Q and A with Lia from Bali, Indonesia & Brisbane, Australia
“Life’s about collecting experiences and learning from them.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m passionate about learning and teaching! I’m passionate about helping people progress in their lives, especially through technology. That’s why I’m running a non-profit organization called Remote Skills Academy as the CMO, and we are aiming to help young Indonesians to upskill and reskill with digital remote skills and help them to work remotely and live on their own terms. I’m also a founder coach. I’m helping founders work on their marketing strategy and also helping them gain online authority through their thought leadership so they can attract the right talents, partners, investors, and customers. I come from an IT background. I started my career as a web developer and then I built a few startups in the past. All of my startups are related to what I love the most, which is reading and writing. I’m a writer of 32 books, varied from fiction and non-fiction in Indonesia. I read a lot; I can read a few books in one day, and I enjoy reading non-fiction, mostly on self-development, productivity, and spirituality. Right now, I am really curious to learn about AI with Remote Skills Academy. We have classes and courses around AI. I’m experimenting a lot with generative AI, prompt engineering, and AI automation, and this is what I’m currently passionate about.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I was brought up from island to island all over Indonesia by introverted parents who love reading. I guess growing up, I was surrounded by books and that’s how I fell in love with reading in the first place. One day, I read a comic book and then I fell in love with storytelling. I wanted to make my own comic at first and then the story grew and grew longer than the comic itself. That’s how I had the idea for the first time to be a writer. I started writing poetry and short stories when I was 11, and I wanted to try to showcase my poetry. My dad at that time, imagine Indonesia in 1997–the internet was a very, very new thing, nobody had it, but my dad bought me a laptop and then connected me to the internet. Soon enough, I found a community and I got inspired to build a website to showcase my poetry. That’s basically the beginning of the story of my involvement in the technology industry. I built my first website when I was 13, and I still want to become a writer, but then my parents being protective of their daughter, they wanted me to study engineering instead. I listened to them and took IT in university, and then I graduated to become a web developer handling big clients’ projects. While working as a web developer, I was able to build this tech solution for clients, so I wanted to build my own tech solution around my passion. The first one was an online bookstore, the second one was an online print-on-demand platform, and the third one was a digital storytelling platform where writers can write per chapter and monetize per chapter. So, the way that my dad gives me access to technology has helped me to start this career in tech.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: At 40, I’ve seen life’s highs and lows. Challenges are just lessons in disguise. There’s always a silver lining, even if it’s hidden for now. And when in doubt? Experiment. Dive in, and try things out. Life’s about collecting experiences and learning from them. Choose what lights up your soul.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: As the cofounder of Girls in Tech Indonesia, my perspective on feminism revolves around embracing our unique qualities as women, especially in the tech industry. It’s about ensuring equal opportunities, rights, and access, especially in male-dominated sectors like technology. Feminism is about shattering biases and showcasing diverse perspectives in tech. It’s about creating an inclusive culture and policies that promote women’s participation.
MORE ABOUT LIA: I currently split my time between Bali, Indonesia, and Brisbane, Australia, leading a remote team. I consider myself a productivity enthusiast, always exploring tools and frameworks to enhance efficiency. I’m currently writing a book titled “Creative Waiting.” “Creative Waiting” is a book about how to transform waiting from a passive and frustrating state into an active and productive one. On how to use waiting as a creative opportunity, a chance to reflect, plan, and act with more clarity and confidence. It shows you how to embrace waiting as a natural and inevitable part of life, and hopefully, from this space, you will take inspired actions in your best interests. Additionally, I’m deeply influenced by stoic philosophy and have translated and edited Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” for the Indonesian audience. I always believe Indonesians are mostly stoic at heart. They’re kind and patient, see people in a good light, and have unconditional trust in God. This has helped them to be stoic in most situations in life and more at peace.
Q and A with Tina from South Carolina, United States
“Your foremost purpose should center around aiding others.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I am deeply committed to witnessing people achieve victory in their endeavors. My expertise lies in empowering entrepreneurs and podcasters to unlock the full potential of their brands, bolster their credibility, and exert influence through the dynamic realm of podcasting. Drawing from a rich background as a radio personality, a content creator spanning a decade, and a producer/host of a streaming TV show featured on IMDb, my true passion lies in the realm of podcasting.
