Shows
Choices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaTiny Experiments for a Better Life: Why Big Change Starts Small — with Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff - Ep25What if the key to clarity wasn’t a grand plan — but a tiny experiment? In this episode of Choices & Chances, Tesa Arcilla sits down with Tiny Experiments author, ex-Googler, and neuroscience researcher Anne-Laure Le Cunff to explore how micro-decisions and curiosity can reshape your career, mental health, and relationship with uncertainty. They unpack the science of habit formation, challenge society’s obsession with linear success, and discuss how to navigate change with intention.📌 Topics Covered: • How to turn fear into data • Scripts we unconsciously follow (and how to rewrite them) • Tiny experiments in rel...2025-06-0641 min
Own Your Choices Own Your Life858 | The Power of Seeing Change As Neutral with Tesa ArcillaIn this episode, I am connecting with Tesa Arcilla. Tesa has never taken the conventional route—personally or professionally. A journalist by training and driven by an insatiable curiosity, she has lived and worked across multiple continents, carving out a career that defies easy labels. From live broadcasts at NBC and CBC to moderating high-stakes political debates for Euronews and the European Commission, she has spent over 20 years asking the tough questions, navigating complex global issues, and making sense of the world’s turning points. But beyond the newsrooms and international assignments, Tesa’s journey has been define...2025-05-2259 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaWhat Happens When You Actually Bet on Yourself? - Ep 24What does it really take to leave a job and become a full-time artist—with kids, responsibilities, and a whole new country to navigate? 🎨🇦🇺 In this powerful and inspiring conversation, I speak with Maria Jose Benvenuto, a Chilean artist living in Australia, about how she turned a childhood dream into a full-time profession.We talk about:How freedom and discipline go hand in handWhy curiosity is the engine of creativity and reinventionThe mindset shift from fear to action—and how Maria handles rejection and judgementHer transition from working at Red Bull to painting full-timeThe power of stru...2025-05-0640 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaRejection, the Power of Bold Action, and Building a Global Media Brand with Whoopi Goldberg - Ep23From being rejected for a job he thought he wanted very early in his career… to working alongside Whoopi Goldberg on a global women’s sports network—Miguel Santos’ journey is anything but linear. He's COO of Jungo TV, the network that co-founded AWSN, the first global women's sports channel, with Goldberg. In this episode, we talk about how rejection can guide you, why resumés don’t matter as much as you think, and why you don’t need to have it all figured out to build an extraordinary life.If you’ve ever doubted your pat...2025-04-0537 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaYour Work Doesn’t Speak for Itself—You Do - Ep22We’ve all heard the saying: “Your work speaks for itself.” But what if that’s actually one of the biggest myths holding you back? After years in journalism, interviewing some of the brightest minds in politics, business, and global affairs, I’ve seen firsthand that brilliance alone isn’t enough.The people with the deepest insights—the ones who could actually move the needle—were often the least visible. Some by choice. Some because they didn’t know how to present themselves. Some convinced that staying in the background was the right thing to...2025-03-1903 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaThe Most Important Negotiation? Who You Are Vs. Who You Choose to Be - Ep21The most powerful negotiations aren’t always between nations. Sometimes, they’re between who the world expects you to be and who you decide to become.Boris Toucas spent years negotiating high-stakes policies as a French diplomat, shaping decisions that impacted nations. But then, he took a different kind of risk—one that had nothing to do with international relations and everything to do with personal reinvention.In this episode, we explore:✅ What diplomacy and art have in common—and why mastering influence isn’t just for politicians. (If you’re in...2025-03-1733 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaThe First Step to Being Good on Camera (It’s NOT What You Think!) - Ep20Most people get this completely wrong. They think being good on camera is about how they look, how they sound, or even delivering the perfect message. But there’s one thing that truly makes all the difference.Without it, you’ll hesitate, overthink, and struggle to connect with your audience. But with it? You’ll exude confidence, clarity, and impact every time you show up.What is it? Listen now to find out. 🎧#Podcast #ChoicesAndChances #OnCameraConfidence #PublicSpeaking #PersonalBrandingThank you for listening! Please consider leaving us a 5-star rating so others...2025-03-1102 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaWhat It Really Takes to Build Something From Zero - Ep19I’ve built my dream career once before—now I’m doing it again, from scratch.If you’ve ever thought about leaving behind a “stable” job to create something on your own, this episode is for you. I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to build a business, grow a podcast, and transition into a completely new field.No shortcuts. No easy way around it. Just consistent action, putting in the reps—even when no one is watching.We always hear from people after they’ve made it. But this is...2025-03-0422 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaThe Missing Leadership Skill That Changes Everything—And Why He Quit a Secure Job for the Unknown - Ep18What’s the one leadership skill that impacts trust, decision-making, and influence—yet no one talks about it?In this episode of Choices & Chances, I sit down with Mark Panayiotis Notaras, a global leader in international development, social entrepreneurship, and leadership strategy, to unpack the concept of Trust Intelligence (TQ)—the missing key to impactful leadership. We also talk about navigating and understanding high-context cultures, leading with empathy, making bold career moves, as well as deep listening and curiosity in shaping impactful leadership and dec...2025-03-0159 