How To Own The Room

Do you know what you're talking about? Viv Groskop talks to author Lucy Foley about squeaky voices, head girl energy and never quite feeling you are a "proper" person. They explore judicious giving up, failing better - and just how you take the plunge and become a full time writer. You can pre-order Lucy Foley's book, The Paris Apartment now. A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now. @vivgroskop

Do you have the confidence to fail? Viv Groskop talks to Jan Ravens, the actress and impressionist. Jan (or is it Liz Truss?) talks about exploring the space between vulnerability and control. She recalls the way mental illness (and the stigma around it) shaped her family life, and reveals how working with others gave her back a sense of control after the strange end of her first marriage. She (or is it Theresa May?) talks the power of the double act, the horror of writing - and the vital importance of doing things that scare you. You can follow Jan on social @thatjanravens Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Can you laugh at yourself? Viv Groskop talks to Jules Breach, presenter for BT Sport, Premier League Productions and the Football Ramble podcast. She says knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with the whirlwind of live TV. But keeping it real matters even more. She reveals that as a woman in sport she is still far more scrutinised than her male colleagues, and even as one of the most sought after broadcasters around she still gets asked: "do you actually like football?" You can find out more about Jules @JulesBreach Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Can women win? Viv Groskop talks to writer Kate Mosse, founder director of the Women's Prize for Fiction, and founder of the global Woman In History campaign. They discuss playing by your own rules - and winning. They talk ambition, feminism, being a carer and the horror of reading your own books. And Kate recalls actor Juliet Stevenson's advice: if you see a closed door, go round the side. You can find out more about Kate's work including her latest book The City of Tears at her website katemosse.co.uk Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you too polite? Viv Groskop talks to writer and public intellectual Siri Hustvedt about sexism, misogyny and why she believes politeness is a bad policy. She recalls being a child whose illness and "Alice in Wonderland syndrome" altered her perception of the world. She describes being an adult drawn to break down the traditional boundaries between ways of thinking. And she reveals the secrets of keeping calm, speaking out - and owning the room in the face of the hostility which can be the price of confidence. Siri's latest book, Mothers, Fathers and Others is out now. You can find out more about Siri and her work at her website sirihustvedt.net Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Do you believe your own story? Viv Groskop talks to Amanda Horton-Mastin, formerly senior director at Comic Relief and current CEO of Semble, which connects companies and communities to drive positive change. They explore how conviction can be contagious, whether you are fundraising or networking. They talk sickening nerves, and the power of pretending everything is fine. They talk over-compensating for having very fluffy hair - and what losing at tennis can teach you about winning at life. You can find out more about Amanda at Semble.org Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Have you asked? Viv Groskop talks to financier and campaigner Helena Morrissey DBE about the power of just asking for what we want and need. They explore the value of expressing your true self as opposed to trying to fit in. Opting for personality rather than perfection. Embracing your own style rather than mimicking a traditional pinstripe. And why even she struggles to call herself ambitious... You can find Helena's latest book, Style and Substance: A Guide for Women Who Want to Win at Work here. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Could it be like jazz? Viv Groskop talks to writer, poet and performer Yrsa Daley-Ward about allowing a bit of improvisation into your performance, so that you can respond to the energy in the room. They talk shyness, nerves - and bringing the realest, clearest, most honest version of yourself. Don't look for perfection, she says. There's always another chance to create something new. You can find out more about Yrsa and her work, including her latest book The How: Notes on the Great Work of Meeting Yourself, here. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Do you feel lucky? Viv Groskop talks to actress Dame Eileen Atkins about how owning the room is sometimes about being open to chance. They explore the genuine terror of the first night, the horror of being publicly judged, and why your own opinion is what matters. And there are room-owning anecdotes aplenty, starring the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier... Dame Eileen's book, Will She Do? Act One of a Life on Stage is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Could you be a rebel? Viv Groskop talks to former French teacher and climate activist Anne Taylor about joining Extinction Rebellion to fight the climate emergency. They explore getting arrested, speaking in court and how to communicate with people who don't want to listen. They talk about quietness, passion, privilege - and discovering that a vital cause can drive you to own the room in ways you would never have expected. You can find out more about Extinction Rebellion here Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you homely or buccaneering? Viv Groskop talks to broadcasters Fi Glover and Jane Garvey, co-hosts of the Fortunately podcast and authors of Did I Say That Out Loud? Notes on the Chuff of Life. They explore the horror of bar stools, the power of pinching yourself and the nervous nosebleed. They discuss being small, being authentic and why the show must not go on in all cases. And why Boris Johnson's overconfidence ought to encourage a generation of schoolgirls. Fi and Jane's book is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is also out now. @vivgroskop

