“I wanted to create something for myself — something that looked as good as it smelled.” – Ashley-Gianna Hallett
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast — the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes — I sit down with Ashley-Gianna Hallett, branding professional, talent manager, and founder of the luxury candle brand Ya Thamani.
Ashley is British-born and now based in Los Angeles, with a career spanning brand partnerships, fashion, and entertainment marketing. She’s worked with global names like Burberry, Elite Model Management, MAC Cosmetics, Hugo Boss, Fenty Beauty, and Cartier, and today mentors the next generation of creative talent.
She’s also the founder of Ya Thamani — a luxury candle line she built during the pandemic that reflects her love of fragrance, storytelling, and design.
About Ashley-Gianna Hallett:
Ashley has over a decade of experience across fashion, brand partnerships, and talent management. She has managed campaigns for household names, worked with artists and public figures across entertainment, and now runs her own luxury brand while mentoring up-and-coming talent.
In This Conversation, We Discuss:
Growing up in South London and dreaming beyond borders
The graft it took to break into fashion without connections
Lessons from Burberry and Elite Model Management
How she transitioned into talent management and brand partnerships
The behind-the-scenes of negotiating celebrity campaigns
Moving from London to Los Angeles and navigating the culture shift
What British creatives bring to Hollywood
The origin story of Ya Thamani, and why she built a luxury candle brand
Bootstrapping a product-based business and breaking into retail
Her proudest founder moments (including features in Allure)
The common thread running through her career: passion
This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and carving out space in industries that weren’t built for us.
🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast
📱 Follow Vanessa: @vanessasanyauke (Instagram & TikTok)
📱 Follow Ashley: @yathamani on Instagram
“The worst you will get is a no.” – Shirleena Celestine
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast — the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes; I sit down with Shirleena Celestine, Executive Coach and Organizational Culture Strategist.
Shirleena's work helps leaders bring human connection into the workplace. Before launching her consultancy, she spent nearly a decade at Apple, where she drove inclusive product and culture strategies for Apple Music, Podcasts, Beats by Dre, Shazam, and Platoon — collaborating with influential figures like Blair Underwood and Savannah James.
About Shirleena Celestine:
Shirleena is an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Organizational Culture Strategist. With a PhD in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion — the first of its kind globally and almost ten years at Apple, she now helps leaders and organisations transform culture, inclusion, and impact.
In This Conversation, We Discuss:
This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, and daring to put humanity at the centre of how we lead.
🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast
📱 Follow Vanessa: @vanessasanyauke (Instagram & TikTok)
📱 Connect with Shirleena on Linkedin: Shirleena Celestine
“Rest is a power move.” – Christina Rice
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast — the bi-weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes — I sit down with Christina Rice, Founder & CEO of Omnoire, a global wellness platform for Black women and women of color, and Retreat Like a Boss, a program that helps leaders and entrepreneurs design, market, and sell out transformational retreats.
Christina’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical rest. From pivoting her career in PR and entertainment to launching one of the most successful wellness retreat businesses in the world, she shares the behind-the-scenes truths of building a brand that has touched thousands of lives across the globe.
About Christina Rice:
Christina is a wellness founder, entrepreneur, and retreat strategist who has hosted luxury retreats in Bali, Jamaica, South Africa, and beyond. Through Omnoire and Retreat Like a Boss, she’s built a community of thousands, while mentoring other leaders to scale their own wellness and retreat businesses with intention, profitability, and purpose.
In This Conversation, We Discuss:
The $100K pivot: how Christina turned an idea into a global retreat business
Why rest is not laziness but a leadership strategy
The hardest lessons in building a luxury brand during a recession
The power of designing spaces that are brave, not just safe
What she’s learned about hiring, managing, and letting go as a founder
The role of intuition and faith in scaling a purpose-led business
How she navigated self-doubt and kept going when everything told her to quit
Why “resilience in real-time” is every founder’s greatest skill
The blueprint for creating retreats that sell out and transform lives
How to build a wellness brand that goes beyond buzzwords
If you’ve ever thought about launching retreats, building a purpose-driven brand, or simply redefining what success looks like in wellness and entrepreneurship — this episode is packed with wisdom and strategy you can use.
🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast
📱 Follow Vanessa: @vanessasanyauke (Instagram & TikTok)
📱 Follow Christina: @omnoire | @retreatlikeaboss
“Your intuition is your most valuable asset and you’ve had it all along.” – Aycee Brown
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast; the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes.
I sit down with Aycee Brown, a spiritual guide, psychic medium, astrologer, human design expert, and author with over 15 years of experience working with high-profile leaders, celebrities, creatives, and seekers.
We dive into how to recognise and trust your intuition, unlearn the patterns holding you back, and use tools like Human Design to lead, heal, and manifest in a way that’s true to you.
About Aycee Brown:
Aycee Brown is a trusted spiritual advisor known for helping leaders and creatives merge intuition with impact. Through her work in human design, astrology, psychic mediumship, shadow integration, and karmic soul guidance, she helps clients navigate personal and professional relationships, break generational patterns, and embody their own magic. She is the author of the forthcoming book Embody Your Magic.
In This Conversation, We Discuss:
This episode blends deep spiritual insight with practical tools you can apply right now; whether you’re leading a company, creating art, or simply ready to live more in alignment.
🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast
📱 Follow Vanessa: @vanessasanyauke (Instagram & TikTok)
📱 Follow Aycee: @ayceebrown
“You’re making money. Now what?”
That was the question I posed to two of the most insightful women I know when it comes to money, mindset, tax and HMRC:
💸 Fi Titus — Chartered accountant, startup founder, and co-founder of Coco Financial (aka “The Financial Fairy Godmother”)
📊 Stella Ezeogu — ACCA-qualified tax strategist, ex-HMRC + HM Treasury advisor, and founder of Accountstar
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast ; the weekly show where we break down money, careers, and the real-life stories of extraordinary people building their own lane — we dive into the changing financial landscape and what you need to know in 2025 whether you're a business owner, freelancing, running a side hustle, or navigating a 9–5.
In this episode we discuss:
The financial red flags HMRC is cracking down on in 2025
Why you might be overpaying tax (and how to fix it)
What the Company’s House U-turn really means
The quarterly tax changes coming to side hustlers
Hidden tax reliefs working people are missing
How to protect your pension if you're earning over £100k
How to build wealth without “get rich quick” energy
Why too many founders pick the wrong business structure
How to prep for uncertain economies without panic
The mindset shift women need to close the wealth gap
Whether you're scaling your business, filing your first return, or just tired of feeling confused about money — this one’s full of gems.
📱 Follow the guests on Instagram:
@cocofinancial (Fi)
@accountstar_ (Stella)
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube
📱 Follow me on Instagram & TikTok: @vanessasanyauke
📱 Follow the show: @thevanessapodcast
🔔 Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode!
“Brands want hype. We’ve built trust.” – Sam Blenkinsopp, Co-Founder of Trippin
If you're building a brand, trying to land partnerships, or figuring out how to grow without selling your soul; this is the episode for you.
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast; the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes — Vanessa sits down with Sam Blenkinsopp (CEO) and Kesang Ball (Head of Innovation), co-founders of Trippin, the global travel discovery platform reimagining how we experience culture, creativity and community through travel.
Born out of a real-life frustration with the travel industry’s outdated and one-dimensional approach, Trippin was created to serve a new kind of traveller; one who values design, culture, underground scenes, and human connection.
🎙️ In this conversation, we talk about:
This episode is for every creative, founder, or culture builder who wants to grow something meaningful without selling out.🎧 Full episode out now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube📱 Follow @thevanessapodcast | @vanessasanyauke | @trippin.world
“You’re not building a brand; you’re building a feeling.” – Will Worsdell
From helping to make Love Island a cultural juggernaut to walking away from the creative agency he co-founded to protect his mental health; Will Worsdell knows what it really means to build influence, lead with care, and reinvent your career on your own terms.
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast — the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes.
Vanessa Sanyauke sits down with Will Worsdell for an honest, expansive, and surprising conversation on career pivots, burnout, and redefining success after the big job.
About Will Worsdell:Will is a Leadership Coach and former Co-Founder of the award-winning creative agency The Park. He has worked with global brands including Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon, P&G, and Red Bull; shaping campaigns and cultural moments that connect deeply with audiences.As Head of Marketing for Younger Audiences at ITV, Will led the team behind Love Island Season 3, helping the show become a global phenomenon. He’s also held senior roles at Channel 4 and creative agencies in London and Sydney.Today, Will coaches senior leaders, founders, and high-growth teams—helping them navigate transitions, lead with purpose, and find clarity during times of chaos.
