<![CDATA['Til You Make It]]>Some people trained to be Olympians and ended up on the red carpet. Some built tech companies. Some were chiefs of staff who became artists, writers who reinvented themselves mid-career, operators who walked away from everything to start over. 'Til You Make It is a conversation series about careers like these: the ones no one could have planned, that only make sense in retrospect.

Each episode, host Silvia Oviedo (founder and CEO of Blomma and former executive at Canva and Pinterest) sits down with someone whose path makes no sense on paper and follows the thread back: the early ambition, the first unexpected turn, the irrational bet, the failure that redirected everything, and the people who saw something in them before they saw it themselves.

]]>www.blomma.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:16:19 GMTWed, 26 Aug 2026 21:23:27 GMT60Silvia Oviedo<p>Some people trained to be Olympians and ended up on the red carpet. Some built tech companies. Some were chiefs of staff who became artists, writers who reinvented themselves mid-career, operators who walked away from everything to start over. 'Til You Make It is a conversation series about careers like these: the ones no one could have planned, that only make sense in retrospect.</p><p>Each episode, host Silvia Oviedo (founder and CEO of Blomma and former executive at Canva and Pinterest) sits down with someone whose path makes no sense on paper and follows the thread back: the early ambition, the first unexpected turn, the irrational bet, the failure that redirected everything, and the people who saw something in them before they saw it themselves.</p>episodicSilvia Oviedosilvia@coachbloom.comno<![CDATA[Painting Your Path - Pavan Vasdev]]>The conversation covers Pavan Vasdev's transition from the music business to painting landscapes and exploring geopolitics through meditative videos. It explores the reality of the creator journey, misconceptions about the music industry, the role of a chief of staff, and the challenges of navigating ambiguity in the startup world. Pavan's focus on building a community and investigating compelling stories is a driving force in his career.

Takeaways

  • Career paths are not linear
  • Building a community is a driving force
  • Comfort in a sea of ambiguity
  • Faking it till you make it

Chapters

  • 00:00 From Music to Geopolitics
  • 03:02 Painting the Past: A New Creative Outlet
  • 04:00 Exploring Geopolitical Contradictions
  • 05:29 The Creator Journey
  • 08:13 The Music Business and Career Advice
  • 10:21 Misconceptions About the Music Industry
  • 19:32 The Role of Chief of Staff
  • 21:53 Navigating Ambiguity in the Startup World
  • 26:03 Building a Community and Investigating Stories
]]>cf63c57a-d3f8-4f87-a33a-e3869c29c2d1Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers Pavan Vasdev's transition from the music business to painting landscapes and exploring geopolitics through meditative videos. It explores the reality of the creator journey, misconceptions about the music industry, the role of a chief of staff, and the challenges of navigating ambiguity in the startup world. Pavan's focus on building a community and investigating compelling stories is a driving force in his career.</p><p><b><strong>Takeaways</strong></b></p><ul><li>Career paths are not linear</li><li>Building a community is a driving force</li><li>Comfort in a sea of ambiguity</li><li>Faking it till you make it</li></ul><p><b><strong>Chapters</strong></b></p><ul><li>00:00 From Music to Geopolitics</li><li>03:02 Painting the Past: A New Creative Outlet</li><li>04:00 Exploring Geopolitical Contradictions</li><li>05:29 The Creator Journey</li><li>08:13 The Music Business and Career Advice</li><li>10:21 Misconceptions About the Music Industry</li><li>19:32 The Role of Chief of Staff</li><li>21:53 Navigating Ambiguity in the Startup World</li><li>26:03 Building a Community and Investigating Stories</li></ul>no00:30:2016Painting Your Path - Pavan Vasdevfull<![CDATA[Hone Your Craft - Jeremy Jankowski]]>In this conversation with Jeremy Jankoski, we talk about career transitions, the rise of creators and the creator economy, the craft of creators, entering the workforce, adapting to change and the impact of AI, continuous learning and mentorship, career advice and self-reflection, authenticity and personal branding, navigating professional relationships and people dynamics, building symbiotic relationships and partnerships, exciting initiatives at The Lighthouse, and transitioning to a creator and personal branding.
Follow Jeremy on:
Instagram
LinkedIn