What's the worst that could happen? Viv Groskop talks to the lawyer, TV host and motivational speaker Mel Robbins about facing bankruptcy, unemployment and divorce - and how she completely turned her life around to become one of the top speakers on the circuit and a viral sensation. They talk the five second rule, the high five habit, and why your new mantra should be: "Usually, I'm double". Oh, and what it's like to literally wet yourself on stage. You can find out more about Mel at melrobbins.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is also out now. @vivgroskop

Are you missing the bleeding obvious? Viv Groskop talks to Nayna McIntosh, founder and CEO of Hope Fashion, about how we can be so unused to saying what we really want - that we can miss our true calling. She explains that her first retail job was on her mum's market stall, how she went on to work at M&S, Per Una, Next and Asda - and how starting a business is like jumping off a cliff. And she reveals everything she wished she'd know when she started.

Are you a work in progress? Viv Groskop talks to writer and journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink about the power of seeing yourself as an ongoing project, free from constant judgement. They explore how the right time to do something may not be the first time you try, and how writing can teach you about yourself. Oh, and the horror of the "participatory chair"... You can find out more about Cathy's work at cathyreadsbooks.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is also out now. @vivgroskop

Need to dig yourself out of a hole? Viv Groskop talks to Indra Nooyi, the former chair and CEO of PepsiCo. She may be regularly listed as one of the world's most powerful woman, but as a woman of colour she explains how she always felt like she started at a disadvantage, in a hole that she had to dig herself out of. She explains how important it is to avoid anything that takes the focus away from what you have to say, why society needs to support families - and why stomach butterflies are brilliant. Indra's book My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is also out now. @vivgroskop

Fat cow, fat chance? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, journalist and broadcaster Dame Jenni Murray, the former presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. They talk being nosy, being prepared and why you must NEVER say "tell me about..." They discuss appearance, being criticised by your mother, and Dame Jenni's latest book on the science and psychology of size. Oh, and how she tackled an interview with Hollywood legend Bette Davis on only her second day at Woman's Hour. Dame Jenni's book Fat Cow, Fat Chance: The Science and Psychology of Size is out now. Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is also out now. @vivgroskop nosiness bette davies science and psychology of size interview technique mother critising her appearance value of preparation Never say tell me about

Do you have the authority? Viv Groskop talks to Jackie Weaver; viral internet sensation, author of the book You Do Have the Authority Here! and chief officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils. They discuss difficult meetings (no, really) as well as zoom etiquette, how to prepare, and how to keep calm in the face of aggression. Jackie considers why men bully, why women don't apply for jobs - and why local politics is your best bet to change the world. Also, of course, how to read the standing orders. And understand them. Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

