Ana Merchant
At Work With...
Step into 'At Work With...', where we uncover the real, unfiltered stories behind successful careers. Join us as industry leaders share their breakthrough moments, spectacular failures, and unconventional paths to the top. No corporate jargon or polished PR answers – just honest conversations about what it really takes to build a remarkable career. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, considering a career pivot, or building your own empire, join us as we decode success, one conversation at a time. < New episodes drop every other Monday. Hosted by Ana Merchant >
Author
Ana Merchant
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 29, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
She Left Harvard to Solve Period Poverty | Ira Guha, Founder of Asan Cup 29.06.2026 44:26
In this video, Ira Guha shares how her journey from Bangalore to Cambridge, Accenture, Harvard, and eventually rural India led her to create Asan Cup and take on period poverty. She reflects on the shame, cost, product design, and social enterprise lessons behind building a menstrual cup that aims to make safe period care more accessible around the world. Mentioned in the Episode🌐 Asan Cup — http...
Amazon Executive: I Had No Roadmap, No Connections, And Nothing To Lose | Mimi Swain 15.06.2026 39:03
🧪 1N Labs — consciously formulated nicotine products for adults who already use oral nicotine, made with high-quality ingredients and tested in UK labs. 👉 https://www.1nlabs.comNicotine is a highly addictive substance and is for adult consumers only, 18+.Disclaimer: Any sponsor messages included in this episode are arranged by At Work With only and do not imply affiliation with, endorsement by,...
The Hidden Cost of High Performance | Zertashia Awan 03.06.2026 59:18
🧪 1N Labs — consciously formulated nicotine products for adults who already use oral nicotine, made with high-quality ingredients and tested in UK labs. 👉 https://www.1nlabs.comNicotine is a highly addictive substance and is for adult consumers only, 18+.In this video, Zertashia Awan shares how years of high performance, resilience, and pushing through warning signs eventually led her body to fo...
A BBC Journalist on Grief: The Ugly, Honest, Unfiltered Version 13.04.2026 45:47
In this episode, Barbara Want shares how the death of her husband, BBC Radio 4 presenter Nick Clarke, reshaped her understanding of grief — and why she believes loss never diminishes, only the life around it grows larger. She reflects on 20 years of carrying that grief forward, what the world gets wrong about bereavement, and how to support both adults and children through one of life's most i...
Trailer: BBC Journalist and Author, Barbara Want. 08.04.2026 0:58
TW: cancer, loss, and grief. I cried on camera for the first time. Five episodes in, and I've kept it together through every conversation. But sitting across from Barbara Want, hearing her tell this story, I couldn't. June 2005. Barbara had just published her first book. She threw a party. Her 3-year-old boys were there. Her husband Nick got her a little desk mount that said "author&q...
A Coach Told Him He'd Never Make It. He Won Olympic Gold | British Rower Morgan Bolding 30.03.2026 49:02
In this video, Olympic gold medalist Morgan Bolding shares how growing up in care, being adopted by his grandparents, and entering rowing through a state school — not the private school pipeline — shaped an 18-year journey to winning gold at Paris 2024.He breaks down his three Ps framework for resilience, reveals the brutal politics of subjective team selection, and offers an unfiltered take on wh...
Why Hard Work Isn't Enough: The Truth About "Unfair Advantages” | Hasan Kubba 16.03.2026 42:13
In this video, entrepreneur and best selling author Hasan Kubba shares how an unconventional, non-linear path — from dropping out of biomedical science to building a passive-income SEO business — led him to co-author a bestselling book on success that challenges hustle culture. He breaks down the MILES framework for identifying your unfair advantages, explains why disadvantages are often double-ed...
I Left a "Glamorous" NYC Life to Build a Nicotine Brand | Terry Seal of 1n Labs 02.03.2026 39:42
In this episode, Terry Seal shares her journey from moving 12 times as a child to becoming CEO of a celebrity chef's empire in New York, to founding 1n Labs, a nicotine brand challenging everything the industry thought it knew. We discuss what it really takes to build in a stigmatised space, why she designed her product for biohackers instead of the mainstream, and how every unexpected chapter...
