In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Aprileen sits down with the inspiring Les Alfred, the founder and host of the *Balanced Black Girl* podcast. Les opens up about her personal journey from a full-time corporate job to becoming a successful entrepreneur and content creator. The conversation tackles the pressures of maintaining a positive public persona, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being. Les shares her struggles, breakthroughs, and the strategic plays that helped her carve her unique path in the wellness and podcasting industries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create their own opportunities and pursue a passion-driven career. 5 Key Lessons from this episode: 1. Authenticity over perfection: Les and Aprileen highlight the importance of being true to oneself, even when it means showing vulnerability. 2. Boundaries are essential: Setting boundaries around your personal and professional life can help maintain mental health and well-being. 3. Create your own opportunities: If the desired roles or opportunities aren’t coming your way, take initiative to create them yourself. 4. Importance of therapy: Therapy plays a crucial role in unravelling personal anxieties and pressures, especially for black women. 5. Smart risks and consistency: Understand the value of taking calculated risks and maintaining consistency to grow and succeed professionally. Get to know our playmakers:  - Learn more: Dive deeper into the conversation and explore more insights from Les Alfred https://www.balancedblackgirl.com/ - Connect with Les Alfred: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedles/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedblackgirlpodcast/ Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook! Join the community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meetpursuit.com and sign up to our substack at https://pursuitplaybook.substack.com. Don’t forget to follow us on IG at @meetpursuit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/meetpursuit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This is an AiAi Studios Production, recorded by Aprileen Alexander in March 2024. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @aiai.studios // Website: www.aiaistudios.com