:07 - Practical tools for mental health: journaling and affirmations 12:32 - The power of silence and the concert story 15:27 - The journey of creating Deep Chats and embracing awkward silence 17:51 - Breaking the social script to have more intentional conversations 20:24 - Asking better questions to learn from others 21:34 - How to talk about yourself authentically and practice positive self-talk 23:13 - Where to find Tatiana and Deep Chats online 23:39 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” as a female business owner Connect with Tatiana: Tati: https://www.instagram.com/tatianafyodorov/ Deep Chats; https://www.instagram.com/havedeepchats/ https://linktr.ee/deep.chats?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGny8RyuS295HMG5TIRMpm7DidMo87ezXmWfgSdWFPU-jmtdSMnEMl4jfTDgHQ_aem_E6yLaNHXU3-RMwrfLK7PEg Connect with the Pod / Me: Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    25 min
  2. May 20

    How To Get A Self Employed Visa In Spain & Build Your Dream Creative Career

    On today’s episode of Reclaiming Bossy, I’m sitting down with Nena, a fashion photographer who moved to Madrid and built her creative business from scratch while navigating the Spanish freelance visa process, finding clients through social media, and learning how to back herself in a completely new country. If you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad, becoming self-employed, building a creative career, or starting over in a new city, this episode is for you. We talk about the realities of becoming self-employed in Spain, writing a business plan for a creative visa, building a portfolio, networking as an introvert, freelancing in the creative industry, and how to stop waiting to feel “ready” before putting yourself out there. This episode is full of practical advice for creatives, freelancers, digital nomads, and ambitious people trying to build a life that feels more aligned, independent and exciting. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Nena 00:50 - Nena’s background and journey into fashion photography 02:20 - Navigating the Spanish visa process and becoming self-employed 03:51 - Advice for international expats dealing with Spanish bureaucracy 05:34 - The creative community in Madrid vs other cities 06:41 - Networking and making friends as an introvert abroad 07:28 - Transitioning from student work to a professional portfolio 08:46 - Getting your first freelance clients through social media 09:34 - Overcoming the fear of embarrassment online 11:10 - Writing a business plan for a creative visa 13:37 - Learning business skills as a creative freelancer 15:37 - Protecting your mindset and mental health as a freelancer 16:34 - Dealing with imposter syndrome on big production sets 18:46 - Ignoring criticism and taking small brave steps 20:16 - Founding Swap Party Madrid and building community events 21:31 - How to become more action-oriented with your goals 22:35 - Where to find Nena online 22:56 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” as a woman in business 23:53 - Final reflections and episode wrap-up Follow/ connect with Nena https://www.instagram.com/artisticmind.n.p/ https://www.threads.com/@artisticmind.n.p?xmt=AQG0raAAprmUhuEwOQ6cxrxawvB0cSCNl4Ml1V4F2BVVUxE Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    25 min
  3. May 13

    How To Build A Global Remote Business And Real Life Community As A Digital Nomad

    What does it really look like to build a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and community at the same time? In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Laura Smyth, founder of Butterfly English Education and Found Her Madrid, to talk about how she built a fully remote language learning academy with a team of 20+ teachers whilst  also creating an in person community for women in Madrid. We talk about the reality of scaling an online business, building systems that allow you to work remotely without burning out, and why community still matters so much in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. This is a conversation about creating a business and lifestyle that actually feels aligned, whether that means working across time zones, running events in a new city, or building a team you trust. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, remote work, online business, community building, digital nomad life, or creating more freedom in your career, this episode will give you both practical advice and a lot of reassurance. We also explore hiring, leadership, SOPs, AI tools for scaling a business, how to get people to show up to your first event, and the lessons Laura learnt from growing two businesses at the same time. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the episode 00:23 - Laura’s background and introducing her two businesses 00:56 - The burnout that inspired her to start a language academy 01:31 - First steps to starting a business and getting fully booked 03:01 - Why you should hire before you’re ready 03:39 - How to choose the right team and the “hire slowly, fire quickly” rule 04:49 - Navigating difficult conversations and letting go of a friend 05:50 - Scaling to a team of 20 using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 06:51 - Using AI to build out your business structures and systems 07:24 - Running a remote company with zero daily meetings 08:34 - Trusting your team and avoiding micromanagement 09:28 - Managing a global team across multiple time zones 10:17 - Time management and structuring a schedule to run two businesses 10:53 - Why Laura built the “Found Her” community in Madrid 11:31 - How to get people to show up to your very first event 12:26 - Creating an English-speaking community in a Spanish-speaking city 14:10 - Applying lessons from your first business to your second 14:55 - What Laura wishes she did differently when starting out 15:24 - Where to find Laura and the Found Her community online 15:42 - Final advice on building a life and business you love 16:09 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” 16:33 - Actionable homework for starting a local community 17:07 - Actionable homework for launching an online business 17:36 - Conclusion and outro Follow Laura / Butterfly English / Found Her Madrid Laura’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasmyth/ Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.inmadrid/ Found Her Madrid: https://www.instagram.com/foundhermadrid/ Butterfly English Education: https://butterflyenglisheducation.com Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    18 min
  4. May 6

