Episodes
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What does it take to lead with heart—even when it's shattered into smithereens? In this episode of On Becoming, I sit down with Colleen Curtis, a powerhouse in community leadership and a woman who’s redefined what it means to lead with a strong back, and soft heart.
Colleen was my boss for four years at Yelp, and she’s the one who had to let me go during a massive company-wide layoff back in 2016. But here’s the thing: I don’t just respect her—I absolutely adore her. Because the way she handled that impossible moment taught me what true leadership looks like: thoughtful, human, and deeply invested in the people she serves.
Over her impressive career—from rising to VP at Yelp to leading community at The Mom Project, Miro, and now Reddit—Colleen has championed the idea that community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about creating spaces where people can connect around a common interest or cause and "become the best versions of themselves." Whether it’s writing LinkedIn testimonials for laid-off team members or rallying her network with “Let’s Get People Hired” campaigns, Colleen has never stopped building bridges and empowering others to step into their full potential.
What We’ll Explore:
How to balance empathy and decisiveness when faced with the hardest leadership moments.The messy middle of career pivots, and how falling flat can lead to a better path.What truly separates a community from an audience.The power of women’s natural inclination for care and connection as a leadership strength.Learning the liberating power of saying no as a lifelong people pleaser.Questions to Consider:
•What does leadership with heart and humanity look like in your life?
•How do you create community in a way that fosters true connection and belonging?
•What role does self-realization play in your professional and personal growth, and who's supporting you on that journey?
Colleen’s story will inspire you to think differently about leadership—how you show up when things get messy, how you balance strength with softness, and how you create spaces that lift others up. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn tough moments into transformative growth—for yourself and the people around you—this is the episode for you.
Connect with Me:
•Book a discovery call at www.zevabellel.com
•Subscribe to my Substack: On Becoming
•Email me: [email protected]
•Leave me a voice message on Speakpipe
P.S. If you love this episode, share it with a friend, leave a 5-star review, or drop me a line. I love hearing from you!
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What happens when empowerment is only half the equation? In this season dedicated to the feminine edge of leadership, a sobering reality hit me post-election: empowering women is vital, but what about the work needed to address the fears that keep men (and women!) from embracing strong female leaders? In this solo episode of On Becoming, I’m diving into the silent fears, old narratives, and cultural barriers that keep true gender equality at bay. We’ll explore how stories—whether in advertising, literature, or personal relationships—can shape a culture where power isn’t a zero-sum game but something we all benefit from sharing. Along the way, I’ll unpack lessons from coaching, insights from historians, and even a viral ad that flips gender stereotypes on their head.
What We’ll Explore:
What I accidentally unearthed as the #1 fear holding women back from expressing themselves & their power fully.Why equality often feels threatening to men—and how we can address those fears without judgment.How storytelling, from midlife feminist memoirs to ad campaigns, can challenge deeply held beliefs about power and gender.Questions to Consider:
What unconscious fears or beliefs have shaped how you think about power and equality?What kind of stories do we need to create a world where equality doesn’t feel like a threat, but an opportunity?Links and Mentions:
Misogyny: The World's Oldest PrejudiceMetro Shoes AdEpisode #17 with Cindy GallopEpisode #18 with Jessi KleinDeborah LevyMiranda JulyConnect with me:
Book a discovery callSubscribe to my SubstackLeave a message on SpeakpipeFollow me on InstagramCredits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin; Photo: Virginie Faucher
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode!
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Episodes manquant?
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What happens when life doesn’t call for a hero, but a sense of humor? In this episode of On Becoming, I’m joined by Jessi Klein—Emmy-winning writer, comedian, and one of the funniest people I know—to remind us that sometimes, survival isn’t about grand heroics but finding humor in the middle of motherhood, midlife, and all the “what in the actual f*ck” moments we never saw coming. In a time when women’s rights and bodies are still up for debate (and sometimes outright denial), Jessi shows us how laughter can be our greatest tool for resilience, connection, and yes, even protest.
About Jessi Klein:
Jessi Klein is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer, comedian, and producer known for her work on Inside Amy Schumer, Big Mouth, and Dead to Me. She’s also the author of two bestselling books, You’ll Grow Out of It and I’ll Show Myself Out, where she brings the unvarnished, laugh-out-loud truths about womanhood to the page.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
•The quiet courage it takes to stay present through motherhood’s hardest moments, and why Jessi calls it the “ultimate hero’s journey.”