In This Conversation, We Discuss:
This episode is packed with stories, clarity, and the kind of deep insight that will shift the way you lead, whether you’re running a business, a team, or just trying to build something that matters.
🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast
📱 Follow Vanessa on Instagram & TikTok: @vanessasanyauke
📱 Follow Will on LinkedIn: Search Will Worsdell
“LinkedIn isn’t about going viral; it’s about building trust, one post at a time.” – Priscillia Mudiaki
You don’t need 250,000 followers or a job title that screams “CEO” to build influence on LinkedIn. Whether you’re a junior marketer, a senior consultant, or somewhere in between; your voice, your story, and your experience already matter.
The key? Showing up with purpose.
On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast — the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes; Vanessa Sanyauke sits down with Priscillia Mudiaki, LinkedIn’s Community and Creator Manager, for a dynamic and practical conversation on visibility, voice, and unlocking opportunities through content.
About Priscillia Mudiaki:
Priscillia is the Community and Creator Manager at LinkedIn, where she supports entrepreneurs, executives, and content creators across EMEA to grow their presence and build influence on the platform.
She previously worked at Instagram and co-founded the Best of Congo Awards to spotlight Congolese excellence in the diaspora.
Through storytelling, coaching, and platform insights, Priscillia is helping a new wave of underrepresented talent claim their space in the creator economy.
In This Conversation, We Discuss:
This episode is packed with practical tips, myth-busting truths, and the kind of empowering insights that will change the way you show up online; whether you’re job-hunting, building a business, or just ready to speak up more at work.
🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast
📱 Follow Vanessa on Instagram & TikTok: @vanessasanyauke
📱 Follow Priscillia on Linkedin: Search Priscillia Mudiaki
“You don’t have to choose between being ambitious and being present—you just have to blend differently".-Tobi AsareFrom 5am gym sessions to boardroom strategy, book launches to bedtime routines; Tobi Asare is showing a new generation of working women that it’s possible to build a powerful career and a fulfilling personal life, without sacrificing either.On this episode of The Vanessa Podcast; the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the stories behind extraordinary people who succeed against the odds; Vanessa Sanyauke sits down with Tobi for an honest, energising conversation about ambition, leadership, identity, and self-discipline.About Tobi Asare:Tobi is the Managing Partner and Head of Growth at OMD UK, where she led some of the agency’s biggest client wins, including Premier Inn, British Gas and Compare the Market. She helped the agency secure its first-ever Media Agency of the Year title and delivered 100% new business conversion in both 2022 and 2023. Prior to OMD, she scaled a 6-person team to 40 at Guidepoint and grew the UK business by 60%. She is also the bestselling author of The Blend and Co-Chair of Omniwomen UK, championing inclusion for over 4,000 women across Omnicom.In This Conversation, We Discuss:-How Tobi unlocked new career paths by following curiosity; not convention-Her exact approach to building high-performing teams from the ground up-The servant leadership philosophy that drives performance and loyalty-How she reframes visibility and uses her voice in senior, often male-dominated, rooms-What “blending” ambition and motherhood actually looks like in practice-The morning routines and wellness habits that sustain her energy and focus-The behind-the-scenes of writing her bestselling book while working full-time-Why staying open to learning is still her most powerful growth strategyThis episode is packed with practical insights, empowering tools, and the kind of generous wisdom that will leave you feeling energised, focused, and ready to grow on your own terms.🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast and Follow Vanessa on TikTok & Instagram @vanessasanyauke📱Follow Tobi on Instagram @tobi.asare & TikTok @mybumpbay
Welcome back to The Vanessa Podcast; your weekly dose of real talk about business, tech, leadership and the culture shaping our work and money.In this episode, I break down some big moves (and mistakes!) that the world’s biggest companies are making and what you can learn from them as an employee, founder, or future board member.✨ What’s inside this week:🔥 OpenAI vs Meta: Mark Zuckerberg is trying to poach OpenAI’s top talent with $100M+ sign-on packages. Why Sam Altman is furious and what this says about Big Tech’s AI race.💻 Amazon’s AI Backlash: Amazon’s CEO told employees that AI will shrink their corporate workforce. Here’s why staff called him out, and why middle management should worry most.🍏 Is Apple Falling From The Sky?: The Economist questions whether Apple is losing its edge. I share my honest take on why I’m underwhelmed and how lack of diversity might be killing their innovation.🍾 LVMH’s €221 Billion Drop: The luxury giant has wiped out €221 billion in value. Is the CEO’s family dynasty strategy backfiring? What does this teach us about succession, leadership blind spots, and boardroom diversity?📌 Key takeaway:Leadership and innovation can’t thrive without fresh ideas, fresh voices, and brave decisions. This episode is your reminder to question the hype and question who’s really in the room making decisions.🔔 Don’t forget:✔️ Follow and turn on notifications✔️ Drop your thoughts in the comments — I love hearing from you✔️ Share this with someone who’d love these insights📲 Follow @VanessaSanyauke and @TheVanessaPodcast for more behind the scenes.