    Before You Book Your Flight to Madrid, Listen to This Episode (The Ultimate Madrid Guide)

    What if Emily in Paris was actually set in Madrid and was culturally accurate? In the first episode of the Reclaiming Bossy Madrid season, I sit down with Maddy, the creator behind Maddy in Madrid, to talk about what building a real life abroad actually looks like beyond the romanticised TikToks and Netflix versions. We talk about the reality of moving to Madrid, learning Spanish as an adult, making friends when you know nobody, navigating culture shock, understanding the unspoken social rules in Spain, and creating a life that feels exciting and authentic. This episode is part Madrid city guide, part deep dive into identity, reinvention, and what happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and actually move abroad. We also get into the cafés worth working from, the rooftop bars and picnic spots locals actually go to, how to find community in Madrid, and why embracing the culture instead of recreating your old life abroad changes everything. If you’ve been dreaming about moving abroad, taking a solo trip, becoming a digital nomad, or building a slower and more intentional life overseas, this episode will either make you book the flight or finally give you the honest guide to doing it properly. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and moving to Madrid 00:50 - Maddy’s background and learning Spanish 01:54 - Embracing a new culture vs. Emily in Paris 03:12 - Why English speakers struggle with learning languages 05:16 - Advice on making friends in a new country 07:12 - Biggest culture shocks in Spain 08:27 - Best coffee shops for working, dates, and relaxing 11:26 - Finding Madrid’s authentic hidden gems 12:41 - Cultural norms and respecting the Spanish way of life 15:21 - Representing Spain online and navigating expat stereotypes 17:15 - Dealing with reverse culture shock and homesickness 19:07 - Advice for taking the leap and moving abroad 20:03 - What people get wrong about Spain and Americans 21:16 - Best bars, rooftops, and picnic spots in Madrid 23:58 - Communities to join to make friends 26:15 - What’s next for Maddy 26:51 - Reclaiming the word “bossy” Connect with  Maddy Website: https://maddyinmadrid.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyinmadrid_/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maddyinmadrid Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    28 min
  5. Apr 29

    If You Still Don’t Understand Blockchain, You Need To Listen To This Conversation.

    Have you ever wondered what the hell blockchain actually is and why it’s useful? If so, this episode is for you… In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by  Marieke De Ruyter De Wildt founder of Open food Chain, to break down how blockchain technology is transforming global food systems. With over 25 years of experience in agri-tech and having worked across more than 50 countries, Marieke is building the infrastructure for a more transparent, sustainable, and resilient food system using Web3 and blockchain.   We talk about what blockchain actually means (in simple terms), why traceability in food supply chains matters, and how technology can create trust between farmers, businesses, and consumers. This is a conversation about building in complex industries, navigating global systems, and what it really looks like to be a woman in tech, agriculture, and innovation. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, emerging tech, or building something impactful across industries and borders, this episode will completely shift how you think about both technology and the future of food. We also explore the challenges of scaling blockchain in real-world industries, working across cultures, and why the next generation of founders needs to understand both storytelling and systems. Timestamps 00:00:00 - introduction 00:01:32 - explaining blockchain and food traceability jargon 00:03:22 - the reality of food safety and immutable data 00:04:20 - supply chain transparency and new regulations 00:05:11 - why not all data is good data 00:06:32 - balancing data transparency with privacy 00:08:15 - overcoming the intimidation of tech as a founder 00:09:40 - finding tech communities and the power of meetups 00:10:47 - leaving your bubble to hire the right people 00:12:17 - the difference between a corporate job and entrepreneurship 00:13:35 - busting the romanticized myth of startup culture 00:15:05 - building confidence and finding mentors 00:17:10 - timeboxing to balance founder life and personal life 00:19:05 - making fun a core part of business culture 00:19:40 - how living in 50 countries shifts your perspective 00:21:22 - the future of tech, AI, and food regulations 00:23:40 - the truth about fair trade and premium food certificates 00:25:31 - simple diet advice for overwhelmed consumers 00:26:03 - where to connect with marike online 00:26:27 - reclaiming the word bossy and taking up space 00:27:39 - homework for leaving your comfort zone 00:28:44 - summary and final thoughts Follow Marieke / Open Food Chain https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt/ https://www.openfoodchain.com Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    30 min
  6. Apr 22

    How to Shoot Your Shot and Actually Get a Yes (The Exact Strategy I Used to Build a Global Podcast)