•How Jessi uses humor to confront the emotional shifts of midlife and keep herself grounded (or at least laughing) through it.
•Why unfiltered storytelling about womanhood—complete with underwear sandwiches and other intimate details—helps us connect over experiences we rarely share.
•Her journey to realizing that comedy is more than just jokes—it’s a powerful way to make people feel less alone.
As you listen, consider these questions:
•How might laughter help you face the big, messy challenges in your own life?
•What would it mean to see your own struggles as a hero’s journey, where the courage lies in just showing up, day after day?
•How can humor help us feel less alone in the experiences we usually keep quiet about?
Links and Mentions:
•You’ll Grow Out of It, I’ll Show Myself Out
•Jessi's IG
Connect with me:
•Book a discovery call
•Subscribe to my Substack
•Leave a message on Speakpipe
•Follow me on Instagram
Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin; Photo: Virginie Faucher
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What happens when you stop playing by the world’s rules and start living unapologetically on your own terms? For my next guest on On Becoming, it’s not about “breaking the rules”—it’s about smashing the outdated systems that were never built for us in the first place. Whether she’s rethinking how we view sex, reshaping power dynamics, or fighting to overhaul outdated payment systems, Cindy is rewriting the world through a female lens. In this episode, Cindy opens up about her radical journey from the male-dominated world of advertising to becoming a pioneering voice in sextech, and why she believes the world will be a better place when it’s 50-50 equally led, managed, and designed by women.
About Cindy Gallop:
Cindy Gallop is a British-Chinese entrepreneur, advertising veteran, and fearless leader in the fight for sex positivity and gender equality. After founding the U.S. office of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) in 1998, she went on to win Advertising Woman of the Year in 2003. Her career took a major pivot after a TED Talk in 2009 that went viral, launching her groundbreaking platform MakeLoveNotPorn, which promotes real, consensual sex as a counter-narrative to mainstream porn. But MakeLoveNotPorn is just the start. Cindy’s ecosystem has grown to include MakeLoveNotPorn Academy for sex education, a FinTech solution to ensure fair payment systems for sextech businesses, and an ad tech platform for ethical advertising. She’s even working on an AI tool to visualize and model real consent—something the world desperately needs!
In this episode, we’ll explore:
•The birth of MakeLoveNotPorn and how dating younger men casually opened Cindy’s eyes to the real impact of porn as sex education.
•Why she’s pushing for a 50-50 world where women lead, manage, and design systems of power.
•The roadblocks Cindy faces trying to fund MakeLoveNotPorn and how she’s tackling systemic barriers with radical solutions.
•Why Cindy believes that open, honest conversations about sex can change everything from relationships to power dynamics in the workplace.
• Why Cindy’s recipe for self-care will make every married mom weep with envy. :)
This conversation is not just about sex or power—it’s about flipping the system, breaking down barriers, and living unapologetically in a world designed through a female lens.
Links and mentions:
•Cindy’s Instagram
•MakeLoveNotPorn
•WeFundHer
Connect with me:
•Book a discovery call
•Subscribe to my Substack
•Leave a message on Speakpipe
•Follow me on Instagram
Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin; Photo: Virginie Faucher
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode!
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In this special solo episode of On Becoming, I dive into a topic that’s been on my mind lately: the environments we choose to live, work, and grow in. Are they nurturing us, helping us thrive and evolve? Or are they neglecting our growth, keeping us stuck in places we’ve outgrown?
After a transformative retreat in the South of France, I began reflecting on how the spaces we surround ourselves with—from our homes to our workplaces to our broader communities—play a crucial role in shaping our development. I share stories from my own journey, from Vassar College in upstate New York to my life in Paris, and how each environment either nurtured my voice or constrained it.
In this episode, I explore:
•How the environments you choose impact your personal and professional growth
•The difference between nurturing and neglecting spaces
•How to identify when your space no longer supports your evolution
•Practical tips to start shifting your environment, one small step at a time
Why listen:
•If you feel like your environment no longer supports your growth
•If you want to learn how small shifts in your space can lead to big changes in your life
•If you’re curious about how environments impact leadership, creativity, and personal evolution
•If you want to hear personal stories of transformation with actionable insights to create change
Listen now and explore how the spaces you choose can unlock your potential.
