Voted Least Likely

Leah Yard
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Do you feel alone in your struggle? Do you feel like you know there is something special in you to give, but you feel stuck? Do you feel like the least likely person to be able to succeed? Ya, me too. The good news? You’re in the right place. Welcome to the Voted Least Likely Podcast. I’m Leah, and I’ll be your host on this messy trip. I am a high school drop out who accidentally became an entrepreneur (aka: a certified ”Failure Expert”). When starting my jewellery business Leah Yard Designs, I struggled to find peers in the industry I could relate to. I felt completely alone and was tired of hearing entrepreneurial stories where everything seemed to ”fall into place” at the right time. Because starting something new? Building a business? It’s messy, heartbreaking, and often embarrassing. After failing over and over, I finally stumbled my way into success. But I’m not here to tell you how to be successful. I started the Voted Least Likely Podcast to share stories of failure, and demystify what it really means to be successful so YOU don’t feel alone. Welcome to the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I hope you didn’t get dressed up for this ;) Website: www.leahyard.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard

  1. 12/17/2025

    Happy Holidays (and congratulations on making it through a difficult year)

    Happy Holidays! Like many of you, this year was a rollercoaster. I experienced some of my best and worst days in the last 12 months. I will be taking the next two weeks to process everything we went through by focusing on the glimmers of joy, and finding the lessons in the chaos. As always, I want to thank YOU for tuning in to the Voted Least Likely podcast this year, leaving 5 star reviews, or recommending the show to a friend. It means more than you know.  Happy Holidays, talk soon in 2026✨ Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard Know someone who would make a great guest on the show? Find the application form here.

    10 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    The Cost of NOT Being Yourself

    “There are real costs to not being yourself.” In this solo episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m talking about the quiet ways we learn to water ourselves down to fit in, and what starts to shift when we finally decide to stop. As I’ve moved into my late 30s, I’ve felt a deeper pull toward authenticity-- not the polished kind, but the messy, honest, uncomfortable kind that actually feels like freedom. I reflect on how much energy it takes to constantly edit who you are for the comfort of others. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve been performing a version of their life instead of living it. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to take up more space, speak more truthfully, or finally choose yourself, this one’s for you. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard Know someone who would make a great guest on the show? Find the application form here.

    14 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    Entrepreneurship, Intuition & the REAL Journey Behind Building a Creative Life with Jenna Herbut

    In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jenna Herbut — founder of the Make It Show, author of Make It Happen, and creator of The Conscious Lab. Jenna has spent years supporting makers and creative entrepreneurs, and her work has inspired thousands of people to pursue their ideas with courage, curiosity, and heart. This conversation goes far beyond business. Jenna opens up about why entrepreneurship is one of the most spiritual journeys you can choose, and how she’s learned to navigate uncertainty by leaning into her intuition. We explore: How Jenna uses intuitive nudges to guide her decisions Why building a business will shine a light on every part of yourself, the empowered parts and the messy middle Why slowing down, listening inward, and staying honest with yourself might be the real competitive advantage This is an honest, grounding conversation about the human side of entrepreneurship, the doubts, the revelations, and the moments of magic that appear when you trust yourself enough to keep going. Whether you’re a creative, a founder, or someone dreaming of starting something but unsure where to begin, Jenna’s wisdom will meet you exactly where you are. Want to join the magic? Get your tickets for the Make It Show here. Make It Show Instagram: makeitshow Learn more about Jenna: https://jennaherbut.com/ Conscious Lab: https://consciouslab.ca/ A huge thank-you to Jenna for hosting us at Conscious Lab for this in-person episode. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

    53 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Do you need to be an OPTIMIST to be an Entrepreneur?

    In this episode of Voted Least Likely, we dive into a question that has kept me up at night: Do you need to be an optimist to succeed in business? This topic was sparked by a moment at a recent entrepreneur event — everyone in the room seemed effortlessly confident, “delusionally” optimistic, and absolutely certain their success was inevitable. Meanwhile, I was quietly wondering why I felt so out of place… until it hit me: I’m a pessimist. And in the entrepreneurial world, that can feel like a dirty word. In this episode, I unpack what it's like to build a business when your default setting is assuming the worst. I talk about: Why optimism is so heavily associated with entrepreneurship The unseen advantages of being a pessimist (yes, there are some!) How pessimism can sabotage your next steps — and how to work around it The myth that you need unwavering confidence to succeed My own early days building Leah Yard Designs, and why I genuinely thought I’d fail (but kept going anyways) Why not fitting the stereotype doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one who doubts yourself, prepares for the worst, or secretly thinks everyone else must know something you don’t, this episode is for you. We explore whether success actually requires optimism, or if there’s room in entrepreneurship for the rest of us: the over-thinkers, the realists, the cautious dreamers, and the “hope for the best, prepare for the absolute worst” types. Listen in to hear why your mindset — optimistic or pessimistic — might be exactly what your business needs. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

