How To Own The Room

23.6 Katherine Viner, editor-in-chief of the Guardian

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you manage the pressure of being in the hot seat, day in day out? Viv speaks to Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian since 2015, wh...

23:5 Amy Poon, restaurant owner and food entrepreneur

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find the courage to keep changing the course of your career and try something new?   Viv speaks to Amy Poon, who grew up in her family's f...

23.4 Maria Semple, novelist

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How can you use disappointment to fuel your future success?   Viv talks to Maria Semple, who wrote the bestselling novel, Where D'You Go, Bernadette...

23.3 I.Stephanie Boyce, Solicitor and former president of the Law Society of England and Wales

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you cultivate self-belief when barriers get in the way of your goals?   Viv talks to I.Stephanie Boyce, a solicitor who went on to become pres...

23.2 Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How can you develop a leadership style that is calm and non-forceful?   Viv talks to Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, who w...

23.1 Cariad Lloyd, actress and comedian

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you build the confidence to risk being more off-the-cuff in professional life?  Viv talks to Cariad Lloyd - the actress and comedian - about m...

How to Own the Room - Series 23 Trailer

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to How to Own the Room with Viv Groskop: the podcast where inspirational women reveal the secrets of brilliant speaking.  Yes! A new ser...

22.6 Carrie Sun, author

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you swap a soul-crushing job for one that sustains you? Viv talks to the writer, Carrie Sun, whose new memoir, Private Equity, is about to ...

22.5 Kate Stephens, CEO

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find the confidence to pursue the work you want and ace an interview? Viv chats to Kate Stephens, the CEO of Smart Works, an amazing ch...

22.4 Joanna Jensen, entrepreneur

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find the self-belief to pursue a brilliant idea, convince investors in your vision and pick yourself after setbacks? Viv chats to Joann...

22.3 Angela Saini, science journalist and author

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you connect with audiences on a deeper, truer level? Viv talks to award-winning journalist and author, Angela Saini, about combatting pseudo...

22.2 Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako, presenter and moderator

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you create the best panel experience? Viv talks to professional moderator, Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako, about managing nerves, getting the best ...

22.1 Patsy Palmer, actress and DJ

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you learn to say no and do what makes you happy? Viv talks to the actress, Patsy Palmer, best-known for her role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnd...

21.5 Evanna Lynch, actress and writer - Happy High Status

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find your voice and your confidence when people expect you to be only one thing? How can you overcome thoughts that keep you small? Actress...

21.4 Sophie Ellis-Bextor, singer-songwriter - Happy High Status

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you bounce back from a major knock to your confidence? How do you maintain focus and poise even when you're exhausted or overwhelmed? In this f...

21.3 James O'Brien, broadcaster - Happy High Status

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can you be "too confident"? How entitled is too entitled? In this third of a series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to broadcaster a...

21.2 Fatima Whitbread, Olympic athlete - Happy High Status

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you swivel the lens away from yourself? In this second of a series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to Olympic athl...

21.1 Tom Allen, comedian - Happy High Status

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can you be both insecure and confident at the same time? In this first of a series of Happy High Status takeover episodes, Viv talks to award-winning ...

20.6 Angela Cretu, CEO

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you achieve and stay authentic? Viv talks to Angela Cretu, CEO of Avon, one of the biggest beauty brands in the world. Growing up in Communis...

20.5 Lucinda Chambers, fashion director

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you follow a dream? Viv talks to the fashion legend, Lucinda Chambers, who worked at Vogue from the age of 21, eventually working her way up ...

20.4 Curtis Sittenfeld, novelist

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you simply get things done? Viv talks to the American writer, Curtis Sittenfeld, whose new novel, Romantic Comedy, is already a bestseller a...

20.3 Isabel Wilkerson, author

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you nurture self-belief? Viv talks to the bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson, about cultivating gentle trust in o...

20.2 Claire Fuller, author

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you keep going when your mouth turns 'sticky'? Viv talks to the award-winning writer, Claire Fuller about lessons from life, digging back into ...

20.1 Marielle Wyse, fashion entrepreneur

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Launching series 20 with a splash of colour and pizazz, Viv talks to fashion label guru, Marielle Wyse, about finding that thing you love and doing wi...

19.6: Masterclass on How to Be Confident

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is the secret of fearlessness? How do you focus if you're feeling nervous?   In this final episode of the How to Own the Room masterclass series...