Links and mentions:
Madame de la Maison's The Good Life Retreat
Vassar College
Episode #15 with Rha Goddess
My Vision Board Workshops
Connect with me:
Book a discovery callSubscribe to my substackLeave a message: speakpipe.com/onbecomingFollow me on InstagramCredits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin; Photo: Virginie Faucher
PS: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode far and wide!
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What does it take to finally start listening to yourself? For some of my clients, their wake-up calls have come via the creeping signs of burnout, increasingly frequent panic attacks on their daily commutes to the office, or even and cracked rib from a slip down the stairwell during a rare vacation break! But for my next guest on On Becoming, it took something far more sudden and terrifying: a near-death experience that erased any room for doubt. In this episode, Rha Goddess opens up about what that terrifying moment taught her about trusting her inner voice, leaning into joy as power, and embracing women’s hidden strengths.
About Rha Goddess:
Rha Goddess is a soul coach, speaker, author, and CEO/Founder of Move The Crowd, a leadership collective that guides entrepreneurs, cultural creatives, and change-makers to find their purpose, make money, and do good. She’s coached some of today’s most influential figures—Gabby Bernstein, Reshma Saujani, and even Halla Tómasdóttir, the new President of Iceland. She’s the author of the bestselling book The Calling: 3 Fundamental Shifts to Stay True, Get Paid, and Do Good and has delivered a TED Talk titled “4 Ways to Redefine Power at Work to Include Women of Color." She’s currently working on her next book, The Great Renegotiation, which explores how we’re all redefining our relationship with work in a post-pandemic world.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
Rha’s near-death experience: How it completely transformed her ability to trust herself and the universe.Women’s hidden strengths: Rha reveals why compassion, intuition, and community—traits often labeled “soft”—are the very skills the world needs right now.Joy as a source of power: Rha explains how choosing joy can revolutionize the way we lead and live.Move The Crowd: Learn how her community helps individuals align their work with their purpose to create real impact.Vassar days: We take a nostalgic trip back to our shared time at Vassar College, reflecting on how it shaped our journeys of self-discovery.This episode is about listening, trusting, and leaning into the joy that makes us whole and ties beautifully into this season's theme of peering into the blueprints of successful women leaders to understand how they do power differently.
Links:
Rha’s InstagramRha’s Book, The CallingConnect with me:
Book a discovery callSubscribe to my substackLeave a message: speakpipe.com/onbecomingFollow me on InstagramPS: Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode far and wide!
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Ever wonder what it looks like to lead with intuition and softness while revolutionizing an entire industry—all by age 36?
In this episode, I chat with the remarkable Anna Polonsky, the French founder of the NYC-based branding and design agency, Polonsky & Friends. Anna and I first met in Paris in 2010, when I tried to recruit her to build Yelp’s Paris community. She politely declined, as she was about to embark on her next big adventure: launching Le Fooding in the USA. This project would go on to redefine how we experience food, blending it with art, culture, and community in ways that had never been done before.
Since then, Anna’s career has skyrocketed. She co-founded MP Shift, where she pioneered the concept of 360-degree hospitality branding, helping to create some of the most iconic restaurant brands. Her work earned her a coveted James Beard Award for restaurant design and a spot on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list. Now, with her latest venture Polonsky & Friends, Anna and her growing team focus on mission-driven projects, collaborating with some of the world’s most innovative chefs and food brands.
In this episode, Anna opens up about breaking away from conventional paths, her gift for turning restaurants into brands, and how she leads with intuition and softness. It’s a masterclass in trusting your gut, knowing when to pivot, and leading with heart.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
Why Anna followed her heart to New York instead of the traditional post-grandes écoles path.How living abroad turbocharged her entrepreneurial ambitions.The cultural differences of doing business in America vs. France.The rise of restaurant branding and how Anna pioneered this trend.Her journey from MP Shift to Polonsky & Friends, and why she felt the need to pivot.How intuition, relationships, and collaboration are at the core of her leadership style.Why softness and creativity have been key to her success in transforming the industry.This conversation ties beautifully into our show’s theme of peering into the blueprints of successful women leaders to understand how they do power differently—how they lead with softness, intuition, curiosity, and a focus on collective success.
Links and mentions:
•Polonsky & Friends
•Le Fooding
•Deligram Newsletter
Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin
Want to get in touch?
Book a free discovery call or leave me a message speak pipe.com/onbecoming.
