In this episode of Welcome to Successville season 2, your friend and host Sophie Williams is joined by successful Ana Kirova, CEO of dating app Feeld, who discusses her journey through successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of community and collective achievements. Ana reflects on her personal identity and how it intertwines with her professional life as the CEO of Feeld, a dating app that promotes open-mindedness and self-discovery, and her journey from a creative early life, to becoming the lead of a tech business. Ana shares her insights on leadership, particularly as a woman in a male dominated industry, and the impact of media recognition and the importance of celebrating personal successes.

Useful links:

Feeld

Feeld’s Instagram

Ana’s Instagram

The Intersection - Sophie’s free Substack newsletter with additional info, hot takes and slow burns.

Sophie’s Personal Instagram

Sophie’s Social Action Instagram

Episode Transcript

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Success and Anna Korova

03:17 - The Awkwardness of Recognition

05:51 - The Journey Behind Achievements

07:51 - The Integration of Personal and Professional Life

10:21- Early Life and Relationship with Success - growing up in post-Soviet Bulgaria

12:45 - The Shift from Academic Success to Creative Expression

17:02 - The Work Involved In Creative Practice

19:16 - Moving to the UK and Embracing Change

23:19 - Becoming the CEO of Feeld

26:00 - The Origins of Field and Open Relationships

29:48 - Ana's Journey to CEO

33:07 - The Importance of Community Feedback

34:35 - Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Space

44:42 - Recognition and Its Impact

47:39 - The Power of Teamwork and Collaboration

49:03 - Celebrating Success and Personal Reflection

51:16 - Defining Success on Your Own Terms

55:15 - Quickfire Questions