What It Really Takes to Build a Business (No Hype Version) | Rayan Jawad, Co-Founder of GrowthStudio 16.02.2026 41:13
In this episode, Rayan Jawad shares his journey from growing up in a one-bedroom flat above a shop to co-founding Growth Studio, a company that has helped over 650 startups scale across 17 global markets. We discuss what success really means beyond the briefcase, the discipline of growth hacking, and how rejection is simply redirection. Rayan also opens up about surviving on Tesco meal deals in th...
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told About Confidence | Aliya Rajah 02.02.2026 37:19
In this video, Aliya Rajah shares her journey from feeling insecure to becoming one of the leading life coaches in the UAE. They discuss misconceptions about confidence, the pressures of cultural expectations, and the courage it takes to walk one's unique path. Aliya also offers practical insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of mindset, and how to build genuine self-confi...
TRAILER: At Work With... Aliya Rajah | Executive Presence & Public Speaking Coach 28.01.2026 0:32
Stay tuned for the upcoming episode with Aliya Rajah, Executive Presence & Public Speaking Coach
“I Realised Success Without Meaning Wasn’t Success at All.” — Purpose, EQ & Non-Linear Careers | Rich Hua 15.12.2025 50:37
What happens when success no longer feels meaningful? In this episode of At Work With… , I’m joined by Rich Hua — former founder of EPIC Leadership at Amazon and creator of EQ@Amazon — to talk about emotional intelligence, non-linear careers, and why compassion sits at the heart of true leadership. From immigrant beginnings to ministry, from Amazon to a bold new mission to bring EQ skills to a bil...
"The Regret of Not Trying Is Always Bigger" | Kim Antoniou | Founder, Auris Tech & Fonetti | Tech-for-Good Leader 07.12.2025 1:01:44
In this uplifting conversation, founder and tech-for-good innovator Kim Antoniou shares the remarkable journey behind Kafoodle and Fonetti — two companies born from deeply personal moments that changed the course of her life. From her husband’s near-fatal allergy to the spark she saw in her grandson Ollie, Kim reveals how real experiences inspired world-first technology that’s now helping thousand...
“This isn’t just a job — it’s personal.” – Hilary Evans-Newton CBE | CEO of Alzheimer’s Research UK 11.11.2025 1:03:28
In this conversation, Hilary Evans-Newton, CEO of Alzheimer's Research UK, shares her journey in the third sector, balancing leadership with motherhood, and the challenges faced in dementia research. She discusses the importance of lived experiences in shaping her mission, the recent advancements in Alzheimer's treatments, and the need for timely diagnoses. Hilary emphasizes the collaborative effo...
“Trust your gut, have fun, and don’t overthink it.” – From Amazon to Novel, Building Stories That Last | Craig Strachan | CEO of Novel 16.09.2025 31:52
In this episode of At Work With , Craig Strachan — CEO of Novel and former global podcast lead at Amazon Music — shares his squiggly career journey from marketing phone lines to leading Europe’s largest independent podcast studio. He opens up about lessons learned along the way, the leap from Big Tech to an indie startup, and why trust, fun, and authenticity sit at the heart of his leadership. Cra...
SPARK, Stealth & The Truth About Having It All | Stacey van den Aardweg | Founder, SPARK | Board Advisor 08.09.2025 53:10
In this conversation, Stacey discusses her journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of change and adaptability. She reflects on her experiences in leadership roles, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the concept of 'lifeboats' in providing support. Stacey introduces her venture, Spark, aimed at helping new founders navigate the complexities...