You can also sign-up to my Substack and follow me on Instagram @zevabellel
Don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast, and leave a 5-star review.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Hey there, it’s Zeva Bellel, career and leadership coach for women, and I’m excited to welcome you to Season 3 of On Becoming!
This season, we’re diving into something that comes up again and again in my coaching sessions: the unique ways women lead—reshaping power, influence, and leadership both professionally and personally. With a woman in the race for the White House, there’s no better time to dig into this!
In Season 3, we’re peeling back the layers of how accomplished women, from a multitude of sectors, lead in their own revolutionary ways, far beyond the old-school models.
Get ready to hear from a spectacular lineup of guests: trailblazers in social activism, neuroscience, design, femtech, entertainment, and even… wait for it… pornography! Yep, we’re leaving no stone unturned. These women are rewriting the rules and shattering ceilings in the most refreshing and bold ways.
Here’s what you can expect this season:
Real conversations with women who lead differently—embracing intuition, empathy, and curiosity.Stories from across the globe—we’re talking multicultural experiences that redefine what leadership looks like in today’s world.Practical takeaways on how to step into your own authentic leadership style.We’ll explore juicy questions like:
How to navigate professional ambition without losing personal fulfilment?How to overcome insecurity, fear and doubt while maintaining your course?How and when to trust your gut, even when it means giving up a good thing?What strategies work best for building inclusive and empowering spaces for others?If you’ve ever wondered how successful women lead with authenticity, empathy, intuition, and a healthy dose of rebellion, this season will leave you inspired, motivated, and hungry for more.
Season 3 kicks off on September 12th, so mark your calendars, tell your friends, and get ready to plug in those earbuds for some seriously game-changing conversations.
Make sure to subscribe, follow the show, and don’t miss a single episode. Trust me, you’ll want to be part of this one! 💥
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Every day I hear from women who feel stuck. As a coach, my job is to help them release what’s holding them back, and get them moving forward. This conversation altered my perspective on "stuck." A word that our culture patholgizes. “Quick, let’s fix the problem!" This conversation reframes growth, suggesting there’s a lot to celebrate in the fallow, neutral space of a woman’s life, when a metamorphosis is happening out of view. And yet this liminal, in-between phase can be terrifying, especially if we’re prone to overachieving the heck out of life, tackling one ambitious goal after another, like the guest of my program did for most of her 56-years.
About Melissa Unger:
Melissa Unger is a Brooklyn-based, Franco-American author, artist and creative director. In 2011, she founded Seymour Projects, a collaborative initiative devoted to nurturing human consciousness in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Over the course of her 30+ year career, she’s worked with many renowned organizations including Tribeca Productions, The Ad Council, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, artnet, and the Creative Growth Art Center. Early in her career she was also the personal assistant to Robert De Niro and Daniel Day Lewis! Melissa and her projects have been featured in The Huffington Post, Die Zeit, ELLE Magazine, Le Monde, El Pais, and New York Magazine. Her visual art has been exhibited in various art spaces, as well as featured on a variety of products. She’s a member of the Intentional Spaces/NeuroArts, Kinnernet and DLD communities and a participant in evolutionary behavioral scientist Tamás Dávid-Barrett’s discussion group Human Beast.
Highlights of of conversation include:
Why our society pathologizes inertiaWhy the in-bewteen feels so icky when you’re in itMoving from mind over to body driven intentions How capiltalism perpetuates the feeling of “not enough” Identity shifts after moving home after a decade in FranceWhy fallow is a fertile phase of invisible growthEmbracing all emotions, like a full color paletteHow art and creativity impact personal growthThe power of intentional spaces and neuroaestheticsThe importance of feeling heard and understood when you’re wired differentlyLinks:
Melissa's IG
Website
Gag
Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin
Want to get in touch with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call or leave me a message speak pipe.com/onbecoming.
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Today's guest is Lili Barbery-Coulon, one of the most influential and prolific voices in wellbeing and personal development in France today. She's a published author, yoga & meditation teacher, podcaster, blogger and soon-to-be novelist. She's kind of the Oprah of France (but don't tell her I said so).
Lili and I met back in the early 2000s when she was a PR at the Paris concept store, Colette, and I was a beauty journalist. Our friendship was born over beauty samples and press releases, but has matured into a collaborative camaraderie and mutual cheerleading squad. Beyond our friendship, I know her through my coaching clients who admire her voice and talent, but who have a glorified vision of her journey. The price? Their comparison syndrome limits their own ambitions. My aim here is to complete Lili's portrait—not just showcasing the inspiring and luminous aspects, but the challenging and uncomfortable facets that she rarely explores publicly.