19.5: Masterclass on How to Prepare (Part 2)

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's round-up of all the best tips and tricks for confidence and performance, we continue with the theme of preparation. Talking to actres...

19.4: Masterclass on How to Prepare

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone loves to feel prepared, but what would happen if you didn't really prepare at all?   How do you prepare for the moments of pressure? In this...

19.3: Masterclass on How to Cure Imposter Syndrome

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like you can't do certain things? What do you do to tackle your own self-doubt?  In this 3rd episode, Viv turns traditional thinki...

19.2: Masterclass on How to Overcome Nerves

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Where does confidence come from? What can you do if you're very self-conscious and you feel really uncomfortable in front of others?  In this second ...

19.1: Masterclass on How to Know What to Say

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you work out what you want to say and what you think people are expecting? If you want to speak up, how do you know where to start?  In this n...

18.8 Dawn O'Porter, Novelist and TV Presenter

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you regain your confidence? Viv talks to the author, TV presenter, social media influencer and founder of fashion line Joanie, Dawn O'Porter, o...

18.7 Catherine Mayer, Writer and Activist

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can we thrive wearing many hats? Viv talks to the author and co-founder and President of the Women's Equality Party, Catherine Mayer, about shifti...

18.6 Elaine Bedell, Arts CEO

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you bring together a winning team so that all voices can contribute to the room? Viv Groskop talks to the Chief Executive of the Southbank Cent...

18.5 Gabby Logan, Broadcaster

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What helps to build resilience? Viv Groskop talks to the broadcaster, Gabby Logan, who has pioneered sports presenting for women in the UK. Just this ...

18.4 Debbie Wosskow OBE, Entrepreneur

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you put on your game face every day? Viv Groskop talks to the co-founder of AllBright, Debbie Wosskow, on purpose, energy and drive. She launch...

18.3 Elizabeth Strout, Writer

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How can you overcome stage fright? Viv Groskop talks to award-winning writer and nominee for this year's Booker Prize, Elizabeth Strout, ahead of the ...

18.2 Kamila Shamsie, Writer

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you easily switch between private and public modes? Viv Groskop talks to the award-winning writer, Kamila Shamsie, about the different kinds of en...

18.1 Kit de Waal, Writer

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you find your authentic voice? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, Kit de Waal, who found success later in life with her book My Name is Leon. Kit...

17.7 Marisha Wallace, Musical Theatre Performer

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you believe in yourself? Viv Groskop talks to the musical theatre performer, Marisha Wallace, best-known for roles in Something Rotten, Dreamgirls,...

17.6 Sadie Jones, Writer

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you reluctant to be in the limelight? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, Sadie Jones, who made her name with The Outcast, winning Best First Novel i...

17.5 Sheila Hancock, Actor

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you manage your nerves? Viv Groskop talks to legendary actor, Dame Sheila Hancock, ahead of a theatre audience to share reflections from her secon...

17.4 Abi Morgan, Writer

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you tell your own story? Viv Groskop talks to award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Abi Morgan, whose work includes The Split, The Iron Lady,...

17.3 Ellen Nichols, Writer

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are you waiting for? Viv Groskop talks to writer, Ellen Nichols, author of Remember Whose Little Girl You Are. Now in her 70s, Ellen Nichols has ...

17.2 Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you bring your true self to the table? Viv Groskop talks to CEO Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Founder and Executive Chair of the fintech Snoop. She was t...

17.1 Emily Chang, Executive and Fosterer

12 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What will your social legacy be? Viv Groskop talks to corporate high flyer Emily Chang about her philosophy which has inspired a unique way of life, w...

16.7 Delia Ephron, Writer

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you doing what is expected of you? Viv Groskop talks to writer Delia Ephron about following other people's rules. She explains how to blow it an...

16.6 Julia Samuel, Psychotherapist

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a good relationship with yourself? Viv Groskop talks to psychotherapist and author Julia Samuel about how hard it is to own the room and r...

16.5 Vanessa Sanyauke, CEO

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you stepped into your greatness? Viv Groskop talks to Vanessa Sanyauke, founder and CEO of Girls Talk London and expert in diversity, inclusion a...

16.4 Paula Hines, Teacher

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is your dream a nightmare? Viv Groskop talks to yoga teacher Paula Hines about giving up her dream job to take a different path as a yoga teacher, an...

