That's My Name

Sandhiya Sophie Argent shares her experiences with using her name Sophie versus Sandhiya, including mispronunciation, assumptions about her heritage, and questioning. This episode also explores diversity, equity and inclusion from a legal perspective. Sandhiya Sophie Argent is a media lawyer who has advised on some of the biggest scripted and non-scripted programmes in the UK and internationally....

Hena Naranbhai discusses the role of astrology when choosing a name, her decision-making process when she chose her childrens' names, and the influence of Indian culture and traditions on the rise of the wellness industry. Hena Naranbhai, Finance Transformation & Technology Specialist. Has an extensive background in the Financial Services industry both as an Accountant and Technology Progr...

In this episode, Alyssa Jaffer shares her experiences with correcting people on the pronunciation of her name and how she thinks getting someone's name right is a true sign of respect. Alyssa (a-lee-sa) is a content writing and communications expert hailing from California, with two degrees in journalism and years of professional experience in content marketing. Alyssa is an active advocate for ge...

In this episode, Carlotta Elena Goodwin Thorp shares her experiences of discovering that her family surname was changed by her grandparents to be more English, Spanish responses to her Italian-spelled Spanish name, and the journey she's been on with her name. Carlotta Elena Goodwin Thorp is a multilingual Head of Communications and C-Suite Executive Assistant.

In this episode, Sonya Barlow shares her experiences of her name not matching with people's assumptions of what she should look like, the privileges of having a marketable name, and how LMF Network's name evolved following the domain name being stolen. Sonya Barlow is an award-winning founder of the social network LMF Network, author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur, and public speaker on inc...

In this episode, Jade discusses how her name and name-related stories link with her cultural heritage, the power of names, whether we place too much importance on names, and reflections on ADHD, if it should be labelled a 'superpower', and ADHD coaching ( jadhdcoaching.co.uk) . Jade Goldsmith is an ADHD coach, neurodiversity advocate and marketeer. Although born in London, she is ethnicall...

In this episode, Pascalle discusses why she decided to use the name Catherine in a way to reinvent herself, her journey with reclaiming her name, and advice in relation to public speaking. Pascalle is an accomplished speaker, actress and CEO of PresenTales where she helps senior leaders and execs to deliver their stories with impact and passion.

In this episode, Em discusses her decision to change her name, to feel more reflective of her. The episode also explores the 'mixed-other box', providing a mirror to Em's experiences of never fully fitting in. Em Bayley-Melendez is a tech career changer having studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Bristol. She now works as a graduate iOS developer and is als...

In this episode, Viya shares the inspiration behind her name and her childhood recollections of aunties and uncles singing a song ( Madilu System - Biya ) to her, which she learned that she was named after. Viya also shares her experiences of name mispronunciation, and the importance of reputation building and how a name is so much more than just a combination of letters. Viya Nsumbu , founder of...

Assumptions about gender, ethnicity, and so much more are made just from seeing someone's name. Imagine walking into an interview, and someone expecting to see someone totally different to who you are... This episode explores Ramat Tejani, founder of The Inspiration Box , speak about her name-related experiences of mispronunciation, misspelling, and assumptions. The episode also covers top tip...

Names throughout history have had religious references and ties. In this episode, Adeyele Ezeli reflects on names from a faith perspective, sharing her personal stories of how her name brings her closer to God. Names can be a positive affirmation and a reminder of your parents' intentions for you, which may be especially helpful during times of struggle. Adeyele Ezeli hosts the ' I Have th...

In this episode, Fran Solo shares why she chose to change her name and her experiences since using the name Fran Solo. The discussion also covers why diversity is crucial in the technology industry and Fran's reflections on the current cost of living crisis. Fran Solo (she/her) is an award-winning Senior Front-End Developer for Stornaway.io. Having spent a lot of her career feeling alienated aroun...

In this episode, Professor Funke Abimbola MBE shares her experiences with being asked if someone can call her 'Dave', Yoruba naming traditions and her reflections on progressing society and self-promotion. Professor Funke Abimbola is a London-based Partner at Korn Ferry, a global organisational consultancy. She focuses on delivering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) solutions to client...