Takeaways

  • Career transitions
  • Authenticity in branding


Chapters

  • 00:00 Navigating Career Transitions
  • 02:26 The Rise of Creators and the Creator Economy
  • 04:33 The Craft of Creators and Working with Creators
  • 06:12 Entering the Workforce and Career Development
  • 08:29 Adapting to Change and the Impact of AI
  • 11:16 Continuous Learning and Mentorship
  • 13:26 Career Advice and Self-Reflection
  • 14:15 Authenticity and Personal Branding
  • 16:45 Navigating Professional Relationships and People Dynamics
  • 19:11 Building Symbiotic Relationships and Partnerships
  • 22:20 Exciting Initiatives at The Lighthouse and Future Outlook
  • 25:34 Transitioning to a Creator and Personal Branding
]]>b0c1906c-99cc-4974-9994-c588fbba2370Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>In this conversation with Jeremy Jankoski, we talk about career transitions, the rise of creators and the creator economy, the craft of creators, entering the workforce, adapting to change and the impact of AI, continuous learning and mentorship, career advice and self-reflection, authenticity and personal branding, navigating professional relationships and people dynamics, building symbiotic relationships and partnerships, exciting initiatives at The Lighthouse, and transitioning to a creator and personal branding.<br />Follow Jeremy on:<br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeremyjanko/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjankowski/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Career transitions</li><li>Authenticity in branding</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Navigating Career Transitions</li><li>02:26 The Rise of Creators and the Creator Economy</li><li>04:33 The Craft of Creators and Working with Creators</li><li>06:12 Entering the Workforce and Career Development</li><li>08:29 Adapting to Change and the Impact of AI</li><li>11:16 Continuous Learning and Mentorship</li><li>13:26 Career Advice and Self-Reflection</li><li>14:15 Authenticity and Personal Branding</li><li>16:45 Navigating Professional Relationships and People Dynamics</li><li>19:11 Building Symbiotic Relationships and Partnerships</li><li>22:20 Exciting Initiatives at The Lighthouse and Future Outlook</li><li>25:34 Transitioning to a Creator and Personal Branding</li></ul>no00:30:41Hone Your Craft - Jeremy Jankowskifull<![CDATA[Find your Why - Chloe Hall]]>Chloe Hall's career journey involves a significant reinvention, transitioning from the corporate world to mission-driven work. Her path includes experiences in consulting, finance, and advertising, highlighting the importance of skills and transitions. The power of community and corporate engagement are central themes, leading to her impactful role at Ronald McDonald House. Chloe's ability to manage tough situations and her advice to her younger self provide valuable insights for listeners.

Takeaways

  • Career reinvention
  • Community engagement

Chapters

  • 00:00 Career Reinvention
  • 02:05 From University to Consulting
  • 03:48 Skills and Transitions
  • 06:22 The Power of Community
  • 14:15 Corporate Engagement and Collaboration
  • 15:22 Engaging with Nonprofits
  • 22:15 Transition to Ronald McDonald House
  • 27:36 Managing Tough Situations
  • 30:19 Advice to Younger Self
]]>89267d19-dc7b-4f67-be36-71925e4815d3Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Chloe Hall's career journey involves a significant reinvention, transitioning from the corporate world to mission-driven work. Her path includes experiences in consulting, finance, and advertising, highlighting the importance of skills and transitions. The power of community and corporate engagement are central themes, leading to her impactful role at Ronald McDonald House. Chloe's ability to manage tough situations and her advice to her younger self provide valuable insights for listeners.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Career reinvention</li><li>Community engagement</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Career Reinvention</li><li>02:05 From University to Consulting</li><li>03:48 Skills and Transitions</li><li>06:22 The Power of Community</li><li>14:15 Corporate Engagement and Collaboration</li><li>15:22 Engaging with Nonprofits</li><li>22:15 Transition to Ronald McDonald House</li><li>27:36 Managing Tough Situations</li><li>30:19 Advice to Younger Self</li></ul>no00:29:5714Find your Why - Chloe Hallfull<![CDATA[Renaissance Man - Bill Connolly]]>The conversation with Bill Connolly explores the intersection of creativity, career, and personal growth. It delves into the impact of improv and comedy on professional life, the evolving landscape of creativity in the digital age, and the importance of embracing a Renaissance mindset. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in creativity and the resilience of human beings in navigating career challenges.