16.2 Anne Fine, Writer

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you done your best? Viv Groskop talks to writer and second Children's Laureate Anne Fine, about the freedom of being well prepared. She says: if ...

16.2 Lucy Foley, Writer

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know what you're talking about? Viv Groskop talks to author Lucy Foley about squeaky voices, head girl energy and never quite feeling you are a...

16.1 Jan Ravens, Actress and Impressionist

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have the confidence to fail? Viv Groskop talks to Jan Ravens, the actress and impressionist. Jan (or is it Liz Truss?) talks about exploring th...

15.7 Jules Breach, Presenter

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you laugh at yourself? Viv Groskop talks to Jules Breach, presenter for BT Sport, Premier League Productions and the Football Ramble podcast. She ...

15.6 Kate Mosse, Writer

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can women win? Viv Groskop talks to writer Kate Mosse, founder director of the Women's Prize for Fiction, and founder of the global Woman In History c...

15.5 Siri Hustvedt, Writer

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you too polite? Viv Groskop talks to writer and public intellectual Siri Hustvedt about sexism, misogyny and why she believes politeness is a bad ...

15.4 Amanda Horton-Mastin, CEO

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you believe your own story? Viv Groskop talks to Amanda Horton-Mastin, formerly senior director at Comic Relief and current CEO of Semble, which co...

15.3 Dame Helena Morrissey, Financier and Campaigner

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you asked? Viv Groskop talks to financier and campaigner Helena Morrissey DBE about the power of just asking for what we want and need. They expl...

15.2 Yrsa Daley-Ward, Writer and Performer

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Could it be like jazz? Viv Groskop talks to writer, poet and performer Yrsa Daley-Ward about allowing a bit of improvisation into your performance, so...

15.1 Dame Eileen Atkins

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel lucky? Viv Groskop talks to actress Dame Eileen Atkins about how owning the room is sometimes about being open to chance. They explore the...

14.8 Anne Taylor, Activist

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Could you be a rebel? Viv Groskop talks to former French teacher and climate activist Anne Taylor about joining Extinction Rebellion to fight the clim...

14.7 Jane Garvey and Fi Glover, Broadcasters

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you homely or buccaneering? Viv Groskop talks to broadcasters Fi Glover and Jane Garvey, co-hosts of the Fortunately podcast and authors of Did I ...

14.6 Mel Robbins, Author

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What's the worst that could happen? Viv Groskop talks to the lawyer, TV host and motivational speaker Mel Robbins about facing bankruptcy, unemploymen...

14.5 Nayna McIntosh, Founder and CEO

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you missing the bleeding obvious? Viv Groskop talks to Nayna McIntosh, founder and CEO of Hope Fashion, about how we can be  so unused to saying ...

14.4 Cathy Rentzenbrink, Writer

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a work in progress? Viv Groskop talks to writer and journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink about the power of seeing yourself as an ongoing project, fr...

14.3 Indra Nooyi, Businesswoman

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Need to dig yourself out of a hole? Viv Groskop talks to Indra Nooyi, the former chair and CEO of PepsiCo. She may be regularly listed as one of the w...

14.2 Dame Jenni Murray, Broadcaster

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fat cow, fat chance? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, journalist and broadcaster Dame Jenni Murray, the former presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour...

14.1 Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have the authority? Viv Groskop talks to Jackie Weaver; viral internet sensation, author of the book You Do Have the Authority Here! and chief...

13.8 Jane Shepherdson, Businesswoman

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What's your armour? Viv Groskop talks to Jane Shepherdson, chair of My Wardrobe HQ, former chief exec of Whistles and brand director at TopShop. They ...

13.9 Jess Phillips, MP

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you posh? Or do you just like olives? Viv Groskop talks to Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violen...

13.7 Chantal Coady, Chocolatier

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is this visceral? Viv Groskop talks to author, businesswoman and chocolatier Chantal Coady about how to deploy the senses to beguile, comfort and deli...

13.6 Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, Entrepreneur

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you sitting comfortably? Viv Groskop talks to Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley CH, the businesswoman, philanthropist and technology pioneer. They ex...

13.5 Paula Hawkins, Author

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Can you take criticism? Viv Groskop talks to Paula Hawkins, author of (among others) the global phenomenon The Girl on The Train. They explore how to...