What's your armour? Viv Groskop talks to Jane Shepherdson, chair of My Wardrobe HQ, former chief exec of Whistles and brand director at TopShop. They discuss the way clothes can make you feel powerful- and how "rent-a-porter" can rekindle a fashion love affair without sacrificing the planet (or costing the earth). Jane reveals how she found her purpose and reinvented her career. And she explains how to deal with difficult characters, why you must surround yourself with excellence and how to get paid what you deserve. Find out more about Jane's latest venture at mywardrobehq.com Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you posh? Or do you just like olives? Viv Groskop talks to Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding. They talk olives, going viral and why a joke will help get your point across. Jess reveals how she learned to communicate working in a pub, how showing confidence gives others confidence, and how other people saying stupid things is a great encouragement to speak up. Plus why women need to know they don't need to be perfect for politics. Jess's new book Everything You Really Need to Know About Politics: My Life As an MP is out now. Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Is this visceral? Viv Groskop talks to author, businesswoman and chocolatier Chantal Coady about how to deploy the senses to beguile, comfort and delight. She talks about the importance of theatre, and deploying visuals to hold attention. She recalls how how her mother leveraged the family home to help her start her business, and how that spurred her to make it a success. She talks about the murky ethics of chocolate and what you can do to help. And she recalls how a moment on a beach inspired a legendary chocolate invention... Find out more about Chantal at chantalcoady.com Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you sitting comfortably? Viv Groskop talks to Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley CH, the businesswoman, philanthropist and technology pioneer. They explore why she changed her name - and why she brought her kitchen stool to America to give her TED talk in front of Bill Gates. Dame Stephanie argues that women must learn to ask for money: our input won't be valued if we don't value ourselves. She reveals how she learned a "healthy selfishness" after ending up in hospital, and tells Viv the single secret of success in business and romance... Find out more about Stephanie's work at steveshirley.com Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Can you take criticism? Viv Groskop talks to Paula Hawkins, author of (among others) the global phenomenon The Girl on The Train. They explore how to gain the confidence to embrace what you really care about, and how to say: "I can do that, it's not just for others." They consider the value of routine, the value of saying no and the value of indulging in darkness. And why you must read the bad reviews. Find out more about Paula's work and her latest book, A Slow Fire Burning at paulahawkinsbooks.com Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Why not? Viv Groskop talks to beauty journalist Funmi Fetto, Contributing Editor at British Vogue and Beauty Director at the Observer Magazine. Funmi argues that the risk of rejection is not worth missing opportunities, and explores the ongoing process of finding your voice, the double edged sword that is beauty, the role of faith and prayer in building confidence - and the joy of index cards. Find out more about Funmi's work at orbpodcast.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

What if you'd never heard of imposter syndrome? Viv Groskop talks to Lorraine Candy, columnist and former Editor in Chief from Style magazine, Elle UK and Sunday Times Style. They discuss owning the room, whether it's filled with Taylor Swift or Rupert Murdoch. They discuss what younger women can teach older women about self care - and how cold water can make you better at your job. They discuss not trying to be liked, not avoiding confrontation, not saying sorry and not buying into the negative narratives about women. Lorraine's book is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Have you felt small lately? Viv Groskop talks to journalist, author and broadcaster Julia Baird about the value of shrinking, and how feeling small can inspire wonder. She talks about learning to be yourself, learning not to freak out about swallowing, and the number of accomplished women who won't appear on her show because they feel fat. She asks - why do we have to be perfect before we're allowed to express an opinion? Julia's book Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder And Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Why are you here? Viv Groskop talks to writer Esther Freud about her new book, about why it's good for writers to get out, and the power of understanding that it's not about you - you are here for the audience. She explains why she loves feedback, why she loves interviews - and how she has to remind herself not to tell everybody absolutely everything... Esther's book, I Couldn't Love You More is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you ageing with power? Viv Groskop talks to designer Norma Kamali about why women should look forward to getting older. She explains that self respect and self love are hard but vital, and will draw the right opportunities to you. She shares her experience of being told at 18 that it's all downhill from here, her experience of divorce, her experience of discovering financial independence and confidence. And she argues that the risk of becoming irrelevant is worse than the risk of failure - so go for it. Norma's book I Am Invincible is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you following someone else's rules? Viv Groskop talks to poet Hollie McNish about the value of working out your own way to do something - even if it takes time. Hollie discusses her efforts to unlearn society's unhelpful lessons about being female, including frank conversations with her grandmother. And she explores nerves, pressure, being apologetic - and the sadness of putting poems about her gran into the past tense. You can find out more about Hollie and her new book, Slug and Other Things I've Been Told to Hate at holliepoetry.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you doing it your way? Viv Groskop talks to designer and businesswoman Anya Hindmarch about the value of authenticity. Anya reveals how neuro-linguistic programming and autogenic training helped her beat chronic stage fright. She argues that nerves are useful, that you know more than you think and that emotion is not only useful, it is the heart and soul of any business. Anya's book If In Doubt Wash Your Hair is out now. Find out more about Anya at anyahindmarch.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Have you said what you came to say? Viv Groskop talks to Anneliese Dodds, Labour Co-Op Member of Parliament for Oxford East, about owning the House as the first female Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. How to communicate complex ideas, how to build trust, how to deal with the Daily Mail style police. And how to make sure that you are clear what you want to say - and say it. Find out more about Anneliese at anneliesedodds.org.uk Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Are you feeding your self doubt? Viv Groskop talks to writer Isabel Allende about how women can combat insecurity by celebrating each other. She talks of the value of feeling comfortable in your skin, knowing what you want to say and understanding that: "these people have come here to love you". Oh, and realising that she is not, after all, a flamboyant bitch. Isabel's new book, The Soul of a Woman is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is too. @vivgroskop