In my perspective, podcasting stands as a potent equalizer, bridging the gap between small startups and established giants in the business world. The reach, marketing capabilities, access, and exposure that podcasting offers are immeasurable and enduring. Crafting, nurturing, expanding, and participating in a multitude of podcasts is akin to having your business prominently displayed on a perpetual billboard, visible every day of the year across diverse cities, states, countries, and towns. Podcasting is an ever-awake platform, facilitating seamless and enduring connections that eternally preserve the essence of your life, business, pivotal moments, and opportunities. Being a podcast host or a guest ensures an enduring relevance and consistency that extends months and even years beyond the initial podcast release, channeling an unceasing impact and guiding individuals toward a wealth of opportunities.
At present, my focus is directed toward assisting entrepreneurs in transforming their businesses into podcasting ventures, thereby cultivating multiple streams of income. In tandem, I am also extending this guidance to podcasters through the conduit of CTR Media Network. A revolutionary bastion of podcasting, CTR Media Network reaches an astounding 350 million households worldwide across major podcasting, media, and streaming platforms. Our distinctive approach centers on education, unwavering support, and unfettered access for ordinary individuals, entrepreneurs, and podcasters who are catalyzing extraordinary change, even if their audience or visibility may not yet reflect their significance.
Within the vibrant tapestry of CTR Media Network, an ensemble of exceptional podcasters crafts high-quality shows throughout the week, engineered to steer you toward triumph. With time, we elevate our podcasters’ Click Through Rates (CTRs) and pave the way for multifarious opportunities by affiliating them with the CTR Media Network brand. Our disruptive ethos is reshaping the podcasting media landscape, empowering podcasters and content creators to take the reins of their journey. Our podcasters embody a unique blend of perspectives and values, rendering multi-dimensional benefits.
Open accessibility is at the core of our mission. We extend a global invitation for individuals worldwide to partake in the enriching content of our podcasters, free of charge, across diverse platforms such as our CTRMediaNetwork.com website, social media channels, podcasting platforms, and RokuTV. As we forge ahead, we are diligently expanding our horizons, opening up manifold opportunities for brands, businesses, podcasters, and entrepreneurs to collaborate with us. Whether through hosting in-person or virtual events, sponsorship affiliations, featuring as a guest on our illustrious CTR Media Network Virtual Interview Tour, engaging us for speaking engagements and webinar training, or securing advertising space for commercials, blogs, social media promotion, magazines, and more, our partnership possibilities are boundless. Together, we can redefine the contours of success in the podcasting universe.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: From an early juncture in my life, I harbored an unwavering desire to occupy a role that could catalyze positive change and lend a voice to those who remained unheard. As an only child growing up in the embrace of a close-knit circle of family and friends within a quaint small town, the world appeared vast and brimming with potential. However, as I matured, an increasing realization began to dawn upon me: the confines of our town were more restricting than I had initially perceived—not in terms of the richness of our community’s spirit, but in the realm of access and opportunity.
Our town, while teeming with remarkable individuals—seasoned pioneers who reshaped destinies, youthful dreamers unafraid to chase their aspirations and unsung middle-aged leaders—exhibited a certain warmth emanating from knowing virtually everyone. This warmth, however, was tinged with the melancholic awareness of limitations that often accompanied such an intimate setting. My formative years were enriched by biographies and biblical tales; I wasn’t a child engrossed in Dr. Seuss but rather captivated by the chronicles of lives lived. The narratives recounted by our elders about history’s pages enthralled me, and my dedication to community service alongside my family, facilitating literacy and tutoring, further ingrained a culture of giving back.
Within my family, we cultivated a tradition centered around service to God, aiding others, harmonizing through song and dance, relishing in shared meals, and weaving tales of the day and yesteryears. The prospect of absorbing the sagas of the past from those who had traversed time’s tapestry left me yearning for moments when I could sit at the feet of my elders, friends, and family, absorbing their narratives. Thus, with their consent, I transmuted their stories into the written word—embellishing them through poems and anecdotes, ensuring their enduring presence. The gratification and boundless joy this brought me were immeasurable. Observing individuals who had triumphed over adversity and accomplished remarkable feats became a wellspring of inspiration, stirring not only my earthly senses but also nurturing my spiritual connection.
My ardor for teaching and sharing knowledge burgeoned, eventually leading me to the path of becoming an educator. I aspired to be a purveyor of inspiration, a beacon of empowerment to surmount challenges, and a resounding voice of confidence that nurtured belief within my students, as well as my esteemed colleagues. The tapestry of my life, woven with threads of volunteerism and spiritual devotion, endowed me with an acute acumen for attentive listening, allowing me to hear not merely with my ears, but with the very chambers of my heart. This ability, combined with an innate propensity for action and support, matured through the crucible of experience.
