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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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Manage episode 493268315 series 3670470
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Episode Summary
This week, Jess sits down with someone truly special - her sister Lily West, an incredibly talented photographer and videographer who's built her dream career through pure determination and creative magic. From struggling with dyslexia in school to shooting single covers displayed on Times Square billboards, Lily's journey is a masterclass in trusting your creative instincts and never giving up on your vision.
What We Cover
The Creative Journey
- How Lily went from hating academia to finding her calling in photography
- The reality of being a creative freelancer: years of financial struggle, knockbacks, and self-doubt
- Why technical skills matter less than you think (spoiler: you can hire an assistant!)
The Power of Persistence
- Lily's incredible resilience through years of unpaid work and rejections
- How she manifested her career by literally writing "I'm gonna get paid from my art" in her diary
- The importance of having people who believe in you when you can't afford to believe in yourself
Redefining Success
- Why school metrics don't predict creative success
- How dyslexia and dyscalculia became strengths rather than limitations
- The moment everything changed: from iPhone videos to Times Square billboards
Mental Health & Creativity
- Dealing with anxiety as a creative professional
- The life-changing power of morning journaling
- Why therapy and self-awareness are crucial for sustainable success
The Weird & Wonderful
- University alter ego "Ducky the Diva" and terrible Whitney Houston covers
- The legendary pickled pigeon bingo night
- Why embracing your weird is actually your superpower
Key Takeaways
- Your "weaknesses" can become your greatest strengths - Lily's struggles with traditional academics led her to find her true calling
- Persistence pays off - Sometimes you need to show up for years before the breakthrough happens
- Collaboration over competition - Partner with people whose strengths complement your weaknesses
- Play is powerful - The most successful creatives never lose their sense of playfulness
- Mental health matters - Success means nothing if you're not looking after yourself
Resources Mentioned
- The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - The creativity bible that changed everything --> https://dauntbooks.co.uk/shop/books/the-artists-way/
- Morning Pages - Three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing every morning
- Megan Rose Lane - Manifestation workshop that kickstarted the journey
You can find Lily on Instagram @lilz_w or check out her business account @squish.agency
Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible women to feature.
Chapters
1. Pickled Pigeons, Manifesting Magic and Creative Resilience - Lily West is Successful AF (00:00:00)
2. Meet Lily: The Creative Journey (00:01:26)
3. Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success (00:06:28)
4. Defining Success and Manifestation (00:13:01)
5. Mental Health and Coping Strategies (00:20:11)
6. Journaling and Leeches: An Unusual Analogy (00:26:41)
7. Struggles with Dyslexia and School Challenges (00:27:23)
8. The Importance of Collaboration in Business (00:29:40)
9. Advice to My Younger Self (00:32:18)
10. Embracing Playfulness and Creativity (00:34:09)
11. Career Highlights and Achievements (00:37:28)
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