To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. In this fifth and final part: why you don't need to be a flashy version of yourself, why telling your story is important because it shows others that it's OK to tell their stories, keeping "something in your back pocket" to share and... the role gender plays in storytelling. Also, Viv finally admits what we...
Mar 12, 2021•16 min•Season 10Ep. 5
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. Part four is about the practicalities of your story: how to know how long you should talk for, why every story must have a beginning, middle and end - plus Viv unpicks how she learned the hard way that a story needs to be self-contained, otherwise the audience just gets really irritated with you. You can fi...
Mar 11, 2021•16 min•Season 10Ep. 4
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. Part three explains how you can use storytelling to bring your true self to work and talk about who you are "beyond the blazer" (your work persona). Plus, how to know when a story is ready to be told and when it's too raw to share. And… Viv reveals her phobia of her own weird nose. You can find out more abo...
Mar 10, 2021•17 min•Season 10Ep. 3
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. Part two explains how choosing five simple words will help you build your story quickly and easily — and how mastering this technique means that you have something to say for every occasion. Hillary puts Viv on the spot to find her five words and it blows Viv's mind. (In fairness, it is a mind that is easil...
Mar 09, 2021•16 min•Season 10Ep. 2
To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. In part one we look at how storytelling techniques can revolutionise your communication at work - and in life. Why do we care so much about stories and what can they be used for? What is "the hero's journey"? And can stories really help you to "fall in love" with yourself? You can find out more about Hillar...
Mar 08, 2021•18 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Sex or work? Viv Groskop talks to radical feminist critic, journalist and memoirist Vivian Gornick about the gains of the feminist movement - and what still stands in the way. They discuss the revelations of #MeToo, the TV show The Crown and the reason your inner critic is actually a sign of liberation. They talk Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Hilary Clinton - and the importance of gaining power over your own life and purpose. Oh, and not having to choose between sex and work. You can buy Vivian...
Feb 26, 2021•35 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Are you still waiting for the cavalry? Viv Groskop talks to June Angelides, investor, entrepreneur and founder of Mums In Tech, the UK's first child-friendly coding school for mums. June talks about privilege and entitlement, about how to boost investment in Black-owned ventures - and about the moment she realised she had to be her own cavalry. She reveals what she learned about creativity and entrepreneurship from the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, and how vital it is to be authentic, ...
Feb 19, 2021•33 min•Season 9Ep. 7
Are you lost in the moment? Viv Groskop talks to Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy about saying yes to life, inspiring a team to trust your vision and how self consciousness can hold you back. Plus the tale of her very first film audition - with Isabelle Huppert. Oh, and the wisdom to be found in fishing. Find out more about Shahira's work and life @shahira_fahmy Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild He r; a series...
Feb 12, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 6
If you don't take risks, have you really lived? Viv Groskop talks to Ruth Coker Burks, author of the memoir All The Young Men, who risked everything to care for men dying of AIDS. She describes how being present and listening can express more than words. She talks about the power of believing in her message, even when she was shunned by the community and crosses were burnt on her lawn. Feeling fear? Ruth says walk through the fear and do it anyway. Ruth's book, All the Young Men , is out now. Vi...
Feb 05, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Does your story deserve to be told? Viv Groskop talks to TV presenter and charity founder Katie Piper about taking ownership of your story and accepting that people want to hear it. They discuss protecting your energy, selling yourself to yourself, accepting your insecurities and the surprising things that intimidate us (think stapler...) Find out more about Katie's at the Katie Piper Foundation . Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new po...
Jan 29, 2021•37 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Want to find your fierce? Viv Groskop talks to Brita Fernandez-Schmidt, women's empowerment advocate and executive director at Women for Women International. Brita reveals the secret to finding human connection, from boardrooms to galas to war zones. She explains how she draws strength from the people in the boardroom of her heart.... and from eye-catching and uplifting clothes. Brita's new new book, Fears to Fierce is out now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are also out now. And y...
Jan 22, 2021•35 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Are you blocked? Viv Groskop talks to the teacher, writer and creativity guru Julia Cameron about liberating people to tap into their own creative power. She talks about prayer, vulnerability, the magic of her "morning pages" technique and the power of disarming an audience with the unexpected. Oh, and how to squash your inner critic (hers is called Nigel). Julia's new book, The Listening Path is out now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are also out now. And you can subscribe now to...
Jan 15, 2021•32 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Are you underperforming because you are over-preparing? Viv Groskop talks to writer and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon about the power that comes from showing your vulnerability, the buzz of disproving the doubting voices in your head and the authenticity of not preparing too much. Oh, and putting Aquafresh on your spots. Bryony's new book, No Such Thing as Normal is out now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are also out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's other podcast, ...
Jan 08, 2021•32 min
Have you learned to stop worrying and love the video conferencing technology? No? Come this way. In this second special masterclass edition Viv Groskop answers listener questions about owning the room remotely. From ring lights and hairstyles and cracked iPads to the conundrum of sightlines and the importance of listening not looking. If you're battle-scarred by months of 4 hour Zoom meetings - or if you're a newbie coming back from furlough to a terrifying new landscape of remote work, Viv can ...
Nov 13, 2020•30 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Are you agreeing to conflict? Viv Groskop talks to novelist Charlotte Wood about how liberating it is not to be nice - and the revelation that no one can be in conflict with you without your participation. They discuss taking control of your own worth, not abusing the power of the microphone - and playing the Sydney Opera House in lockdown. Charlotte's latest book The Weekend is available now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcas...
