Seasoned Professional

⚠️ Content warning: In this episode, we talk openly about cancer, illness, and death. In this episode, I speak with the extraordinary Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former oncoplastic breast surgeon turned author, speaker, and cancer advocate. After 20 years building her career, Liz’s life changed overnight when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40. We talk about the drive that pushed her to the top o...

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Sinnott, an award-winning dog and cat behaviourist who has been featured on BBC Breakfast, The Sun, and the Financial Times. After completing her training in clinical animal behaviour at the University of Edinburgh, Lisa has built a reputation as “animal mad but qualified,” bringing both passion and expertise to her work. Lisa shares stories from her childhood...

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Allen, UX/UI video game designer and founder of Default Design, a creative studio where he brings immersive experiences to life through design and storytelling. Alongside running his business, Josh is also a proud partner and father of two, navigating the balance between family life and creative pursuit. Josh opens up about the challenges of growing up with dy...

In this episode, I sit down with Amelia Hewitt, cyber security expert, author, and founder of CybAid, a foundation that connects pro-bono cyber professionals with charities and small businesses. With an impressive career that has landed her as the Director of Cyber Consulting at Principle Defence, Amelia is also someone who has navigated complex personal challenges on her path to success. Amelia o...

In this episode, we sit down with Steve – creative mind, multi-passionate dream-chaser, and someone who only discovered he had ADHD at the age of 29. Steve shares candidly about his journey through various career paths, from chasing ambitious dreams to navigating unexpected turns. We dive into what it was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, the challenges it brought, and the clarity that came w...

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Brian Capron, actor, storyteller, and the man behind one of British television’s most infamous characters, Richard Hillman from Coronation Street . Brian opens up about his early career, the journey to landing iconic roles, and what it was like portraying a soap opera villain the nation loved to hate. We also explore his work beyond the cobbles, incl...

Today’s guest is the lovely Bex Walker. Bex started her professional life in the world of science, pursuing a PhD in biology. But midway through that journey, she realized the academic track wasn’t the right fit. She pivoted to teaching—a field where, as a natural introvert, she was challenged to develop a strong public presence, learning how to communicate with impact and step confidently into th...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Elliott Hasler—the son of Simon Hasler, who joined us a few weeks ago, and the writer-director behind Vindication Swim , which starred Jon Locke (another previous guest). At just 24 years old, Elliott is already an accomplished filmmaker and cinematographer, having written, directed, and edited all of his films to date. And before you start comparing your own jo...

In today’s episode, I speak with Jay Bradshaw—a barber, creative entrepreneur, and community builder whose path to success has been anything but ordinary. Born in South Korea to a Korean mother and Irish father, Jay’s early life took him across Japan, Dubai, and Stockholm. While music, religion, and family shaped his upbringing, he struggled with traditional education, finding refuge in English, h...

In today’s episode, I speak with Simon Hasler, a seasoned professional who spent over 20 years building a career in insurance before retraining as a Chartered Financial Advisor. Eventually, he opened his own firm, prioritizing flexibility and deep client relationships. But Simon’s story doesn’t stop there. When his son, Elliott Hasler, began showing a passion for filmmaking at a young age, Simon s...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of drug use, abuse, and death, which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening. In today’s episode, I share part two of my conversation with John Locke. We pick up where we left off—with John reflecting on his return to education and how profoundly different it was from his difficult childhood experiences. He then share...

In today’s episode, we sit down with the incredible John Locke, star of Vindication Swim . John grew up in Brighton with his loving parents, but as an only child, he often felt lonely. School was a challenge—he faced relentless bullying and struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia. However, he found solace in deep friendships, especially with his lifelong best friend, David Kolakowski. F...

In honour of International Women’s Day, I’m excited to re-release a very special episode. I also want to take a moment to thank all the incredible women who have given their time to come on the show and share their life stories. Your experiences, wisdom, and honesty continue to inspire me and so many others. Today, we dive into an inspiring career journey with Clare Fuller. Starting as a hospice n...

In this solo episode, I take you through my winding career journey—the dreams I had as a child, the expectations placed on me, and the moments of crisis that forced me to rethink everything. I share how I once believed teaching was my calling, only to realize in university that it was the last thing I wanted to do—yet I stuck with it for three more years. I reflect on the bold declarations of my e...

Struggling with starting a podcast or staying consistent in your podcast journey? In this solo episode of the Seasoned Professional, Hannah Octavia gets real about the podcast struggles, and passion project struggles that come with building something from the ground up. From overcoming self-doubt and creative burnout to navigating podcast challenges and learning that success takes time, this episo...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional ! Today, we’re joined by the inspiring Dr. Franz D'Souza. Born in India and raised in Iran during a revolution, he recalls a childhood filled with friendship despite the turmoil around him. After moving to the UK and receiving an epilepsy diagnosis, he was forced to confront the vulnerability he felt in his own body. Determined to pursue medicine, Franz didn’t...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional! Today, I’m honoured to introduce the inspiring Natascha Cadle, co-founder and creative director of ENVY Post Production. As ENVY celebrates its seventh Best Post Production House of the Year win, Natascha reflects on her journey—from her humble beginnings in the Netherlands to building an award-winning company. She shares insights on resilience, leadership, a...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional! Today, I’m honoured to introduce a truly one-of-a-kind guest: Christine Wiedemann! This was not our typical interview because Christine was my teacher mentor during university, and we've stayed in touch ever since. Knowing Christine outside of this podcast world made it nerve-wracking to transition our usual relationship into one where I was questioning her l...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional ! Today, I’m honoured to introduce the incredibly talented Andrew Lockington—a Canadian film score composer whose journey proves that the most unexpected paths often lead to the most fulfilling destinations. His recent work includes collaborations with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan on Landman , Lioness , and Mayor of Kingstown . Growing up just outside T...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional! We’re kicking off season 2 with the incredible Judah Armani—a designer, storyteller, and advocate for those living on the fringes of society. Growing up in West London, Judah often grappled with not being seen as fully British, a challenge that shaped his early years and the tactics he used to try and blend in. Despite these feelings of being an outsider, Jud...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional! I’m your host, Hannah Octavia. As we step into a new year, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past few weeks—sharing highlights from my holiday season and personal growth along the way. But more importantly, today’s episode is all about wrapping up Season 1 with the three biggest lessons I’ve learned. If you’re feeling stuck in your career and looking for...

Welcome back to Seasoned Professional. I’m your host, Hannah Octavia. Today, I’m honored to share the story of an inspiring woman. Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, she pursued her dream of becoming a makeup artist. Her dedication and passion for beauty have shaped an extraordinary journey, allowing her to work with renowned celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Jeremy Irons, Sandra Oh, and Jodie...

Today, I’m honored to share the story of an inspiring woman. Growing up in a small hamlet, she spent her childhood immersed in movement—dancing, gymnastics, and exploring the forest behind her home, where her parents still live today. As a teenager, she faced the pressures of the 90s “heroin chic” aesthetic, and a desire for control during a period of family challenges added to the pressure of nee...

Today I’m excited to share the very first episode I ever recorded. Launching this podcast has been an incredible journey, and it’s truly special to revisit the conversation that started it all. Beginning Seasoned Professional with this remarkable guest was an absolute privilege, and I look forward to having him back in the future to delve even deeper into his inspiring story. Born and raised just...

Today, I’m honored to share the story of a truly inspiring woman. Born in Kenya, she grew up surrounded by nature and a loving family, with a rigorous education that instilled both discipline and comparison. At 16, she moved to England for boarding school, finding connection with fellow newcomers and eventually pursuing a career in law. Her journey took her from Cambridge to the high-stakes world...