“Life Is Easy — Even When It’s Not.” – Resilience, Vulnerability & Leadership Beyond Titles | Zertashia Awan | Director of Worldwide Customer Experience, Amazon 24.08.2025 1:00:30
In this episode, Zertashia Awan, Amazon’s Director of Worldwide Customer Experience, shares how resilience and sensitivity have shaped her leadership journey. From childhood lessons and family stories of grit to navigating career highs, lows, and burnout, Zertashia reflects on why vulnerability and authenticity matter at work. She talks about cultural identity, finding balance in resilience, and t...
“Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard enough.” – Grit, Growth & Life Beyond the Game | Danny Harrison | Ex-Pro Footballer & Director at Steven Gerrard Academy 24.07.2025 35:21
In this conversation, Danny Harrison shares his journey from a young aspiring footballer to a professional athlete and now a mentor for young players. He reflects on the challenges of losing his father during a pivotal moment in his career, the sacrifices made for his passion, and the transition to a fulfilling role in education and coaching. Danny emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilienc...
"Surgery is humbling." – Navigating Pressure, Purpose & Perspective | Ms Sally Ameen | Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon 19.05.2025 52:06
In this conversation, Sally shares her journey through the field of ophthalmology, discussing the challenges of medical training, the pressures of being a consultant, and the importance of work-life balance. She reflects on cultural influences, the dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the support systems that have helped her navigate her career and family life. The discussion a...
"You're riding a tiger, my friend." – On Leadership, Risk & Redemption | Akhil Saxena | Global Executive Coach 06.05.2025 35:10
In this engaging conversation, Akhil Saxena shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in India to becoming a successful leader in major corporations like Amazon and Unilever. He reflects on the values instilled in him by his parents, the challenges he faced in his career, and the importance of mentorship and personal growth. Akhil discusses the lessons learned from both successes and failu...
"As a leader, vulnerability is my power" - Rooted, Real, Resilient | Mimi Swain | Chief Commercial Officer @ RING & Blink 14.04.2025 37:28
In this episode, Ana Merchant sits down with Mimi Swain, Chief Commercial Officer at Ring and Blink, to discuss her career journey, values, and leadership style. Mimi shares her experiences growing up in Kansas as a second-generation Vietnamese American, the influence of her immigrant parents, and how these factors shaped her work ethic and perspective on success. The conversation delves into her...
'Straighten Your Crown, Queen' - Ramona Hazan on Building a Food Empire | Ramona Hazan | Founder of Ramona's Kitchen 31.03.2025 37:38
In this engaging conversation, Ana Merchant speaks with Ramona Hazan, the founder of a beloved hummus brand, about her remarkable journey from a computer engineer in South Africa to a successful entrepreneur in the UK food industry. Ramona shares her experiences of building a brand from scratch, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining quality. She...
"Unapologetically Beth, take me or leave" - Behind The Curtain, Beyond The Fear | Beth Knight | Sustainability Leader 20.03.2025 42:10
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of gender-based violence. In this conversation, Ana Merchant interviews Beth Knight, a prominent leader in sustainability and social impact. They discuss Beth's early life in Cornwall, her career journey, and the influences that shaped her leadership style. Beth shares her experiences in public speaking, significant humanitarian projects, a...
"It's about togetherness and joy." - From filmmaking to philanthropy | Samir Patel | CEO of Comic Relief 05.03.2025 32:38
Summary In this engaging conversation, Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, shares his unique journey from growing up in a small town in Georgia to leading one of the UK's most beloved charities. He discusses the challenges of cultural identity, the evolution of his career from film to charity, and the innovative changes he is implementing at Comic Relief. Samir emphasizes the importance of digit...
"Fear is not an option" - The Journey of a Magazine Founder | Lucy Cleland | Editorial Director of Country & Town House 23.02.2025 45:59
In this episode of 'At Work With', I interview Lucy Cleland, co-founder and editorial director of Country and Townhouse magazine. We discuss Lucy's journey into journalism, the evolution of luxury publishing, and the importance of sustainability in the industry. Lucy shares insights on the challenges faced in the transition from print to digital, the impact of AI on publishing, and her...
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