Takeaways

  • Renaissance Mindset
  • Creativity in the Digital Age

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Intersection of Creativity and Career
  • 07:10 The Impact of Improv and Comedy on Professional Life
  • 15:26 The Role of AI in Creativity
  • 23:58 Embracing a Renaissance Mindset

Links:

Go to blomma.com for more, and use code TYMI for an additional month off coaching!

Follow Bill's newsletter:

]]>19c6690c-bf0c-4f0a-88c8-7d5198de04efMon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation with Bill Connolly explores the intersection of creativity, career, and personal growth. It delves into the impact of improv and comedy on professional life, the evolving landscape of creativity in the digital age, and the importance of embracing a Renaissance mindset. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in creativity and the resilience of human beings in navigating career challenges.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Renaissance Mindset</li><li>Creativity in the Digital Age</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Intersection of Creativity and Career</li><li>07:10 The Impact of Improv and Comedy on Professional Life</li><li>15:26 The Role of AI in Creativity</li><li>23:58 Embracing a Renaissance Mindset</li></ul><p></p><p>Links:<br /></p><p>Go to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://blomma.com" target="_blank">blomma.com</a> for more, and use code TYMI for an additional month off coaching!</p><p>Follow <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://billconnolly.substack.com/" target="_blank">Bill's newsletter:</a></p>no00:31:1813Renaissance Man - Bill Connollyfull<![CDATA[Take The Risk - Siddhartha Dabral]]>The conversation covers Sid's journey as a curious engineer, his approach to building solutions, empowering others with technology, creating conditions for exploration, the concept of 'faking it till you make it,' the importance of solving known problems, and the value of being comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Siddhartha Dabral a serial entrepreneur. He currently is the co-founder of Blomma and has also co-founded Button and Floor.

Takeaways

  • Curiosity drives the journey of a curious engineer.
  • Solving known problems is more valuable than solving anticipated problems.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Curious Engineer
  • 03:16 Building Solutions and Finding Value
  • 06:02 Empowering Others with Technology
  • 09:45 Creating Conditions for Exploration
  • 14:46 Faking It Till You Make It
  • 23:12 Solving Known Problems
  • 31:01 Comfort with Being Uncomfortable
    Go to blomma.com for more, and use code TYMI for an additional month off coaching!
]]>8e7137b6-3ca1-44c1-9891-3090926073e7Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:58:58 GMT<p>The conversation covers Sid's journey as a curious engineer, his approach to building solutions, empowering others with technology, creating conditions for exploration, the concept of 'faking it till you make it,' the importance of solving known problems, and the value of being comfortable with being uncomfortable.<br /><br />Siddhartha Dabral a serial entrepreneur. He currently is the co-founder of Blomma and has also co-founded Button and Floor.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Curiosity drives the journey of a curious engineer.</li><li>Solving known problems is more valuable than solving anticipated problems.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Curious Engineer</li><li>03:16 Building Solutions and Finding Value</li><li>06:02 Empowering Others with Technology</li><li>09:45 Creating Conditions for Exploration</li><li>14:46 Faking It Till You Make It</li><li>23:12 Solving Known Problems</li><li>31:01 Comfort with Being Uncomfortable<br />Go to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://blomma.com" target="_blank"><b>blomma.com</b></a> for more, and use code TYMI for an additional month off coaching!</li></ul>no00:35:18Take The Risk - Siddhartha Dabralfull<![CDATA[From Tech to the Red Carpet - Lex Niko]]>Leaving Big Tech to Bet on Yourself—with Lex Niko

What happens when the career you worked hard to build no longer feels like the career you want?

Lex Niko had worked at some of the biggest names in tech—including Google, Amazon, and Pinterest—when she decided to take a chance on something far less predictable: herself.

Today, Lex is a host, media personality, brand consultant, and the founder of Conversation Starters, a media company dedicated to keeping people in the cultural conversation. She has built an audience of more than 400,000 people and partnered with brands including Prime Video, the NFL, F1, F1 Academy, Meta, and E! News/NBCUniversal.

