Episode Overview

In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West reconnects with Lidia Teasca, an architect whose story of resilience will leave you speechless. When corruption in Romania left Lidia working seven days a week for little reward, and her best friend literally emptied their shared office while she was at a meeting, Lidia made a radical choice: pack 19 kilograms into a suitcase, buy a one-way ticket to London (a city she'd never visited), and rebuild her entire life from scratch.

This powerful conversation explores Lidia's remarkable journey from survival mode to choosing joy, the courage it takes to keep saying "I'm not dead yet" when life keeps knocking you down, and why she keeps a colour-coded Excel spreadsheet of her dreams. Lidia shares how she learned that true success isn't about conforming to society's expectations—it's about listening to your inner voice and prioritizing daily joy over external validation.

Connecting with Lidia

Find her on instagram: @lidiasviews; @hotgritandgrace and @hellbluebell

Reflection Questions

• What would change if you stopped conforming to society's definition of success and listened to your own voice?
• How can you transition from "survival mode" to actively choosing joy in your daily life?
• What dreams are you keeping as wishes instead of turning into actionable plans?
• Where in your life do you need to say "I'm not dead yet" and choose reinvention over resignation?

Lidia's story reminds us that no matter how many times life knocks us down, we have the power to rebuild—and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is pack a suitcase and bet on yourself. True success isn't about ticking society's boxes; it's about having the courage to define and pursue your own version of a joyful life.

Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at successfulafpod@gmail.com - we're always looking for incredible people to feature.

Connect with Jess:

Instagram: @compasscoaching.co

Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.com