Nov 06, 2020•31 min
Have you had a good lunch? Viv Groskop talks to journalist and Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman about doorstepping, sisterhood, nearly getting run over on live TV and the importance of keeping your team well fed (even if your team is just you). Cathy's latest book It Takes Two: A History of the Couples Who Dared to Be Different is available now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild He r; a series of intimate...
Oct 30, 2020•32 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Is your passion showing? Viv Groskop talks to historian and author Rochelle Rowe about leaving space for the audience, about inclusion and how to be a good ally, about reminding yourself you have earned your place - and about how showing your passion can hide your nerves. You can find out more about Rochelle at her website, rochellerowe.com Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild He r; a series of intimate conversat...
Oct 23, 2020•29 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Are you telling your story? Viv Groskop meets Valerie Jarrett, businesswoman, lawyer and senior adviser to US President Barack Obama. She talks about living a purposeful life, and the mistake of hiding your true self from your work world. She talks about meeting a young Michelle Obama and persuading her to accept a job (no matter what her opinionated fiance thought) She talks about what gives her hope in these desperate times, and how we can't afford to be tired. You can find out more about Vale...
Oct 16, 2020•35 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Are you scared to take risks? Viv Groskop talks to violinist Tasmin Little about creativity, performance pressure, and how you reach perfection by risking it all. Tasmin reveals the punishing logistics of a performing life, the ironic potential for cultural starvation, and her need to avoid being defined by her performance. You can find out more about Tamsin at her website, tasminlittle.com Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, ...
Oct 09, 2020•31 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Been wolf whistled by 400 boys? Viv Groskop talks to Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project and author of Men Who Hate Women: From Incels to Pickup Artists, the Truth about Extreme Misogyny and how it Affects Us All. Laura talks about anger, fear, shame and hope. About how facts are her friends, about TV interviews with men who want to "rip you to shreds" - and about how she turned that disastrous school talk into a triumph. Laura's latest book, Men Who Hate Women , is out now. Viv'...
Oct 02, 2020•36 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Are you an arrogant idiot? Viv Groskop talks to Tara Mohr, expert in women's leadership and wellbeing, and author of Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women who Want to Speak Up, Create and Lead. Listen and learn how to ditch "good girl habits", how to be more improvisational, more self-trusting, more authentic. And how liberating it is to think just a little more like an arrogant idiot. Find out more about Tara's work on her website . Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now. Tw...
Oct 02, 2020•32 min•Season 8Ep. 1
How can we be together, apart? Facilitator, strategic adviser and author Priya Parker talks to Viv Groskop about the art of gathering and why it matters. They explore the value of a proper introduction, the crime of apologising for speaking, and why so much of a successful event has been determined before it even begins. Oh, and why being a "chill host" is such a bad idea...
Jul 17, 2020•34 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Is your skin too thick? Feminist, activist and founding leader of the Women's Equality Party Sophie Walker talks to Viv Groskop about coping with hostility and the value of being thin-skinned. She talks pacing, breathing, how fitness will help you rouse the rabble, how young women will inspire you - and why amid all the shouting you must remember the effect your words are having on the quiet ones. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now....
Jul 10, 2020•30 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Are you on mute? Viv Groskop reveals How to Own the Zoom (it had to be done) In a special Masterclass edition, Viv talks camera position, game face, breathing through your feet, engaging an audience you can't see, dealing with a screen-hogger - and the cheering fact that even Zoom's CEO has been known to accidentally hit the mute button... Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are out now....
Jul 03, 2020•31 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Are you feeling the fear? Actor, writer and comedian Katy Brand talks to Viv Groskop about the myth of natural confidence, how to work your best angle on camera, and how fear is just a chemical response - no more. Oh, and Nicola Horlick... Katy's latest book, I Carried a Watermelon , is out now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are also out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild He r; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the ag...
Jun 26, 2020•29 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Are you not "a natural"? Director Coky Giedroyc talks to Viv Groskop about building the long road to self belief, the power of lowering your voice, why she's fierce with young directors - and why it's time for men to step aside. Coky's latest film, How to Build a Girl , based on the novel by Caitlin Moran, is out now. Viv's books, including How to Own the Room , are also out now....
Jun 19, 2020•33 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Are you embarrassed even when you are alone? Writer Kiley Reid, author of Such a Fun Age , talks to Viv Groskop about coming to terms with your own creativity and ambition, "woke scolding", changing the world - and why she would love to be the sort of person who enjoys karaoke.
Jun 12, 2020•32 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Do you know the rules? In a special masterclass episode, Viv Groskop distils her own experience and the wisdom of previous guests from Sandi Toksvig to Mary Portas, revealing the three key rules to owning the room. Do check out Viv's new book Lift As You Climb
Mar 27, 2020•29 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Are you the one aiming at the moon? Or the one with the plan to get there? Teachers Natalie Chama-Pupé and Karl Pupé talk to Viv Groskop about respect, discipline, humour - and about how they inspire and ground each other. Do check out Karl Pupé's book The Action Hero Teacher And Viv's new book Lift As You Climb ....
Mar 20, 2020•32 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Could you work with your family? Tricia Cusden, Anna Cusden and Suzy Stern are the mother and daughters team behind beauty brand Look Fabulous Forever. They talk to Viv Groskop about boundaries, communication, the trick to grabbing an audience by the first impression - and why you must never say hello-my-name-is... Do check out Look Fabulous Foreve r, and Viv's new book Lift as You Climb...
Mar 12, 2020•30 min•Season 6Ep. 3
