23.2 Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland
19/03/2026 | 32 mins.
How can you develop a leadership style that is calm and non-forceful?
Viv talks to Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, who was the youngest ever elected female leader of a country, when she took that position at the age of 34. One of her major achievements when in power was overseeing Finland joining NATO in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and she lead Finland's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her premiership was also marked by a lot of media attention on her personal life.
Sanna tells Viv what it's like to cope under extreme pressure; how to manage public speaking in a second language; and what advice about leadership she would pass on to others.
Sanna Marin's book is 'Hope in Action: a Memoir About the Courage to Lead'.
The new edition of How To Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking is out now, featuring more in-depth analysis of everyone from Michelle Obama to Virginia Woolf — and extra-practical, actionable advice on honing your own speaker style.
@vivgroskop
23.1 Cariad Lloyd, actress and comedian
12/03/2026 | 37 mins.
How do you build the confidence to risk being more off-the-cuff in professional life? Viv talks to Cariad Lloyd - the actress and comedian - about making things up on the spot whilst being both in control and really, really funny.
Cariad has acted in Peep Show and Inside No 9 and is a regular on shows like QI and Have I Got News For You. One of the creative forces behind the hit Jane Austen improv show, Austentatious, she's also written several children's books as well as a brilliant book about grief, You Are Not Alone. She's known for Weirdos Bookclub - the podcast she presents with Sara Pascoe - and her own hit podcast Griefcast, a series of in-depth conversations about grief.
Cariad tells Viv about being a good listener; believing in positive feedback and learning to fail with joy!
The new edition of How To Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking is out now, featuring more in-depth analysis of everyone from Michelle Obama to Virginia Woolf — and extra-practical, actionable advice on honing your own speaker style.
@vivgroskop
How to Own the Room - Series 23 Trailer
09/03/2026 | 1 mins.
Welcome back to How to Own the Room with Viv Groskop: the podcast where inspirational women reveal the secrets of brilliant speaking. Yes! A new series of How to Own the Room is about to land. So make sure you're subscribed, clear your diary and get ready for a brand new set of tips and tricks from women who have been there, done that, and kept a spare T-shirt in the dressing room for spillages! The first guest is actress, improviser and comedian Cariad Lloyd: she cut her teeth on The Alan Partridge Show before launching her own hit podcast Griefcast. Viv will be sharing more ideas, revelations and insights in a series packed with excellent guests, who really know what they're talking about. This is the place to tune in for a confidence boost and some moral support. And don't forget to order your copy of the new paperback edition of How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking, featuring more in-depth analysis of everyone from Michelle Obama to Virginia Woolf — and extra-practical, actionable advice on honing your own speaker style. @vivgroskop
22.6 Carrie Sun, author
09/02/2024 | 32 mins.
How do you swap a soul-crushing job for one that sustains you? Viv talks to the writer, Carrie Sun, whose new memoir, Private Equity, is about to be released in US and UK. The story draws on Carrie's own experience of being headhunted to be Executive Assistant to a billionaire. The competitive role was glamourous but 24/7, unrelenting and led to burnout in the face of a pitiless boss. Carrie critiques capitalism and systems of misogyny, giving extraordinary insight into extreme hustle culture within a closed world. Viv and Carrie unpick these complex threads and counsel keeping a sense of perspective and plotting a way out when you need to escape. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now. Find out more about Private Equity. @vivgroskop
22.5 Kate Stephens, CEO
02/02/2024 | 33 mins.
How do you find the confidence to pursue the work you want and ace an interview? Viv chats to Kate Stephens, the CEO of Smart Works, an amazing charity with celebrity backers whose mission is to help marginalised women break the cycle of rejection and deprivation that comes from long-term unemployment. Since 2013 they've helped over 30,000 women prepare for job interviews by giving them coaching, styling and an outfit to wear at their interview chosen from new clothes donated by fashion brands and retailers. Kate tells Viv how respect and kindness can unlock confidence. Being welcomed and nurtured is key to enabling women to shine in an interview situation. Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now. Find out more about Smart Works. @vivgroskop
Inspirational women share advice on presenting and confidence, with comedian and writer Viv Groskop. Want to learn the secrets of brilliant public speaking? Each episode, Viv chats to a guest about what owning the room means to them. What is their approach to commanding attention and respect in the workplace, and beyond?
This is the place to hear personal experiences of wonderful women at the top of their game, as they talk all things power, presence and performance.
You'll find lots of practical advice for developing great presentation skills, finding your voice and turbo-charging confidence. Plus masterclasses with tips and tricks on overcoming nerves, curing imposter syndrome, and knowing how to prepare. Our agenda is to inspire every woman to shine in the spotlight and push outside her comfort zone.
Guests have included Hillary Clinton with her thoughts on public speaking (and pant suits!); broadcaster Gabby Logan on building resilience and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson on cultivating self-belief. Not to mention the likes of Margaret Atwood, Professor Mary Beard and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. You'll find words of wisdom from entrepreneurs and CEOs; award-winning writers, actors and activists; politicians and therapists. Check out the back catalogue: it's an amazingly rich resource that's built up since the podcast started in 2018, with Nigella Lawson as our first guest!
How to Own the Room is the brainchild of presenter Viv Groskop, an award-winning writer, comedian, broadcaster and performance coach. She switched from journalism to stand-up comedy in her late thirties and became fascinated by stereotypical ideas around women and performance. She passionately believes that being yourself in front of other people is a skill we can all master, to enrich our emotional and practical lives. She is one of the most sought-after speakers for stand-up, MCing, awards hosting and keynote speaking.
Viv's best-selling 'How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking' formed the basis for this podcast. Her other titles include 'Lift As You Climb: Women and the Art of Ambition' and 'Happy High Status: How to be Effortlessly Confident'.
www.vivgroskop.com
Ireland