Growing up amidst the confines of a small town, I came to comprehend the profundities of community on a profound level. This upbringing impelled me to plumb the depths of communal engagement, channeling my efforts to ensure a lasting positive impact.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: It’s crucial for everyone to recognize that life, in its essence, is far from easy. And should you choose to embark on the entrepreneurial journey, brace yourself for an even tougher road. Success is a blend of victories and setbacks, and it’s important not to let these setbacks, which I often refer to as “teachable moments,” impede your progress. Embrace the notion of starting anew and persisting, regardless of challenges.
I underwent a transformation where I had to release the shackles of past pain, trauma, and anguish. I had to rebuild my trust and learn to seek and accept assistance from the right sources. As your business evolves, be mindful that there comes a juncture where individual effort alone won’t suffice. This is when investing in additional education, coaching, and mentorship becomes indispensable. True success doesn’t blossom from a solitary endeavor but rather flourishes within a community of like-minded individuals, all ready and willing to aid you in your journey—your reciprocation becomes their aid in return. Forge enduring connections and grasp the pivotal principle: Your business isn’t crafted solely for monetary gain. Your foremost purpose should center around aiding others. Remember the dual “P” approach: prioritize people, with profits taking the rear seat. This mindset inevitably leads to financial rewards.
My mission is for others to realize that if I can triumph, so can they. I’m no different from anyone else; my strength lies in an unyielding spirit and the discipline to consistently show up, especially during the most arduous times.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, it’s a fundamental principle that women should have equal visibility and voice across all spheres of life, with the unrestricted opportunity to thrive in any field they choose. Navigating the podcast media industry as a woman isn’t a straightforward path, yet I proudly stand here, actively contributing to forging a trail that invites other women to join our ranks. Through the dynamic medium of podcasting, we’re defying the odds in this male-dominated landscape and inviting fellow women to partake in amplifying their stories. Together, united in purpose, we can overcome challenges and blaze a trail toward success.
MORE ABOUT TINA:
Unveiling a lesser-known side of me, I’ve proudly worn the hats of a devoted wife for 22 years and a homeschooling mother to two teenagers…yes, you read that right, teenagers. In moments of leisure, you’ll often find me immersed in classic TV shows and serenaded by the nostalgic tunes of old-school music, donned in my cherished pair of pajamas, accompanied by a delightful bag of chips and dip. Amidst these cherished roles, I’m also a dedicated full-time podcaster and motivational speaker.
Allow me to introduce you to my podcast, an endeavor that resonates deeply with my passions and values. Moreover, I’ve authored two Amazon #1 Best Seller books and a magazine that I am thrilled to share with you. Now, let me shed light on my role as the Executive Producer and Host of The Tina Ramsay Show. With unwavering gratitude, I’ve witnessed this show flourish through over 200 episodes, currently in the midst of its captivating Season 8. This journey has led to not one, but two nominations for Podcaster of the Year – a distinction that holds profound meaning to me. Furthermore, our show has achieved a remarkable feat, securing a spot within the top 2% of the most popular podcasts amidst a staggering pool of over 3 million podcasters worldwide.
Harnessing the wealth of experience and insight garnered, I embarked on a mission to encapsulate this knowledge within the pages of a book. The result? “The Power of Podcasting” – a guide designed to empower you to launch and foster a successful podcast. This endeavor, alongside the creation of “Podcast Revolution Magazine,” has struck a resounding chord, ascending to Amazon’s coveted #1 Best Sellers list, where they continue to shine among the top 100.
Hailing from a quaint small town, I embarked on a quest to channel my dreams into a vessel of global impact. This endeavor encompasses providing you with the platform and tools to share your stories, whether through The Tina Ramsay Show or by joining the ranks of podcasters on CTR Media Network. I’ve come to recognize firsthand the boundless might of your voice and how it can resonate powerfully through the realm of podcasting.
