In this episode of Welcome to Successville season 2, your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by successful Ana Kirova, CEO of dating app Feeld, who discusses her journey through successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of community and collective achievements. Ana reflects on her personal identity and how it intertwines with her professional life as the CEO of Feeld, a dating app that promotes open-mindedness and self-discovery, and her journey from a creative early life, to becoming the lead of a tech business. Ana shares her insights on leadership, particularly as a woman in a male dominated industry, and the impact of media recognition and the importance of celebrating personal successes.
Useful links:
The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.
Sophie’s Social Action Instagram
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Success and Anna Korova
03:17 - The Awkwardness of Recognition
05:51 - The Journey Behind Achievements
07:51 - The Integration of Personal and Professional Life
10:21- Early Life and Relationship with Success - growing up in post-Soviet Bulgaria
12:45 - The Shift from Academic Success to Creative Expression
17:02 - The Work Involved In Creative Practice
19:16 - Moving to the UK and Embracing Change
23:19 - Becoming the CEO of Feeld
26:00 - The Origins of Field and Open Relationships
29:48 - Ana's Journey to CEO
33:07 - The Importance of Community Feedback
34:35 - Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Space
44:42 - Recognition and Its Impact
47:39 - The Power of Teamwork and Collaboration
49:03 - Celebrating Success and Personal Reflection
51:16 - Defining Success on Your Own Terms
55:15 - Quickfire Questions