About Lili:
Lili began her career in PR before becoming a journalist for Vogue France and later M magazine at Le Monde. In 2010, she launched, Ma Récréation (which later became Lilibarbery.com), where she writes delicious essays to an audience of tens of thousands. In 2018, she published, Pimp My Breakfast; in 2019, La Réconciliation; and in 2021, she collaborated with her artist husband, Bastien Coulon, on "L’Oracle des Mantras," published in French and English. During the COVID quarantine, she gave live meditations on Instagram and her popularity shot through the roof, leading to her own yoga and meditation channel, Lilibarbery.TV and the Lili Barbery podcast.
Tune in to to hear about:
Lili's early years as an avid writer and "blogger" before her time.The self-doubt she faced when launching her blog in 2010.How she handles criticism and the fear of being judged.How she deals with persistent "Am I good enough?" insecurities as a yoga teacher.Identifying when she's creating from a fear of lack, rather than joy.Finding balance between vulnerability and self-protection on social media.The impact of intergenerational trauma.Learning to accept, rather than trying to fix, old wounds.Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin
Want to get in touch with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call or leave me a message speak pipe.com/onbecoming.
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My guest today is someone who's weathered the storm of change right alongside me. Back in 2016, Cyrielle Thomas and I got laid off (with 200 other colleagues) from our beloved jobs at Yelp. As her hiring manager, I was honestly concerned for her future. I knew she'd get snatched up in a second (which she did, by UberEats and later Airbnb), but I feared she'd never find a position that lit her up as much, as her community manager role did with Yelp.
Well, boy was I wrong! Not only did she find her footing, she used all of her local-loving, community-building, connection-making wisdom to brew up a whole new tourism genre, one that, quite literally, fits her to a "T." (sorry for the puns, I can't help myself)
About Cyrielle Thomas:
Born in France and raised in Africa, Cyrielle Thomas moved back to France at 18 but felt like a stranger in her home country. After experimenting briefly with medical studies she moved to Bordeaux to get her marketing masters at INSEEC. In 2013, she joined Yelp to oversee all local community and marketing efforts in Bordeaux. After Yelp closed its international marketing division, she launched UberEats, and then Airbnb "Experiences" in Bordeaux. In 2017, she discovered the world of Japanese tea but was frustrated by how difficult it was to find and connect with the best tea and producers and businesses. Inspired by wine tourism in France, she came up with the idea for Dokocha, the first tea tourism platform in Japan, making her the first female foreign entrepreneur in the tea tourism industry in Japan. In 2020 she moved to Fukuoka, Japan (Bordeaux's twin city), where she oversees a team of ten to grow Dokocha and its sister company, Digitomenu.
In our delicious conversation we cover:
Cyrielle's upbringing in Cameroon and how that shaped her outlook.Why coming back to France was a shock to her system.How she manifested landing her dream job at Yelp.What was holding her back from succeeding at Yelp.How our "special 1:1 time" together freed her to embrace risk.What her experiences at Yelp, Airbnb and Uber taught her about entrepreneurialism.How she fell in love with Japanese tea.How she came up with the idea for her tea tourism company.What she did after every single French bank rejected her.Why she decided to relocate to Japan to build her business.Facing gender bias and overcoming stereotypes as a female founder.Links and mentions:
https://www.dokocha.com/
https://digitomenu.com/en/
Bossypants (the book I gave her that she keeps on her desk)
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The illusion of permanence can be blinding as we shift and grow. In our search for long-lasting security, we overlook our very human need to evolve, experiment and explore the unknown. What I've discovered is that fostering inner security—the sense of an "inner home"—is the key to navigating life's unpredictable twists with resilience, curiosity and grace. `
To navigate the tension between stability and adventure, control and exploration, I invited globetrotting wellness pioneer, Caroline Wachsmuth, to share how she broke free from the claustrophobic conformity of her Swiss upbringing to create a multi-passionate, multi-cultural, multi-continental life. Her journey explores the fundamental truth that "home" is less a geographic place, but a feeling cultivated deep within oneself.
