Episode 33 | Host: Hazel Ann | Clearly Becoming · Guest Episode

In this episode, Hazel Ann chats with Ashley Spiliapulu about breaking away from traditional career trajectories, embracing multiple interests, and cultivating confidence to advocate for oneself. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for ambitious individuals navigating a chaotic career landscape.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

Ashley shares her diverse career from PR to journalism to founding inclusive communities
The misconception that one must choose a single passion early on
How sport and a growth mindset foster resilience and confidence
The importance of embracing multiple interests for happiness and fulfillment

💬 QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"You don't need clarity to be ambitious. You need permission to move before the picture is complete."

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Challenging the idea that ambition and confusion are mutually exclusive

00:29 - Introducing Ashley Spiliapulu and her eclectic career journey

00:43 - The nonlinear path: doing multiple passions simultaneously

01:12 - How to navigate societal pressures to pick a single career early

02:02 - Ashley explains her focus on sport and subsequent transition at 22

02:41 - The stereotype of sticking to one career and why it's outdated

03:29 - How trying multiple avenues boosts confidence through experience

03:52 - The importance of resilience when going against societal norms

04:29 - The significance of sports in developing discipline and belief in oneself

05:01 - Ashley's move from sport to PR and how she broke into the industry

05:25 - Overcoming the experience barrier through internships and proactive effort

06:36 - The myth that you need formal credentials to get started

06:43 - The value of taking initiative, even without perfect experience

07:46 - How to showcase your skills and attitude for new roles

08:06 - The gender dynamics in self-promotion and confidence in the workplace

09:10 - The importance of playing the "confidence game" to get ahead

10:16 - Using a confident alter ego to navigate intimidating environments

10:57 - The role of visual branding and consistency in creating opportunities

11:45 - The impact of affirmations and embodying the person you want to be

12:11 - How to merge your current traits with your aspirational self-image

12:29 - The value of effort, attitude, and energy over pure talent

12:38 - Taking immediate action when inspired — a story of seizing ideas

13:42 - How self-talk influences belief and performance

14:24 - Can ambition be learned or is it innate?

15:08 - The misconception that you must have clarity to be ambitious

15:30 - Navigating undirected ambition and embracing multiple passions

16:04 - When ambition feels overwhelming and how to manage it

17:09 - How having varied interests fosters resilience and happiness

18:30 - The story behind Sunny's Run Club and its mission of inclusivity

22:10 - How Ashley started running and uses it for exploration and connection

23:01 - Reframing labels: becoming a runner instead of saying "not an athlete"

23:34 - The impact of sports psychology on confidence and performance

26:09 - Embracing rejection as a natural part of growth and self-discovery

28:27 - Teasing part two: How to effectively pitch yourself and the power of community

RESOURCES

Agenda Setting Theory
Power of Talk

RELEVANT EPISODES

LET'S CONNECT

This is your reminder that you can be ambitious and confused.

DM Hazel Ann on Instagram your ONE non-negotiable habit and the WORD that describes who you are clearly becoming.

Connect with Ash:

Instagram: @ashspili
TikTok: @ashleighspili
YouTube: @ashspili

Connect with Hazel Ann:

Instagram: @clearlybecoming
TikTok: @clearlybecoming_
YouTube: youtube.com/@clearlybecoming

Next episode: The science of being a great teammate — what it actually takes to show up for a team and yourself at the same time.