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaHow Prime Ministers & CEOs Master Communication with Laura Shields - Ep17What separates great communicators from the rest? And why do even the smartest leaders struggle to get their message across?"People have this idea that communicators like Barack Obama didn't put in any work, which is just nonsense," says Laura.In this episode, I sit down with Laura Shields, founder of RedThread (and fellow 'Brussels Bubble' insider) who has spent over a decade training Prime Ministers, CEOs, and leadership teams to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.We break down:🔹 The biggest com...2025-02-0755 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaYour Value Isn’t Determined by Somebody Else’s Judgment - Ep16I recently shared an anecdote from my career that stuck with me. I found it amusing at the time, but it's an experience that reinforced important life lessons. Here’s what I learned from that experience:1️⃣ Your value isn’t determined by someone else’s inability to see it. It’s easy to let dismissive comments get under your skin. But when you know your worth, their perception doesn’t define you.2️⃣ Introverts can thrive in extroverted spaces without conforming. I didn’t need to be loud to hold my ground. My quiet confidence came throu...2025-02-0311 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaStarting 2025 on My Terms: Why Strength of Mind and of Self are Non-Negotiables - Ep15It’s the 22nd of January, and this is my first podcast episode of the year. I’ll share why I’ve taken my time to start and how this decision ties into one of the most important lessons I teach: strength of mind and of self.In this episode, I talk about:Why it’s OK to move at your own pace and let go of the pressure to start strong in January.How strength of mind and of self serves as the foundation for bold decisions, whether you’re a leader, a parent, or...2025-01-2214 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaRewrite Your Life: "The idea of staying the same was so scary to me..." A Chat with Emmy-Award Winning TV Journalist Aundrea Cline-Thomas - Ep14"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲..." — Emmy-award winning TV reporter and journalist Aundrea Cline-Thomas @aundreact said making that leap from journalism to entrepreneurship wasn't as much about #courage as it was about being the only acceptable option for her. We touched on so many shared ideas and actionable strategies. Some ideas from this conversation:♦ Having a strategy isn't necessarily about exiting the profession you're in. It's about making a conscious #choice. If you choose to stay, you know you're staying because you love it, not because it's your only option. If you choose to leave, you'll have your next best move in place.♦ It's a tough world out there. It's going to require commitment and hard work to navigate a career outside...2024-12-3053 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaFeeling Stuck? Ask Yourself This ONE Question [Quick Take] - Ep13Feeling Stuck? Ask Yourself This ONE Question 🎙In this Quick Take episode, I dive into the powerful question that can help you break free—and the radical honesty it takes to get there.This insight is inspired by my conversation with Aundrea Cline-Thomas, Emmy Award-winning journalist turned entrepreneur. Her course, The Rewrite, guides journalists navigating career transitions, especially those considering a life beyond the industry.We also explore the role of #AI, the mindset shifts, confidence, and strategic planning essential for moving forward.💡 Watch this short episode for a fresh perspective—and don’t...2024-12-1209 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaCourage, Culture, and Change: Dr Amireh Fakhouri's Fight for Fairness in Medicine - Ep12💡 Standing Up for Change: Lessons from Dr Amireh Fakhouri 💡She is the face of one of Australia's largest class actions. What drives someone to take a stand, knowing the risks?Dr Amireh Fakhouri’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and a refusal to accept the status quo. As the lead plaintiff in one of Australia’s largest class action, representing junior doctors underpaid for their overtime, she didn’t just fight for financial justice. She stood for cultural change—demanding recognition for the work and sacrifices of a profession too often taken for granted.🎙 In...2024-12-0336 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaIs the Fear of 'Cringe' Holding You Back from Thought Leadership? - Ep11🎙️ In this episode, we’re tackling a fear that keeps so many brilliant professionals from sharing their ideas: the fear of being ‘cringe.’If you’ve ever second-guessed posting your expertise or worried about how your thoughts might be received, this episode is for you. I dive into:Why thought leadership and personal branding are increasingly crucial in today’s professional worldHow fear of judgment holds back your impact—and how to reframe itWhy we all stand to gain from richer public discoursePractical strategies to create authentic, valuable content that resonates with your audience (and avoids performative "cri...2024-12-0105 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaYou're Not Stuck: How Owning Your Choices Changes Everything - Ep10If you're feeling stuck or paralysed — afraid of making the "wrong" decisions, this episode is for you. Thank you for listening! Please consider leaving us a 5-star rating so others can find the podcast. Follow us on social media and join the mailing list for more content. 