Note to listeners: we're currently on hiatus, returning with new episodes in April 2025. Until then, we're sharing some of our favorite episodes from the archive each week.

Today, we're speaking with Lola Akinmade Åkerström, an award-winning storyteller, travel photographer, writer, creator, TED speaker, and multi-book author. She's a Hasselblad Heroine and she runs the Stockholm-based travel consultancy, Geotraveler Media and the Geotraveler Media Academy.

In this episode, Lola shares how the manuscript for her novel was rejected 70 times (that’s right, seven-zero!) before being picked up and how the book is now out with four different publishers. We cover pitching, rejections, and being prepared when National Geographic comes knocking on your door.

Reminder: I'm running a 10-day group trip to Jordan this May. The trip runs from May 18th to 27th and you can get all the information by visiting here.

Throughout February, you can save $150 off your booking by using code GOINGPLACESFEB when you join our trip. The code expires on Fri, Feb 28.

Original Air Date: Aug 18, 2021.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Lola shares the story behind one of her most memorable photographs
• Why Lola defines herself as a multipotentialite
• Lola's advice for those reliant on a job but eager to make the transition to full-time creative work: find anchor clients
• Tips for navigating rejection during the pitching process
• How to stop putting yourself in a box and live beyond the expectations of others; the power of asking “why not?”
• Why blindly following trends is like trying to swim in a raging sea; be a surfer
• Lola speaks candidly about the challenges she has encountered on her journey
• Why Lola believes that comparison does not benefit creative entrepreneurs

Featured on the show:

• Follow Lola on Instagram | @lolaakinmade
• Follow Lola on LinkedIn | Lola Åkerström
• Check out Lola’s website at akinmade.com
• Learn more about Geotraveler Media Academy
• Watch Lola's TED Talk, The power of asking "Why not?"
• Order Lola’s book, In Every Mirror She’s Black on Amazon
• Learn more about our upcoming trip to Jordan in May here

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Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.

Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.