🎙️ The Vanessa Podcast | EP 6: UK Unemployment hits 4 year high; Europe fails start-ups & the truth about being a Founder
I’m back after a whirlwind few weeks (8 flights in 10 days — never again!) and sharing something very real:
Introducing The Founder Diaries: a new series within the podcast where I take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like building a global business with no privilege, no shortcuts, and no deep pockets: just grit and my bare hands.
In this episode, we unpack:
✅ The UK’s unemployment hitting a 4-year high :what this means if you’re job hunting or about to graduate.
✅ Why Europe and the UK keep failing to scale startups and why I believe founders with big dreams should look elsewhere.
✅ Rachel Reeves’ bleak economic update :why the UK’s economy is still shrinking, and what it means for your wallet.
✅ The hard truths about side hustles:why everyone needs one, why managers must stop the stigma, and how to protect yourself financially.
✅ Founder Diaries: The honest truth about launching businesses in tough markets "what it really takes, how to stay resilient when copycats appear, and why working for free at first is sometimes inevitable.
My takeaway this week:
This episode is about giving you real tools: the transferable skills that will make you irreplaceable (strategy, influence, communication, stakeholder management, and personal branding) and the mindset to navigate this economy without losing yourself.
Subscribe to our YouTube 📲
Follow for daily updates @vanessasanyauke | @thevanessapodcast⭐ Don’t forget to like, subscribe & leave a 5-star review if you loved this episode!
🎙️ The Vanessa Podcast | EP 5: Odd Muse Founder Backlash, Klarna’s $136M Problem + Why 12% of Jobs Now Need AI
Welcome back to The Vanessa Podcast – your go-to for business news, career game changers, and bold takes on the week’s hottest headlines. In Episode 5, I break down four big stories shaking up the world of business and work:
✨ Odd Muse Founder Faces Social Backlash
A look at what sparked the outrage and what this says about the risks of being a founder in the spotlight.
💳 Klarna’s $136M Problem
The buy-now-pay-later giant is seeing a surge in credit losses. What does this mean for the future of consumer debt and fintech?
🤖 12% of Jobs Now Require Gen AI Skills
AI isn’t just a trend — it’s a career essential. I share why upskilling in Gen AI is urgent and what skills professionals need to stay relevant.
💼 OpenAI Buys IO Product for $6.5 Billion
The AI giant makes another bold move — here’s what this acquisition tells us about the future of work and big tech power plays.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts
📲 Follow for daily updates @vanessasanyauke | @thevanessapodcast
⭐ Don’t forget to like, subscribe & leave a 5-star review if you loved this episode!
🎙️ The Vanessa Podcast | EP 4: Microsoft Layoffs, Moët in Crisis & S&P 500 Comeback
In this episode of The Vanessa Podcast, I (Vanessa Sanyauke – founder of The Hill and Girls Talk) dive into the biggest business headlines making waves this week. From luxury giants in trouble to tech giants trimming their workforce, here's what you need to know:
📈 The S&P 500 makes a major comeback — what it means for your money
💼 Microsoft cuts 3% of its global workforce — is Big Tech backtracking on growth?
🏡 Airbnb’s new services launch — can it stay ahead of the travel curve?
🍾 Moët Hennessy’s financial drama — is the luxury market finally feeling the pinch?