Q and A with Juliet from Manchester, United Kingdom
“If there is something you truly desire, go for it, and don’t hold yourself back or settle just because it’s easier.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I have had a passion for music from a young age. I remember watching Top of the Pops on TV, copying dance routines, and singing to Kylie and Dannii Minogue plus many more artists. I knew then that being a part of the music industry was something I wanted to pursue. My first performance was on stage in my high school extravaganza. I was terrified of getting on stage to sing in front of everyone, but when I got up there, my fears went away. I am a session singer and songwriter who works with music producers from around the world in my home studio. Also just started to get back into performing live again. Another exciting project of mine is that I am working on releasing my very first solo single sometime this year.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up, I was a shy person and never socialized that much outside of school, like going out with friends. I would always go home after school. My college days were different as I started to come out of my shell a little bit. I studied music in college and always had a small group of friends I stuck with. I didn’t pursue my music career further and worked in hospitality, then in an office. I did go to auditions and took part in shows here and there but never went full-time as I never felt confident enough. It took me a long time before I realized that I wasn’t going to settle for being comfortable and had to pursue my singing career.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: If there is something you truly desire, go for it, and don’t hold yourself back or settle just because it’s easier. It’s never too late.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Being independent, not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in. You can make your own choices not letting other people have an impact on your life. Everyone has their own journey and is capable of reaching their goals; you just have to believe that it’s possible.
MORE ABOUT JULIET: My first performance was at my high school extravaganza and was nerve-wracking, but I loved performing. I’m looking forward to releasing my first single this year; [I] finally found the courage to do it.
“There are many different ways to achieve an answer.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m into helping small business owners get out there, get more clients, and be more visible. We want to help them STAY in business. I do digital marketing for small businesses…websites, social media, ads, SEO. We also do some business consulting, help them tie their marketing to their business, and make sure that the business pieces are all there to connect to.
My goal is to help 1,000 business owners get to 1,000,000 in revenue per year.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in various places around the world, in Germany, the U.S., Venezuela, and Brazil. I believe that seeing different cultures made a huge difference in my view of the world, and compassion for different people, and viewpoints.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: There isn’t a single right way that always works. There are many different ways to achieve an answer.
I think that a lot of times, we as humans forget that just because something isn’t my view, doesn’t make it wrong. Diversity of thought is a beautiful thing.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feminism is all about promoting the power that we as women have. Not to take away from men, but that we are women, and we are powerful and different.
MORE ABOUT HALEY: I’m a dog mom and mom to four amazing kids. I have an adult child with severe mental illness, and understand the struggles that we as women face, managing the mental health system, and the healthcare system.
“Do it scared…Every success that I’ve ever had came from starting while terrified.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’ve always gotten weird looks when I tell someone that I’m a writer, so sometimes it’s easier to say, “I write the junk emails that people actually open.”
I’ve been a copywriter for 13 years, after getting my original start in blogging. I write mostly for clients in my original niches: self-care and self-improvement. I’m now a licensed professional nail artist, but in 2010, I was a nail blogger, meticulously writing out instructions for art and reviews for beauty products.
My experiences while working in the beauty industry only reinforced what I had already seen online often; women feel guilty for taking care of themselves. Exterminating the belief that we are doing something wrong and selfish when we aren’t being productive for someone else is my life’s goal.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I had a childhood immersed in the arts: music, theater, art, and creative writing. I loved it all! I’ve wanted to be a writer my entire life. I even had the writer’s crest engraved on my high school class ring because I swore that was the path I’d take.
I unexpectedly became a mom at 19. It really lit a fire under me to pull myself out of poverty for my son’s sake. Writing copy for businesses and bloggers let me work from home with my two boys when they were very little. Freelance work and working from home weren’t as common at the time, so I will be forever grateful to the clients who gave me that chance. A good income without a commute sounded like a dream, and I went all in for it.
Once my two kids were a little older, I went to cosmetology school to earn my Advanced Manicurist license. I own a brick-and-mortar business now with the salon, travel across the country teaching business skills to beauty professionals, and still continue to work as a copywriter, taking on projects where I can help spread self-love and self-care across the web with some newfound authority.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Do it scared. If it makes you scared to fail, it’s a chance for growth. Every success that I’ve ever had came from starting while terrified. Making big moves in your career requires doing scary things that you’re unsure if you can even do. Do them anyway.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism means breaking stigmas about what society considers a “woman’s place” to be. In the US, women weren’t allowed to vote until 1920 (Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution). We weren’t allowed to have a bank account without a husband’s signature until 1974 (Equal Credit Opportunity Act). We weren’t given equal rights to our property shared with a husband until 1981 (Kirchberg v. Feenstra). We’ve achieved so much, but it’s a continuous fight to keep those hard-earned rights.
Every one of those victories, and so many more, was the result of women demanding to be treated as equals to men. We owe it to the women of the past who got us this far to keep fighting for equality in all spaces of life.
The Woman Wednesday Blog 