    In this episode of Reclaiming Bossy, we’re breaking down the art of shooting your shot and how to reach out, build genuine connections, and get people to actually say yes to you. This episode is part of the Amsterdam season, where I take you behind the scenes of how I created an international podcast series from scratch. No huge budget, no established network in the city, no perfect plan, just an idea, a vision, and the willingness to go for it. We’re talking about how I reached out to founders in Amsterdam, built relationships from nothing, and turned that into a full podcast season, but more importantly the mindset and strategy behind creating your own opportunities. If you’re trying to grow your network, build something meaningful, or stop waiting and start doing, this episode will give you both the confidence and the tools to start. Timestamps 00:00:00 - introduction 00:01:06 - the fear of asking and getting rejected 00:01:49 - reaching out to amsterdam founders 00:03:55 - advice for cold outreach online 00:04:45 - humanizing your approach 00:05:37 - bringing value and joy to collaborations 00:06:58 - the importance of knowing what you want 00:07:40 - doing a weekly energy audit 00:08:45 - making vision board bingo grids 00:10:06 - rewiring limiting beliefs 00:11:08 - creating an opportunity radar 00:12:49 - homework for the episode 00:13:17 - reframing rejection as data 00:14:50 - summary and final advice Key takeaways You don’t need permission to create opportunities. People are more open than you think if you approach them right. Rejection is data, not a reflection of your worth Humanise your approach If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who needs to shoot their shot this week. Connect with me/ the podcast  Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingbossy My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maahika.s Podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reclaimingbossy My TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maahika.s For collaborations and enquiries team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    16 min
  7. Apr 15

    What Is Jamu? How a 1,300-Year-Old Wellness Practice Became a Global Brand

    What is Jamu? How do you turn a 1,300-year-old wellness practice into a global brand? In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Anna Uspessij, founder of Good Jamu, to break down how she built a wellness business rooted in culture, identity, and authenticity. We talk about how Anna transformed a traditional Indonesian healing ritual into a fast-growing European brand, without diluting its meaning for Western markets. This is a conversation about building something real in a world full of trends. If you are interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, personal branding, or how to build a brand from scratch, this episode will give you both the mindset and the strategy to start. We also explore the difference between ritual and routine, cultural appreciation vs appropriation, and what it actually takes to scale a business while staying aligned with your values. Timestamps 00:00:25 - introduction 00:00:40 - introducing anna and good jamu 00:01:17 - what is jamu 00:02:23 - the meaning and history of jamu 00:03:37 - jamu as a community ritual 00:05:01 - the inspiration behind goed jammel 00:06:34 - advice on starting a business 00:08:55 - cultivating resilience as a founder 00:10:53 - finding founder communities 00:12:03 - introducing cultural heritage to a new market 00:15:37 - storytelling and explaining a new product 00:17:16 - building confidence as an entrepreneur 00:19:47 - designing a business around your values 00:22:25 - deciding on flavors and scaling 00:26:01 - international expansion 00:27:47 - marketing and building a community 00:29:15 - what's next for good jamu 00:30:03 - final advice for entrepreneurs Follow Anna/ good jam Good Jamu: goodjamu https://goodjamu.com/en?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnJigniDe_KzLA_EAtdphd-oT5q8Y45hW-mxGd6UrQJDFwfgWisszV0O0HzOM_aem_xvW_llJqZf_fYDAlMH1TGA Connect with the Pod / Me Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossy My Instagram: @maahika.s Podcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossy My TikTok: @maahika.s For collaborations & enquiries: team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    33 min
  8. Apr 8

    How I Created an International Podcast Season With No Money, No Network & No Sponsors

    In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I share how I created an international podcast season in Amsterdam from scratch, without funding, connections, or a clear plan. This is a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to turn an idea into something real, and why overthinking is often the only thing holding you back.This episode is for anyone who has been putting off a passion project, waiting until the timing feels right, or believing they need more resources before they start. If you have an idea that will not leave you alone, this is your sign to take action.We also explore the concept of “just doing things,” and how shifting from overthinking to action can completely change your trajectory. I share practical ways to break out of perfectionism, build momentum, and start creating before you feel ready.In this episode, we cover how to start a podcast with no money, how to build something internationally without a network, and how to take action even when you feel unprepared. If you are interested in podcast growth, personal branding, entrepreneurship, or building something from scratch, this episode will give you both the mindset and the strategy to begin.This Amsterdam season features conversations with some of the most exciting female founders and creatives across the city so stay tuned and subscribe.Timestamps00:03:45 - my mission00:05:30 - why are we here?00:08:30 - producer reveal00:12:55 - getting creative00:16:00 - getting going and getting goodThings MentionedErifili: one of the bossy gals and previous podcast guests, here is her episode: https://youtu.be/Nu2L24RkXQQ?si=MiL2favl4ljiqKoRHer essay “literally Just Do Things” :https://erifili.substack.com/p/literally-just-do-thingsThe Musician who made this podcast’s music : @elizabethgounariMy Lovely Co producer for this season: @plamenkalinikovConnect with the Pod/ MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy TikTok: @maahika.sFor collaborations & enquiries:team@empowersoundsmedia.com

    26 min

About

Originally called Empower Sounds, the podcast has evolved and turned into Reclaiming Bossy! I’ve been called “bossy” many times in my life, often in a negative way. But through conversations with leaders, founders, and creators, I realised that so many of us share this “bossy” spark. I love the idea of reclaiming this word that’s been used to put people down and turn it into something empowering. Reclaiming bossy is a space to celebrate ambition, leadership, creativity, and the bold voices making things happen New episodes every monday 3