    14 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    Finding STRENGTH in a New Beginning with Iyeba Maclayton (2025 DFS Vancouver Inspiration Award Recipient)

    In this special episode, I'm sitting down with Iyeba Maclayton, the recipient of the 2025 Inspiration Award from Dress for Success Vancouver. Iyeba’s story is one of courage, transformation, and a deep belief in what is possible when you refuse to give up. She shares her journey from Nigeria to Canada and the challenges she faced while learning a new work culture and rebuilding her confidence. Iyeba speaks openly about the highs and lows of starting over, and how her faith grounded her through moments of uncertainty and fear. Her determination to grow, adapt, and honour her own potential is at the heart of this conversation. This episode also highlights the meaningful work of Dress for Success Vancouver. Their support played a key role in Iyeba’s transition, offering community, resources, and the encouragement she needed to move toward a new professional chapter. If you need a reminder of the power of resilience, belief in yourself, and support, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. Learn more about Iyeba here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyebamaclayton Learn more about Dress for Success Vancouver here: https://dfsvancouver.ca/ Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

    45 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    When you are FORCED to hit Pause: a life update

    Sometimes life forces you to slow down—whether you planned to or not. In this episode, I'm sharing what’s been happening behind the scenes: my partner Kyle’s surgery, the unexpected challenges that came with it, and what it really looks like to take a forced step away from work and surrender to life’s timing. This is a candid chat about letting go of control, accepting help, and the clarity that comes with a health scare. If this episode resonates with you, let's connect🫶 DM me on Instagram [@leahyard].  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard I also want to highlight my friend Jenn Wint’s inspiring event, Back to Business — a space for entrepreneurs to reconnect, refocus, and recharge as they tackle the remainder of this year and prepare for 2026. Learn more here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/back-to-business-tickets-1721735680769?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

    13 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Am I Having a CRISIS or Just Growing?

    In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m opening up about a season of change I didn’t see coming. It started with an unsettled feeling, like something in my life was out of alignment. I questioned everything: my business, my relationship, my style, even the city I live in. Was it hormones? Burnout? Or just… growth? Instead of running from the discomfort, I tried to lean into it. In this episode, I share: The unsettling (and scary) thoughts that come with questioning your life choices Why change naturally feels threatening, and how to shift your mindset around it The small, tangible ways I experimented with change (from food to fashion) without blowing up my whole life (even though I was tempted to) The big questions I forced myself to ask, even when the answers weren’t clear If you’ve ever felt restless, uncertain, or like you’re on the edge of something new (but don’t know what), this one’s for you. Because change doesn’t always mean losing yourself, it can mean finding a braver, freer version of who you already are. If this episode resonates with you, let's connect! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard].  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

    11 min

  8. 09/17/2025

    Turning Connection into Collective STRENGTH with Cecilia Morgan of Girl Squad

    In this week's episode, I sit down with Cecilia Morgan, the founder of Girl Squad, to talk about what it really takes to create a welcoming community for female professionals. From hosting markets and events to building authentic relationships, Ceci shares how vulnerability and openness can transform casual connections into deep, lasting support systems. Key Takeaways: The fears (and growth) that come with showing up on social media Why asking for help is a powerful step in both business and life Honest reflections on success, money, and how relationships impact both personal wellbeing and entrepreneurial growth Whether you’re a business owner, a community builder, or someone craving more meaningful connections, this episode offers a refreshing look at how to blend heart and strategy in creating spaces where women thrive together. If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey.  Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Do you feel alone in your struggle? Do you feel like you know there is something special in you to give, but you feel stuck? Do you feel like the least likely person to be able to succeed? Ya, me too. The good news? You’re in the right place. Welcome to the Voted Least Likely Podcast. I’m Leah, and I’ll be your host on this messy trip. I am a high school drop out who accidentally became an entrepreneur (aka: a certified ”Failure Expert”). When starting my jewellery business Leah Yard Designs, I struggled to find peers in the industry I could relate to. I felt completely alone and was tired of hearing entrepreneurial stories where everything seemed to ”fall into place” at the right time. Because starting something new? Building a business? It’s messy, heartbreaking, and often embarrassing. After failing over and over, I finally stumbled my way into success. But I’m not here to tell you how to be successful. I started the Voted Least Likely Podcast to share stories of failure, and demystify what it really means to be successful so YOU don’t feel alone. Welcome to the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I hope you didn’t get dressed up for this ;) Website: www.leahyard.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard

Information

  • Creator
    Leah Yard
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Voted Least Likely