In this episode, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Siwan Smith, discusses her experiences with having a Welsh first name despite being Liverpudlian, the issues of making assumptions based on a name, growing up with her name being persistently mispronounced, and the story of the Welsh Princess, Siwan (Joan) of Wales. Siwan is an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager for Arup, a mul...

In this episode, hear from Brin , Founder and CEO of Además Consulting, about her experiences of persistent name misgendering, misspelling and being called the wrong name, like 'Bin' and 'Brian'! The discussion also covers the impacts that neurodiversity can have on 'getting names right', and contrasts this with the privilege some individuals with Anglicised or common names...

Today's episode explores Bashar's experiences with his name in a Western environment, his potential projections about his name and assumptions about what other people might be thinking, and how he links the meaning of his name to how he navigates through life. Bashar (@bashar_salha) is a Ph. D. candidate in art and a creative director who has overcome incredible odds to pursue his passion...

In this episode, Subira Jones, shares the meanings of her name, Subira, how this has been significant at points throughout her life, including extreme burnout. Subira and Maya also discuss burnout and techniques to avoid it, which Subira supports people around the world with as the Corporate Hippie. Subira Jones aka The Corporate Hippie (@ the.corporate.hippie_ ), founder of MPWRD Consulting, is a...

In this episode, learn about Taiwanese naming traditions, Eve Lin deciding to use the name Eve when living in the US, and names in Taiwan reflecting the state and history of the country. Eve is a creative B2B digital marketing professional with a passion for art, food, and cats. She is from Kaohsiung, Taiwan and currently resides in Michigan. She helps companies build their authentic brand online,...

In this episode, Nat discusses Hispanic and Spanish naming traditions, her reflections on the impacts of Spanish colonisation on naming traditions, and her numerous names. Natalia Cortazar is the CEO and Founder of The Good Egg - an award-winning boutique agency that works hard to create a kinder, more human space for Influencer Marketing. Through hard work, dedication and word of mouth, Nat has a...

Content warning - discussion issues of depression, suicidality and violence against the trans community. To mark International Transgender Day of Visibility (31 March 2023), listen to Dr. Fox Mega (they/xier) share their journey with choosing the name, Fox, reflections on trans and non-binary communities, German naming restrictions, and the devastation that trans and non-binary people experience a...

In this episode, Lọ́lá discusses her experiences with name mispronunciation throughout her life, and how it was a particular source of frustration during her formative years. She also reflects on her sons' experiences with Yoruba names, and how times have progressed since Lọ́lá was growing up in London. This episode also outlines Yoruba naming ceremonies and highlights the thought and care whi...

In this episode, Phil Ossai shares his experiences with feeling guilty about having an English first name, his reflections on being a Black founder and entrepreneur, and his views on using your difference as your superpower. Phil runs OSSAI agency, a personal branding agency for founders and CEOs. For the last 7 years, Phil has been helping brands and founders, especially from underrepresented bac...

In this episode, listen to Darain Faraz discuss the many names he's gone by and how they served different purposes and reflect different times in his life. Maya and Darain also discuss accents and code-switching, and make the distinction between changing accents as a way to fit in and assimilate or to make others feel more included. Darain is Co-Founder of People Like Us and is a seasoned Mar...

In this episode, learn about naming restrictions in Iran, cultural and political views towards different ethnic groups in Iran, Farzin's experiences with his name, and him deciding to use the name 'Frank' at Starbucks. Farzin is the founder of Critical Equity Consulting, LLC, a boutique Organizational Justice consulting firm focused on helping organizations rebuild with a primary focus on creating...

This episode discusses Baiba's journey with the spelling of her name, how she ties her name to her identity and sense of belonging, and her family's history and the changing spelling of her family member's names. Over the 10 years of living in the UK and catering for the Brit’s comfort, Baiba's name has been butchered beyond recognition a number of times. After a decade, she finally and unapologet...