Oliwia Poddana: No one has their life together
Q&A interview feature
What inspired you to start spreading positivity and empowerment through your platform on Instagram and your events brand?
During my childhood, I went through tough times, facing trauma, abuse, and witnessing violence. This led to me struggling with complex PTSD and attempting suicide at 14/15 years old. I was at my lowest, wishing I would not wake up the next day, as living was painful. However, everything changed when my mom gave me a book called "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind." It saved my life. The book helped me realise that although my past was filled with pain, heartbreak, and trauma, it did not define how the rest of my life would be.
It was the first time I truly grasped the power of our minds in shaping the life we desire. I started practising positive psychology, trying out every self-help technique, meditating, and praying for a better future. Remarkably, it worked. I found hope for the first time and started experiencing joy despite all I had been through.
I made a personal promise to do whatever it took to share these transformative messages and illuminate the path for those struggling and losing hope in their daily lives. I began envisioning myself helping people, guiding them back to their inner light. From then on, everything unfolded at the right time, as if it were meant to be.
How does your background in psychotherapy influence your approach to empowering women through events and online content?
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Internal Family Systems Psychotherapy methods. Genuine personal growth occurs when we engage in profound introspection, facing our most painful life experiences and understanding that we have the choice in how our life unfolds. I often see individuals in the realm of personal development being misled by superficial affirmations and trying to ease their pain through morning routines. Personal development then becomes another form of protection, preventing us from confronting the inevitable pain in life. My perspective is the opposite; during my events, I don't deceive people by instructing them to recite 10 affirmations to fix their lives. I aim to educate people that life is akin to a rollercoaster, where we must navigate the lows to fully embrace the highs. I strive to provide individuals with the tools to shape the life they aspire to, while also encouraging them to explore their inner selves. We all hold incredible power within us, and we don't need to rely on external factors for salvation. My deliberate intent is to guide people back to their true selves.
Can you share the motivation behind founding Female Empowerment Manchester Events and your goals for the initiative?
I believe that when women unite, magic happens. Throughout history, the potential and influence of women have been oppressed, dating back to medieval times. Ancestral burdens have instilled fear in women, hindering them from embracing their innate magic and true strength. It is astonishing to think that in the past, a woman crafting a herbal tea remedy could lead to being burnt at the stake as a witch. The traumas experienced by our ancestors continue to cast a profound influence on our subconscious beliefs today.
One day, a vision sparked within me. A vision to create a nurturing space for women. A space where they could liberally dream, create, and feel on top of the world without fear. A community where women uplifted and supported each other rather than viewing one another as rivals. A community that celebrates the unique strengths within each of us and aids fellow women in their journey upwards. My mission is to reach out and inspire more women, igniting a fire within them to pursue their dreams and visions.
Just envision the magnificence of a world where women no longer hesitate to manifest the businesses, communities, and art that live deep within their hearts. We would be living in a utopia right here on Earth.
What is one mantra or affirmation you live by and why?
"Your task is not to desperately hunt for love; instead, it is about uncovering and dismantling the barriers within yourself that stand against it." This profound quote by Rumi deeply resonates with me, serving as a reminder of my essence and ultimate strength - the love energy inherent in every human being. Love forms the nucleus of my being and yours, too, beneath the layers of conditioning, trauma, and life narratives. Amidst the chaotic whirlwind of daily life, it is all too easy to overlook that, in the grand scheme of things, what we look for is within us, not outside.
Self-care is a fascinating concept; it is more than scented candles, soothing baths, and flowers. Real self-care involves looking in the mirror and acknowledging our toxic behaviours, forgiving ourselves, and making better choices. It is about facing our inner demons in therapy, confronting the experiences that shattered our hearts into a million pieces; so, we can rebuild a new narrative, a new life steeped in peace. I do not buy into the new-age bullshit of easy fixes. I believe in diving into uncomfortable work to stand in our authentic light, fully aware of who we are.
Share a memorable moment from one of your events that illustrates their impact on women's lives.
I remember the end of my first event, where I invited the audience to ask questions, they had for either myself or the speaker. Among the sea of questions, one stood out: "When is the next event?" The resounding cheers that followed were incredibly moving, affirming that I had indeed achieved my goal for that event.
I invest my heart and soul in curating these events, striving to infuse them with vibrant, uplifting energy, fostering a secure haven where women can congregate and unleash their creativity. The inaugural event held a profound beauty; it witnessed an outpouring of tears, an eruption of laughter, and heartfelt conversations teeming with vulnerability. Driving back home, tears streamed down my face, overwhelmed by the transformation I witnessed and the beautiful collective energy of true female empowerment.
What advice would you give someone starting their journey toward self-empowerment and a positive self-image?
No one has their shit together. The influencers you see on social media who seem to have their whole life figured out and are always happy are lying to you. You are doing better than you realise darling. You are a walking miracle. Did you know that for you to be born today you needed a total sum of 4094 ancestors over the last 400 years?
I mean think about the magic, the strength, the love that is within you, within your DNA. Life is hard sometimes, but you truly do have what it takes to get through it. If you are looking for a good place to start I would 100% recommend finding an IFS therapist to help you reconnect to your inner power, your highest Self energy to guide you through this journey. It is what transformed my life and my hope is the same for you. No one truly has their shit together. Those influencers you spot on social media, portraying a flawless life and perpetual happiness? They're not telling the whole truth. You're doing much better than you think, dear. You're a walking miracle. Here's a fascinating fact: for you to exist today, a whopping 4094 ancestors from the last 400 years played a part.
“I do not buy to the new age bullshit of easy fixes. I believe in diving into uncomfortable work to stand in our authentic light, fully aware of who we are.”
Just ponder on that magic, the strength, and the love embedded within you, right in your DNA. Life can throw some tough curveballs, but you genuinely have the resilience needed to navigate it. If you're seeking a solid starting point, I would wholeheartedly recommend connecting with an IFS therapist. They can help you in rediscovering your inner strength, tapping into your highest self-energy to go with you on this journey. It turned my life around, and I'm optimistic it can do the same for you.
How do you see your role in connecting and empowering women, and what are your long-term goals through these connections?
I will continue to serve those I meet; I will continue to do my best in every moment and recognise where I could have done better. My vision has always been to be on stages around the world and help others reconnect to their true power, the purest self-energy within them. I will continue to follow my creative flow of intuition and focus on transforming one life at a time. If you are reading this and would like any guidance, or words of hope please do reach out. I am always so happy and honoured to connect with others on this journey.
I will continue to serve those I meet. I will strive to do my best every moment to acknowledge where I could have improved. My vision has always been to grace stages across the world and aid others in reconnecting with their true power—the most authentic version of themselves. I'll keep following my creative intuition and concentrate on transforming one life at a time. If you're reading this and need guidance or words of hope, please get in touch. I'm always delighted and honoured to connect with others on this journey.