About Caroline:
Born and raised in Switzerland, Caroline's fascination with botanicals and aromatherapy started at an early age. After beginning her career as a journalist, she studied beauty design at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis before launching Doux Me, the very first certified-organic skincare line in France, in 2002. Despite Doux Me's success, in 2012 she sold her brand. Today, Caroline has carved a niche for herself as a multifaceted entrepreneur – a personal trainer, yoga instructor, reiki practitioner, advisor to beauty brands, and author. A holistic beauty expert with thousands of self-tested recipes, she just launched the third edition of her book, "Seasons," a captivating blend of art and DIY recipes. Next year, her first memoire will hit the bookshelves. Having lived and worked on three continents and in fifteen cities, Caroline currently lives in San Francisco, California, but she's always keeping her heart open for new destinations to lay her yoga mat, and strengthen her practice.
Mentions:
https://www.caroline-w.com/
Seasons
Doux Me
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
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Are we wired for the paths we choose? Or does each micro decision we make inform our future experiences?
These questions drive every episode in this podcast. And this unexpected solo show is no exception!
With her mic set up. The house empty and quiet. On Becoming host, Zeva Bellel, found herself guest-less after a last minute cancellation.
Instead of packing up her equipment and calling it a day. She look a deep breath, and decided to share her personal becoming story, starting with her early life in Brooklyn, her exposure to French language and culture, her first visits to Paris, and her subsequent decision to move and live there indefinitely.
From New York to France, she explores the essence of destiny and autonomy that shapes our experiences, including:
• How music plays a role in language affinity
• The dilemma of choosing the right path when you don't want to hurt the ones you love
• The familiar tug-and-pull between fate and free-will
• How venturing into unfamiliar territories, be it places or experiences, can make you feel more yourself
The overall episode digs into the themes of intuition, longing, loss, and the daunting feeling of limitless freedom.
Links:
wwww.zevabellel.com
https://www.learner.org/series/french-in-action/
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/schools/K239
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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It's hard to trust your gut—intuitive whispers get gobbled up quickly by the shouting of the world around us. But when a woman deliberately sharpens her intuitive skills, her choices, creations and words can reshape the world. On the latest episode of On Becoming, I'm joined by Dutch eating designer, Marije Vogelzang, who literally created a new design genre by following her gut.
From Marije's journey as a doubt-filled design student to leading a new generation of boundary-bending creatives, this conversation covers sensorial experiences, risk taking, self love, and why we should all start speaking to our bad-ass future selves. Listen to expand your perspectives and discover new possibilities for your work, and life!
About Marije Volgenzang.
Marije Vogelzang designs experiences using food as her medium, a genre she pioneered as a student at the Design Academy Eindhoven. After graduating in 2000, she founded Proef, a (now defunct) design workshop and experimental restaurant in the Netherlands. In 2008, she published her first book, "EAT LOVE," chronicling the initial decade of her career, and in 2022, "Lick It," an edible exercise book with 32 food challenges designed to transform our relationship with food. Her work has been exhibited worldwide, from Tokyo to New York, and featured in renowned publications like the New York Times, Wallpaper magazine and ICON magazine. She was one of Fast Company’s Top 100 most creative people in business and a finalist of the World Technology Awards in the design section. In 2014 she became the head of the FOOD NON FOOD department at the Design Academy Eindhoven, and in 2016 she launched the Dutch Institute of Food and Design global platform for designers working with food and eating.
Links:
https://www.marijevogelzang.nl/
https://www.designacademy.nl/
https://thedifd.com/
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Busy hands can assist the mind in processing overwhelming experiences and emotions. That's why during times of transition, growth, or change, many people intuitively turn to handicrafts, like ceramics, kitting, woodworking or weaving. Beyond the pleasure of creating, the repetitive movements allow previously hidden insights and connections to sharpen and surface.
Few people understand the emotional wisdom of weaving as intimately as the internationally-renowned Australian textile artist, Maryanne Moodie. In this uplifting conversation Maryanne shares how her journey has shaped her craft, and her craft, her journey.
About Maryanne Moodie:
Maryanne fell into weaving after finding a loom in an arts supply closet before heading off on maternity leave over a decade ago. But what began as pastime quickly evolved into a wildly successful artistic career at the core of a textile renaissance.Today, Maryanne travels the world leading fully-booked weaving workshops and is the accomplished author of two bestsellers: "On the Loom, A Modern Weaver's Guide" (2016) and "Maryanne Moodie's Modern Weaver: Where Color Meets Loom" (2022). Her designs, which are influenced by vintage textiles, modern art, and the natural world, have graced the pages of prestigious publications such as New York Magazine, Milk Decoration, Anthology, O Magazine, and Grazia. You can explore her creations in her Etsy store or request a special commission.