2024-10-2327 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaAward-winning TV presenter Richelle Carey chose to leave a brilliant global career to become a single mum at 49 — the ups, downs & in-betweens of our life choices - Ep9My next guest is Richelle Carey, Emmy Award-winning, former Al Jazeera English and CNN presenter whose life path took a sharp turn... by choice. Richelle asks, “If this is what you want, why haven’t you done it?”We delve into what happens when we go against the grain of what we’ve come to believe is ‘expected’ by society. How do we remain authentic and stay true to the choices that align with our genuine desires for our lives? It takes courage and an inner knowing of what it is you really want for yourself. Richelle...2024-08-2745 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaOn career shifts, motherhood, ‘hustle culture’, saying no, and more with Emmy-nominated Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani - Ep8In this episode, my friend, Emmy-nominated TV journalist Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani, and I chat as women with big ambitions, a strong sense of justice, women who are navigating parenthood, and women who are usually pressed for time but want to do so much. Caroline and I became colleagues when the biggest TV network in the US decided to launch a global news channel. But timing wasn't on our side — Covid hit and plans were disrupted. That said, the best thing about that project was becoming friends with brilliant people like Caroline. Here we are reconnecting on a podcast fro...2024-07-221h 14Choices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaDeborah Kan: from award-winning TV journo to founder of dementia research platform 'Being Patient' - Ep7When then Wall Street Journal Executive Producer Deborah Kan's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, her journalistic instincts kicked in — she wanted to know everything there was to know about the disease. The problem was, she couldn't really find one resource that provided accurate, up-to-date information on long-term illness, as well as access to experts in the field. That's how 'Being Patient' came to be.Key inspirational food for thought:🏊 Taking the plunge: leaving a great career at The Wall Street Journal to become a startup media entrepreneur🤷 How do you know it's the...2024-06-0754 minChoices & Chances with Tesa Arcilla'Antichef' Jamie: how failure led him to YouTube fame; when success is just around the corner; content creator burnout and more - Ep6How do you know when to keep going and when to throw in the towel? For @antichef Jamie Tracey, the choice was to keep making YouTube cooking videos or get a “real” job. Then just when he was about to quit, he found YouTube success with over 400,000 subscribers at the time of recording.When we hear about people’s success stories, it's usually with the benefit of hindsight. We hear about how they overcame uncertainty, doubt and challenges to get to where they are now. But what makes Jamie’s story even more meaningful to me is that I m...2024-05-241h 05Choices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaCan introverts thrive in an extroverted world? - Ep5To all the introverts out there, I hear you, I see you. Can introverts thrive in a world that seems to reward extroversion? Short answer, yes. Interesting to note that the original concept introduced by Carl Jung is not exactly the same usage and meaning commonly referred to today. Jung suggests everyone has both an extroverted side and an introverted side, with one being more dominant than the other. What’s key for me is that introversion/extroversion isn’t rooted in confidence or self-belief. One can be a confident, self-assured, outspoken introvert and conversely, one ca...2024-05-1512 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaCarol Banawa: resilience after tragedy, career pivot, and leaving behind a life of fame - Ep4Tragedy can change the course of one's life in an instant. Carol Banawa was a famous recording artist/singer in the Philippines and was in her second year at university when her brother died and her father was left bed-ridden due to an accident. That moment forced her to 'grow up' quickly and rethink the trajectory of her life. She had to leave university and pursue her singing career to support her family. Not too long after that, she decided to move to the United States where she got married and started pursuing a career as a nurse (soon-to-be...2024-05-1152 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaGuy Paillard: honest take on men's mental health, what fulfilment means, advice for entrepreneurs & more - Ep3How do you achieve big ambitions and navigate a world that's still very much driven by image and judgement without sacrificing your mental health? In this episode, I catch up with an old friend of mine, Guy Paillard, who's an entrepreneur and men's mental health advocate, among other things. He speaks candidly about the state of men's mental health, the challenges we're still facing, and what it took for him to reverse course and regain his own mental and physical well-being. Guy is a go-getter, surrounded by intelligent and influential people in business. Having worked with some of the...2024-05-0345 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaHelena Humphrey: on identity, doing what you love, landing then losing a dream job & more - Ep2Do you fear losing your identity when you no longer have your profession? In this episode of Choices & Chances, I chat with a friend and former colleague, Helena Humphrey, now senior BBC News presenter based in Washington D.C. We explore what identity means when it's so inextricably linked to a profession, how people define themselves and answer the question, "Who are you?" We also talk about our love for journalism, what we went through when we landed — and then lost — our DREAM gig during Covid, dealing with impostor syndrome that never really goes away, and the importance of lear...2024-04-2542 minChoices & Chances with Tesa ArcillaThe life we live is as good as the choices we make, introducing Choices & Chances - Ep1Life is a series of choices, and the quality of the life we live is only as good as the choices we make on a daily basis — big and small. We only have one life, one big chance to live it the best way we can. One of my favourite lines from Mary Oliver's poem The Summer Day makes me stop and think about the choices I make: 'What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?'.For the past two decades as a former former foreign correspondent and news presenter, I'v...2024-04-2110 min
Futility ClosetThe Abernathy Boys In 1909, Oklahoma brothers Bud and Temple Abernathy rode alone to New Mexico and back, though they were just 9 and 5 years old. In the years that followed they would become famous for cross-country trips totaling 10,000 miles. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll trace the journeys of the Abernathy brothers across a rapidly evolving nation. We'll also try to figure out whether we're in Belgium or the Netherlands and puzzle over an outstretched hand. Intro: Lytton Strachey's uncle William observed Calcutta time in England. John Dryden displayed...2021-02-0133 min