In this conversation, Lex and Blomma founder Silvia Oviedo talk about the messy middle between knowing you want something different and actually doing something about it. They explore how curiosity can become a career compass, why confidence often comes after the leap—not before it—and what it really takes to build a public-facing career online.

Lex also shares what she has learned about ambition, imposter syndrome, rest, and staying kind in industries that reward constant visibility.

https://www.instagram.com/lexniko/
https://www.instagram.com/conversationstarters/

In this conversation

  • How Lex knew it was time to leave tech
  • Why curiosity can be more useful than a perfect career plan
  • The difference between taking a risk and giving yourself a chance
  • How to trust yourself when the next step is ambiguous
  • What people don’t see behind a successful online presence
  • Why rest and self-care are part of the work
  • What sports can teach us about kindness, respect, and character
  • Manifesting a red carpet interview with the Heated Rivalry boys or Dua Lipa

Chapters

  • 00:00 — When the career you built no longer fits
  • 02:23 — Leaving tech for a career in media
  • 03:59 — Following curiosity before you feel confident
  • 04:21 — The moment Lex decided to bet on herself
  • 05:38 — Why trying something is never wasted
  • 07:27 — The strengths that make big career moves possible
  • 09:02 — Learning to trust yourself in the unknown
  • 10:02 — Rest is not a reward
  • 10:56 — Imposter syndrome and learning in public
  • 14:31 — The invisible work behind an online career
  • 33:22 — What athletics taught Lex about kindness and respect


    Go to blomma.com for more, and use code TYMI for an additional month off coaching!
]]>6ac75d2b-91b6-478d-8495-692d8848b509Wed, 26 Aug 2026 23:13:30 GMT<h2>Leaving Big Tech to Bet on Yourself—with Lex Niko</h2><p>What happens when the career you worked hard to build no longer feels like the career you want?</p><p>Lex Niko had worked at some of the biggest names in tech—including Google, Amazon, and Pinterest—when she decided to take a chance on something far less predictable: herself.</p><p>Today, Lex is a host, media personality, brand consultant, and the founder of Conversation Starters, a media company dedicated to keeping people in the cultural conversation. She has built an audience of more than 400,000 people and partnered with brands including Prime Video, the NFL, F1, F1 Academy, Meta, and E! News/NBCUniversal.</p><p>In this conversation, Lex and Blomma founder Silvia Oviedo talk about the messy middle between knowing you want something different and actually doing something about it. They explore how curiosity can become a career compass, why confidence often comes after the leap—not before it—and what it really takes to build a public-facing career online.</p><p>Lex also shares what she has learned about ambition, imposter syndrome, rest, and staying kind in industries that reward constant visibility.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/lexniko/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/lexniko/</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/conversationstarters/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/conversationstarters/</a></p><h3>In this conversation</h3><ul><li>How Lex knew it was time to leave tech</li><li>Why curiosity can be more useful than a perfect career plan</li><li>The difference between taking a risk and giving yourself a chance</li><li>How to trust yourself when the next step is ambiguous</li><li>What people don’t see behind a successful online presence</li><li>Why rest and self-care are part of the work</li><li>What sports can teach us about kindness, respect, and character</li><li>Manifesting a red carpet interview with the Heated Rivalry boys or Dua Lipa</li></ul><h3>Chapters</h3><ul><li>00:00 — When the career you built no longer fits</li><li>02:23 — Leaving tech for a career in media</li><li>03:59 — Following curiosity before you feel confident</li><li>04:21 — The moment Lex decided to bet on herself</li><li>05:38 — Why trying something is never wasted</li><li>07:27 — The strengths that make big career moves possible</li><li>09:02 — Learning to trust yourself in the unknown</li><li>10:02 — Rest is not a reward</li><li>10:56 — Imposter syndrome and learning in public</li><li>14:31 — The invisible work behind an online career</li><li>33:22 — What athletics taught Lex about kindness and respect<br /><br /><br />Go to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://blomma.com" target="_blank">blomma.com</a> for more, and use code TYMI for an additional month off coaching!</li></ul>no00:33:1912From Tech to the Red Carpet - Lex Nikofull