What we discuss:
How her weaving pastime became a full-fledged profession.The emotional benefits of hands-on activities during life transitions.How living abroad can intensify and expedite the process of self-discovery.How technique, storytelling and emotion intersect on Maryanne's loom.How Maryanne's past careers and skills are woven into her artistic vision and business.Why losing touch with our hands also disconnects us from our communities.The importance of creating future heirlooms that are light on the earth.How the transformative experience of menopause is influencing Maryanne's artwork.Maryanne's intuitive tools to find creative flow in her work.Links:
https://www.instagram.com/maryannemoodie/
https://www.etsy.com/market/maryanne_moodie
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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La Bonne Élève, or the "model student." Women know the part by heart. It’s when you stick to the rules. Wait to be called on. Do what's expected of you. Consider others before yourself. The role provides a safe and steady path towards praise, but the real world operates differently. Those who stand up (especially when they're not called on) to assert themselves and advocate for their interests, often have more influence, and ultimately, more freedom. But how do you shed the "model student" mindset when you've been taught all your life to play it safe? And what's really at stake for women who never break out of that mold?
Join me in an episode about the changing rules of the game for women at work (and beyond!), with my guest, the gender equality author and activist, Clara Moley.
About Clara Moley:
Born and raised in France, Clara embarked on a transformative journey when she spent five years working in Brazil's male-dominated commodities trading world. As the sole woman in her circle, Clara realized that her gender was an obstacle, as well as an opportunity to reshape the rules she's always lived by. This eye-opening experience led to the launch of 'Les Règles du Jeu,' a podcast series in 2019 that offers tangible tips to empower women in the workplace. In 2020, the podcast was translated into english and expanded into a memoire/self-development book by the same name. In 2022, Clara expanded her mission by launching 'Starter Pack,' a podcast series focused on financial literacy for women, furthering her commitment to helping women gain financial freedom and power.
In this episode, we dive into the following topics:
How to pursue your convictions, even when the path ahead is uncertain.The power of self-awareness in confronting harsh realities.Why actions speak louder than words in dismantling gendered roles at home.Clara's upbringing and its profound impact on her activism and passion for gender equality.Recognizing and addressing internalized sexism in the workplace.Leveraging micro-empowerments as fail-safe tactics for progress at work.Breaking the taboo surrounding women and money.Why women are better at savers than investers?Why financial feminism is the next frontier in women's liberation.Links:
Clara's website
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Hosted by Zeva Bellel, a NYC-raised, Paris-based, certified career coach, On Becoming tells the true transformation stories of inspiring women entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators. Instead of merely focusing on where they are now, we peel back the onion and take a lovingly honest look at their becoming journey. We’ll hear about how they made difficult decisions in the pursuit of deep self-expression and fulfilment, especially when they wandered off course and deviated from the classic path. Listen to find out how their hidden journeys can help unlock your own potential.
Subscribe now to listen to the season two, which launches on October 5th.
To leave Zeva a voice message with feedback/questions:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Some people can see meaning in the details that most of us gloss over. They're able to extract poetry from a pin. And use their sharpened senses to guide them to the next right thing. But how did they get that way? Was their lens fixed like that all along? Or were there external shifts that sharpened their focus and accelerated their awareness?
To discuss this riveting subject I'm thrilled to welcome food and travel storyteller, Preeti Gill, to the show. I know you're going to fall in love with Preeti's becoming journey and how it shaped her ability to see depth and beauty in the facets of life that most people never notice.
In this discussions we cover:
How Preeti's Indian culture sprung to life in CaliforniaThe difference between transactional vs intentional eatingHow Preeti's food fascination bloomed at the Cordon BleuWhat happened when she realized that the stories behind the food were more interesting than the food itselfHow to let your curiosity lead you to your passionWhy Preeti launched Little Life Table and how small became a metaphor for lifeHow to listen to the subtle signs when making big shiftsHow mortality and temporality can be a soothing sourceAbout Preeti:
Preeti Gill grew up in the Punjab region of India and moved to northern California when she was ten. Even though food was always in the background of her life, it was only when she settled in Paris years later that she learned about the seasonality, rituals, technique and artistry of food, and a real passion was sparked! In 2013 she created the food and travel platform Little Life Table, as a way to document her favorite food establishments and travel adventures. The success of that project led to HarupiMedia, a digital creation company that designs content for food and travel brands that are looking to connect to customers through the soul and values of their specialities and stories. Preeti is also the new proud mama of the podcast, Life on Time.