💻 M&S hit by a £100M cyber attack — the real cost of cybersecurity breaches
✨ Key takeaway: In business, resilience is everything — but 2025 is already testing the biggest players.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts
👍 Don’t forget to Like, Comment & Subscribe
⭐ Leave a 5-star review to support the show
📲 Follow me on all platforms @vanessasanyauke @thevanessapodcast
🎙️ The Vanessa Podcast | EP 3: Emma Grede & Fiverr CEO Called Out | UBER, BlackRock Push Return to Office | OpenAI’s $260B Crisis
In this episode of The Vanessa Podcast, I break down some of the most pressing business headlines and bold conversations shaping the world of work:
🔥 DoorDash acquires Deliveroo for £2.9 billion — what this means for UK startups
💸 Why the UK is crushing entrepreneurial dreams (and what founders need to know)
🚨 Emma Grede & Fiverr CEO face backlash for “toxic” leadership — fair or unfair?
🏢 UBER & BlackRock CEOs force staff back to the office — is flexibility officially dead?
🤖 OpenAI’s $260B identity crisis — can they stay mission-driven and please investors?
✨ Big takeaway: The future of work is being shaped by power, pressure, and profit.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple & everywhere you get your podcasts
💬 Drop a comment, like, and subscribe if you're into bold, honest conversations
⭐ Help us grow — leave a 5-star review!📲 Follow me: @vanessasanyauke | @thevanessapodcast
🎙️ The Vanessa Podcast | EP 2: Building in Public, Beyonce's Cowboy Carter Tour & Tech Bro Drama
Welcome back to The Vanessa Podcast! In this second episode, I (Vanessa Sanyauke – founder of The Hill and Girls Talk) dive into the real behind-the-scenes of running two businesses, navigating personal challenges, and showing up with honesty, resilience, and intention.💼
In this episode, we discuss:
The hard (and humbling) reality of building a podcast and brand from scratch
Why I’m starting Founder Diaries – a raw vlog series about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship
My summer fitness and glow-up journey!
🐝 Beyoncé STAN segment:
I give you the full breakdown of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour launch – from the epic setlist to Blue Ivy’s mind-blowing performance and why Queen Bey continues to inspire me as an entrepreneur.
💻 Tech Bro News:
We unpack the latest from the tech world – including:
Amazon’s petty response to tariffs (yes, really)
Meta’s new AI assistant powered by LLaMA and Zuck’s big AI gamble
Microsoft and Meta’s record-breaking earnings
And why some tech leaders need to stay in their lane (👀)
✨ Key takeaway: Sometimes the grind is messy. But your village, your vision, and your vibe will carry you through.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe if you enjoyed this episode
⭐ Leave a 5-star review to help more amazing people find this show
📲 Follow me everywhere @vanessasanyauke @thevanessapodcast
EP01: Welcome to The Vanessa Podcast – How the Economy will make you bankrupt
Welcome to the very first episode of The Vanessa Podcast!
In this episode, I kick things off with a personal update on what I’ve been up to—from launching The Hill App to globetrotting across continents—and share why this new podcast era means so much to me.
Then we dive into:
✨ Tesla’s massive Q1 flop – Is Elon Musk’s drama finally catching up to him?
✨ Why Gen Z grads are feeling hopeless – Entry-level tech jobs are vanishing. Is AI to blame?
✨ The UK’s economic headache – Borrowing is up, taxes might rise, and honestly… we’re tired.
I’m sharing real talk, personal insights, and what all this actually means for you and your money. I’m not a financial advisor—but I’m that friend who’ll help you stay clued-up and ready for what’s ahead.
If you enjoy this episode, please show some love:🖤 Subscribe, like, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
🖤 Join the convo on YouTube and Instagram @thevanessapodcast
Let’s make Mondays make sense—together.
The Vanessa Podcast is a business and careers podcast where host Vanessa Sanyauke (Founder & CEO of The Hill App & Girls Talk) gives a rundown of the latest news and seeks out and talks to incredible people who have achieved success against many challenges. She digs deep to find out how they've got to where they are and how you can too. There is so much noise going on around the world of business and we are here to break this down and what it means for you! Our first episode drops on April 28th. Follow our page on Instagram. You can follow Vanessa on Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok.
