Twenty5 Podcast

In this final episode of the twenty5 podcast, I'm taking you all back to where it began and reflecting on the two-year journey of the show. I want to thank all of my wonderful guests, the community of listeners that I have built and the friends that I have made along the way — you have all helped me grow and develop in ways that you could never imagine. This is not goodbye; in spring 2021, I will be launching a brand new podcast show called 'AFRICA: Her Way' dedicated to feminist African conversations, and I look forward to tackling new topics and taking this community to the next level.

In this nostalgic conversational episode, I'm taking you all back to the start of my journey as I reflect on the age 25 with my good friend Winnie Badaiki, a Medical Doctor and Bioethicist, among other things, who turned 25 last month and started to feel those all too common jitters. We're talking about why this is such a common feeling, the hurdles we have to jump to reach our purpose, and so much more.

S2 Ep 14 - Let’s Talk Imposter Syndrome (How I’m Ending My Subscription!) - Ony Anukem (solo episode) In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, it's just me, and I'm talking about my recent journey to overcome that annoying old thing called imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome torments even the most successful of people as it doesn't take into account our qualifications or experience. Imposter syndrome attacks your confidence and affects your psyche, and left unchecked it can have devastating effects. Life isn't all about sharing the wins and successes, join me as I get vulnerable and candid, and discuss how the pandemic triggered my feelings of imposter syndrome and tips on how I'm working to change that. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, it’s just me! I’ve been trying to find the right message and words for a solo episode for a while and yesterday afternoon on 7th November 2020 — a historic event took place that partially restored my faith in humanity. Join me as I share my Aha moment after the Biden-Harris win was announced. Love and humanity have finally prevailed, but it was a strong reminder that it takes a lot more effort for good to trump evil (every pun intended). Around the world, if we want to see an end to bad governance and autocratic leadership; we must never forget the collective action: the blood, sweat, tears, organising, advocacy, and sheer hard work that went into securing this win. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I'm talking M-O-N-E-Y with Canada-based Accredited Financial Counselor and Millennial Money Coach, Parween Mander (IG @ parween.mander). This year she turned 26 and reached her first 100K, and now she is on a mission to help other millennial womxn of colour, from immigrant upbringings achieve financial independence too. Talking about money can make many of us feel uncomfortable, but it's necessary, and Parween shares tips on how to do it and so much more. Find out more about Parween and her money coaching services: www.thewealthywolfe.ca/ Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Joyce Omatseye (IG @signed.drj), a 25-year old Junior Doctor who faced a baptism by fire dealing with a pandemic in her first year in the field. This year she started her Instagram account @signed.drj, where she shares her journey authentically. Joyce shares her top advice to anyone thinking of becoming a doctor and what it has been like being on the frontlines — from challenges to lessons learned. We also discuss one of the biggest misconceptions that people have about doctors, her life outside work, and so much more. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I’m joined by social entrepreneur, life coach and host of Connected On Purpose, April Burrows (IG @burrows.april). All too often we can get caught up in societal expectations and others opinions of what we should be doing in our lives and when we should be doing things. We discuss the importance of designing your life and not getting caught up in the default. April shares tangible tips from her life experience on creating a life of your choosing, building a values-based business, overcoming trauma and so much more. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I’m in the studio with one of my best friends, Actress, Host of @opentilllatepod, and Content Creator, Vanessa Lyall aka Ness (@thevanesssalyall). We discuss a topic that is very important to both of us — mental health. Ness opens up about her experiences with anxiety and depression, and we explore so much from the challenges of navigating conversations about mental health with African families to the long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment in the UK. We talk about the various hurdles she has overcome, how she found herself again through acting and her journey to being in therapy now and thriving. *Trigger Warning*: this episode does mention suicidal thoughts.