Do you feel completely happy? If not, admit it out loud to yourself. That moment of truth will help. Viv Groskop talks to sociologist and life coach Martha Beck who argues that aligning with your truth will get rid of all your psychological suffering. They also discuss chronic public speaking nerves, how to train your animal brain as if it were a frightened horse - and what it's like to hang out with Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Gilbert. Martha's new book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self is out now. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is too. @vivgroskop

Are you doing the work? Viv Groskop talks to Dr Nicole LePera, holistic psychologist and author of How to Do The Work. They explore the idea of healing yourself, learning to regulate your body and how that psychological and physiological work can help you to own the room. And Viv finds out how someone who "hates public speaking" manages an online following of millions. Find out more about Nicole's work @the.holistic.psychologist Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Do you know why you are doing this? Viv Groskop talks to Yewande Akinola MBE, chartered engineer and TV presenter, about the power of knowing your purpose when it comes to connecting to your audience. She reveals the setbacks and criticism that come with building a public profile and argues that if you think of your work as an extension of who you are, it becomes less daunting. Find out more about Yewande's work at yewandeakinola.co.uk Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

Do you want it too much? Viv Groskop talks to TV presenter, actress and writer Mel Giedroyc about the power of not caring and how she was nearly too rock 'n roll to audition for what turned out to be her big break. They talk #strictlycomedancing, #GBBO and almost going bankrupt. And making mistakes. Like thinking: who the HECK is interested in whether a cake rises? Mel's new book is The Best Things. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. In this fifth and final part Viv and Ethan discuss how they speak to their daughters about inner voice. How do you distinguish between your feelings and your thoughts? And how to talk to yourself with kindness and compassion. (Warning: May include Viv calling herself a "sweaty old cow.") You can find out more about Ethan at ethankross.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Part four looks at negative thought loops and what to do when you are talking to yourself like a bully. How to know when to trust your intuition and when to seek external confirmation. And the six things you need to write down after every stressful moment you survive. You can find out more about Ethan at ethankross.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Part three discusses the role other people can play in challenging our inner voice. What they do to help — and what they do to hinder us. And what role does environment play? Could cleaning your kitchen be the secret to controlling your inner voice? (Disclaimer: we are not telling anyone to clean their kitchen.) You can find out more about Ethan at ethankross.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. In part two: What is "distanced self-talk" and why is it so helpful? How thinking forward into the future and backwards into the past can help you reassure yourself and find perspective. And why talking to yourself in the third person is the ultimate psychological ju-jitsu technique. You can find out more about Ethan at ethankross.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents the second of two special five-part series. This week: Inner Voice with psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Is your inner voice sabotaging your presenting style? In part one we look at what "chatter" is, how to avoid "spinning" (going into a negative thought spiral) and why it matters for women to pay attention to their internal monologue. You can find out more about Ethan at ethankross.com Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now. @vivgroskop

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 all knew already: that she loves the sound of her own voice. You can find out more about Hillary at tellmeastory.info Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

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 find out more about Hillary at tellmeastory.info Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

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 about Hillary at tellmeastory.info Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

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 easily blown.) You can find out more about Hillary at tellmeastory.info She has also created this page where listeners can get the 5 Word Story template to try out. Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

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 Hillary at tellmeastory.info Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

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's latest book Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader here Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now. And you can subscribe now to Viv's podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

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, even if that means feeding your baby in the boardroom. Find out more about June's work and life at juneangelides.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 Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

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 Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

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. 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 Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

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 podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.