Welcome back to *Seasoned Professional.* I’m your host, Hannah Octavia.

Today, I’m honored to share the story of an inspiring woman. Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, she pursued her dream of becoming a makeup artist. Her dedication and passion for beauty have shaped an extraordinary journey, allowing her to work with renowned celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Jeremy Irons, Sandra Oh, and Jodie Whittaker.

Her work on The Borgias earned her an Emmy nomination, though she humbly believes it wasn’t solely her accomplishment. Reflecting on her life in her late 20s and early 30s, she shares how she often allowed herself to "fall forward" into new situations, fueled by a mix of confidence and pure terror.

Over the past 30 years as a makeup artist, she has cultivated skills that transcend the typical perception of her profession. She emphasizes the importance of team management, creating schedules, effective communication, and leading teams—skills that go far beyond the stereotype of makeup artists as people who can merely draw a straight eyeliner.

Throughout our conversation, she shared invaluable lessons from her time in this high-stakes industry. She spoke candidly about working with A-list celebrities, stressing the importance of not putting them on a pedestal—a mindset she believes undermines your own skills and worth.

She also opened up about the insecurities she experienced after having her son, and the difficult decision to step away from the industry after COVID-19 to focus on her family and a new passion: empowering women entering middle age.

Her energy and wisdom were an absolute joy to experience. Please welcome Tahira Herold.

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See you next Sunday!

xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Today, I’m honored to share the story of an inspiring woman. Growing up in a small hamlet, she spent her childhood immersed in movement—dancing, gymnastics, and exploring the forest behind her home, where her parents still live today.

As a teenager, she faced the pressures of the 90s “heroin chic” aesthetic, and a desire for control during a period of family challenges added to the pressure of needing to look a certain way. Her mother battled depression but found a spark of hope reignited after attending a Zumba class—a transformative moment that inspired my guest to follow her own journey of fitness and creativity.

Merging her passions for fitness and graphic design, she carved a path that led to roles at fitness magazines, Boots, and eventually the prestigious position of Creative Director. Yet, despite her hard work, whispers of “she must have slept with the boss” echoed, a reflection of the biases successful women often endure. Determined to help others, she launched The Box, an award-winning gym. She overcame the pandemic’s challenges, became sole owner, and expanded the studio with a personal training program.

A true example of resilience and determination, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce the remarkable Lucy Pinto.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of body image and mental health disorders please take care while listening.

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xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Today I’m excited to share the very first episode I ever recorded. Launching this podcast has been an incredible journey, and it’s truly special to revisit the conversation that started it all. Beginning Seasoned Professional with this remarkable guest was an absolute privilege, and I look forward to having him back in the future to delve even deeper into his inspiring story.

Born and raised just outside Brighton, he grew up surrounded by nature and animals. From a young age, he was drawn to the world of law, fascinated by the courtroom’s theatrics and the deep, lasting relationships forged with clients.

With a singular focus on his goals, he embarked on a career that has been nothing short of extraordinary. This steadfast dedication has led him to spend his entire professional journey at a single law firm, a rare achievement in today’s fast-paced world. He steadily rose through the ranks to become an equity partner while maintaining his values and demonstrating the quiet power of patience, persistence, and dedication.

His story is a refreshing reminder of the rewards that come from committing to a path and seeing it through, especially in a society so often focused on constant change. It was a joy to speak with him, and I know you’ll find his perspective as inspiring as I did. Please welcome my guest, Nicholas Taylor.

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xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Today, I’m honored to share the story of a truly inspiring woman. Born in Kenya, she grew up surrounded by nature and a loving family, with a rigorous education that instilled both discipline and comparison. At 16, she moved to England for boarding school, finding connection with fellow newcomers and eventually pursuing a career in law. Her journey took her from Cambridge to the high-stakes world of elite London firms.

After the loss of her mother, she sought a new path, exploring floristry, volunteering with Macmillan Cancer Support, and spending 15 transformative months at an ashram in India. Her story beautifully illustrates the intertwining of career and life, reminding us to seek happiness in the present and embrace life’s unpredictability.

It was a pleasure speaking with her, and I know her story will bring light to your day. Please welcome my guest, Rakhi Talwar.

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See you next Sunday!

xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Welcome back to Seasoned Professional, I'm your host, Hannah Octavia. Today, I’m honored to introduce a truly multifaceted talent—an actor, writer, director, and the visionary behind his own production company. His directorial debut, Dark Justice, a powerful film addressing sexual abuse, earned him Best Human Rights Film and Best International Short at the Atlantic Bridge Festival in Amsterdam.

Before we dive in, I want to provide a trigger warning for our listeners—this episode contains discussions of sexual abuse, and suicide. Please take care while listening.

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with him, and I know you'll be captivated by our conversation. Please welcome Rupert Charmak.

A brief final note is my lovely videographer forgot to turn on our microphones for the first 5 minutes. Please excuse the change in audio and we are so appreciative of your support while we figure out all this podcast stuff. If you’re watching this episode enjoy Elliot crawling into frame to turn on the microphones.

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Sucker Punch Productions

StopSO

Dark Justice

Calzy Foundation

Petition to get a 24/7 Mental Health Emergency Line!

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See you next Sunday!

xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Today I have the privilege of speaking with an extraordinary woman whose resilience and determination are truly inspiring. Despite facing two life-altering injuries, 30 years apart, she managed to rebuild trust in her body—not once, but twice. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, as she navigated the challenges of teen pregnancy and single parenthood, all while prioritizing her physical and mental well-being.

In our conversation, I learned valuable lessons about the importance of time, the impact of positive self-talk, the strength required to overcome adversity, and the nuanced differences between therapy and coaching. It’s an episode filled with wisdom and inspiration.

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Find Chloe!

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See you next Sunday!

xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Today, I’m excited to introduce a guest who proudly embraces his role as a disruptor, someone who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Growing up in the vibrant city of Brighton, he reflects on the culture that shaped his childhood and how he found his calling in basketball. His journey led him to cross paths with 2019 NBA Championship head coach Nick Nurse, and he shares eye-opening stories about life with professional athletes and the treatment of rookies.

But his impact doesn’t stop there. Our guest is now making waves as a business owner and founder of Men of Melanin and BARCO, creating meaningful change for the Black community. This conversation was enlightening, offering deep insights into the Black experience and the power of unapologetic leadership.

Before we dive in, I want to provide a trigger warning for our listeners—this episode contains discussions of depression and suicide. Take care while listening.

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B.A.R.C.O.

Boxless

Men of Melanin

Bud Johnston's Ted Talk

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See you next Sunday!

xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

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Today, we’re diving into a topic that often brings with it a lot of apprehension—death. I’m speaking with an individual whose career journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a hospice nurse and advancing through the healthcare system, she earned her master’s degree at 50, launched her own business, and even created a podcast about advanced care planning that held space for a fellow nurse who was dying.

Despite my initial nervousness, this conversation left me feeling surprisingly calm and enlightened. Please take care while listening.

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See you next Sunday!

xx Hannah Octavia

(Theme music curtesy of Fran Lusty's song, "Functioning Adult")

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.