Mentioned in this episode
https://www.instagram.com/preetigills/
Little Life Table
Harupi Media
Ajiri Aki
To leave me a voice message with feedback or questions about this show:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How do you find your place professionally when you feel like a square peg in a world of perfect circles? When you've always had big feelings and boundless creativity but no clear way to channel them? Add to that the challenge of making a career for yourself overseas, in another language, and with a different code of conduct? Such is the imaginative and inspiring becoming story of my guest, the illustrator and comedian, Jessie Kanelos Weiner.
In this conversation Jessie and I discuss:
What childhood was like growing up with youth pastor parents in Chicago.Why her first crack at Paris was a miserable flop.How a chance encounter put Paris back on the map. How she used her creativity to find work in Paris. How her "bad" photos put her on the watercolor path.How her experience as a food stylist impacted her creative eye.How she was able to process the grief from her miscarriage through her art. Why watercolor is a perfect medium for self-expression and self-healing. Why she decided to become a stand-up comedian after watching Jimmy Kimmel.How to feel confident in the process of becoming a more full-version of yourself.About Jessie Kanelos Weiner:
Jessie Kanelos Weiner is a bilingual illustrator, author and paper cut animator based in Paris. She has five publications under her belt, including the two bestselling travel guides, "Paris in Stride: An Insider's Walking Guide" and “New York in Stride: An Insider's Walking Guide” and she’s currently working on a new book with Rizzoli. Her work has been featured in such storied publications as Vogue, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. She posts humorous critiques on her illustrated blog, the Francofly. Jessie also teaches art at The Paris College of Art. She did the original art for this very here podcast (!!) and you can catch her stand-up routines each week in Paris.
Mentioned in this episode:
https://jessiekanelosweiner.net/
Francofly
https://www.instagram.com/jessiekanelosweiner/
Blast off Comedy
To leave me a voice message with feedback or questions about this show:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nigerian-born, Texas-raised Ajiri Aki thought joy was for the privileged few. And that she would never be smart, rich, famous, or beautiful enough to attain it. That was until she moved to Paris and learned that every day joy was all around her, in the design, the food, the flowers, the markets, the conversations, the architecture, the parks—even at the kebab stands during the strikes! In this intimate interview Ajiri gets vulnerable and shares her becoming journey, from believing joy was out of bounds, to learning how to experience joie de vivre, every day.
In this conversation we discuss:
Ajiri's Nigerian-American upbringing and why she left Texas.What she was ashamed about revealing in the blog post she wrote during the pandemicHow her vulnerability lead to the idea for her book, Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good LifeWhat the metaphor “using the good china,” is really about.How you can experience joy, even in the midst of unhappinessWhy connection is the undercurrent for joy.Why the table is an ideal place for stories and souls to collide. How Ajiri’s lifestyle is her “total work of art.” What prompted Ajiri to shave her head, and what that act taught her.What it means to be a Black woman representing rest, beauty and joy today.Healing generational trauma through rest and joy.About Ajiri:
Ajiri Aki's mom loved to collect vintage dishes and glassware and trained young Ajiri's eye to spot delicate designs and expert craftsmanship. But these fine treasures were hidden in a wooden cupboard and never used. Every day moments just weren't special enough. Ajiri lost her mom sadly to cancer when she was just twelve. With that loss, a chance to use the good china together. After earning her masters in decorative arts and pivoting many times professionally, Ajiri moved from the USA to Paris where, in 2018, she channelled her childhood loss into a mission with her French lifestyle brand, Madame de la Maison, an online boutique filled with treasures to gather stories and souls with joy and beauty every day. In April 2023 she published her second book, Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life.
Mentioned in this episode:
Madame de la Maison
A Case for the Good China
Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life.
To leave me a voice message with feedback or questions about this show:
Speak Pipe
Credits:
Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner
Editing Matthew Jordan
Music © Fabrice Fortin
Interested in career coaching with Zeva, the host of On Becoming?
Book a free discovery call here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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