13.4 Funmi Fetto, Writer

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why not? Viv Groskop talks to beauty journalist Funmi Fetto, Contributing Editor at British Vogue and Beauty Director at the Observer Magazine. Funmi ...

13.3 Lorraine Candy, Writer

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What if you'd never heard of imposter syndrome? Viv Groskop talks to Lorraine Candy, columnist and former Editor in Chief from Style magazine, Elle UK...

13.1 Julia Baird, Broadcaster

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you felt small lately? Viv Groskop talks to journalist, author and broadcaster Julia Baird about the value of shrinking, and how feeling small ca...

13.2 Esther Freud, Writer

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why are you here? Viv Groskop talks to writer Esther Freud about her new book, about why it's good for writers to get out, and the power of understand...

12.9 Norma Kamali, Designer

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ageing with power? Viv Groskop talks to designer Norma Kamali about why women should look forward to getting older. She explains that self res...

12.8 Hollie McNish, Poet

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you following someone else's rules? Viv Groskop talks to poet Hollie McNish about the value of working out your own way to do something - even if ...

12.7 Anya Hindmarch, Designer

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you doing it your way? Viv Groskop talks to designer and businesswoman Anya Hindmarch about the value of authenticity. Anya reveals how neuro-ling...

12.6 Anneliese Dodds, Politician

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you said what you came to say? Viv Groskop talks to Anneliese Dodds, Labour Co-Op Member of Parliament for Oxford East, about owning the House as...

12.5 Isabel Allende, Writer

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeding your self doubt? Viv Groskop talks to writer Isabel Allende about how women can combat insecurity by celebrating each other. She talks...

12.4 Martha Beck, Life Coach

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel completely happy? If not, admit it out loud to yourself. That moment of truth will help. Viv Groskop talks to sociologist and life coach M...

12.3 Nicole LePera, Psychologist

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you doing the work? Viv Groskop talks to Dr Nicole LePera, holistic psychologist and author of How to Do The Work. They explore the idea of healin...

12.2 Yewande Akinola, Engineer

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know why you are doing this? Viv Groskop talks to Yewande Akinola MBE,  chartered engineer and TV presenter, about the power of knowing your p...

12.1 Mel Giedroyc, Comic

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want it too much? Viv Groskop talks to TV presenter, actress and writer Mel Giedroyc about the power of not caring and how she was nearly too r...

11.5 Inner Voice Masterclass: How to Own Your Thoughts and "What Would Wonder Woman Do?"

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice ...

11.4 Inner Voice Masterclass: Self-Sabotage, Anxiety, Self-Care and Self-Control

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice ...

11.3 Inner Voice Masterclass: The Role of Other People and Environment

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice ...

11.2 Inner Voice Masterclass: How to Manage Your Inner Voice

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice ...

11.1 Inner Voice Masterclass: Understanding the Voice Inside Your Head

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents the second of two special five-part series. This week: Inner Voice with psychologist Ethan...

10.5 Storytelling Masterclass: Authenticity, "Show, Don't Tell" and Being Flashy

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of c...

10.4 Storytelling Masterclass: Why Every Story Needs a Beginning, Middle and End

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of c...

10.3 Storytelling Masterclass: Bringing Your True Self to Work

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of c...

10.2 Storytelling Masterclass: The Five Words That Sum Up Your Story

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of ...

10.1 Storytelling Masterclass: Why You Need to Know How to Tell Stories

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of c...

9.8 Vivian Gornick, Writer

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sex or work? Viv Groskop talks to radical feminist critic, journalist and memoirist Vivian Gornick about the gains of the feminist movement - and what...

9.7 June Angelides, Investor

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you still waiting for the cavalry? Viv Groskop talks to June Angelides, investor, entrepreneur and founder of Mums In Tech, the UK's first child-f...

9.6 Shahira Fahmy, Architect

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you lost in the moment? Viv Groskop talks to Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy about saying yes to life, inspiring a team to trust your vision and ...

9.5 Ruth Coker Burks, Carer and Advocate

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you don't take risks, have you really lived? Viv Groskop talks to Ruth Coker Burks, author of the memoir All The Young Men, who risked everything t...

9.4 Katie Piper, Presenter and Campaigner

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does your story deserve to be told? Viv Groskop talks to TV presenter and charity founder Katie Piper about taking ownership of your story and accepti...