In this conversation, Lauren hosts Dr. Akilah Cadet for a heartwarming chat about the importance of embracing one's intersectionality and finding confidence in yourself. They go all in on talking through topics such as codeswitching, imposter syndrome, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in corporate environments. Dr. Cadet pulls from her personal experiences as a Black, disabled woman and offers advice on how to overcome self-doubt -- and seek validation from within. Lauren and Akilah dive into the meaning of autonomy over one's own domain, the freedom and limitless opportunities that come with starting you own company and even give some helpful pointers on dealing with termination. ;) There are some hilarious - and relatable - stories on everything from dating to retail jobs, and themes of staying true, setting boundaries, and the power of clothes as a superpower. Lead with kindness – and buy Dr. Cadet’s book!

“I am limitless, and that’s the thing I love the most.” - Dr. Akilah Cadet

Follow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcast
Follow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarez

Follow Dr. Akilah Cadet on IG (and slide in those DMs): @changecadet

Buy Dr. Cadet’s book, “White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World.” here.

Email the show at advice@dontfckthisup.com for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

In this conversation, Lauren Alvarez interviews Chris Grdovic, Chief Partnerships Officer at Goldbelly. They discuss Chris's career journey, including her time at Food and Wine and her experience on the very first season of reality TV show, Top Chef. They also talk about the importance of collaboration, trust, and caring in building successful teams. Chris shares her insights on creating a fun and approachable environment in the food industry and highlights the significance of assuming the best in others, and they dive deep on her experiences working in the publishing industry, her transition to consulting, and why she chose to go back to full-time. Chris and Lauren emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a strong network, as well as the value of planning and setting goals. Tune in for some favorite eats, some highly recommended reads, and why assuming the best in others fosters positive and productive teams.

"Respecting the parameters of the person you're reaching out to, acknowledging their professional pursuit, and then asking for the favor, man, that's going to get you so much further." - Chris Grdovic

Follow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcast
Follow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarez

Follow Chris on IG: @grdovic

Recommended books in this episode include:
'Setting the Table' by Danny Meyer
'Unreasonable Hospitality' by Will Gadara
‘Your Network Is Your Net Worth’ by Porter Gale
'Fast Forward' by Lisa McCarthy

Email the show at advice@dontfckthisup.com for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!

In this episode, Lauren hosts fashion’s favorite spiritual stylist and the founder of AuraWear, Susanna Merrick. Susanna discusses her work as an aura reader and stylist, and how color can influence our energy and style choices. She shares her personal journey of discovering her gift of seeing auras and explains their connection to our energy and emotions, the power of color, and how it can be used as a tool for intentional dressing and self-expression.

With an emphasis on the importance of self-care and self-validation, Susanna’s work takes on a mission: to help people feel seen and understood. Lauren and Susanna discuss the impact of leveraging style as an anchor and support when feeling disconnected or going through transitions and Susanna answers listener questions on what to wear in various scenarios - from a ‘dont fuck this up’ job interview, to seeing an ex at a wedding! With over 5000 auras read, Susanna is all about challenging societal beliefs about fashion and dressing in a way that showcases your confidence and authenticity.

“You don't come to me because you don't know what to wear. You come to me because you're afraid of what you want to wear.” - Susanna Merrick

Follow Don’t Fuck This Up on IG: @dontfckthisup.podcast
Follow Lauren Alvarez on IG: @LaurentheAlvarez
Follow Susana on IG: @aurawearnyc

Book a reading or styling session with Susanna: https://aurawearnyc.com/

Email the show at advice@dontfckthisup.com for your questions to be answered on an upcoming episode!