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I'm joined by a family member — my Aunty, Rita Okoye (@ririokoye), also known as RiRi. She shares that at 25 she wishes she knew how important believing in herself was. Get ready for an open conversation on the importance of self-confidence and tips and tricks for how to build it. She is an International Event Planner (@majesticallyrareevents) , Business Trainer, Confidence Coach, Online Course Creator, Blogger, and eBook Author. She has worked for the likes of NatWest bank, Financial Times Magazines, Pride Magazine, Channel 5 and The BBC in London before relocating to Lagos Nigeria in 2008. In her spare time, she writes a personal development blog called www.ririokoye.com. She is also the founder of Raising Confident Girls Initiative (@raisingconfidentgirls), a movement with over 26,000 online members and a vision where every girl is confident. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, we are headed to Kenya (virtually) to catch up with feminist activist Salome Nthenya Nzuki(TW @nthenyasalome & IG @salomenzuki). Salome's career has largely been focused on advocacy for gender equity, equality and women's empowerment, in August 2017 she ran for a Member of County Assembly seat in Machakos County, Kenya, but lost narrowly. Salome and I first connected through Wellbeing for women Africa, an NGO that I am a board member of and she is a member of their global network of youth partners. We discuss Salome's leadership journey, the challenges she faced while running for office and her tips for women looking to get into the political and development sectors. She also shares some insight on WBW's recent Wa Wimbi report that explores the bottlenecks faced by young women in access to and uptake of leadership opportunities across Africa. > Read Salome's articles on gender and development issues here: https://bit.ly/2PMnGbK > Learn more about the Wa Wimbi Report here: https://bit.ly/wbw-wa-wimbi Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

Join me in celebrating my 26th birthday and the first anniversary of the show in the episode of the Twenty5 Podcast! I share some important updates about the future of the show and my 10 biggest lessons from 25. It's just me on my own, so you know you are guaranteed some laughs at me rambling on. Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this on this journey so far, you have no idea what impact you have made in my life. Wherever in the world, you are tuning in from this episode is a celebration of the #Twenty5Club. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this Twenty5 Podcast episode, I’m joined by Wana Udobang (TW & IG @misswanawana), an award-winning Nigerian storyteller and artist working at the intersection of writing, poetry, performance and film. We discuss what it means to be the revolution in light of recent calls for justice and change, spurred by the pandemic, Black Lives Matter, and recent incidents and conversations about sexual violence. Wana shares her advice for the next generation of storytellers, the importance of seeking out joy and she reflects on the number one thing she wishes she knew at 25. We talk about her work and she shares the inspiration behind her poems ‘Girlhood’ (LISTEN: http://tiny.cc/5m6rrz) and ‘Revolution’ (LISTEN: http://tiny.cc/xn6rrz). Wana’s poetry interrogates memory and re-imagination. She has three studio albums ‘Dirty Laundry’, ‘In memory of forgetting’ and ‘Transcendence’. Her writing has appeared on the BBC, Aljazeera, The Guardian and other international media. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this Twenty5 Podcast episode (and the previous one), I’m joined by fellow podcaster Pearle Nwaezeigwe aka Pearle Wae (IG -@pearlewae29/Twitter - @wayzigway), host of Beyond Le Code — she has also been part of the #25Club since the start. Among many things, Pearle is a Lawyer & Tech Policy specialist with a fervent passion for human rights, technology, and Beyoncé. We talk all things digital activism in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, from the dangers of performative allyship to digital wellness tips to protect your mental health. Check out episode 6: Rated R of Beyond Le Code (https://soundcloud.com/beyondlecode/rated-r) for tonnes more useful resiliency tools to help you navigate the digital space right now, and be mentally prepared to keep on the fight! #BlackLivesMatter Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this Twenty5 Podcast episode (and the next one), I’m joined by fellow podcaster Pearle Nwaezeigwe aka Pearle Wae (IG -@pearlewae29/Twitter - @wayzigway), host of Beyond Le Code — she has also been part of the #25Club since the start. Among many things, Pearle is a Lawyer & Tech Policy specialist with a fervent passion for human rights, technology, and Beyoncé. We talk all things digital activism in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, from the dangers of performative allyship to digital wellness tips to protect your mental health. Check out episode 6: Rated R of Beyond Le Code (https://soundcloud.com/beyondlecode/rated-r) for tonnes more useful resiliency tools to help you navigate the digital space right now and be mentally prepared to keep on the fight! #BlackLivesMatter Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to my three sisters Nemie, 24 (IG @styledbynsm), Demie, 20 (IG @souldems), and Ebere, 19 (IG @Danielle.ebere), about their thoughts on turning 25, because the #Twenty5Club is made up of women of all ages, those keen to prepare for 25 and those who have passed 25 and have knowledge to share. We also do a sister tag, so you can learn more about me and them, from who the messiest sister is to how close we are as sisters. Find them on TikTok & IG at @3demure. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 1 of the Twenty5 Podcast. In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, it’s just me; I reflect on how the pandemic has made me realise the importance of looking and moving forward, as it’s not possible to turn back the hands of time. At the start of the pandemic, I planned to call this episode “I want a refund on my 25th year” but as the situation progressed and so many lives have been lost, I’m filled with gratitude for my life. Also in this episode: - The success of Season 1 - What to expect from season 2 - How I’m spending my time in lockdown - Celebrating my Grandad’s 80th birthday has me thankful for life - What’s coming up next week Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this bonus episode of season one the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Dr. Amy Jadesimi Nigerian businesswoman and CEO of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL). Dr. Amy is an Oxford-trained medical doctor who worked at Goldman Sachs and attended Stanford Graduate School of Business prior to working her way up the ladder at LADOL. She shares that at 25 she wishes she knew how to value herself more, and that she could have spent more time at home in Nigeria. We talk about everything from the importance of representation to navigating career transitions. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Sadé Igun (IG @thesadeigun), and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew that she knew that she didn’t have to be afraid to fail. Sade is truly embracing the wife/motherhood season she is in and pursuing a life of purpose as a Project Manager by day and a little bit of everything she’s passionate by night. You can catch her on YouTube talking about mum life and lifestyle stuff. Currently in the middle of a rebrand of her kids' skin and hair care line to be relaunched in 2020 and founder and mentor @allmygirlswin advocate for black female excellence. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Georgia Arnold (TW @georgiaarnold IG @georgiaarnold99) Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation (TW & IG @mtvstayingalive) and Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility, Viacom International Media Networks and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew that she didn’t have to worry about what she didn’t know. In this episode, we chat about everything from starting out at MTV as a temp and her journey to where she is today to why she is so passionate about encouraging young people in the workplace to stop saying one particular word — any guesses what it might be? Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Christina Crook (IG @christina.m.crook) host of JOMOcast (IG @experience_jomo) and author of The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Balance in a Wired World and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew how to let go of control. — In this episode, we talk about everything from practical tips for letting go of control and embracing change to how to say goodbye to FOMO and embrace JOMO. — In 2012 Christina disabled the data on her smartphone, turned off her email and said goodbye to the Internet for 31 days. This experience chronicled as the project, Letters from a Luddite, garnered international media attention and fueled Christina's passion for exploring the intersection of technology, relationships and joy. Through her writing and speaking, she reveals how key shifts in our thinking can enable us to draw closer to one another, taking up the good burdens of local work and responsibilities. Her commentary on technology and our daily lives appear regularly in the media including the New York Times, Psychology Today, Women’s Health, NPR, CBC, Time of India, and Glamor Brasil.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Jen Scott (IG @iamjenscott) co-founder of Hustle & Heels (@hhlluk)and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew how to create successful habits. We talk about the habits she has cultivated that have led to her success, her go-to resources that keep her productive and the art of turning your side hustle into your main gig! Hustle & Heels is a social enterprise set up to foster entrepreneurial excellence among ambitious millennials, transitioning career professionals and early stage start-ups in the UK. To find out about their upcoming 5 year anniversary event visit here: https://www.hhll.co.uk/lunches. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I thought I would go it alone and do something different as yesterday (10th October) was World Mental Health Day, and mental health and wellness are important topics to me. I talk openly about my personal experience — dealing with anxiety, my comments on a recent article I read (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/08/millennials-gen-z-have-quit-jobs-due-to-mental-health-issues-survey.html)that talks about different generations attitudes towards leaving a job because it’s affecting your mental health and lastly I share my top 5 wellness tips for managing my mental health. If you have any questions for me email me at ony[at]twenty5podcast[dot]com & follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Danielle Graham (TW @daniellebgraham), and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew that hard work, that isn’t smart work doesn’t get you far. In an age of slogans like ‘the hustle never stops’ and ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’ — it’s easy to believe that the road to success means putting in the longest hours and stretching yourself to max capacity, but in this episode, we talk about the importance of working smart. Danielle talks about everything from how to filter the noise and focus on your goals to the realities of dealing with burnout! Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Stephania Varalli, Co-CEO of Women of Influence (TW & IG @WomenOfInflnce). She’s an entrepreneur, a creative to the core, an adventurous soul, a wife and mother to 2 adorable children — and she just happens to be my boss, and an amazing one! She shares that at 25 she wishes she didn’t worry so much about timelines and the future. She talks about her transition into entrepreneurship, why she’s glad she didn’t grow up in the digital age and why you need to be flexible with time when it comes to setting goals. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, it's just me as my guest and I had to reschedule, but I quite enjoyed talking to myself (I do it all the time). I thought I would take this opportunity to share some facts about myself for all the wonderful new people that I am connecting with through the podcast who don't know me. I share random things from my favourite Netflix show to how tall I am! I also recap on some of my key learnings from the past 6 episodes. If you have any more questions for me email me at ony[at]twenty5podcast[dot]com & follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to award-winning marketer, technology expert, & entrepreneur Erin Bury (IG & TW @erinbury), and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew the power of her network. Through the multiple highs and lows her career, it’s been her strong network that she’s been able to fall back on. She talks about navigating her early career, tips for growing your network, being retweeted by Oprah (twice!) and so much more! Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to one of the most respected nurses in world the Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu (TW @EAnionwu), and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew that life would have turned out so well, to avoid the anxieties that she had at that age. We talk about her journey to self-enlightenment as a mixed-race woman and finding out about her Nigerian heritage at 25. She was born in 1947, from the relationship between her father, a Nigerian student, and her mother, an Irish student both studying at the University of Cambridge at the time. She talks about growing up in care for a period of her life and how that actually led her to her chosen career path — read more about her story in her memoirs ‘Mixed Blessings from a Cambridge Union.’ Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Emotional Intelligence Development Coach & Writer, Meghan E. Butler (TW & IG @meghanebutler @emotionalintelatwork) and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew the enormous value and impact of a high emotional intelligence, and how to develop it earlier. We talk about what exactly emotional intelligence is, why you need it and tips for developing it. We also discuss the importance of self-awareness and how putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is key for your personal development. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to one of my mentors and personal role models, International Energy Consultant, Adaku Ufere-Awoonor (TW @AdakuUfere IG @adaku.ufere) and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew that she didn’t have to worry about being married by 30. We talk about the pressure around getting married in a Nigerian context and why it’s important to make life-altering decisions based on your personal and professional goals and how to free your self from the jealousy that social media makes it so easy to feed into. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to UK Labour Councillor and Equality & Diversity expert Sanchia Alasia (TW @SanchiaAlasia) and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew that she didn’t have to have a perfect plan for her career. We talk about things like how to get yourself out of a rut when your career isn’t progressing and how wearing 2 or more professional hats might be the key to fulfilling your career aspirations. Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

In this episode of the Twenty5 Podcast, I speak to Caroline Anukem (my mum) and she shares that at 25 she wishes she knew more about financial management. We talk about millennials spending habits and living your 'best life.' Follow the podcast on IG @Twenty5Podcast and check out the website https://www.twenty5podcast.com/.

This is a pre-episode giving you a brief overview of what to expect from the Twenty5 Podcast. What are you waiting for? Come and join the adventures of the #Twenty5Podcast.